I’ve read with interest over the past couple of weeks or so about the lack of young North American polo players (read professional), why they’re not playing, and what can be done about the situation. The information I’ve seen has been posted on this site and is published in the letters section of the March Polo Players Edition of the USPA magazine.
The first story I came across was regarding the George Oliver Cup and how playing for this trophy was going to possibly save North American Polo. Long story short, the game was played and by all accounts it was a good one.
The story that I read mentioned that a couple of the young “westerners” were told that they would have to step it up a notch if they wanted to compete. I suppose the inference was that the west (California?) wasn’t a place to learn how to play faster polo. Interesting that one of the young “slow people” had been playing and winning on the Gulf Coast of Florida all winter. I guess that the left coast is the left coast no matter what. Anyway, they both played very well and the concern wasn’t warranted. Hire anyone of the eight playing that day and you won’t be disapointed.
However, the last time I looked, all of the young gentlemen who played for the George Oliver Cup are currently playing polo and most are indeed playing as professionals. A look at the lineups throughout Florida would indicate that there are a number of other young North Americans playing there as well – professional or otherwise and several are playing two leagues.
Having stated the above, I’m sure that there are young North Americans who want to be playing who are not. If the Oliver Cup’s intention was to showcase what is available, then why did it use players who were in fact not available.
I guess my point is that if you want to show potential employers the “crop” then play the crop. This tournament (and I most sincerely hope it becomes one) could be the Blue-Gray of polo. I’m not suggesting that it be made up entirely of kids looking for work, but to include them is going to be necessary to save North American Polo (if in fact that is the mission).
That’s it for now and remember that I’m always watching – From The Side.