University of Nottingham Polo Focus
Youth
University of Nottingham Polo Club At this year’s SUPA National Universities Winter Arena Championships, the University of Nottingham Polo Club (UoN Polo) made headlines with an impressive number of team entries and successes which included: 42 members taking part in the tournament across 15 teams, UoN Polo taking first place in all four Novice divisions (N1, N2, N3 and N4), first place in Beginner Combined division, second place in Beginner 1 division and third place in the Beginner 2 division. Following their successes and mass involvement in the tournament, Polo Times spoke to five new members of UoN Polo about their experiences.
Arturo Felipe-Hernandez As a foreigner, (Cuban American) and as one of the older players on the team, the prospect of playing polo having had no prior riding experience appeared particularly formidable. Fortuitously however, the welcoming atmosphere of our Club and its players, as well as the ‘can-do’ attitude cultivated by our coach Grant Collett, greatly facilitated the learning process. In short time, I have had the opportunity to play in, and win tournaments with our team.
Adam Hillan I joined the UoN Polo having never played polo and had little riding experience. After the engage session I was hooked. My first chukka was exhilarating with the fantastic Grant Collett skilfully challenging, coaching and encouraging us to improve and have fun. The group morale at SUPA tournaments and social events is addictive. Joining the Club was one of the best decisions I made at university and I highly recommend it.
Rebecca Kadwell Without a doubt, the UoN Polo community have made my transition into the world of polo the best it could possibly be. It has been great to see my own progression from never having played before to coming first place in our division at SUPA University Challenge last November and third place at SUPA Winter Arena Nationals in February. I am so lucky to have met so many amazing people throughout the year too, whilst taking part in such an exciting and fast paced game.
Meg Leigh Starting polo was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I made when I joined university. Not only do the fun and engaging lessons at Offchurch Bury Polo club, where we train, offer a rush of adrenaline and sense of camaraderie like I’ve never felt before, but they also give me something to look forward to each week to escape the rush of busy university life. I think it’s safe to say I’ve been hooked since my first chukka.
Ryan Hutchinson Trying out a challenging sport like polo was something I will never regret. Not only have I learnt a whole host of new skills, I’ve gone from never having ridden a horse before to coming third in my division at Winter Nationals this year. Perhaps most importantly, I have been welcomed into the club beyond what I could have ever expected and have made my friends for life. I think it goes without saying, but polo is definitely the sport to join at university.
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Polo Times, May 2020
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