𝐄𝐏 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞 | 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐮𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘤 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢'𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 21 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.

Returning for its fifth year in October 2026, the Young Guns Cup has become a competition that young players look forward to, not just because of the quality of polocrosse, but because of the friendships, opportunities and experiences that come with it.

The idea was born in 2022 following Covid, when many young players had missed important junior and representative opportunities.

"After Covid, Hannah Adams toured with WA's first interstate team to Barastoc in 2022. Hannah, Mandy Marriott and Kim Maguire were talking about how Covid had limited what their U21 players had been exposed to, with many missing multiple junior opportunities."

That conversation sparked an idea.

"It was a hard sell, but 2022 Young Guns Cup happened and the rest is history."

Originally, the event was only intended to run for a single year.

"The plan was to run it once and see how it was received."

Instead, players embraced it immediately.

By the end of the inaugural competition, participants were already asking when the next Young Guns Cup would be held.

The first event attracted five teams made up of almost every eligible U21 player in Western Australia, along with several interstate competitors. The vision was simple — create an inclusive competition that developed players, built culture and provided opportunities for everyone.

Five years later, that vision remains unchanged.

For those unfamiliar with the event, the Young Guns Cup offers something many players don't experience at a regular carnival.

Players are pooled together and selected into teams rather than arriving with pre-formed sides. This creates opportunities to play alongside people they may never otherwise get the chance to ride with.

"It’s an opportunity to play in your age group with a group of players you may not ordinarily get the opportunity to play with."

More importantly, the event is open to all levels of players.

"This isn't just for representative players. Inclusivity is a huge part of the competition."

Over the years, players from a wide range of handicaps have participated, giving developing players the opportunity to learn from state representatives and higher-rated teammates while building confidence in their own abilities.

"It’s showing our developing players they absolutely can do it."

The event also challenges experienced players to become leaders, mentors and team builders.

"It’s teaching our better players leadership and the ability to involve developing players."

For organisers, one of the most rewarding outcomes has been seeing former participants progress through the sport.

"We have had huge success with players being selected for their state, their country and then moving into Australian senior squad pathways."

But perhaps the biggest success has been the friendships and connections formed along the way.

"It builds character, relationships and development amongst your peers."

The competition itself has continued to grow year after year.

From five teams in 2022, numbers have steadily increased to six, seven and eight teams, with organisers expecting an incredible 11 to 12 teams in 2026.

One tradition that has become a special part of the event is the presentation of the historic "Old Clubs" shirts, bringing a piece of Western Australian polocrosse history back to life for a new generation of players.

Among the many memorable moments over the past five years, one stands above the rest.

The Dave Outhwaite All Star Team Award.

Originally introduced after sponsor Dave Outhwaite suggested recognising six outstanding players rather than a single fairest and best winner, the award has become one of the most respected honours of the weekend.

After Dave's passing shortly after the inaugural event, the award continued in his memory.

Today, it recognises players who display leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, coachability and passion for the sport — qualities Dave himself embodied.

As a state often required to travel thousands of kilometres to compete at major events, the Young Guns Cup has become something truly special for Western Australian players.

"Nationals is 8,000 kilometres away. Barastoc is 8,000 kilometres away. This is our opportunity to play with and against some of the best right here."

For interstate visitors, they can expect a warm welcome.

Families loan horses, provide accommodation, offer camping space and do everything they can to make travelling players feel at home.

"It's a huge thing for us to have players come here to play with and against us."

With great facilities, strong competition, entertainment, social activities and plenty of opportunities to network and make new friends, it's easy to understand why the Young Guns Cup continues to attract players from around Australia.

Looking ahead, organisers hope to see the event continue to grow and become the most talked-about and sought-after Under 21 competitions in the country.

And if you're a player born between 2005 and 2010 and still unsure whether to nominate?

The message is simple.

"Just have a crack. There is nothing holding you back. I honestly believe you'll get something out of it and it will grow your polocrosse in ways you don't even know you need."

When the final whistle blows on Young Guns Cup 2026, organisers hope players leave talking about the calibre of competition, the friendships they formed and the memories they made.

And judging by the growth of the event over the past five years, there's every chance this year's edition will be the biggest and best yet.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐮𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Perth Polocrosse Club

3rd & 4th October 2026

Expressions of Interest are now open for players born between 2005 and 2010.