​​FAQs

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1. What is water polo?  Water polo is a team sport played in water. Teams try to score by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s goal. It requires swimming, treading water, and teamwork.

2. Who can join the club team? ​​Our club team is open to all levels, from beginners to experienced players. Participants should be comfortable in deep water and have basic swimming skills.

3. What age groups do you cater to? We offer programs for various age groups, including age group boys and high school boys and girls. Age groups are split, 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s. Please check our schedule for the specific age brackets.

4. Do I need to have prior water polo experience? No previous experience is required. We have coaches who can help teach you the basics, and we offer separate training sessions for beginners and advanced players.

5. Athletes new to the sport must:

• Be able to swim 100 yards freestyle + tread water for at least 1 minute. 

• Have a growth mindset, including willingness to listen and learn. 

• ​Respect the facilities, teammates and coaches

• Please note that athletes will need to develop stamina for a 2 hour practice.

Training and Practices

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1. When and where are practices held? Winter Season: Dec. 1 2025 - Feb. 1 2026. Registration will open November 1st. Age Group Boys (12u, 14u) Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6:00-8:00PM, High School Boys (16u, 18u) Monday - Thursday 4:00-6:00PM. All practices at Serra High School (451 WEST 20TH AVENUE SAN MATEO, CA)

2. Check our current schedule for updates.

3. What should I bring to practice? You’ll need a swimsuit, water polo cap, goggles, a towel, and water to stay hydrated. A water polo ball will be provided.

4. What is a typical practice like? Practices usually include a warm-up, swimming drills, ball-handling skills, passing, shooting, and scrimmage games.

Competitions

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1. Does the club participate in competitions? Yes, we participate in local and regional competitions throughout the year. Your level of play and availability determine your participation in tournaments.

2. Is travel involved for competitions? Some competitions may require travel, but we do our best to keep most events within the local area. The club will coordinate travel arrangements for away games.

Membership and Fees

1. How much does it cost to join the team? The cost for the Winter Season are as follows:

   • 18u and 16u boys: $900

   • 14u and 12u boys: $800 

2. Do I need to register with any organizations? Yes, all players must be registered with USA Water Polo (Bronze Level) for insurance purposes.

3. Can I try a practice before committing to the team? Yes, we offer a one week free trial practice for new players. It’s a great way to see if water polo is the right fit for you. Coaches will make suggestions for alternative programs if an athlete is not a fit, and payment will be refunded on a pro-rata basis. If an athlete fails to meet club standards and expectations the club has the right to dismiss the athlete. 

Other

1. How can I join the team? Simply email us at sanmateoaquaticsclub@gmail.com. We’ll provide you with more details about upcoming practice sessions and how to get started.

2. What are the benefits of playing water polo? Water polo improves cardiovascular endurance, strength, and coordination. It’s also a fun, team-oriented sport that helps develop discipline and teamwork skills.

3. Are there social events outside of practices? Yes! We organize occasional social events and team-building activities to foster camaraderie among players.