Robin Sanchez is the Chairman of the United States Polo Association (USPA) Arena Polo Committee, but she also serves in several other USPA committees, and she is the only full-time professional female umpire and she has been in the professional umpire program longer than any of her peers. In addition to her duties within the USPA, she is currently focused on the II FIP Arena Polo World Championship, which is due to take place through September 5-12, in Virginia, a very exciting challenge.
As the Chairman of the Arena Polo Committee in the USPA, what does it mean that the II FIP Arena Polo World Championship is due to take place in America?
We are very excited to host the II FIP Arena World Polo Championship. As a matter of fact, arena polo started in the US and is very popular here so having the opportunity to showcase the best of International arena polo is an honor.
How is arena polo developing in America, in terms of players, clubs, horses?
Well. the two arena fields in Virginia are top quality – Virginia Polo Inc. is home to the University of Virginia Polo team and many, many National Championships and Roseland’s arena is at the beautiful King Family Vineyard. Virginia Polo also has an indoor arena in case the weather does not cooperate. The arena footing that is sourced in Virginia is amazing, and makes the play very fast. Virginia is a good location for bringing the number of horses needed for the FIP and there is a solid spectator base for arena polo.
Why is Virginia the chosen place to hold the competition?
Arena Polo was invented in the United States, in 1910, and our high school and university polo competition is all played in the arena. Arena polo keeps growing in the US in every level from polo schools to Arena Leagues (for example, Texas Arena League had 56 teams this year) to the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship. It is exciting for spectators and very accessible and sustainable for both players and clubs. Interscholastic/Intercollegiate polo continues to grow and bring new players into the sport.
What are your expectations with regards to the tournament and the impact the Arena Polo World Championship may bring to arena polo in the United States?
Having all of the games live streamed on USPA Polo Network Youtube channel will allow the polo fans in every country participating to enjoy the competition, and cheer for their teams. Many countries are now building polo arenas to take advantage of the growing popularity. Arena polo is growing not only in the USA but also in the UK, Europe, India and many other countries. The support from the USPA and Global Polo for International competition, and for the FIP Arena World Polo Championship is taking arena polo to a new level.
