NEWS

U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand for the United States Polo Association (USPA), is proud to announce polo player Henry Porter as the newest member of its growing roster of global brand ambassadors.

The scope of Porter’s role as global brand ambassador is focused on the United Kingdom, broader Europe and the Middle East, where he grew up as a youth and continues to spend much of his time as a professional player. Porter will shine the spotlight on the dynamic crop of young polo players coming up through the ranks by posting regularly on social media about his activities and by fully engaging in media requests for interviews and campaigns. He’ll be outfitted in U.S. Polo Assn. jerseys, apparel and gear both on and off the polo field.

Now 20, Porter began riding horses at age five and has been playing polo since age nine. He recently won the Copa Presidente (20 goal) trophy in Argentina and will play for Santa Clara for the second annual GAUNTLET OF POLO^™. Born in London, England, Porter had his first ever polo lesson in Dubai with Martin Valent, who remains his manager today. He now commutes between homes in Florida and England.

“Ever since that first lesson 11 years ago, I fell in love with the sport and I'm fortunate that my passion has become my career,” said Porter. “I’ve worked hard training for every opportunity I’ve had. One of my most memorable was playing the East Coast Open and winning the trophy,” Porter recalled.

With an extremely bright future ahead of him, Porter’s dream is to be a top-rated professional polo player by improving his handicap year over year. He has already competed at some of the largest polo games in the world, winning the high-goal East Coast Open, the FIP World Cup Zone Final, the Mansion Cup, the Bronze Trophy at Sotogrande, Spain, and the 50K National 12-Goal, two years in a row. He also reached the final of the Ylvisaker Cup in the United States, as well as has competed in the illustrious Westchester Cup and the prestigious GAUNTLET OF POLO^™ tournament held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida.

“Having Henry represent U.S. Polo Assn. in some of our most important international markets is a win-win. He is not only a tremendous young athlete who continues to getter better each year but is one of the true gentlemen of the game,” said J. Michael Prince, President & CEO of USPA Global Licensing. “I have watched Henry play in games around the world that have included teaming-up with Prince Harry in the King Power Royal Charity Cup, as well as playing at the highest level in the United States at the U.S. Open Polo Championship^®. We are excited to have him be part of our global ambassador line-up.”

When he’s not striving to advance his polo skills, Porter is studying business at the Repton School in Dubai whose academic program is based on British National Curriculum and is accredited by the Cambridge and London University Exam Boards. Porter also stays active playing tennis, golf and enjoys skiing.

“I’m really honored to have been chosen as a global brand ambassador for such an authentic sport-inspired brand like U.S. Polo Assn. that does so much for the sport and players,” said Henry. “I look forward to gaining great exposure with both new and loyal fans and followers of the sport by sharing my fast-paced polo activities and my exciting travels!”