Building the next generation of polo at Westonbirt School

A huge welcome to Leanne Coombs-Brown, our newly appointed Polo Team Manager. Alongside the formalisation of Westonbirt’s close partnership with our near neighbour, the world-class Beaufort Polo Club, Leanne’s appointment is designed to move Westonbirt’s Polo Programme well beyond standard school provision, to give keen riders the opportunity to make significant progress in this most exciting of sports. ‘My vision,’ she says, ‘is for Westonbirt Polo to become recognised as a leading centre for youth polo development.’

Leanne has enormous experience in supporting and developing young players. She has been active with Beaufort Pony Club’s polo provision for many years, and has worked closely with Beaufort Polo Club. She also has a real understanding of the different journeys young players can take, whether they are discovering polo for the first time, or developing an ambition to compete more seriously. Leanne’s daughter is a competitive polo player, giving her an even greater appreciation of the commitment, preparation and support that goes into helping a young player progress, both as a player and a parent.

‘What really attracted me to this role was the opportunity to be part of something with the potential to become much bigger than a traditional school polo programme. The combination of Westonbirt and Beaufort is incredibly special. A school with a strong academic and pastoral environment working alongside one of the country’s most respected polo clubs, right on its doorstep. That creates a unique opportunity where young players can learn, compete and develop within a supportive school environment.’

Leanne has ambitious plans to build on what is already a strong foundation and shape what comes next, developing different levels and opportunity within the Academy, broadening participation, introducing high-level development opportunities and competition, and creating stronger links between school polo and the wider national and international game.

‘There is an opportunity to be much more ambitious about what school polo can become,’ she says. ‘Rather than simply following an existing fixture calendar, we can create a programme of coaching, competition, masterclasses, development opportunities and events that connects pupils with the wider polo world.’

‘But what excites me most is making sure Westonbirt is the school that young polo players at any level actively want to come to. I would love Westonbirt to become known as a centre for youth polo development that deliberately accommodates both participation and performance, where every player feels they have a place.’