Young Players
Like any class we have the joker and the jocks; the cool kids and the super charmers, but one thing uniting them all is their talent. From high-goal professionals to the not-so-dusty men of the Hurlingham Polo Association, these players have caused their peers and governing body superiors to sit up and take notice. Let us introduce you to the polo playing stars of the future
SEBHANCOCK U
p first is Seb Hancock, he’s sweet and charming and as an Etonian knows one or two things in the classroom
as well as on the pitch. His Dad, Marcus is a professional so some of Seb’s first memories are of watching polo. He’s just turned 16 and has been playing for eight years, recently making a name for himself among his fellow schoolmates like George Pearson. Both boys have been heading up the Eton polo team and Seb is quick to comment on enjoying playing in the mint green colours. “I do enjoy it as it gives me
the country’s most competitive 8-goal tournament. Impressive. Like many teenage boys, the far off
thought of a 9-5 job isn’t appealing and Seb would much prefer to try and pursue a career in polo. “Obviously it requires a lot of work and dedication but I think that I can do it. I think the HPA is creating more opportunities for young players with development courses abroad and through the Pony Club and I’d like to take advantage of that.” If you haven’t caught him at Guards, it
may be because he’s quite the traveller, having played in South Africa, Argentina
Although the [school polo] is lower I think it allows me to take more responsibility for the plays than in ‘adult’ polo because there isn’t a professional on hand...
a lot more responsibility playing within a team of roughly equal-level players. It means everyone has a job to do and it is more like four-man polo. Although the level is lower I think it allows me to take more responsibility for the plays than in ‘adult’ polo because there isn’t a professional on hand.” Playing against old school rivals like Radley is one thing, but Seb’s also played with the best of the best – like the Merlos’ brothers and the Les Lions side. Asked to substitute for their high- goal side during the 2012 season meant Seb had the opportunity to practice with them all season. “Their hand-eye co-ordination is phenomenal and their ability to do whatever they want with the ball too is incredible.” Seb Hancock also won the subsidiary final of the Pommery Archie David,
16 TENGOAL
and most recently in Tianjin, China. He was part of the HPA’s under 16s team who were unfortunately pipped to the winning post by a young Argentine side. “China stood out for me because the whole Club there is amazing and it still has not been fully built yet!” Seb may not have been part of the winning side, but the fact that he tweeted about picking up any shopping while in Beijing means he’s definitely one of our favourites. Away from the pitch? “I play the ukulele.”
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