This post is sponsored by Newberg Water Polo Club.
NEWBERG, Ore. — For more than four decades, the Newberg Water Polo Club (NWPC) has played a central role in fostering competitive water polo in Yamhill County and, more broadly, the state of Oregon. Founded in 1983, the club has introduced generations of athletes to the sport while strengthening the region’s aquatics community.
Water polo, an Olympic sport since 1900 for men and 2000 for women, is a fast-paced game played in deep water, requiring endurance, strategy, and teamwork. Oregon’s water polo scene has grown steadily since the sport gained a foothold in the early 1980s, with Newberg Water Polo Club leading the way.
The club is based at the Chehalem Parks and Recreation District (CPRD) Aquatics Center’s Jim McMaster Competition Pool, named after CPRD Board Member and longtime Newberg Water Polo Club coach and supporter, whose contributions have helped expand water sports in the area.
For those new to the sport, water polo is played with seven players in the water at a time per team—six field players and a goalkeeper. The objective is simple: score more goals than the opposing team by throwing the ball, which is slightly smaller than a basketball, into the opponent’s net.
Players are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool, relying on constant treading and quick movements to maintain position. Matches are divided into four quarters, with each possession typically limited to 30 seconds before a shot must be taken. The game is known for its fast pace, physical endurance, and strategic teamwork.
The NWPC’s success largely supports the routinely successful Newberg High School water polo teams, said NWPC Assistant Coach Rob Howard. NHS’s water polo team consistently ranks among the state’s top programs, a testament to the strength of the club’s development pipeline.
The club offers programs for boys and girls ages 10-18, catering to beginners as well as advanced players aiming for collegiate and national-level competition. Howard said the club’s success is driven by its commitment to player development and community growth.
“We believe that as our club grows, we provide more recreational opportunities for local youth and help expand the sport of water polo,” Howard said. “Our goal is to consistently field teams at the middle and high school levels, competing in both local and travel tournaments.”
The club’s coaching staff is nationally certified through USA Water Polo, and several players and coaches participate in the Pacific Northwest Olympic Development Pipeline, competing at national events. This year, the Newberg Water Polo Club is preparing for a major milestone—traveling to the 2025 Hawaiian Invitational Water Polo Tournament later in the summer, further elevating its presence on the national stage.
NWPC hosts home tournaments that serve as game preparation as well as fundraising events for covering pool rental costs. Opportunities to see the club in action this spring include a May 3rd Elementary and Middle School tournament. The weekend of May 31st, the club will also host a Summer Kick-Off tournament that will draw all aged teams from the Pacific Northwest. The club invites you to attend and see this fast-paced sport in action.
Beyond competition, the club aims to make water polo accessible to new players. Coaches emphasize skill-building, teamwork, and confidence in the water, offering a welcoming space for those looking to try the sport for the first time.
NWPC’s summer sesion starts May 12th for any-aged student. On May 3, they’re hosting an elementary and middle school tournament at the Chehalem Parks and Recreation District Aquatic Center’s Jim McMaster Competition Pool, which will be a great opportunity to see the sport in action for any interested athletes.
Interested players can learn more and register at the Newberg water polo website. Athletes also need to complete the USA Water Polo Trial Athlete membership form to participate in practice.
Newberg Water Polo Club invites prospective players to trial the team free for two weeks, which gives new players experience in practices. More information is available at newbergwaterpolo.com or by emailing info@newbergwaterpolo.com.
