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North America, Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Named Official Apparel Partner of the Cowdray Gold Cup

27. July 2022

Both Ladies and Gold Cup Championships were Hosted at Historic Cowdray Park Polo Club

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./MIDHURST, U.K. (July 20, 2022) – U.S. Polo Assn. served again as the Official Apparel Partner of the Cowdray Gold Cup. The event was hosted at the historic Cowdray Park Polo Club from June 21 to July 17 and is considered one of the premier polo tournaments in the world. The Gold Cup players included some of the top names in the sport of polo, including 10-goal players Adolfo Cambiaso, Facundo Pieres and Hilario Ulloa.

U.S. Polo Assn. created a Cowdray Park Capsule Collection that was sold exclusively on-site at the event in the merchandise store. The collection included U.S. Polo Assn.’s classic, sport-inspired style embellished with Cowdray colors and emblems featured on quarter zip hoodies, hats, short sleeve polos and T-shirts. In collaboration with Brand Machine Group (BMG), U.S. Polo Assn.’s brand partner in the U.K., the brand hosted social media contests, giveaways, and additional contests on-site for event attendees.

U.S. Polo Assn. also served as the Official Apparel Partner for the Ladies Championship, which took place July 4 to July 16 at Cowdray Park Polo Club. The iconic sport-inspired brand provided apparel for staff of both events and promoted both tournaments globally. U.S. Polo Assn. gifted the finalists of both the Gold Cup and Ladies Championships apparel from the brand’s newest line, USPA Pro. The USPA Pro line includes performance product for players, designed in collaboration with polo players.

“The historic Cowdray Gold Cup represents the tradition and heritage of the sport of polo, which is a shared distinction for U.S. Polo Assn.,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “We are honored to continue our partnership with Cowdray Park Polo Club for this year’s events, to further connect with our U.K. consumers and sports fans who love our authentic, sport-inspired brand and the sport of polo.”

Inaugurated in 1956 and played on the illustrious Cowdray Estate boasting 16,500 acres, the Cowdray Gold Cup remains one of the most prestigious high-goal awards in the United Kingdom and globally today. Steeped in history and tradition and located in the heart of England, Cowdray Park is recognized as the Home of English Polo with its first competitive polo tournaments dating back to 1910.

“Our partnership with U.S. Polo Assn. has been a significant success for the sport of polo in the U.K. and I look forward to continuing our work together for years to come,” said Andrew Swaffield, Chairman of Cowdray Park Polo Club. “Our members and spectators were also thrilled that this year’s Cowdray Gold Cup featured an exclusive apparel collaboration with U.S. Polo Assn., the Cowdray Park Capsule Collection.”

Cowdray Park prides itself on its strong heritage of sporting excellence, welcoming some of the top polo players from around the world. Guests caught the action as VIPs or spectators and enjoy the highest level in the sport of polo while experiencing the English charm of Cowdray Park.

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores as well as sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in 190 countries worldwide. Today, U.S. Polo Assn. is ranked the 28th largest licensor in the world and within the top five sports licensors, according to License Global magazine’s 2022 list of “Top Global Licensors.” Visit uspoloassnglobal.com.

USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and its exclusive worldwide licensor. USPAGL manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand and is the steward of the USPA‘s intellectual properties, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, the world’s leading digital platform with polo and lifestyle content. In addition, USPAGL partners with ESPN and beIN Sports globally to share the sport of polo broadcasts on television and on-demand to millions of viewers around the world. For more polo content visit globalpolo.com.

About Brand Machine Group–United Kingdom

The Brand Machine Group (BMG) is an international fashion brand owner and licensing specialist, housing a diverse and industry-leading portfolio of fashion, sports and outdoor brands including U.S. Polo Assn., across adults and childrenswear clothing and accessories. With more than 35 years of experience, Brand Machine Group specializes in global licensing, and partners with recognized market leaders to manage a seamless and collaborative process of designing, manufacturing, and delivering quality product whilst championing the DNA of its brands. Visit Brand Machine Group.

