As Team USPA continues to gain momentum and value, we are beginning our selection process for eight new members between the ages of 18-23 to join the program in 2013! To date, Team USPA has provided unique opportunities and experiences for over 40 young men and women amateurs and professionals representing a diverse range of polo clubs and polo communities around the country.
Team USPA’s mission is to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the U.S. by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo. Those who meet the qualification standards will be provided training and mentoring opportunities by experienced world-renowned instructors and professional players throughout their entire tenure in the program. As part of this training, players learn from and compete alongside current professional high-goal players and professional polo pony trainers.
All applicants, even if not selected for the Team USPA training and/or the mentoring events, will be invited to become a part of our USPA Young Player Outreach Program and may be considered for future USPA training events. In addition, all applicants will be asked to provide information for the USPA database (if they have horses, transportation, are available to play and/or work, when, where, etc). This database of young American players will provide a networking and player tracking system that will be promoted by the USPA to the polo community. This will be a useful tool for sponsors creating teams that include American amateur or professional players. The Team USPA program is also designed to offer a national polo-networking system for all young American players. This national system has been instrumental in igniting polo careers beyond the playing field, including polo team and polo club management and professional instruction opportunities, not to mention resupplying higher-handicapped players and USPA Certified Umpires to member club and circuit tournament events.
The application and criteria for the 2013 Team USPA program are available on the USPA website. USPA will be accepting applications from August 1 – September 1, 2012. Applications must be submitted electronically to: teamuspa@uspolo.org.
If you have any questions regarding the Team USPA program, please email Amanda Hersey at teamuspa@uspolo.org.
Click here to download an application!