It’s no secret that water polo in our area is getting more and more competitive and with the addition of a brand-new club in Temecula, there should be an uptick in youth athletes taking to the sport by the time they reach high school.
Edge Water Polo club was started by Alvaro Moreno, a 13-year coaching veteran who played at the National Level in Spain. Not only has Moreno coached at the highest professional level, in Southern California he also coached at the Division 1 and 2 high school level for the CIF Southern Section with MLK High School.
Currently, Moreno serves as head coach for Great Oak High School and is also the head coach for the Olympic Development Program, SOPAC Area Cadet group. Founded in 2021, Edge Water Polo was created to promote the sport of water polo as a path for personal development. Their main goal is to promote a growth mindset, teaching their athletes the physical and mental skills needed to succeed both inside and out of the pool.
Edge is a year-round competitive club serving the Temecula Valley and surrounding area where they work with youth ranging from 5 to 18 years old of all skill levels. The program is committed to putting their athletes on track to compete at a high level in high school and in college and they believe in three fundamental values:
- Work Ethic: Having consistent dedication, commitment and focus toward practicing and learning the fundamentals of water polo.
- Teamwork: We are successful in water polo when we work together to achieve a common goal.
- Integrity: Being honest and having strong ethical values. Showing respect to those around us and doing the right thing when no one is watching.
Edge Water Polo follows USA Water Polo’s guidelines to determine age group eligibility. Athletes are placed in the age group based on the athletes’ age as of Aug. 1 each year. For example, if a player turns 12 on Aug. 1, they will be eligible to play with the 12 and under age group. If the player turns 13 on July 31, they will no longer be eligible for the 12 and under category. They are, however, eligible to participate in the 14 and under category.
The club is actively seeking new members and is offering a two-week trial for those between 5 and 18 years old, with little to no experience required. Practices are held three nights a week at Great Oak’s pool and more information can be found online by visiting www.edgewaterpolo.com.
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.
