Six Valley Aquatic Club members are set to dive into next month’s 2026 Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast.
Nicholas Anderson (13), Charlie Potts (15), Stella Potts (13), Jaydn Raven (17), Billy Threadgate (14) and Ethan Wenham (16) will represent the Maitland-based organisation at the prestigious competition from 11 to 18 April.
Their collective effort also means the club is sending its largest-ever junior team to one of the country’s top meets.
Five of the sextet — Nicholas, Stella, Jaydn, Billy and Ethan — are first-time qualifiers, while Charlie has earned his place for a third consecutive year.
The swimmers train under the watchful eye of head coach Ben Seamer as part of the Maitland Aquatic Centre’s MAC Squad program, with their individual selections highlighting the strength of local pathways for young athletes.
Nicholas’ qualification also continues a family legacy in the sport.
He’s following in the footsteps of his mother, Taryn Callaghan, and grandfather, John Callaghan, who both competed at a national level.
Seamer admitted reaching the Australian Age Championships was a significant achievement.
“These athletes are a regional product,” he said.
“So, their successes in the pool have been built on the strength of our local community and its resources.
“To represent at a national event usually means that an athlete falls inside the top 60 in their age group in the country.
“It’s a very high standard of competition.
“I’m proud to have played a part in developing their skills and talents to this point.
“But, nothing is possible without the support of our whole club and the organisations that back it.”
The talented youngsters will now use their own club championships on Sunday 29 March to finetune preparations for the nationals.
They’ll be recognised at a special ceremony at Maitland Aquatic Centre, too, from 2pm.
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