Our Story

Born From a Passion for the Water

NextWave Aquatics CIC was founded by Luke and Tamsyn, with complementary backgrounds in water polo, swimming, coaching, education and healthcare, with deep roots in water polo and youth development. The idea came from recognising a common challenge — many girls drop out of sport during early adolescence, particularly after leaving swimming.

Bringing experience from water polo, coaching and sports medicine on one side, and primary school teaching alongside active participation in water polo on the other, we saw an opportunity to create something different — a programme built around the needs of girls, not just the sport.

NextWave is the result: a community interest company dedicated to making aquatic sport welcoming, accessible and genuinely enjoyable — helping young women build confidence, stay active, and feel they belong.

The Team

Meet the Team

NextWave is led by people who are passionate about water polo, youth development, and creating opportunities for girls in sport.

Luke Sammut

Founder / Coach

Tamsyn Sciortino

Founder / Coach

Alex Wilmshurst

Director / Coach

Tamsyn is a primary school teacher, water polo coach, ex-national Maltese swimmer and current player for Southampton Sirens. She previously played for Sliema ASC and Exiles Water Polo clubs and brings a supportive, coaching style, with a strong focus on helping young athletes feel engaged, motivated and part of a positive team environment.

Luke previously played for Marsascala Water Polo Club and has a longstanding passion for water polo and aquatic sport. Alongside his work as a Consultant Rheumatologist and Sports Medicine, he is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities for girls to build confidence and stay active through aquatic sport.

Alex is a water polo player with Southampton Water Polo Club and a coach for Southampton Sirens. With a background in research and coaching, he is committed to creating a positive team environment where players can develop skills, teamwork and a lasting enjoyment of water polo.