Alberta Water Polo 2025/26 National Development Centres to Power the Next Generation of Athletes
Alberta Water Polo is proud to unveil the 2025/2026 National Development Centres (NDCs) in Calgary and Edmonton — a bold step forward in building the province’s next wave of elite water polo talent. Designed as regional training hubs, the NDCs will offer advanced programming, high-performance coaching, and unmatched athlete development opportunities for youth aged 15 and older.
The NDC program is a cornerstone of Alberta Water Polo’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) strategy, bridging the gap between community-level participation and the demands of provincial, national, and international competition.
Program Highlights
- Two Elite Training Hubs - Edmonton and Calgary locations bring top-tier coaching closer to athletes across the province.
- Focused Age Categories - Targeting 16U and Older (born 2011 or earlier/ 2012 by invitation) to maximize skill development and competitive readiness.
- Expert Coaching Staff - Led by some of the best in Canadian water polo, including:
- Gyula Toth - Senior Men’s Assistant Coach, Water Polo Canada
- Rae Lekness - Assistant Coach, 15U Age Group, 2025 Summer Program
- Additional high-performance coaches to be announced.
- Clear High-Performance Pathways - Direct alignment with Provincial Teams and Water Polo Canada Age Group National Team Programs. All athletes wishing to be scouted for WPC Age Group programs in 2026 must participate in the NDC WPC Link.
- Affordable Access - Registration fees are subsidized, with pool costs covered separately to reduce barriers for families.
Training Season Schedules
Edmonton NDC -
- Sundays: 2 hours each week
- Alternating Saturdays: Additional training sessions
- Pool time during
Calgary NDC -
- Sept-Dec: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Jan onward: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 a.m.
- Saturdays: 9:30-11:00 a.m.
The 2025/26 season kicks off September 2025.
Registration & More Info
Athletes and families can visit www.albertawaterpolo.ca/rdc for complete details, schedules, and registration information.
About Alberta Water Polo
Alberta Water Polo is the provincial governing body for the sport, dedicated to developing athletes from grassroots to elite competition. Through inclusive programming, strategic partnerships, and athlete-first development pathways, Alberta Water Polo fosters both excellence and a lifelong passion for the sport.
