Sam Martin of the New Zealand Schools team makes a strong neck shot. Photo courtesy of PTF.
Wellington, FL – April 10, 2015 – The Polo Training Foundation (PTF) had the pleasure of hosting the New Zealand Schools team April 1-7 as part of the PTF junior polo exchange program.
The junior players that participated in the exchange are Sam Martin, 17, Jimmy Downes, 17, Dean Fullerton, 17, Will Appleby, 15, and Adam Haworth, 17. Players range in handicap from -1 to 1 and have been playing polo for at least two years. They represent three polo clubs from New Zealand: Christchurch, Rangitikei and Waipara.
While the players were here, they played in several matches against other junior polo teams both at Grand Champions Polo Club and Vero Beach Polo Club. They took advantage of the high-goal season here in Wellington to watch several matches of the 111th U.S. Open Polo Championship, the most prestigious high-goal polo tournament in North America, hosted by the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
The exchange program put in place by the PTF is instrumental in developing junior polo players from the United States. During each exchange, players are able to gain valuable insight into polo in other countries and develop connections within the global polo community. Two years ago, the PTF took a team to New Zealand to play, and in 2014 they took a team to England.
About the Polo Training Foundation
Since 1967, the Polo Training Foundation has been committed to excellence in the great sport of polo. The PTF supports polo training at all levels by providing funds for the development of current and future generations of players and umpires. The Foundation’s many programs include beginner clinics designed to teach young people the principles of polo and international player exchanges. Through its activities, the PTF seeks to encourage the highest standards of sportsmanship and to promote international good will through polo competition. For more information: www.polotraining.org.
To contact the PTF:
Jennifer McLeavy
jenniferannpoor@yahoo.com
floridajrpolo@yahoo.com
Phone: (561) 670-3616