Joules retains their UK National Title in the
world's largest women's Polo tournament

THE JOULES UK NATIONAL WOMEN’S POLO TOURNAMENT SHOWCASES TOP TALENT IN WOMEN’S POLO

Over 27% of the female polo playing population can be found at Ascot Park Polo Club competing for the most sought after title in women’s polo when forty teams, 160 women, come together next weekend on August 5th and 6th.

The Joules UK National Women’s Polo Tournament is now in its 17th year and is the most established women’s polo event in the British polo calendar.

Not only is the women’s nationals the largest women’s polo event in the world but it is a unique event in attracting all levels of play, across generations of players, including the highest rated women in polo.

Once synonymous with kings and princes, the sport now attracts women from varying walks of life and ages. With over 46% of newcomers to the world of polo since 2004 being female players the Sport of Kings is fast becoming a women’s world. The increase in female player’s has seen numbers treble in the last three years of women entering this tournament. Some admit that their interest in it only came about as a result of their children’s passion for horses, others chose the ‘Discover Polo’ program famous for introducing over 2,500 newcomer to polo a year.

It is the third year that lifestyle brand Joules Clothing has sponsored this major fixture in the British polo calendar. It is supplying all teams with a range of bespoke playing shirts and a prize table boasting unique prizes. Georgina Johnson, Marketing Manager for Joules commented:

"We are delighted to work with Ascot Park and the IWPA again this year for the Joules National Women's Polo Tournament. Polo shirts have always been a core part of our collection, and it is truly fantastic to see so many of them in action during the event.”

Usually perceived as a bastion for the rich and famous, polo is fast becoming a sport for all. Ascot Park Polo Club, the pioneer of polo is also founder of and home to the International Women’s Polo Association, responsible for encouraging more women into the game. Victoria Grace, Ascot Park Director commented:

“We are delighted that Joules has made it possible for us to put on this remarkable event hosting some of the top UK women polo players and allowing newcomers to the game to compete alongside professional players. We look forward to welcoming more women to the game and it is great to see the standard increase each year allowing women to keep competing on a level playing field with men.”

Polo is fast becoming a sport that can be enjoyed by all whether you wish to spectate or participate and it is one of the few sports where women are handicapped on par with their male counterparts. Ascot Park Polo Club continues to challenge the traditional perceptions associated with the world of polo and open the doors of the sport to all.

The finals day will be held on Sunday August 6th with free entry over the entire weekend. Ascot Park Polo Club welcome spectators to come and support the ladies. Ends

Notes to editors:

For further information & press passes

Lucy Northmore
01276 858545
Lucy.northmore@polo.co.uk