Both Ladies and Gold Cup Championships were Hosted at Historic Cowdray Park Polo Club WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./MIDHURST, U.K. (July 20, 2022) – U.S. Polo Assn. served again as the…

Europe, Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Named Official Apparel Partner of The British Beach Polo Championships 2022 in Sandbanks Beach, England

13. July 2022

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./POOLE, U.K. (July 12, 2022) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in collaboration with its U.K. licensee, Brand Machine Group (BMG), was the Official Apparel Partner for the British Beach Polo Championships 2022 played July 8-9 at Sandbanks Beach in Poole, England.

Through this partnership, U.S. Polo Assn. outfitted the polo players in custom jerseys, provided staff attire as well as branded caps for attendees, social media competitions, and global promotion of the event across various digital platforms. This is the second consecutive year U.S. Polo Assn. has partnered with the British Beach Polo Championships tournament.

Now in its 15th year, The British Beach Polo Championships, also known as Sandpolo, is the largest beach polo event in the world. Sandpolo is a unique way to watch and play the sport of polo on the stunning shores of Sandbanks Beach, a prestigious destination known for its luxury properties and pristine sand. A twist on traditional polo, Sandpolo is played with an oversized orange ball designed to be easily seen in the sand but still move at a high speed.

In the sold-out Sandbanks Beach Arena, thousands of Sandpolo fans were close enough to the action to see all the fast-paced competition between Team Whispering Angel and Team Singha during the two-day event. In the end, it was Team Whispering Angel (Chris Gregory, Adolfo Casabal & Hazel Jackson) that took the British Beach Championships 2022 title with a 19-11 victory against Team Singha (Garrie Renucci, Ollie Cork & Jimmy Wood).

“The U.K continues to be one of U.S. Polo Assn.’s fastest growing markets and we are thrilled to again partner with the British Beach Polo Championships to showcase another version of polo in a great destination,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “Aligning our growth strategy with Sandpolo is an opportunity to expose new fans and global consumers through an amazing experience to the sport of polo and the authenticity of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand.”

Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Sandpolo, the entertainment for players and attendees over the two-day event included glamorous after parties with themes of ‘Boogie on the Beach’ and ‘Encore Beach Party.’ Musical entertainment included a 14-Piece Ibiza Classics Orchestra, The Real Thing, Soul II Soul’s Jazzy B, and an array of DJs.

“We’d like to thank U.S. Polo Assn. for partnering with the British Beach Polo Championships as the Official Apparel Sponsor for the second year in a row,” said Johnny Wheeler, the Founder and Director of Sandpolo. “Now celebrating our 15th Year at Sandbanks, the Sandpolo event continues to receive great exposure and be an incredible experience, thanks in part to U.S. Polo Assn. and the love for polo from sports fans around the world.”

Worth noting, U.S. Polo Assn. and BMG has an aggressive growth strategy in the U.K, opening its first retail store at the McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, which houses the latest men’s and women’s collections from the global, sport-inspired brand. The elevated store design concept is set over 2000 sq. ft., complete with aspirational imagery, the brand’s signature stripe detailing, tech-driven touchless pay, and LED screens for streaming photoshoots and some of the world’s most exciting polo games.

Additional photos from the event available upon request.

U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)

USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and its exclusive worldwide licensor. USPAGL manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand and is the steward of the USPA‘s intellectual properties, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, the world’s leading digital platform with polo and lifestyle content. In addition, USPAGL partners with ESPN and beIN Sports globally to share the sport of polo broadcasts on television

and on-demand to millions of viewers around the world. For more polo content visit globalpolo.com.

