Polo at University: Everything You Need to Know

As polo continues to grow across university campuses, it offers young people the chance to gain not just sporting skills, but connections and experiences that last well beyond their studies. With programmes welcoming players of all levels—from complete beginners to seasoned riders—university polo is more accessible than many expect. This blog will explore how university and college polo works primarily across the US and UK.

Polo in UK Universities

University polo in the UK is a thriving, growing sport overseen by the Schools and Universities Polo Association (SUPA), with over 90 universities participating nationwide. Teams are mixed gender, and students compete in both arena and grass formats, depending on the season and competition level. 

UK university polo follows the academic calendar, with two major championships each year: the Winter Nationals in February and the Summer Nationals in June, each drawing over 400 players from across the country. There are five divisions within the program, allowing participation from players of all abilities including Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Median, and Open.

Most UK university polo teams do not have their own ponies or on-campus facilities. Instead, they are typically affiliated with local polo clubs, where students can train, take lessons, and play matches at a subsidised price. Ponies are hired for both training and tournaments, making the sport far more accessible—owning a horse is not required to get involved.

Throughout the academic year, university polo players can partake in unique social and competitive events like La Martina Varsity Day and the annual Polo Ball hosted by Oxford Polo. This event brings together current and former members, polo players from universities worldwide, to celebrate one of the oldest polo clubs globally.

More information on joining or forming a team is available on SUPA’s website.

Notable UK University Clubs & Teams Include:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• University of London
• London School of Economics (LSE)
• University of Edinburgh
• Imperial College London
• University College London
• University of Manchester

Polo in US Universities & Colleges

In the United States, university polo is structured under the United States Polo Association (USPA), with over 41 colleges and universities competing nationwide. Teams are organised into Division I and Division II, with separate competitions for men’s and women’s sides. The intercollegiate circuit is played in arena polo format, which lowers the barrier to entry by requiring fewer horses and resources, which allows for more accessible pricing. 

One of the unique aspects of the US system is the match format: each team rides a mix of their own horses and those of their opponents, ensuring that success comes down to skill—not string advantage.

Many US universities offer dedicated polo facilities, often complete with barns, arenas, and club-owned ponies. Beyond training and match play, players are typically involved in the day-to-day running of the barn, including horse care, tacking up, and supporting visiting teams. This hands-on approach not only builds horsemanship but also fosters a strong sense of teamwork and responsibility.

The US university polo calendar is split into two main seasons: fall for training and regular matches, and spring for tournament play—culminating in regional and national championships, with structure varying by region.

More information on intercollegiate polo teams in the US is available on USPA's website.

Notable UK University Clubs & Teams Include:

• Yale University
• Harvard University
• University of Virginia (UVA)
• Cornell University
• Texas A&M
• Stanford University

University Polo Around the World

While university polo is still in its early stages in parts of Asia, countries like China and South Korea are seeing promising growth. Student polo programmes are beginning to take shape, supported by increasing investment in equestrian infrastructure, youth development, and international exchange

International University Polo Competitions

University polo has a strong international presence, with many teams travelling abroad for tournaments and exhibition matches. A standout event is the Intercollegiate Challenge Cup, a long-running competition between the USPA Intercollegiate Programme and the UK’s SUPA, where four top student players from each country are selected to represent their university systems. The tournament alternates annually between the US and the UK.

 In China, international student polo has also gained momentum. Tianjin Metropolitan Polo Club previously hosted prestigious student tournaments featuring teams from Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Skidmore, and the University of London. More recently, 1003 Polo Club launched the inaugural Pacific Cup in 2024, with teams from Yale, Harvard, Oxford, and others taking part. 

University Polo: Closing Thoughts 

Whether you’re completely new to polo and curious to give it a try, or an experienced player looking for competitive opportunities and international tournaments, university polo offers something for everyone.

If your university doesn’t currently have a polo programme, it doesn’t mean one can’t be created. Both the USPA and SUPA actively support students in launching new university clubs, offering access to coaching networks, facility recommendations, and step-by-step guidance on getting started.

In fact, many of today’s most established university teams began with just a small group of students eager to bring the sport to their campus.

Beyond the sport itself, polo offers something even more enduring—a community that brings together teammates, mentors, and lifelong friendships that continue well after graduation.