USA Water Polo has announced that the 2019 version of the Welcome to Texas Shootout will take place at San Antonio’s highly acclaimed Northiside ISD Natatorium on May 25-26. It will be the largest youth tournament held in San Antonio in recent memory and hints at a resurgence of the sport in an area once the hub of water polo in Texas.

The facility is the only one in Texas that features an outdoor 50-meter pool with stadium seating, and also is home to an indoor long course pool and a diving well. Competition will take place in both outdoor pools.

Clubs from throughout the state are expected to take part in the annual event, which also featured teams from Florida and Colorado in 2018. Receiving the most local support could be San Antonio Water Polo Club and Boerne Water Polo Club, both of which have filled increasing demand for the sport in the region. The Boerne 14u boys placed fourth, and 16u boys fifth in the Austin-based tournament last year.

San Antonio has been off the water polo map for club competition for several years. The Shootout has given the area a new reason to tout itself to potential travelers, especially those from outside Texas. USA Water Polo, which is hosting the event, calls it the city a “great place to visit in Texas,” highlighted by tourist attractions such as The Alamo, a variety of amusement and theme parks, and a burgeoning food scene.

Clubs interested in more information about the competition can find it on the USA Water Polo web site.