Welcome to the Universities Section.
From total beginners through to handicapped players, we welcome University and College players of all abilities from all over the UK to compete at two National Championships held each year (as well as smaller friendly fixtures in-between).
The Winter National Arena Championships are held in February at Rugby Polo Club, spread over 4 days in 2 arenas.
The Summer National Championships are held in June at Offchurch Bury Polo Club, spread over 4 days and across 2 grass pitches. With over 400 players and as many as 50 chukkas a day on each pitch, the scale of the event is awe inspiring.
Despite the size of these events, they maintain a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for players and spectators alike, with long standing friendships forged both on and off the pitch.
The themed players party organised by the venue on the Saturday night, are also known to be legendary!
Working alongside the HPA Youth Development Committee, we have a keen eye out for emerging talent and players of merit, awarding a Most Valuable Player award at every National Championship.
Additionally, at our National Championships we host exhibition matches to showcase high level polo, often welcoming international teams to play against our most talented players.
We regularly send teams to play in international matches abroad. Past international exhibition match opportunities include playing against the United States of America, France, India, China, Pakistan and Ireland to name a few.
You do not need to own a pony to be a part of the SUPA family, indeed most of our university players hire horses for our events. There are plenty of Polo Schools with brilliant coaches and lovely horses who will teach you and hire a pony to you so that you can compete. To find your nearest affiliated club, HPA school/Academy visit the HPA website.
If your university/college does not have a polo club, or if you have not played before university, you can still join SUPA and play within our combined divisions.
Interested in starting up a Polo Club at University? please do contact us for advice.
The Universities Section Manager is Nigel Mercer, please see our contact page should you need to get in touch.
Nigel has been the Section Manager for Universities for the last 10 years and is now our Chairman too.
Nigel has ridden all his life and played polo at Rugby Polo Club for the last 23 years.
Nigel is assisted by Luke Sandys-Renton who played at SUPA events as a student, founding the University of Brighton Polo Club, before becoming the SUPA University Representative.
After graduating, Luke became the SUPA Communications Manager, utilising his experience to interact with our members and enact positive change to help develop SUPA for the future.
