A Letter From The President

My Name is Andrew Bassett, also referred to as Bertie by many within the club and in the polo world. I wanted to share some of my favourite moments being in the club.

First and foremost, my favourite part about the club is that everyone helps each other; the sense of community is phenomenal to experience. If something needs to be done, everyone comes together and get the job done. Knowing the club has such a welcoming feel and that everyone is so lovely just emphasises why I am so proud to be a part of this experience.

I have had the privilege of being President of this amazing club for nearly 2 years. In that time I have had the fortune of meeting so many wonderful people. People from so many different backgrounds, race’s and sexualities, but all brought together because of their passion for Polo, and their love of the club and the sport itself. Many past members have become life long friends that I still keep in touch with today! I live with two members from the club, and I spend everyday with club members, so it could be said that the club is my life!

For the past two Christmas periods, I have been fortunate to travel to Argentina, and train with some really talented players, meeting people from around the world, many of whom, I still speak to.

A true highlight of my calendar each year is the trip to SUPA Nationals, last year we took 11 teams, placing in the top 4 places in 6 of our 11 teams, which is a truly fantastic achievement, which meant that we were in the top three universities overall, out of roughly 40 universities from up and down the UK. We brought home a lot of silverware last year, it was amazing knowing that other universities were going home knowing Royal Holloway Polo Club is a force to be reckoned with!

Every September we have our intake of new members – freshers – and we have been so lucky, that every year we have brought in, not only a large number of members, but brought in a fantastic group. This year has been no exception and we have had a large group of very keen new members, that I am sure will see that the club continues to succeed and get better each year. This year we have had some very promising talent come into the club, which is fantastic. I cannot wait to see how the group improves and become formidable opponents. Nationals are sure to be even more successful this year!

Within the club, we are fortunate to have so many extremely talented players, James Mann for instance, the club Captain, recently competed in one of the most prestigious 12 goal fixtures in the UK, coming a very respectable 3rd, playing alongside the best arena player of the UK! Not many people, having only played for 2 years can say they have the skill to compete on such a high level.

Another wonderful part of the club, is our home-ground, where we train for the arena season – Ashfarm Polo Club – it is a family run business, that while taking a

serious approach to player development, makes each and every member feel valued. The club is owned by the inspirational, Lesley Sweeney, aka, Aunty Les. She always has a smile on her face and brightens up the day, if there is something you need to improve with your riding; she is the lady to see! The lady who is our coach, Georgia Sweeney, a very talented player, who is a superb coach, that everyone loves from the second they meet her. She has formed many strong bonds with many players, which last for a very long time. She has been the reason for the success of all players, but particularly the beginners, who she has helped acquire a broad skill set, and great understanding for the game.

I have had such an amazing experience in this club, and without a doubt, it has made me into the man that I am today. My confidence in myself has grown so much, and as a player, I started not being able to ride a horse, to a month later, playing at a good standard, and competing nationally. Since I began I have improved greatly, although I have had a few very embarrassing falls in my time. I love this club and it will always be a part of who I am. I am so lucky to have had a part in the club, and it has been an unforgettable experience.

I look forward to my last few weeks as President, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the club.