Girls Making Waves With Bec 

NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) women’s water polo head coach, Rebecca Rippon, has lent her high performance expertise to grassroots sport at the 2023 Sports Foyer NSW Sports Industry Conference.  

“First to me sport must be safe and inclusive,” the Olympic bronze medallist told sports leaders and administrators at the industry conference.  

The two time Olympian has worked with Water Polo NSW to develop an introductory program to water polo called Girls Making Waves.  

“It’s a safe day and fun day. Kids have an opportunity to use our sport to feel included. There are lots of colours and we really try hard to make it inclusive.” 

The program was developed following a review of the traditional delivery approach and in consultation with key stakeholders from the community.  

“I worked with Water Polo NSW and kids outside high performance to help young girls get a taste of our sport.” 

Now in its third year, the program has been rolled out across regional NSW and there are plans to bring it to the city.  

“It’s taken really well in regional areas and the hope is to bring it to South West Sydney, where there are limitations to girls playing sport or having access to playing water polo.” 

The funding comes from the NSW Government through the Office of Sport’s Her Sport Her Way program.  

“It’s using water polo as a way to get girls to be active. It’s a safe place for anyone to come along and have a fun day.”

NSWIS