Prairie Dolphins Water Polo Club offers programs for youth of all ages and skill levels - from beginners learning the basics to competitive players. Our goal is to provide age-appropriate, developmental programming that challenges each athlete and supports their growth in a positive team environment.
We welcome athletes of all swimming abilities - no water polo experience is required. Basic swimming skills are helpful, but strength, endurance and technique develop quickly through regular practice.
Our season typically runs mid-September to mid-April, with registration open year-round as long as space is available (pro-rated fees may apply).
2025-2026 Season Dates
Season Start: Week of Sept 15, 2025
Season End: Week of Apr 13, 2026
Holiday Breaks:
- Christmas: Dec 18 - Jan 2
- Family Week: Feb 16-20
*Schedule may be subject to change.
Age Groups
Age groups follow the Alberta Water Polo Association guidelines, based on birth year. The groups for the 2025-2026 season are as follows:
| Age Group | Ages (as of Dec 31, 2025) | Birth Years |
| 8U (Pups) | 6 – 7 years | 2018-2019 |
| 10U (Pups) | 8 – 9 years | 2016-2017 |
| 12U | 10 – 11 years | 2014-2015 |
| 14U | 12 – 13 years | 2012-2013 |
| 17U (Youth) | 14 – 17 years | 2008-2011 |
*Some athletes may be invited to practice or compete up an age group at the coach's discretion.
Practices
All practices are held at the Okotoks Recreation Centre & Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton (Calgary).
Practice frequency varies by age group:
8U & 10U (Pups): 1-2 practices per week
12U, 14U & 17U: 2 practices per week (with an optional 3rd practice for extra training or schedule flexibility)
*Full schedule can be viewed here: Practice Schedule
A fun, supportive introduction to water polo for young athletes. Players build confidence in the water while learning foundational swimming and water polo skills.
Swimming Ability Guideline
Tall enough to stand comfortably in the shallow end; Flotation belts available, if needed
Program Highlights
• Registration open year-round (space dependent; pro-rated fees may apply)
• Fun, play-based introduction to water polo
• Co-ed training and games
• No formal league play; athletes gain early game experience through optional Pups Fest events held throughout the season in Calgary and/or Okotoks
• Option to train 1 or 2 times per week
Practice Schedule
• Mondays: 7:00-7:45 pm - Seton YMCA
• Tuesdays: 5:45-6:30 pm - Okotoks Rec Centre
Season Fee: $275
Note: AWPA & WPC fees not included. Additional volunteering and fundraising commitments required.
A fun, supportive program that builds on foundational swimming and water polo skills. Athletes continue developing confidence in the water while learning age-appropriate techniques and gameplay basics.
Swimming Ability Guideline
Able to swim 15m with a flotation belt without resting; Flotation belts available, if needed
Program Highlights
• Registration open year-round (space dependent; pro-rated fees may apply)
• Skill-building with an emphasis on fun
• Co-ed training and games
• No formal league play; athletes gain early game experience through optional Pups Fest events held throughout the season in Calgary and/or Okotoks
• Option to train 1 or 2 times per week
Practice Schedule
• Mondays: 7:00-8:00 pm - Seton YMCA
• Tuesdays: 6:30-7:30 pm - Okotoks Rec Centre
Season Fee: $336
Note: AWPA & WPC fees not included. Additional volunteering and fundraising commitments required.
The 12U program welcomes both new and returning athletes. Training focuses on building strong technical foundations in swimming, ball skills, and game understanding.
Swimming Ability Guideline
Able to swim 25m without resting and tread water for 30 seconds in the deep end
Program Highlights
• Registration open year-round (space dependent; pro-rated fees may apply)
• Development of essential swimming and water polo skills in a supportive environment
• Boys and girls train together, however, will play separately during competition
• Opportunities to participate in City League, Fall Invitationals, and Winter Provincial League (see below)
• Practice 2 times per week (with optional 3rd practice for extra training or for schedule flexibility)
Practice Schedule
• Mondays: 7:00-8:30 pm - Seton YMCA
• Tuesdays: 7:00-8:30 pm - Okotoks Rec Centre
• Thursdays (optional with 14U & 17U groups): 7:30-9:00 pm - Okotoks Rec Centre
Competition Opportunities
• City League (Oct-Apr): Relaxed, optional games typically held 1-2 times/month on Sunday evenings at MNP Sports Centre (Calgary)
• Fall Invitationals (Oct-Dec): Development-focused tournaments providing a great introduction to competitive play (and do not impact standings); Events typically occur monthly and are hosted at various pools in the region (ie: Calgary, Edmonton and/or Okotoks); AWPA posts official schedules when available (Fall Invitationals)
• Winter Provincial League (Jan-Apr): Competitive league with standings; events typically occur monthly and are hosted at various pools in the region (ie: Calgary, Edmonton and/or Okotoks); There is a roster submission deadline (Dec/Jan) to be eligible to participate; AWPA posts official scheduled when available (Winter Provincial League)
Participation in Fall Invitationals and Winter Provincial League depends on player availability; As a small club, teams may merge with partner clubs to ensure full rosters and more playing opportunities.
