This month we hear from U16 Player Louis McFarlane. Louis is a Rosmini Prems player and a member of our U16 Maroon Boys team. Louis has just come back from his first National Team experience with the NZ U16 Boys team that competed in the World Championships. Learn about this bright, young talent below.

How long have you been playing water polo?

Six years.  I started out in year 6 in the North Harbour under 12 C-grade Bluefins team. 

What made you take up the sport? 

I played flippaball in primary school, and mum signed me up for North Harbour water polo because I loved flippaball and I was a competitive swimmer.  

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

Definitely the early morning starts.

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

Making new friends, travelling and winning.

What is your biggest Water Polo Highlight been so far? 

Getting selected into the New Zealand under 16 team and travelling to Malta to represent New Zealand.  

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

Whoever said “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”  - I think about this quote all the time. 

You have had a very busy year, going to the U16 World Championships earlier, and you are about to compete with the Maroon team in U16 Nationals, what from your international experience do you think you can bring to your club team?

There are guys from the Malta team in some of the teams we will be playing at Nationals.  I now know their weaknesses so I will use that against them.

What advice would you give to our younger club members who are just beginning their Water Polo journey? 

Swim as often as you can - swimming fitness is so important for water polo.  

Quick Fire Round

1.     Favourite player ever? 

Michael Slessor-White 

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

Killer whale

3.     Sweets or Chocolate? 

Chocolate - Nestles Milkybar cookies and cream

4.     Pre Game Song? 

Love - by Keisha Cole

5.     Favourite Movie/TV Show? 

Wolf of Wall Street

Article added: Thursday 22 August 2024