With the 2021 school year kicking into gear, Noozhawk has put together our annual ParentNooz After School Activities Guide.
After a tummultuous 1½ years of remote learning, we made sure to make things easy when planning your child’s after school activities! Our 2021 After School Activities guide provides you and your child with all the necessary information when deciding on which after-school program is the best fit.
To help parents make informed decisions about the diffrent after-school programs offered in Santa Barbara County, Noozhawk has conducted a series of interviews with representatives of local programs for this year’s After School Activities Guide.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Stephen Loomis, Youth Director and 14u Coach of Santa Barbara Premier Water Polo Club, to learn more about its after-school program in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Premier Water Polo Club
Question: What is the name of your after-school activity/program?
Answer: The mission of the Santa Barbara Premier Water Polo Club is to foster and develop character, integrity and habits of excellence through competitive aquatic sports, regardless of socio-economic level within our community.
Q: Describe the activities involved.
A: Aqua safety, swimming technique and practice, water polo fundamentals, techniques and practice, daily scrimmages, races, group work, teamwork practice, communication skills practice, stretching, general fitness.
Q: What are the hours?
A: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 4:30pm-6:30pm, Thursday from 5-7pm, & weekend competitions available.
Q: What is the age range for children to take part?
A: 8-18 years old.
Q: When was your program started and what was the inspiration for creating it?
A: We are striving to promote the sport of water polo, and give back to the water polo community that has done so much for all of us.
Q: Describe what makes your program unique and worthwhile.
A: Whether you want to compete at the elite national level or just have fun and get some exercise, The Santa Barbara Premier Water Polo Club is for you. Club Director Bryan Snyder (UCSB Alum, Olympic Development Program Coach, head boys/girls coach at Dos Pueblos HS), Youth Director Stephen Loomis (UCSB Men’s Assistant Water Polo Coach, NCAA All-American, 5 years pro career in Europe), and Club Founder Wolf Wigo (3X Olympian, 2X World Champion and Head Coach of Men’s Water Polo at UCSB), lead a year-round program for kids ages 6 to Masters. We compete in a wide range of recreational to highly competitive tournaments. New members are always welcome.
Q: Following COVID-19 restrictions, what parts of your program have changed to comply with Santa Barbara County guidelines?
A: We have implemented social distancing procedures while on the pool deck during practice time
Q: What is the average program size or class size for your activity? Teacher to student ratio?
A: Approx. 10-1 coach to player ratio, depending on the age group.
Q: In what ways is your program educational?
A: Our program promotes in the water safety, swimming proficiency, sports knowledge, effective communication skills, perseverance, general fitness, aspects of sports psychology, aspects of meditation, effective decision making strategies, team building and cooperative tools.
Q: What is the cost/tuition? Are scholarships available?
A: Limited scholarships are available to those in need.
Click here for more information about Santa Barbara Premier Water Polo Club and its after-school programs!