August 2021 Polo Players' Edition- Let Them Play!

By Tiger Kneece

Youth sports are a cornerstone of childhood memories and provide a foundation for many lifelong skills. According to Aspen Project Play, 61% of kids aged 6 to 12 played team sports on at least a casual basis in 2019. Equestrian sports—and polo in particular—allow the entire family to participate and compete in the same activity. Not many other team sports allow children to play on the same team as their parents. Sharing a passion for the sport keeps young players engaged and encourages time spent together as a family. Supporting youth players entering the sport and encouraging commitment early on is a beneficial long-term play for clubs. As Junior Committee chair, I am working towards developing and retaining a younger player base across the country.

Help New Junior Players Feel Comfortable Polo can be an intimidating sport, between the horses and the immense size of an outdoor field, so it is important to make new players feel comfortable.

Shortening the field for younger players helps keep them involved in the game and creates a safer environment as they get started. For the youngest players, a red, hard plastic ball (can be found at Jackson Hole Horse Emporium) allows for proper swing development and is a good transition step before advancing to a real outdoor ball.

Organized youth sports like baseball, soccer and basketball and competitive travel teams appeal to families. They provide a fun, energetic environment for all those involved. Families with kids participating in the tournament become friends and often do activities together outside of the field. Mimic this proven system and get the whole family excited about polo and being at the club. It’s never too late to learn the sport!

As much as we all love our home club, a change of scenery can be a positive experience for your young players. Meeting new kids at other clubs within the region injects a new energy into the season, especially if there are not many young players at your club. These friendships often last a lifetime and motivate young players to continue traveling and playing throughout their childhood and life.

USPA programs are a great place to begin. The Middle School League runs through I/I, and the interscholastic program and NYTS provide a framework for youth involvement. Combining these events with other junior club tournaments, coaching chukkers with one professional on each side and offfield coaching enhance the experience. Horse shows can be a direct competitor for horse-loving kids participating in both disciplines. Creating a fun event environment similar to a horse show may help clubs keep youth players involved in polo.

Junior players are an important part of your club’s future, but do not necessarily fit the same mold as adult members. Karissa Niehoff, executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations said, “I don’t think kids drop out because they don’t want to play. I think the majority drop out either because of a lack of access to opportunity or it’s not fun. They burn out.” Fun is a crucial part in keeping kids engaged in youth sports.