About Brand Machine Group–United Kingdom

The Brand Machine Group (BMG) is an international fashion brand owner and licensing specialist, housing a diverse and industry-leading portfolio of fashion, sports and outdoor brands including U.S. Polo Assn., across adults and childrenswear clothing and accessories. With more than 35 years of experience, Brand Machine Group specializes in global licensing, and partners with recognized market leaders to manage a seamless and collaborative process of designing, manufacturing, and delivering quality product whilst championing the DNA of its brands. Visit Brand Machine Group.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./POOLE, U.K. (July 12, 2022) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in collaboration with its U.K. licensee, Brand Machine…

Europe, Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Named Official Apparel Partner for The British Beach Polo Championships 2021 in Poole, England

29. September 2021

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./POOLE, U.K. (September 28, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in collaboration with its U.K. licensee, Brand Machine Group, was the Official Apparel Partner for the British Beach Polo Championship 2021 played September 17-18 at Sandbanks Beach in Poole, England.

Through this partnership, U.S. Polo Assn. outfitted the polo players, provided staff outfitting, branded caps for attendees, and global promotion of the event across various digital platforms. This is the first year U.S. Polo Assn. has partnered with the British Beach Polo Championship tournament.

Now in its 14^th year, The British Beach Polo Championships, also known as Sandpolo, is the largest beach polo event in the world. Sandpolo is a unique way to watch and play the sport of polo on the stunning shores of Sandbanks Beach, a world-famous destination known for its luxury properties and pristine sand. A twist on traditional polo, Sandpolo is played with an oversized orange ball designed not to get lost in the sand but still move at a high speed.

In the sold-out Sandbanks Beach Arena, thousands of Sandpolo fans were close enough to the action to see all the fast-paced competition between Team Whispering Angel and Team Lightning Commercial Finance during the two-day event. In the end, it wasWhispering Angel (Chris Gregory, Hazel Jackson & Adolfo Casabal) that took the British Beach Championships 2021 title with a 19-14 victory against Team Lightening Commercial Finance (Garrie Renucci, Ollie Cork & Nick Van Open).

“With the U.K. being one of U.S. Polo Assn.’s most loyal and fastest growing markets, we were proud to be part of the exciting British Beach Polo Championships,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “We love that Sandpolo is yet another opportunity to expose new polo fans and global consumers to the sport and this brand in such a unique and fun way as Sandpolo.”

In advance of the event, there were sweepstakes opportunities for fans to win unique prizes and “a piece of the sport,” including a hospitality tent VIP experience and more than five hundred dollars’ worth of U.S. Polo Assn. brand gear and apparel.

“This year’s event received great exposure, thanks in part to U.S. Polo Assn.,” says Johnny Wheeler, the director of Sandpolo. “As the official brand of the United States Polo Association, this partnership for the 14^th Annual British Beach Polo Championships was a win-win for everyone involved.”

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./POOLE, U.K. (September 28, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in collaboration with its U.K. licensee, Brand Machine…

Europe, Polo News

Sandpolo returned to Sandbanks for a September weekend of beach arena polo and after parties

22. September 2021

The British Beach Polo Championships 2021 (Sandpolo) adjusted magnificently to the later September date hosting their 14^th year event over the weekend (Sept 17-18).

Blessed with an Indian Summer, the Blue Flag Beach with golden sand was drenched in its usual sunshine. Sold out with a capacity of 3,000 people on each day, spectators enjoyed a dynamic display of fast paced beach stadium polo.

This year was the inaugural year for the U.S. Polo Assn. as apparel partner for the event in collaboration with U.K. licensing partner Brand Machine Group.

© USPA

J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand said: “With the U.K. being one of U.S. Polo Assn.’s most loyal and fastest growing markets, we were proud to be part of the glamorous and exciting British Beach Polo Championships. We love that there are opportunities to expose new polo fans and global consumers to the sport in such a unique and fun way as Sandpolo.”

The gripping match result was a reflection of the equal strengths of both teams but it was the success of the strong team work from team Whispering Angel (Chris Gregory, Hazel Jackson, Adolfo Casabal) that took the British Beach Championships 2021 title with a 19 -14 victory against Team Lightening Commercial Finance (Garrie Renucci, Ollie Cork, Nick Van Open).

