BIWPA Partners with Sliema ASC to Lead the Academy's Youth Development Program

[Sliema, Malta - June 13, 2026] Sliema Aquatic Sports Club is proud to announce that its water polo academy will now be officially known as the Sliema ASC x BIWPA Academy, following a landmark partnership with BIWPA (Barcelona International Water Polo Academy), one of the most recognised international water polo academies, based in Barcelona.

This collaboration represents a major step forward in Sliema ASC's commitment to developing the next generation of athletes by providing access to world-class expertise, international opportunities and a structured player development pathway.

The Sliema ASC x BIWPA Academy has been established with a clear vision: to create an environment where young athletes can develop their technical, tactical and physical abilities through a modern and consistent training methodology. Through the partnership with BIWPA, academy players and coaches will benefit from internationally recognised best practices, educational resources, talent development programmes and unique opportunities to connect with the global water polo community.

The Sliema ASC academy has long been recognised as one of the most successful talent development environments in Maltese water polo, producing generations of players who have gone on to represent both the club and the national team with distinction. The launch of the Sliema ASC x BIWPA Academy marks the next step in that journey, strengthening an already proven pathway with international expertise, a consistent development methodology and greater opportunities for young athletes to reach the highest levels of the sport.

President George Gregory welcomed the partnership, stating:

"When I became President of Sliema ASC, I made a commitment to push this club beyond Malta's shores. We have already begun that journey through our participation in European club competitions and today our partnership with BIWPA represents another important step in fulfilling that vision.
This agreement creates real pathways for young Maltese talent to reach the highest levels of our sport. It opens doors to world-class knowledge, opportunities and experiences that will help our athletes realise their full potential.
For me personally, nothing is more exciting than knowing that the next champion could emerge from our pool. This partnership is an investment in our players, our club and the future of Maltese water polo."

BIWPA Co-Founder & Sports Director Quim Colet welcomed the agreement, saying:

"We are delighted to begin this partnership with Sliema ASC, one of the most historic and respected clubs in Maltese water polo. At BIWPA, our mission has always been to help young athletes reach their full potential through quality coaching, education and a clear development pathway.
From our first discussions with the leadership at Sliema ASC, it was evident that we share the same values and ambition for player development. We look forward to supporting the academy's growth and providing opportunities for players and coaches to benefit from an internationally recognised training environment."

Sliema ASC Sports Director Ryan Coleiro, who led discussions with BIWPA, added:

"From the very first conversations with BIWPA, I immediately felt they were the right partners to help take our academy to the next level. Their professionalism, expertise and global reach are second to none and will provide our players with opportunities that were previously more difficult to access.
Our objective is to build a clear and sustainable development pathway for every player who joins the Sliema ASC x BIWPA Academy. We want every athlete and every parent to understand exactly what they can expect in the short and long term, with a structured programme built around a consistent training methodology and a shared philosophy of player development."

BIWPA Academy Coach Ferran Pascual added:

"What impressed us most about Sliema ASC was the club's commitment to youth development and its desire to build a long-term project. Great players are not developed overnight; they are created through a consistent methodology, quality coaching and a positive learning environment.
Our objective is to work closely with the academy staff to help establish a clear development structure that allows every player to progress according to their age and ability. We are excited to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing the next generation of Sliema ASC players develop both as athletes and as individuals."