For the Balluta Young Boys (BYB) Masters team, water polo is more than just a sport — it’s a lifelong passion. Born from a simple truth — once you’ve played water polo, it never really leaves you — BYB began as a group of ex-players determined to keep the game in their lives.
Over time, it grew into a close-knit team blending old friends with new faces, all united by the same love for competition, camaraderie, and the unmistakable buzz of a hard-fought match in the pool.
More Than a Game
For BYB, the focus isn’t on grueling training schedules or chasing trophies. Instead, it’s about the joy of playing, the shared laughs on the deck, the friendly banter after a tough quarter, and the bond that only teammates can understand.
“Water polo is a sport for life,” says Mike Paris, one of BYB’sstalwarts. And he means it. Beyond keeping players fit and connected, the game revives the thrill of their younger days while building new memories that will last a lifetime.
Many BYB members now coach younger players or advocate for the sport’s growth in Malta, proving that water polo doesn’t end when top-level careers do — it simply evolves into a lifelong passion.
A Historic First for Gozo
This November, BYB will take on a new role: co-organiser of the first-ever International Masters Water Polo Tournament in Gozo, set for 28–30 November 2025 at the stunning new Gozo Aquatic Centre in Victoria.
“This tournament isn’t just about competition,” explains Tim Camilleri of BYB. “It’s about giving back to the sport, helping the Masters scene grow in Malta and Gozo, and bringing the international water polo community together in one of the most beautiful settings in the Mediterranean.”
The event will feature 40+ and 50+ age categories, with veteran players from across Europe competing under updated FINA rules. Yet beyond the matches, it will showcase Gozo’s hospitality, Malta’s rich water polo heritage, and the vibrant community that surrounds the sport.
More Than Matches: A Celebration of Community
In Malta, water polo isn’t confined to the pool — it’s a social gathering, a summer ritual, a connection point for friends, families, and fans. That’s exactly the experience BYB wants to share with visiting teams: fierce competition in the water, warmth and camaraderie on land, and the unique atmosphere of Maltese water polo culture.
“If players leave Gozo remembering not just the matches, but the friendships, the hospitality, and the spirit of our community — and if they want to come back — then we’ve achieved something special,” says Paris.
Event Details
📅 Dates: 28–30 November 2025
📍Venue: Gozo Aquatic Centre, Victoria
📞 Contact for Participation: Timmy Camilleri (BallutaYoung Boys) +356 9947 2951