© USPA

It was the England Ladies Polo player ranked second in the world, Hazel Jackson’s first year playing on the Sandbanks beach and she said she hopes to be back in action there next year.

Most Valuable Player went to Adolfo Casabal who also won the spectacular charity race with polo pony racing across the sand against a 4 x 4. The Best Playing Pony came from Team Lightening and awarded to the mare Reggae and groom Gussie Thompson.

Andrew Spate was umpire over the two days whilst Simon Ledger kept spectators captivated with the amazing horseplay with his commentary over both days.

The after parties, always a big highlight at the event, did not disappoint and the celebratory mood was heightened after a year away. Party goers enjoyed the beach backdrop at Friday’s Boogie on the beach and there was an electric atmosphere at Saturday’s Gold closing party.

© USPA

Sandpolo Director, Johnny Wheeler said: ‘It is nothing short of a miracle that all of the infrastructure supplies event staff, security and players delivered this perfect event given the initial uncertainty we always had but it all came together. A perfect finale to the Summer season’.

The British Beach Polo Championships have confirmed that the event will back to the original July dates next year July 8^th – 9^th 2022.

The British Beach Polo Championships 2021 (Sandpolo) adjusted magnificently to the later September date hosting their 14th year event over the weekend (Sept 17-18). Blessed with an Indian Summer, the…

Europe, Polo News

Teams Announced and U.S. Polo Assn. Official Apparel Partner for British Beach Polo Championships 2021

13. September 2021

Now in its 14^th year, the British Beach Polo Championships (Sandpolo) is pleased to be staging the delayed 2021 event on 17-18 September on the spectacular blue flag Sandbanks beach, Poole, Dorset. The appetite from sponsors, players and supporters has been tremendous for this ‘end of season’ tournament. The 3,500-capacity beach stadium for each day is largely sold out.

Team Whispering Angel (Chris Gregory, Ebe Sievwright, Adolfo Casabal ) and Team Lightning Commercial Finance (Garrie Renucci, Jimmy Wood and Nick Rogerson) will be playing at 3.30 pm on each day. Fringe activities include the ever-popular 4×4 V pony charity race and the renowned beach after-parties.

U.S. Polo Assn. is to be the official apparel partner for the first time:

“U.S. Polo Assn., in collaboration with our U.K. licensing partner Brand Machine Group, is proud to serve as the Official Apparel Partner of the British Beach Polo Championships as it returns with great excitement after last years’ cancellation of virtually all sporting events,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “The U.K. is a strong market for the U.S. Polo Assn. global brand and Sandpolo is a wonderful way to expose new fans to the historic sport of polo.”

Sandpolo Director, Johnny Wheeler commented: ‘We are thrilled to be finally hosting this year’s event. U.S.Polo Assn. is an excellent fit for Sandpolo and we are looking forward to working closely together to bring polo to the wider audience.’

About U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through distribution through some 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce. U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories, footwear, travel and home goods in 180 countries worldwide. Recently ranked the fifth largest sports licensor in License Global magazine’s 2020 list of “Top 150 Global Licensors,” U.S. Polo Assn. is named alongside such iconic sports brands as the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com.

Brand Machine Group– United Kingdom

The Brand Machine Group (BMG) is an international fashion brand owner and licensing specialist, housing a diverse and industry-leading portfolio of fashion, sports and outdoor brands including U.S. Polo Assn., across adults and childrenswear clothing and accessories. With more than 35 years of experience, Brand Machine Group specialises in global licensing, and partners with recognized market leaders to manage a seamless and collaborative process of designing, manufacturing and delivering quality product whilst championing the DNA of its brands. Visit Brand Machine Group.

Now in its 14th year, the British Beach Polo Championships (Sandpolo) is pleased to be staging the delayed 2021 event on 17-18 September on the spectacular blue flag Sandbanks beach,…