HaBaWaBa International Festival: U8 teams may have 3 over-age players

The tournament dedicated to mixed U8 teams (with players born in 2016) is the big innovation of HaBaWaBa International Festival 2024, it’s an experiment launched by Waterpolo Development in order to further lower the age which kids start playing waterpolo at. However not every club have enough U8 players to form a team to register for HaBaWaBa. That's why Waterpolo Development Board has chosen to introduce a new rule in order to facilitate registrations in this age-group category: each team may include 3 over-age players born in 2015 (formally U9 players) into their U8 roster at HaBaWaBa International Festival 2024. You can find all the details in the updated Registration Guide, on HaBaWaBa.com

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Common questions

What is the HaBaWaBa International Festival?

The biggest youth water polo event in the world: for U9, U11 and U13, held every year in Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD) and drawing teams from five continents.

When is the next Festival?

From 13 to 20 June the week for U9 and U11, from 20 to 27 June the week for U13.

Do boys and girls play together?

U9 and U11 tournaments include girls’, boys’ and mixed teams. The U13 event is split into a girls-only tournament and one for boys-only or mixed teams.

How do you enter the Festival?

Open the page of the event for your team (U9-U11 or U13) and follow the Registration Guide: it contains the information, duties, costs and deadlines. A club can enter more than one team in a single tournament.

Where do teams stay during the Festival?

Teams, made up of players, coaches and officials, all stay inside Bella Italia & EFA Village. Parents, family and supporters travelling with the team can enter the village by paying admission.

What is the Champion’s Passport?

It is a code of ethics: the values of sport to respect in order to be part of the HaBaWaBa community.

What is the aim of the HaBaWaBa project?

To spread the values of sport among children and create a deep bond with water polo through an unforgettable experience.

All questions