Tag Archives: Polo Training Foundation

Competitions, Polo

PTF Hosts New Zealand Schools Team in Junior Polo Exchange

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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

Competitions, Polo

Casablanca Marches Off with Polo Training Foundation Challenge

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Matias Gonzalez of Casablanca attempts the hook on Wes Finlayson of GJ Racing. Photo by Alex Pacheco.

Wellington, FL, March 22, 2015 – From a Published Press Release – Casablanca scored the winning goal in the final two minutes to defeat Grand Champions, 3-2, to capture the Polo Training Foundation March Challenge on Monday at Everglades Polo Club.

Three teams of highly-skilled junior polo players competed in the two-hour event.

The teams were GJ Racing (Blake Ashcroft, Justin Daniels, Wes Finlayson, John Hand), Grand Champions (Juancito Bollini, Grant Ganzi, Liam Lott, Guillerhme Maia), and Casablanca (Agustin Arellano, Matias Gonzalez, Ian MacTaggart, Jack McLean).

Trailing 2-0 going after two Bollini goals, into the final chukker, Gonzalez opened the chukker with a 50-yard goal. A minute later, McLean scored to tie the game at 2-2.

After Bollini defended Gonzalez’ scoring attempt, MacTaggart came back to score the game-winner with two minutes left in regulation.

Casablanca and Grand Champions players have competed with and against each other in past tournaments.

“Our team had great chemistry on the field,” Arellano said. “It meshed really well together. We never all played together on the same team before but we all played really well together.

“Matias is a great back and crushes the ball. Jack and Ian were great with the ball pulling the team forward. I tried to help in the middle.

“We all knew everyone else who was playing and we all watch each other so we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Arellano said.

Grand Champions’ Juancito Bollini, a sophomore at Florida Atlantic University, was named Most Valuable Player.

Arellano’s 8-year-old gray thoroughbred mare Milkshake was awarded Best Playing Pony.

“My dad had bought her as a 4-year-old and didn’t get along with her at all,” Arellano said of his father, Julio, a top American player and member of Coca-Cola’s pro team. “He let me play her a little bit and I loved her. I ended up buying her from him. She’s turned out to be my best horse.”

Arellano enjoyed playing with and against his friends.

“It’s so much fun to play against other players your age and to challenge yourself at this level,” Arellano said. “This is so fast; everyone is just running and having fun. It’s great.

“The PTF is awesome; this is what has brought me to the level I am today,” Arellano said. “It’s just amazing. They do such a good job getting all the kids out here to play.”

McLean, 14, an out-of-state player, enjoys playing against the best junior players to hone his polo skills. McLean competed in both the PTF March Challenge and Buzz Welker Memorial.

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 the website at: www.polotraining.org.

To contact the PTF:

Haley Bryan
hbryan2485@aol.com
Phone: (803) 215-3577

Jennifer McLeavy
jenniferannpoor@yahoo.com
floridajrpolo@yahoo.com
Phone: (561) 670-3616