News

The launch of an Alumni Polo Association heralds a new era

The Schools and Universities Polo Association, Ltd (SUPA) and Polonetworks Ltd have come together
and formed the School’s Alumni Polo Association, Ltd. (SAPA). This amateur polo association will organise and promote polo amongst SUPA alumni. SAPA will also serve as a fundraising vehicle with the provision of an annual grant to assist SUPA in its ongoing funding of polo in schools and universities throughout the UK and to help the continued development of polo as a curriculum sport in the UK. SAPA, Ltd. and its members will maintain an affiliation with SUPA, Ltd which is a member of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA).

SAPA will support the interests of those players no longer involved in SUPA and provide opportunities for members to enjoy amateur polo after they have left School or University and the
infrastructure of SUPA. Benefits of SAPA will include compulsory personal accident insurance,
grounds at Heathfield in Oxfordshire for tournaments and practice; and partnerships with
regional clubs for the provision of practices and opportunities around the UK. Polonetworks
will serve as the main sponsor of SAPA where members will enjoy the benefits of this
independent global membership organisation and its associated services and partnerships.

Charles Betz, Chairman of SUPA, Mike Hobday, Head of SUPA Universities Polo, and Lucy Northmore, Director of Polonetworks Ltd have formed this association in order to Keep players in the game and to assist in the development of the sport overall – in particular the low goal polo
community.

To herald the beginning of this association, SAPA members are invited to enter the inaugural SAPA
Festival to be held at the Heathfield Polo grounds on the weekend of 23rd and 24th August 2008.

Charles Betz, commented: “SUPA is proud to foster this new affiliated organisation. SAPA has the
potential to ensure alumni polo players can continue their enjoyment of polo and also generate
public support for SUPA members.” SAPA members will also enjoy their own membership services through Polonetworks where they can also be part of the wider global polo community and share information and experiences.

SAPA is committed to the development of the sport and the needs of the low goal polo community.

The introductory SAPA subscription, which includes compulsory personal accident and public liability insurance costs £100 per year. The membership details and the grant information can be found online at www.sapapolo.com, www.supa.org.uk and www.polonetworks.com.