Young Academy

The aim of the Kirtlington Park Polo Academy is to promote the development of young polo players and to assist in their progression to the adult game.

Some very famous teams and top professionals have started their careers at Kirtlington - Roddy and Crispen Matthews, Sam Gardener, George Merrick (who's grandfather Tony was once club manager), Andrew and Will Hine, Robert Thame, Malcolm Borwick and Henry Brett to name but a few. The latter 5 started on a Shetland pony!

As exciting and talented these great players are, we find ourselves with new talent on the horizon. John Martin had a successful season for The Black Bears in 2009. As his handicap was raised, the team replaced him with another Kirtlington youth, Billy Aprahamian. Edmund Parsons, a player about whose talents one could write a whole article, has a spot in the 15 goal with the Guards based Al Habtoor and possibly a place in the 8 goal with the same team that also includes Kirtlington favourite, "Gorgeous" George McCorkell.

Seeing these young players develop at Kirtlington Park Polo Club fills us with great pride. What is happening at Kirtlington to get these talented individuals noticed? The club seems to find the right mix of polo at a high enough standard to challenge these youngsters to do well.

And... here is the best part.......there are so many more great young players at KPPC. I really believe we will be seeing one or two Berners "snagged" to play with higher goal teams. Edmund Parsons' sister Izzy, who won the Edward Baron Memorial Trophy for the best young player of 2010, is a star! Watch out for newly raised Max Rigby (younger brother Henry has joined this year), George Sunderland and Charlie Aprahamian. Three quarters of the"Los Cazadores" team have the last name Smyth-Osbourne and they are always a force to be reckoned with. It goes on and on. I know we will be seeing a certain James Fewster down the road with his Pony Club team mates Johnny Brown and Florence Berner.

Kirtington Park Polo kids have talent! Why not contact us and find out how we can help you develop yours?

• Instructional chukkas for school / pony club teams with instruction at the right level.
• At the highest level (Gannon / Langford) entering pony club teams in club tournaments.
• Venue for school matches.
• Umpire courses. During half term and beginning of summer holidays.
• Umpire instruction - practice and hands-on advice.
• Pony Club teaching day at beginning of summer holidays.
• Inter club matches.
• Ponies for sale and hire.

• How to get started
• How to begin playing in club matches
• If you want to progress, how can you pool your resources with others with or without a professional to play harder games
• Evening / social with ex pony club players / old hands who have moved on either in the professional game or playing well as amateurs.
• How to progess to the adult game / how to find teams.