Regent’s University London has launched the first equestrian polo scholarship in the UK as part of a drive to support student excellence and bolster a global reputation in the sport.

Two undergraduate polo scholarship places, worth 15% of a successful student’s chosen programme fees, are being offered annually to applicants who can demonstrate potential and excellence in polo.

To achieve a place individuals need to hold an offer from Regent’s and submit a 500-word statement on what polo means to them, video footage of them playing, and a reference from a registered polo club.

Regent’s Polo Team has an already enviable reputation and, from March 2017, the University will host its own annual tournament featuring competitors from six other UK universities.

Neil Herrington, Regent’s Head of Student Recruitment, explains:

“Polo is hugely popular with audiences around the world and given the highly international makeup of our student body this is a perfect way to support their ambitions to play and become ambassadors for the sport.

“The polo club is an essential part of many of our students’ social lives and we are expecting interest from countries including Pakistan, Latin America, Brazil, USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Iran, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong and Dubai.”

Explaining his own polo experience, team captain James Russell Taylor, a second year Regent’s Global Business Management student, said:

“When I first started at Regent’s polo was probably the furthest thing from my mind. Then I saw a taster-day advertised and there were a few wooden horses on the lawn so I thought I’d try.

“I was always quite good at golf and it took me about six weeks to get to a stage where I was playing well. It’s a tough sport, but the challenge is the best thing about it.

“You don’t necessarily need riding experience to begin with, and in a way it can be better to have none. You basically start by sitting on a saddle and hitting the ball.

“Regent’s has had a long tradition of polo excellence and it’s great to see this commitment to further developing our team and other sport across the University.”

Applicants for the Regent’s Polo Scholarship should email their statement, video footage and reference to: scholarships@regents.ac.uk by 17:00 (UK time), 31st May 2017.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed face-to-face or via Skype by Regent’s Student Services Team, which is leading the initiative, and a member of external partners – the Cool Hooves Polo Club.

New students can sign-up for a trial with the Regent’s Polo Team during at the University’s next Freshers’ Fair on Wednesday 25th January, 2017.