Big Orange Festival sees young water polo players gain valuable experience

One boy and one girl team from the Southern Highlands competed in the Water Polo NSW u12s carnival in Orange from March 11-13.

Jenna Balla, who was involved with the teams, said the players gained a lot from the experience.

"They all had a great time playing some very challenging games against much more experienced teams from places like metropolitan Sydney, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga and the Central Coast," Balla said.

Some 34 teams took part in the three-day event and all played 117 games over the three days across the boys,' girls' and mixed divisions.

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The Big Orange Festival is a participation carnival with a focus on developing skills in the youngest age group but there are still some hugely talented kids hitting the water.

Water Polo NSW CEO Alex Godbold said opportunities and events like these were always well received and beneficial to the youngsters.

"It's great to be back in Orange for what is the pinnacle of our u12s events season," Godbold said.

"This season has included The Tourney Shield in the Southern Highlands and the Narwhal Cup on the Central Coast, as well as festival style rounds in the Sydney Metropolitan Competition.

"This is an opportunity for players, coaches and referees from both regional and metropolitan areas of NSW to grow and develop in a fun and inclusive environment, with the focus on participation rather than winning."

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