The British are Coming September 19th!
The British Forces Foundation’s Polo Team is coming to BPC to take on Team USA in a benefit match for the Wounded Warrior Project,a non-profit created to honor and empower U.S. service members wounded in the line of duty.
The British Forces Foundation’s Polo Team is a group of friends and personalities that over the years has come together all over the world to raise the profile and vital funding for the Charity and its aims – boosting the morale of Britain’s Armed Forces.
From Sandhurst to Palm Beach, the team has fielded an impressive line-up of players – all of whom have played for nothing – including polo greats as distinguished as brothers Memo and Carlos Gracida, Adolfo Cambiaso, Gabriel Donoso, Howard Hipwood, Nacho Figueras and Juan Salinas-Bentley alongside HRH The Prince of Wales and his two sons Princes William and Harry as well as Tommy Lee-Jones, Mike Rutherford (Genesis) and Kenny Jones (The Who).
The BFF is the British equivalent of USO and as a result of positive meetings recently, both Charities have agreed to develop a strategic partnership that by sharing experience, knowledge and contacts will directly benefit the welfare and morale of British and American servicemen and women on the frontline.
Game day activities begin at 2:15 p.m., with light hors d’oeuvres and an open wine bar. A tent pegging demonstration will start at 3pm followed by the USA and England match. A champaign divot stomp and carriage parade will take place at half time. Following the game, guests can enjoy an after party with a performance by Pennsylvania-native and singer songwriter Casey Alvarez, known for his signature blues influenced guitar work.
General admission is $10 per person with children under 16 free. For those that want to partake in all the days activiites and support the wounded Warriors Project the cost is $50 per person (children 16 and younger are free), with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Wounded Warrior organization. Ladies are invited to wear hats and sundresses, and men are asked to wear collared shirts. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 610-268-8692 or by e-mailing info@brandywinepolo.com. Picnics and tailgating is also encouraged.
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 19:
2:15 p.m. – Light hors d’oeuvres and open wine bar
3:00 p.m. – Tent pegging demonstration
3:30 p.m. – England vs. USA match begins
5:30 p.m. – After party with musician Casey Alvarez
Finals for the Gerald Balding moved to Maryland Polo Club
The finals for the Gerald Balding tournament has been moved to the Maryland Polo Club Ladew Field and will be played on Wednesday Sept. 1st at 5pm. The Lawdew field is located at 3600 Fallston Road, Jarrettsville, MD 21084. The game will be between the strong Maryland polo Team Sara Orthwein 0, Will Johnston 2, PJ Orthwein 3 and Tom Huber 3 versus Avalon recent winners of the Polo Ponies Memorial. Avalon is comprised of Cindy Halle 0, Jeffrey Schlesinger 1, Juan Martinez Biaz 5 and Dominic State 2. Stay tuned for the results here.
The consolation Final for the Gerald Balding was won by Doe Run 12-10.
Avalon/Christmas Tree Farm win the Polo Ponies Memorial
Avalon led by Brandywines’ own Kathy Fowser won the Polo Ponies in 2010 in a hard fought game that started with Avalon digging themselves a 5-0 hole in the first chukka. Working back throughout the game Avalon entered the 6th chukka all tied at 10 each. The 6th chukka started with 3 quick goals for Avalon quickly taking the prize out of reach for West Shore. Tom Hubers’ 5th chukka horse one Best Playing Pony and Max Hempt was named MVP.
Outcome of the Work to Ride Benefit
I am happy to report we meet our goal by raising $21,875 for Work to Ride of Philadelphia plus have developed a long term funding mechanism with the Polo Development Program within the USPA for intermediate term funding over the next 4 years. Thanks to all the volunteers who donated time, food and good will to make this event work for WTR and BPC.
Whats Coming UP
As we roll into September we have some great polo coming your way with a special club match this Sunday Sept. 5th and the British Armed Services Team coming to Brandywine for the England vs. USA game to benefit the Wounded Warriors on September 19th. Contact the polo office for more details.
More Players
As a final note the Brandywine Polo Acadmey continues to work at developing new players. This weekend 4 new, and one returning player (having played at VFMA 37 years ago!, came to BPC for an intensive 3 day clinic culminating with the graduation tournament right before the finals of the Polo Ponies Memorial.
Tom Hubers' 5th chukka horse one Best Playing Pony and Max Hempt was named MVP.