POWER OF POLO & OXFORD COMMUNITY ACTION DELIVER UNIQUE PROGRAMME FOR OXFORD YOUTH

In late May Power of Polo launched a new partnership with Oxford Community Action, a charity which works to address inequalities facing minority communities, and delivered a transformative experience for ten young people aged 14-16.

The residential course, which took place at Oxford Polo Club, was supported by Active Oxfordshire and focused on teamwork skills, developing resilience, and building self-confidence through a structured programme of activities around riding, polo and horse care. Most of the participants had never ridden before the first day but by the final day all ten played in a mini polo tournament, supported by families and friends.

“It’s been such a fun week – intense and exciting!” said one participant on the last day. “I couldn’t ride before, and now I can ride and hit a ball at the same time…it’s given me such confidence. Polo is even more of a team sport than football and it’s taught me how important it is to have a positive attitude to trying new things and working as a team.”

An additional bonus to this course was provided by the Pony Club, who made the young people members of the organisation and enabled them to achieve three ‘badges’, recognising achievements in polo and horse care. “At the start I was so nervous of horses,” added another participant, “but now they’re my favourite animal. Horses read your energy and I’ve learnt to be patient and understand how horses, and other people, can react to your energy.”

In addition to equine activities, there was further enrichment designed to support personal development and opportunity. The group enjoyed a visit to Christ Church College, Oxford where they had a chat with Olympic rower Oliver Cook, visited Kirtlington Park Stud, and even got a chance to try the exciting new sport of e-polo with former England Captain Henry Brett and Electrik Polo - thanks to PoP Ambassador Harry Earnshaw for helping with this! On Saturday most of the group, along with their families, travelled to Guards Polo Club to attend the Varsity Day, at which Power of Polo was the official charity partner.

“It’s always exciting to work with a new partner,” said Katy Hayward, Founder and CEO of Power of Polo. “Getting to know these two organisations and the people they work with has been a joy and we were so thrilled that so many of the families came to watch the young people play. Our model is one of partnership and this course was a true representation of how powerful that can be.”

Coordinator at Active Oxfordshire, Lucy Simpson said, “Oxford Community Action (OCA) and Active Oxfordshire work in partnership to tackle inequality in physical activity and sport in Oxford. By working with OCA and Power of Polo, it is possible to bring opportunities such as horse riding and Polo to young people who may not otherwise experience these activities. Not only is horse riding beneficial physically but by working with horses, the young people will develop resilience and problem solving, as well as a connection with nature. Partnering with Power of Polo has provided a great opportunity to young people in Oxford and has sparked a real interest in Polo, equine sports and the industry around this.”

On 19th June the young people who attended the course will get the chance to play at Guards Polo Club as part of Power of Polo’s annual ‘Change Your Line Cup’, which brings together participants from different residentials to play together and celebrate in front of friends and families.

Power of Polo, Oxford Community Action and Active Oxfordshire are looking forward to working together to offer more young people from the Oxford area the chance to take part in programmes like this in the future.