British to host its first beach polo championship at Sandbanks

The first ever British Beach Polo Championship is to be held on 11-12 July in Dorset.

Six teams of top international and national polo players will take part in the two-day tournament in Sandbanks, Poole.

Big names including Henry Brett, Roddy Williams and Peter Webb have been invited but players will be confirmed nearer the time due to conflicting polo matches.

Organiser Johnny Williams said: “It will be a great spectacle and should not only attract fans of the sport but all those who love sand, sea and sun to arguably the best beach in the country.

“All the top players who we’ve approached have been extremely keen to get involved— but we need to wait until nearer the time to confirm due other commitments as it is in the middle of their season.”

Dubai and Miami have previously hosted beach polo championships but it is the first of its kind for Europe.

Beach polo is a variation on arena polo — played in a temporary arena (100m by 5000m) and with three players on each team.

A spokesman from T&G who are sponsoring the event said: “T&G are very excited to be involved with this unique event. Although polo has been played on beaches before this is the first championship for Britain.”

Visit: www.sandpolo.co.uk

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