The construction of a new regulation-size polo arena recently was completed at the New Bridge Polo & Country Club in the New Bridge equestrian community northeast of Aiken.
It was built as part of a new partnership with Aiken Youth Polo, or AYP, to support and promote the growth of interscholastic and intercollegiate polo in the Southeast region.
AYP began offering a full slate of tournament and practice games and youth instruction this fall at its new home base.
The new arena is easily accessible to all students who want to learn to play polo.
AYP offers year-round opportunities to young players. There is a program for middle school students, and they can participate in AYP activities through their senior year in college.
AYP will also have a men’s intercollegiate team with USC Aiken, and plans are already in place to start a women’s team next year.
The AYP’s programs are managed and operated by Aiken residents Tiger and Susie Kneece, who started an interscholastic program last year on a grass polo field with Tiger as the coach.
Because the new arena can be used year-round, allow the Kneeces to expand their efforts and work with more students.
“The new Aiken Youth Polo arena at New Bridge Polo & Country Club represents a pivotal point for youth polo in the Southeast region,” said Alan Meeker of Crestview Genetics. “Aiken is uniquely located to draw kids of all ages from many surrounding states for safe, fun and competitive polo, properly coached by Tiger Kneece. The future of U.S. polo has its newest and best facility in Aiken, South Carolina. Crestview Genetics is proud to support the Aiken Youth Polo arena.”
The new arena will also provide the opportunity for people of all ages to learn to play polo in a safe environment.
“New Bridge is delighted to partner with AYP to support and promote the growth of youth polo, and our new arena will also provide the perfect venue for anyone to learn to play this exciting sport,” said Raza Kazmi, New Bridge Polo &
Country Club’s general manager.
The new arena is located next to the New Bridge clubhouse, where food and beverages will be available during selected matches.
For more information on AYP, call Tiger Kneece at 803-646-3301.
New Bridge Polo & Country Club is at 862 New Bridge Road.