2026 Age Group National Team Program Outlines and Costs
Water Polo Canada is pleased to share preliminary details regarding its 2026 Age Group National Team (AGNT) programs for the upcoming summer season.
This summer will feature several National Team programs across multiple age groups preparing for international competition. Our women’s and men’s Cadet (16U) and Youth (18U) Teams will compete at their respective World Championship events, following successful qualification last year. Meanwhile, our Junior (19U) National Teams will participate in the Pan American Championships, where they will seek qualification for the 2027 World Championships.
In addition, Water Polo Canada will launch inaugural pilot National Development Team programs at the Cadet (15U) and Youth (17U) levels. These initiatives will provide expanded talent pools with an initial introduction to international programming.
While certain program elements have been confirmed, many details remain dependent on final information from international training partners and sport federations. The program fees outlined below therefore reflect the maximum projected costs, incorporating several variable components. A projected cost breakdown will be provided within individual athlete invitation letters, to be distributed by March 15.
As in recent years, Water Polo Canada will support fundraising initiatives for each AGNT program, providing athletes with the opportunity to drive charitable donations in support of their teams. Funds raised will be applied directly toward reducing overall program costs.
Should final program expenses result in surplus funds, reimbursements will be issued where applicable, consistent with Water Polo Canada’s established and successful practice in recent years.
Water Polo Canada recognizes that some AGNT activities may occur during the academic school year. Upon request, the organization will provide official documentation to assist athletes with exam deferrals or approved school absences related to program participation. Team Managers may also assist with exam proctoring, when required and arranged in advance, to help athletes remain on track academically.
Women’s National Team Programs
Cadet Team - 16U World Championships – Zagreb, Croatia, with preparations in Turkey
- Head Coach: Hayley McKelvey
- Assistant Coach: Rae Lekness
- Manager: Émilie Cassidy
- Departure date for Turkey: July 13, 2026
- Transfer to Zagreb: July 25, 2026
- Return date: July 31, 2026
- Maximum Program Cost: $12,000 *
Cadet Development Team - 15U - International Training Camp in Barcelona, Spain
- Head Coach: TBA
- Assistant Coach: Colin D’amour
- Manager: TBA
- Departure Date to Barcelona: July 11, 2026
- Return Date: July 22, 2026
- Maximum Program Cost: $7,000*
Youth Team - 18U World Championships – Puerto de la Cruz, Spain, with preparations in Barcelona, Spain
- Head Coach: David Paradelo
- Assistant Coach: Brooke Coburn
- Manager: Alyssa Hunt
- Departure Date to Barcelona : August 7, 2026
- Transfer to Puerto de la Cruz: August 13, 2026
- Return Date: August 24, 2026
- Maximum Program Cost: $12,000 *
Youth Development Team – 17U International Training Camp in Budapest, Hungary
- Head Coach: Kelly McKee
- Assistant Coach: Gabriel Cooper
- Manager: Ilona Csepregi
- Camp Start Date (Budapest): July 13, 2026
- Return Date: July 23, 2026
- Maximum Program Cost: $7,200 *
Junior Team - 19U Pan American Championships – Bauru, Brazil, with preparations in California (USA)
- Head Coach: Marina Radu-Johnson
- Assistant Coach: Krystina Alogbo
- Manager: Joelle Bekhazi
- Departure Date for USA Preparatory Training Camp: September 20, 2025
- Transfer to Bauru: September 26, 2026
- Return Date: October 4, 2026
- Maximum Program Cost: $10,000 *
Men’s National Team Programs
Cadet - 16U World Championships – Zagreb, Croatia, with preparations in Patras, Greece
- Head Coach: Maxime Crevier
- Assistant Coach: Laszlo Hruza
- Manager: Émilie Cassidy
- Departure Date for Patras: July 23, 2026
- Transfer to Zagreb: August 2, 2026
- Return Date: August 9, 2026
- Maximum Program Cost: $11,500 *
Cadet (15U) Development Team - International Training Camp in Barcelona, Spain
- Head Coach & Manager: Rodrigo Rojas
- Assistant Coach: Jessica Beauchemin
- Departure Date to Barcelona: July 11, 2026
- Return Date: July 22, 2026
- Maximum Program Cost: $7,000*
Youth Team - 18U World Championship – Rio Maior, Portugal, with preparations in Budapest, Hungary
- Head Coach: Andras Szeri
- Assistant Coach: Gyula Toth
- Manager: Zoltan Cspregi
- Departure Date to Budapest: June 18, 2026
- Transfer to Rio Maior: June 26, 2026
- Return Date: July 5, 2026
- Maximum Program Cost: $11.000 *
Youth Development Team – 17U International Training Camp in Patras, Greece
- Head Coach: Arturo Ortiz
- Assistant Coach: Devon Diggle
- Manager: Nicholas Tatigian
- Departure Date to Patras: June 21, 2026
- Return Date: July 2, 2026
- Maximum Program Cost: $6,500 *
Junior Team- 19U Pan American Championships – Bauru, Brazil, with preparations in California (USA)
- Head Coach: Cyril Dorgigné
- Assistant Coach: Vladimir Ushakov
- Manager: TBA
- Departure Date for USA: September 20, 2026
- Transfer to Bauru: September 26, 2026
- Return Date: October 4, 2026
- Maximum Program Cost: $10,000 *
(*= All final program staff, dates, destinations and plans remain subject to change.)
For questions regarding these programs, please contact:
Patrick Oaten, Pathway Technical Lead, at: patoaten@waterpolo.ca .
