This month we hear from U18 Maroon Men's Team Member, Rosmini Premier Team Member and one of the newest Turts, Matthew Leadbeater. Matt is a familiar face poolside to many of our youngsters as he is involved with coaching our Junior Programmes here at North Harbour.  Get to know Matt below.

How long have you been playing water polo?

Seven years. 

What made you take up the sport?

My older cousins were involved in and played water polo, so Mum thought It would be a good idea for me to play the same sport, so I started flippa ball when I was year 4 which translated into playing water polo later on. 

What do you think is the most challenging part of the sport?

Having to stay constantly fit across the whole year through doing swim sets and training, as it is so easy to lose speed in the water while not training. 

What is the most rewarding part of the sport for you?

Being able to play water polo and have lots of fun with my best mates and enjoying all of the memories that are made with them throughout the season. 

You are one of the newest Turts (Senior Men) players this year. What are you most looking forward to for your first Senior Season?

Being able to have tough training and games with the older club members and hopefully learn lots of new skills that I can use in my age group teams as well. Being in the turtles is a really cool opportunity for me to improve and learn from people better than me. 

What is your biggest Water Polo Highlight been so far?

My biggest highlight in water polo is going to Brisbane for national age group championships where we placed in the top 8 at U18 level in Australia. This was a very fun experience where we got to play different teams who played a different style of waterpolo to us, while also exploring Brisbane and Gold coast with all my mates. 

Do you have a Water Polo ‘idol’ you look up to? Who is this and why?

James Catlin has coached me for 6 out of the 7 years that I've been playing water polo at both Rosmini and North harbour, so I would say I look up to him as he’s someone I can ask for advice relating to stuff in or out of the pool. I potentially have the opportunity to play with him this year for the turtles which would be really cool as he’s been in the team since I started playing. However his brother, Will is a very close second. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time in terms of Water Polo?

Definitely still involved in the community, whether that through still playing or coaching, waterpolo is a big part of my life so I will definitely be around and still active. 

Quick Fire Round

1.     Pool or Beach?  Beach

2.     If you could be an animal, what would it be? Platypus 

3.     One thing you can't live without? My Mum

4.     Favourite Food? Meat on chips

5.     Favourite Movie/TV Show? The Batman 

Article added: Tuesday 07 May 2024