THE POWER OF POLO
Changes in perspective are what has helped them avoid making bad choices and we teach that message from day one. “None of our participants wants to go
back to their old lives and so the aspirational element is very important because often there are extreme pressures in their home environments making sustained change very difficult to achieve. Our participants cannot join the next version of the programme until they have achieved certain life goals or crossed particular milestones; we put a sort of key performance indicator (KPI) on them. This could include mentoring other children as a youth leader for PoP, a critical support for new and nervous participants, or building them into an ambassador role with the responsibilities of representing the charity. “For those who have a more troubled
past, we support them to see a future where they are no longer in trouble with the police which can have an actual impact by applying for a job or a course. Not all young people have this past, for those who can achieve and are doing well despite their circumstances we become a springboard or catalyst for their next step. We help them to believe in themselves and have confidence in their future. The motivational aspect of this has had great impact and we really have seen Lives and Lines Changed.” PoP has also created an effective buddy
system. “We have young professional players like Jack Hyde who invite the PoP participants to watch him play in matches. Other players are now following suit and there is a growing acceptance that is becoming intrinsic to
“ NONE OF OUR PARTICIPANTS WANTS TO GO BACK TO THEIR OLD LIVES AND SO THE ASPIRATIONAL ELEMENT IS VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE OFTEN THERE ARE EXTREME PRESSURES IN THEIR HOME ENVIRONMENTS MAKING SUSTAINED CHANGE VERY DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE”
the sport (an added value of the charity’s activities). Polo gives the young people a chance to socialise with new groups of people and this social mobility is key to change and the ability to move ahead in the world, be it a first job or even university,” said Vivek. “Jack and the PoP participants may only live a few miles from each other but could not come from more different worlds but the fact that they can interact on a one-to-one basis like this is a powerful statement. “Other supporters have included Jayne
Rumsey, Max Charlton and Rafa Singh as well as a number of anonymous contributors. Rafa mentored a couple of young people during the winter and has set up a dial-in session. He also supported Ronnie when he was in Windsor for a visit which he has found very rewarding. Of course when it’s your passion it’s a win win.”
E
den Ormerod has taken over the leadership of the polo coaching responsibilities for the PoP and has led several residential camps. There
are many others who work tirelessly behind the scenes and several donors who must be congratulated. The polo community is always willing to support charities but now has a direct way of being able to do so. An important area of work for the PoP is
working closely with teenagers nationally from a variety of backgrounds who are HIV positive through CHIVA. “For young people living with HIV, there are a huge number of challenges,” said Vivek. “Many come from difficult backgrounds, experience loss of loved ones and struggle to come to terms with taking life-long medicines. In addition there is a huge amount of stigma and discrimination towards them in their communities. We are particularly proud of our youth leader Mercy Ngulube, who is one of the few only openly HIV positive young people in the UK and through her bravery and courage has become an international advocate, working with HRH The Duke of Sussex and the international community to breakdown stigma across the world.” PoP does not just work with disadvantaged
young people in London either. Over the years it has built a solid relationship with active military and injured ex-servicemen and women. “For the last few years PoP has been able to stay at Combermere Barracks [in Windsor] alongside the Household Cavalry. This has not only enabled us to keep costs down but has created an opportunity for us to show our young people the way the army works and breakdown some of the prejudices they may have. “Through tours and speaking with the
GUARDS POLO CLUB OFFICIAL YEARBOOK 2020 67
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