Season Fee: $600
Note: AWPA & WPC fees not included. Additional volunteering and fundraising commitments required.
The 14U program welcomes both new and returning athletes. Training focuses on advancing technical skills, game strategy, and competitive readiness. Athletes develop confidence in a positive, team-oriented environment while strengthening their swimming, ball-handling, and overall game understanding.
Swimming Ability Guideline
Able to swim 25m without resting and tread water for 30 seconds in the deep end
Program Highlights
• Registration open year-round (space dependent; pro-rated fees may apply)
• Skill development for athletes preparing for competitive play
• Boys and girls train together, however, will play separately during competition
• Athletes aging up to 17U may explore junior coaching or volunteer roles
• Opportunities to participate in City League, Fall Invitationals, and Winter Provincial League (see below)
• Practice 2 times per week (with optional 3rd practice for extra training or for schedule flexibility)
Practice Schedule
• Mondays: 7:00-9:00 pm - Seton YMCA
• Tuesdays (optional with 12U group): 7:00-8:30 pm - Okotoks Rec Centre
• Thursdays: 7:30-9:00 pm - Okotoks Rec Centre
Competition Opportunities
• City League (Oct-Apr): Relaxed, optional games typically held 1-2 times/month on Sunday evenings at MNP Sports Centre (Calgary)
• Fall Invitationals (Oct-Dec): Development-focused tournaments providing a great introduction to competitive play (and do not impact standings); Events typically occur monthly and are hosted at various pools in the region (ie: Calgary, Edmonton and/or Okotoks); AWPA posts official schedules when available (Fall Invitationals)
• Winter Provincial League (Jan-Apr): Competitive league with standings; events typically occur monthly and are hosted at various pools in the region (ie: Calgary, Edmonton and/or Okotoks); There is a roster submission deadline (Dec/Jan) to be eligible to participate; AWPA posts official schedules when available (Winter Provincial League)
Participation in Fall Invitationals and Winter Provincial League depends on player availability; As a small club, teams may merge with partner clubs to ensure full rosters and more playing opportunities.
Season Fee: $610
Note: AWPA & WPC fees not included. Additional volunteering and fundraising commitments required.
The 17U Youth program welcomes both new and returning athletes. Training offers a fun, fast-paced, recreational experience using the Water Polo 4’s (WP4) format - a four-on-four game that helps athletes refine their skills. This program is ideal for athletes who want to continue playing in a positive, team-focused environment without the demands of high-performance competition.
Program Highlights
• Registration open year-round (space dependent; pro-rated fees may apply)
• Recreational, inclusive program for all experience levels
• Boys and girls train together, however, will play separately during competition
• Athletes are encouraged to volunteer with younger age groups
• Junior coach development available for athletes turning 15
• Opportunities to participate in City League and WP4 Youth 18U League (see below)
• Practice 2 times per week (with optional 3rd practice for extra training or for schedule flexibility)
Practice Schedule
• Mondays: 7:00-9:00 pm - Seton YMCA
• Tuesdays (optional with 12U group): 7:00-8:30 pm - Okotoks Rec Centre
• Thursdays: 7:30-9:00 pm - Okotoks Rec Centre
Competition Opportunities
• City League (Oct-Apr): Relaxed, optional games typically held 1-2 times/month on Sunday evenings at MNP Sports Centre (Calgary)
• WP4 Youth 18U League (Oct–Apr): Runs alongside the 12U & 14U Fall Invitationals & Winter League; Games are typically played over four events during the season in Calgary and Edmonton; Roster submission is required (typically Oct/Nov) to be eligible for competition; AWPA posts official schedules when available (WP4 Youth 18U League)
Participation in WP4 Youth 18U League depends on player availability; As a small club, teams may merge with partner clubs to ensure full rosters and more playing opportunities.
Season Fee: $610
Note: AWPA & WPC fees not included. Additional volunteering and fundraising commitments required.
READY TO REGISTER? Go here! Season Registration
We also offer a 2-week trial for new athletes. See Two-Week Trial for details.