Why we exist and what we're building
Vision
An inclusive water polo home where community leads, everyone belongs, and success is shared.
Mission Statement
COMMUNITY-LED, WATER POLO-DRIVEN.
We create and nurture an inclusive water polo space for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, where Stingers members can enjoy, learn and win whilst playing exciting water polo.
For over 25 years, Sydney Stingers has been more than a water polo club. We are a community built on belonging, shared effort, and the belief that sport should be accessible, affirming, and genuinely welcoming.
Our values in action
Inclusivity
Our Trans & Gender Diverse Inclusion Policy ensures everyone participates authentically. Women, trans, and non-binary members lead as players, coaches, and captains. Bootcamp is mixed-gender, and Belonging isn’t earned. It’s where you begin.
Community and belonging
Friendships here span decades. A large portion of members volunteer. We march in Mardi Gras, celebrate at Fair Day, and show up for one another in and out of the pool.
Accessible sport
Beginner-focused bootcamp requires no prior experience. Multiple pathways exist across INTRA social and Metro competitive teams. Our Financial Hardship Policy ensures cost doesn't prevent participation.
Volunteer leadership
Run entirely by volunteers with clear roles and development pathways. This shared ownership keeps the club responsive, sustainable, and community-driven.
Visibility and advocacy
We compete at IGLA championships internationally, host Rainbow Cup with interstate clubs, and share inclusion expertise with Water Polo NSW and partner organizations like ACON.
Our strategic focus to 2030
Our 2026–2030 strategy guides how we turn our values into lasting impact across four priorities:
Visionary Club Culture – Strengthening connection, communication, and pathways so members feel supported, included, and confident navigating the club.
Integrated Competitive Development – Supporting excellence and development across all skill levels, with clear progression pathways for players, coaches, and referees.
Balanced Financial Sustainability – Reducing financial barriers through grants, partnerships, and careful planning so participation remains accessible.
Empowered Community Leadership – Building partnerships, advocacy, and leadership capability to advance LGBTQIA+ inclusion in water polo beyond our club.
Evidence of our impact
Our impact is reflected in sustained participation, strong programs, and long-standing community connections.
Members participate across competitive and social pathways. Our beginner bootcamp programs continue to attract new players, and we have maintained an ongoing presence at IGLA tournaments while building strong interstate partnerships.
The next chapter, guided by our 2026–2030 strategy, focuses on deepening accessibility, strengthening development, and growing leadership in LGBTQIA+ inclusive sport.
Partner with us
Sydney Stingers is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit club. Our community impact is made possible through member contributions, grants, and values-aligned partnerships.
Sponsorship support helps reduce financial barriers to participation, deliver inclusive events, invest in volunteer development, and strengthen LGBTQIA+ visibility in sport.
We work with partners who share our commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community-led sport. If your organisation is interested in supporting an inclusive sporting community, we would love to hear from you.
Be part of our impact
Whether you are new to water polo, returning to the sport, or looking to support inclusive community sport, there is a place for you at Sydney Stingers.