Famous names in miniature fill team list
The draw and teams have been announced for the UK Kids Polo Tour 2015 which starts this weekend, with the line-up dominated by famous names from all corners of the polo world. With 13 teams in three sections, this tournament promises to showcase the talent of the next generation to its utmost.
The tournament is divided into three divisions, 15 to 18-year-olds, 9 to 14-year-olds and Beginners & Under 9s, with the youngest section playing four-a-side chukkas accompanied by one professional on each team to instruct the players and assist the umpire. A professional umpire will umpire all the 4 chukka matches. At present, this weekend’s games look set to be split between Billingbear Park, home of King Power, Highfield Farm, base of Dubai, and UAE’s Anningsley Park, (though these are subject to change and conditions).
In fact, great support from the high goal polo world came in the form of pitches, coaching and generous sponsorship from Tally Ho Farm, La Dolfina, ONA, La Mariposa, PoloFix, Black Hound Sports and Glitterati Polo.
Notable names dominate the line-up, including three Hine offspring (Milly, Ned and Louis) playing together with Will Harper in the 9 – 14-year-old’s division as Thai Polo. This division will also contain Mia and Adolfo Cambiaso Jnr. playing with Capuchine Granchi and Benjamin Quironga as Dubai. Mia and Adolfito are already impressively listed with (-1) handicaps at the tender ages of 12 and 9.
The youngest three players this year are all aged five; Arabella Henderson, daughter of Irish International player Mikey, playing at no. 1 for Salkeld, Celestino Merlos, of the Merlos polo dynasty playing for Sifani and Beltran Di Paola up front for Apes Hill. We may also see some sibling rivalry provided by the Darritchon siblings as all four (Segundo, Ines, Delfina and Estansiao) take up places on separate teams.
This new tournament characterises on the success of similar competitions in Argentina and America, providing a platform from which the best young polo players can develop.
For full teams and the draw, click here.
http://www.polotimes.co.uk/?pg=35