WELLINGTON, FL., February 8, 2025---There is a reason the Polo Training Foundation is celebrating its 58th anniversary this year.
By Sharon Robb
The nation's oldest and most successful junior youth program has been instrumental in the growth of junior and youth polo players by encouraging the sport‘s development with training programs, lessons and tournaments for boys and girls.
"The PTF has been teaching youth confidence, discipline, hard work and leadership through the sport of polo since 1967," said PTF Executive Director Jennifer McLeavy. "Our Junior programs allow the future generation of players to compete in a fun and inclusive environment with their peers."
McLeavy said with the national polo population spread nationwide, some young players have no peers at their local club and practice and play solely with adults.
"Having games just for them creates a different love for the sport and encourages them to practice and improve before the next event," McLeavy said. "Sometimes when parents ask about the program I suggest they bring their child to come watch one of the tournaments. I am sure they will not only want to participate in the next one, but will be asking to stick-and-ball and ride to get ready for it."
It's no secret polo is a family sport with families continuing the tradition whether it's on the amateur or professional level. The names Arellano, Pieres, Caset, Laprida and Merlos are just a few names that have become synonymous with polo throughout the years, all with two generations who have played in the PTF.
"We are currently getting ready for the Avendano Memorial which is the oldest running junior tournament in the nation and attracts 100 players annually from all over the country and even internationally," McLeavy said. "To these aspiring young players, this is the U.S. Open of Junior polo. Many high goal players competed in the Avendano in their youth, and we now have a second generation vying for their chance to have their name engraved on the prestigious trophy."
Grand Champions Polo Club President and PTF Chairman Melissa Ganzi is a longtime supporter of grass roots polo. Several of the PTF events are hosted at Santa Rita Polo Farm including the upcoming 44th Avendano Memorial and Tackeria President's Day Cup on Feb. 17.
Ganzi has watched the PTF thrive through the years including watching her children, Grant and Riley, play PTF events when they were young. They continue to play polo as adults.
"I am so incredibly proud of PTF Executive Director Jennifer McLeavy," Ganzi said. "Her work ethic, positive attitude and professionalism is unparalleled. It is absolutely refreshing and rewarding to be a part of PTF under such a talented leader.
"During our work call, we watched the end of the Ladies U.S. Open semifinals and discussed how amazing it is that so many young women in the final are PTF graduates! How cool is that?"
The PTF was created in 1967 by Palm Beach Polo and Country Club founder and former 7-goal amateur Bill Ylvisaker to teach polo to youth by promoting youth clinics, interscholastic and intercollegiate competition.
The PTF offers much more than just an introduction to polo. These young athletes are learning valuable life lessons, from teamwork and sportsmanship to the responsibility of taking care of the horses, all key aspects that contribute to their development both as players and individuals.
A large number of spectators, including families and polo enthusiasts, gather to witness the fun matches and cheer on the young players, creating a lively and encouraging atmosphere. Players not only showcase their talents on the field but also their passion to learn more about the game.
"My three favorite parts of the day are the registration, where the kids are beaming with excitement and anticipation, and having to make the tough decision of which jersey number they should chose," McLeavy said. "Then the leadline games, where the youngest players, 2 year olds and up, are led by parents and friends in a mini-game that has everyone smiling and laughing. And, finally the trophy presentation, where each level of kids hold their trophies over their heads with the biggest smiles."
In addition to the Feb. 17 Avendano Memorial & Tackeria PD Cup other Florida events are the: March 3 Major Collin Memorial; March 24 Buzz Welker & Sunset Polo Cup and April 19 Jimmer Newman Memorial. The season-opening Johnston Cup & Blanco TX Cup were postponed because of rain.
The Polo Training Foundation is a 501(C) 3 organization and relies on tax deductible donations for financial support. The PTF has an annual budget of $600,000 of which $400,000 is funded yearly by tax-deductible donations. For more information go to www.polotraining.org.
For those interested in participating in upcoming events, there is a Florida Junior Polo Registration Form available on the website or contact McLeavy at JMcLeavy@polotraining.org.
During the winter polo season, Grand Champions Polo Club, the nation's largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club cradled in the heart of the world's winter equestrian capital, hosts a wide range of tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, 26-goal World Polo League, The Polo School Women's Weekly Polo League, WCT Finals, several Polo Training Foundation junior tournaments, World Polo League Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm.
Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and short work arena. The club has 10 well-manicured world-class fields at GCPC and Santa Rita.
Grand Champions Polo Club caters to men, women and youth polo players at all levels. Its' expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its' Polo On Demand program.
The Polo School, now located at the former Pony Express facility, operates in Wellington January through May and September through November. The stand-alone USPA-sanctioned polo club is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grass roots youth. The Polo School has nurtured several junior, men and women polo players now playing in the pro and amateur ranks since its inception.
For more information on leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at 561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.