Team USA is set to begin its run in the FIP World Polo Championship, facing Brazil in its first match on Tuesday, October 11 in San Luis, Argentina. This year’s tournament is made up of two leagues with five teams a piece featuring some of the best polo talents from around the globe. The teams with the most points in each league at the end of regular play will compete for the championship title later this month.
The U.S. team advanced to the FIP World Championships back in May after wins over Canada and Guatemala to complete the FIP Zone A Playoffs in the Dominican Republic. The team was comprised of six Team USPA players along with team captain John Gobin and guided by coach Charlie Muldoon.
Team USPA was established in 2009 by the United States Polo Association, the national governing body for the sport, to grow and sustain the sport of polo by identifying talented young American players and providing opportunities to grow their abilities.
U.S. team taking talents to global stage on October 11, 2011
Argentina
The following players will showcase their talent, sheer athleticism and spirit for the sport starting next week as part of the U.S. national team:
TEAM USA
PLAYER – RATING – HOMETOWN
Nick Snow (Team USPA) 4 Ipswich, MA
Chris Collins (Team USPA) 2 San Diego, CA
Mason Wroe (Team USPA) 3 Bryan, TX
John Gobin (Captain) 5 Wellington, FL
Charles Muldoon (Coach) 5 Poolesville, MD
“We were really happy with the team’s undefeated record in the FIP Zone Playoffs and can’t wait to compete against some of the best international talents at this year’s World Championships,” said Peter Rizzo, executive director of the U.S. Polo Association. “With strong competition, big wins and the impressive development of our young polo players and the Team USPA program, it’s the perfect time for U.S. polo to hit the global stage.”
Team USPA continues to be instrumental in encouraging USPA programs and events that will recruit, train and develop American players and teams to the fullest measure of excellence. This includes advancing young players to compete in international events on behalf of the U.S., participation in national and circuit USPA tournaments and working to improve the level of play for competitors at every stage of experience.