The last time I was here, I spoke of, among others things, the huge commitment required to be successful as a professional polo player, and wondered aloud as to whether or not most young Americans are willing to work hard enough to succeed. Most certainly there are many who want to be (or at the very least, want to call themselves) professionals but how many really want to do it? How many have the desire or as one young Canadian would describe it, how many have the rage?
This writing was to be a follow-up on that, but then I read a comment in The Polo Zone about how the USA is a proving ground for foreigners and nothing was being done for the Americans. This in spite of the fact that much money is apparently available.
The writer mentioned that the USA has neither facilities nor a united effort to build US teams. I would guess that the comment refers to developing young Americans and the fact that money is needed because these players have no money or they are young professionals who can’t play for their country because they couldn’t support themselves while doing so.
The question then becomes – how does the USA develop more top polo players? Is it possible to create a national polo center where top prospects are sent to train and become better players who will eventually play for their country? If nothing else, a national team concept is certainly an interesting idea.
The first thought that comes to mind is how would a program such as this work and how would it be funded? I’d guess that the PTF would probably be able to offer some support as it does at the high school and college level. This of course would not be nearly enough. Would sponsorship work? The US FIP team has been sponsored so one must think that it is indeed possible to find funding for a national center. Would sponsors be interested in moving money from major tournaments to a national effort that would produce better players? If the belief is that US polo would ultimately be improved, would sponsors make more money available?
And what about the players? Is it possible to find youngsters who would be willing to dedicate themselves for an extended period of time to play polo for their country? Are there enough prospects to even think about it? Is it possible to find six, seven, or even eight young guns who would want to play for less than they would receive as a paid player but would be in a position to learn how to be better and ultimately command ‘the big money’ in the future? The challenge would be daunting and the possibilty of being ‘cut’ at anytime would create pressure that many couldn’t handle. Truth is that it’s much easier (and less work) to simply play for a season and not worry about losing a job – even if your play is less than what was expected. Again, it’s work ethic and how many youngsters have it? A national center would and should demand hard work.
As well, shouldn’t a national program include education ? Would more talent be available if parents knew that school/college wouldn’t be compromised? It’s common knowledge that alot of very good kids don’t pursue polo because of their wish to obtain higher education.
Many questions. Many more. Coaching, horses, location, where to play and against who, selection, how long of a commitment? The ultimate question – would US polo benefit? As I said earlier, it’s an interesting idea.
Anyway – that’s what I’m thinking while watching – From The Side.