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University Polo - The "To
do" list, the "How to list" and the "Get help" list….
2007 saw over 1,300 University students across the country sign up to
various Polo Clubs at over 43 institutions. Never has the need been so
great as to assist and advise. The Schools & Universities Polo
Association gives grants and supports and organises as much as
possible, but with the growth and success of University Polo the time
is right to offer help and advice in the form of this report. Despite
invaluable support from the Hurlingham Polo Association, S.U.P.A is
reliant on a small organisation of volunteers to bring together
tournaments and Championships at Junior Schools, Senior Schools and
University level.
SUPA have developed 5 sections of Polo in the La Martina
sponsored University Section. Beginners are for players who have
only taken up Polo in the Academic year starting in September/October
that season, the reason for this is that no player will feel out fazed
by established players. The Novice Section is for 1 year + students who
play primarily University Polo only. Intermediate for the more
established player or one who plays at an established Polo Club and of
course the Open Section where the sky is the limit. Combined is for
individuals to play where they don’t have clubs yet set up.
Hopefully by devising these sections there is always an area all
players feel comfy in.
How to form a club at your University?, well firstly speak to your
Sports Union, tell them what you’re planning. Put up posters around the
University giving your number and/or email. Hold an Open evening at
your Student Union Bar and invite those who are interested. If in time
get a table at your Fresher’s Fair, get your local Polo Club to help,
they need business the same as all, let people know that you exist and
use the fact that it is a fun sport! Riders and non- riders alike,
H.P.A. coaches are well versed in helping all.
If you get enough interest then form a club, if not perhaps go in as a
subsidiary of the Riding or Rural Club. Get a working committee
together, don’t take it all on your own shoulders. If people don’t
help, ask them to step down and invite someone else. You need a
Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, maybe organiser, maybe team leaders.
The best person is usually a 2nd year as 3rd year students have too
much work already, unless you have a very organised person. Remember it
is a University Club not an individual’s.
Student Union assistance is very helpful, most will help but not
financially, SUPA are busy trying to get BUSA affiliation and
recognition so the Union will have to assist. Otherwise it’s down to
you to raise capital. A Polo lesson costs about the same as a
piano lesson, but is can still seem expensive. Most clubs will
try to help and keep costs down but negotiate and maybe book groups of
lessons. Forward planning for clubs is paramount! Ponies cost
money to feed, keep, shoe and equip bear this in mind.
Little and often is useful when it comes to sponsorship. Shirts,
jackets etc should secure big sponsorship, don’t give this away, also
people will buy these if marketed right, also better for the sponsor.
Hold quizzes, dances, get a club to put on a night for you. You take
door money they take drink money, all helps. Make a calander! You have
to cover the cost of entries, travel and pony hire. SUPA helps but can
only scratch the surface. Don’t be scared to ask, its either yes or no!
Check to see if your players and members have a member of their family
in a position to help from work. Beautiful people, male and female play
Polo, use it!
A programme is arranged with official tournaments but help to organise
Inter Uni matches is on hand.
Polo is a well-known game, SUPA are here to help, please ask. Mike
Hobday, University Chairman can be contacted on hobdaypolo@yahoo.co.uk.
Telephone 07970 720 456
Website: www.supa.org.uk
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