“East County is an aquatic rich area with more than a couple of swim clubs but no water polo clubs,” Araujo said. “It seems only fitting that we get a water polo club up and running that has our athletes’ skill improvement at heart.”
Oakwood Water Polo supports beginners and experienced players alike, providing opportunities to area youth 8-18 to make new friends, set goals, build self confidence and take part in a developmental sports program.
The program has set high goals, and the talent and potential to meet those goals down the road, according to Araujo. The high school age group coaches are NCAA Division I varsity players; the eight-grade and under age groups are coached by experienced D-II and community college water polo players who are passionate about the sport and teaching the game the right way.
“Our goal is for the program to grow,” he said. “We would like to a have more than two hundred kids in the near future and compete at the National and Junior Olympic level and provide a larger base for the sport. Five years from now I can see us as top contenders at the National and Junior Olympic level. We have the talent here in East County to do that.”
Oakwood’s 18 and under boys team recently returned from Winter-Fest 2012 in Southern California, placing second in its division. The club has over 150 members to date, and coaches see the players growing not only as water polo players but as students.
For more information, visit www.oakwoodwaterpolo.com.
– Contributed by Oakwood Water Polo
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