November 19, 2025
If you enjoy swimming, but enjoy basketball, football and even a little soccer too, Water Polo might be the sport for you! Palatine Park District offers both Age Group Water Polo for boys and girls ages 8–14, and High School Water Polo. These programs are designed to welcome new athletes, support returning players, and grow interest in a fast-paced, dynamic team sport.
Age Group Water Polo: A Fun, Skill-Building Introduction
The Age Group Water Polo program is tailored for young athletes who are excited to learn the fundamentals of the sport. Open to both boys and girls ages 8–14, this beginner-friendly program focuses on teaching essential skills including swimming endurance, ball handling, passing, shooting, and treading water—often using the sport’s signature “eggbeater” kick.
Practices begin January 5 and will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at various pool locations throughout the area. The program is run by Palatine Park District staff coaches who also lead the NWC (Northwest Chicago) Water Polo Club.
According to Aquatics Manager Patrick Griffin, “It is a fun sport that combines swimming and basketball, one might say. It is quick and easy to learn.”
High School Girls Water Polo: Open to All Experience Levels
For high school girls, Palatine Park District is offering a winter water polo program designed for both new and returning players. Experience is not required, and while swimming knowledge is helpful, it is not mandatory to join.
High school practices begin December 1 and will be held at Fremd High School, Palatine High School, and Hoffman Estates High School. The program is coached by Palatine Park District Staff and the NWC Water Polo Club coaches, who bring extensive experience to the pool.
Water polo has a long-standing presence in the Palatine area, with both Palatine High School and Fremd High School fielding competitive boys’ and girls’ teams. The sport is played widely at the high school level, continues through collegiate athletics, and is even featured at the Olympic Games.
About the Sport
Water polo is a high-energy team sport played in a deep pool, where two teams compete to score by throwing a ball into the opponent’s goal. Players must constantly swim or tread water, as touching the bottom of the pool is not allowed. Teams place seven players in the water at once—six field players and one goalie—and games are divided into four quarters. The sport blends endurance, strategy, and teamwork, making it both challenging and exciting for participants.
So if you like swimming but crave the excitement of football and soccer, dive into water polo – it could be the all-in-one sport you’ve been looking for.
