The Challenge And why this matters

Bridging the Gap in Girls’ Sport

Across the UK, girls’ participation in sport drops sharply during adolescence, with around 40–50% disengaging by their mid-teens.

This drop-off is often linked to a loss of confidence, limited opportunities, and a lack of environments where girls feel comfortable and supported.

We also see a gap for girls leaving swimming — many have strong aquatic skills, but no clear, enjoyable pathway to stay involved in sport.

NextWave Aquatics CIC was founded to address this — providing accessible, girl-focused water polo sessions that promote confidence, wellbeing, and long-term engagement in sport.

43%

of girls who once enjoyed sport disengage during adolescence

68%

say fear of being judged holds them back

61%

cite lack of confidence as a barrier

Sources: Women in Sport (2022), Sport England Active Lives Survey

Our Approach

Four Pillars of Change

Everything we do is built around four core principles designed to keep girls engaged, supported, and growing.

Participation First

Our priority is simple — getting girls active and enjoying being in the water. Competition can come later; building confidence and enjoyment comes first.

Long-Term Retention

We want girls to stay in sport. Our sessions are designed to encourage this through positive experiences, friendships, and gradual skill development.

Community Connections

We work closely with schools, local clubs and community organisations to create a supportive network around each participant.

Sustainable Pathways

Over time, we aim to develop local girls' teams and provide clear pathways from early participation through to competitive water polo.

The Vision

Building a Future for Girls in Water Polo

Our long-term ambition is to create a sustainable pathway from beginner sessions to competitive water polo — including the development of local girls' teams in Hampshire and beyond.

But we're not rushing. First, we build the foundations: participation, enjoyment, and a community where girls feel they truly belong in the water.