Mar 19, 2018 5:04 PM
The All Pro Polo League (APPL), founded by Javier Tanoira in 2015, began its third tournament on U.S. soil. The competition, which spans two days (March 20 and 23), invites up-and-coming local players to take to the field alongside several 10-goal icons.
The tournament format, which will not follow a traditional set up, reflects Tanoira's belief that polo can only flourish if young players are granted time with Argentine 10 goalers in the context of the APPL, where new rules have been established to improve the speed and rhythm of the game. On that basis, this APPL tournament will focus on giving young Americans precious time with the leaders of the sport.
Tuesday, March 20, saw the best young American players battle it out amongst themselves in a qualification stage at Santa Clara Polo Club (Wellington, FL), while 10-goalers Facundo, Gonzalo, and Nicolás Pieres, Sapo Caset and Hilario Ulloa, watched attentively from the sidelines. These top players are now going to select the Americans they deem best, and each will put together their teams. On Friday, March 23, the most promising young Americans will play with and against the best in the world.
“We believe that Argentina’s dominance is a barrier to the development of the sport, and it is time that we, as Argentines, do something about it,” says Tanoira. “That is why we have structured the tournament in this way. The only way a polo player of any level can improve is by playing with and against the best players in the world, at a level superior to the one they are used to. That is how Argentine players grow—there is no secret to it, they are not superhuman. But neither American, English, French nor Spanish players have that possibility on a recurring basis.”However, the All Pro Polo League is working hard to break the cycle. “The APPL can incite change,” insists Tanoira. “We think this tournament is a fantastic opportunity to start a scholarship fund, so as to help American players travel to Argentina in the high-goal season. We are trying to make that a reality, with the support of the USPA and the Argentine 10-goalers.”
The United States Polo Association and the Team USPA program are happy to be participating in the All Pro Polo League. Competing with and against 10-goal players is a unique opportunity that elevates the speed and anticipation of the players on the field. Team USPA continually seeks out high-goal playing and training opportunities for members to help push them to the next level and challenge themselves personally. Santi Torres, Felipe Viana, Steve Krueger, Jesse Bray and Tomy Alberdi played the first round of matches.
APPL USA 2018 continues Friday, March 23, location to be determined.
For more information on teams and fixtures follow @allpropolo on social media and get ready for #FullSpeedPolo!
Effective Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020
The suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events will be lifted for USPA Member Clubs in locales where hosting polo matches and tournaments is permitted under applicable state and local laws, executive orders and similar decrees. The USPA Member Clubs in these locales are encouraged to follow all such requirements of their state and local authorities with respect to polo operations. In addition, we also encourage all USPA Member Clubs to take the precautions recommended by the CDC. We are preparing a detailed list of best practices for USPA Member Clubs as they return to hosting USPA Tournaments and Events and plan to circulate these guidelines within the next week. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will notify you if we determine a different course of action is necessary.
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