To break up the mundane routine of swimming laps, Coach Kristen Powers introduced the kids on the Charles River YMCA’s swim team to water polo.

The game became so popular—particularly thanks to the 2012 Olympics—that Powers has created a separate water polo team, and for its first official season, which started in November, there are almost 30 kids on the team and 10 more on the waiting list.

Powers (center) chats with team members prior to water polo practice at the Charles River YMCA in Needham on Nov. 11, 2012.

From left to right: Water polo team members Claire Tzouros , Julia Gallo, and Eleanor Mackey wait for the start of the team chalk talk.

Water polo practice starts with a “chalk talk,” where Powers and her team sit down and go over new drills and safety tips.

From left to right: Claire Tzouros , Julia Gallo, and Eleanor Mackey wait for the start of the team chalk talk.

One mother said that many of the swim team parents are finding that their kids are thrilled to come to water polo practice. Powers encourages parental involvement through volunteering and coming to practices, and even held a swim tournament where the parents were in the water and the kids got to lead the meet.

Parents chat and watch water polo practice at the Charles River YMCA in Needham.

Powers (center) instructs team members during water polo practice at the Charles River YMCA in Needham on Nov. 11, 2012.

Practice typically includes drills and then a game so kids can apply the skills they’ve been strengthening.

Eleanor Mackey throws a ball during a water polo scrimmage.

Andrew Furlong tries to block a pass by Molly McLeod during a water polo scrimmage.

Zach Cullison waits for the starting whistle during a water polo scrimmage at the Charles River YMCA in Needham on Nov. 11, 2012.