Mothers unite for fitness and friendship at Turtles Water Polo Club

What started as poolside cheering has turned into championship ambition for a group of Rondebosch Boys' water polo moms who've ditched the spectator seats to form their own team.

The Turtles Water Polo Club, launched in late 2024, will participate in the South African Masters Water Polo Championship in East London this March. Founding member Kerry Van Niekerk said she and fellow player Robyn Dreyer spent years watching their sons and husbands compete – until they decided it was time to dive in themselves.

Ms Van Niekerk said they first started with six moms, and now their club has grown to 18 members.

They have a social water polo team that plays on Saturdays, and also have their more advanced team that plays club matches against other teams who participate in the master’s category.

Another club member, Meryll Stocks Roos, said their team consists of a few women who have played water polo in their university days, while there are others who have never played this game before.

Ms Dreyer, who had previously played water polo when she was younger, said another reason for starting this club was to see whether they still have an urge to play this game.

“I think as moms and women, life is busy, we constantly transport kids around and we are looking after the households and working, so we don’t often give ourselves the time to do things,” she said.

She said the club allowed a space for moms to have some time for themselves and to also work on their fitness. 

Water polo, she said, is a really tough sport.

“It is hard, you can’t stand in the pool, we need a good balance between fitness and skill, you have to learn to tread water and keep yourself afloat,” she said.

Ms Stock Roos said they have started a tight-knit community.

“We started as moms not knowing each other, we formed a tight unit, and we also have a lot of fun,” she said.

The club trains three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday afternoons at Rondebosch  Boys' High. To find out more, visit their Instagram page @turtles_waterpolo

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