ROYAL AIR FORCE POLO IS TAKING OFF

THE Royal Air Force Polo Association can trace its roots back to 1919, when many ex-cavalry officers joined the new service and came into contact with the vast areas of flat grass on the new aerodromes that were springing around Britain.

Between the wars, Sir Winston Churchill encouraged polo among the airmen, because he recognised that the skills of tactical awareness, co-ordination and rapid manoeuvre needed for polo, were similar to those
needed for aerial combat.

Until recently, base membership had been in the doldrums. However, a change in approach and some energetic recruiting has seen an increase in the number of active players, and membership levels are on
the increase.

The RAF polo team has undergone a revolution, which has sparked an upturn in form.
For many years the RAF team has suffered at the hands of the other services but the new winning
form has been brought about by a willingness of opposing teams to match the RAF on handicap –
and by sheer hard work, dedication, training and excellent teamwork.

During the 2003 season the RAF team drew with a cavalry team, were runners-up in the Cornwell Affiliates tournament and defeated the Royal Navy in the prestigious Duke Of York Cup (last won by the RAF in 1996).

The success has been largely due to the A-team stalwarts Group Captain Tim Brown, Wing Commander Mark Smith and Squadron Leader Martin Adcock, and the arrival of several new faces.

The team mainly bases itself at Tidworth Polo Club, the home of the Combined Services Polo Association.
Located in the stunning grounds of Tedworth House, it is where the majority of the RAF players learned to play the sport.

There is also a newly-established and fast-growing polo club based at RAF Cranwell. There are also
individual playing members all over the UK.

The future of RAF polo is looking up, with a growing membership. This year the RAFPA will field A and B teams and is also pushing through a series of initiatives to raise the general awareness of RAF polo.

For information about playing polo within the Royal Air Force, please contact the Chairman, Group Captain Tim Brown on 020 7217 0461, or email secretary Flight Lieutenant Kris Bebbington at Kristian.bebbington@ btopenworld.com.