A one-on-one coaching program for young players has been announced by Polo NSW.

Selected participants will have one-on-one coaching sessions with senior professional players.

Polo NSW director James Harper is leading the initiative designed to accelerate the progress of emerging players.

“Each participating professional will be matched with a selected young player and spend an hour or two focused on helping that player,” he said.

“We might focus on riding or hitting techniques, or scenarios like where to stand for a hit-in, or how to dominate at line-outs.”

“Sometimes we might team up a few players and work on match-play situations.”

Each participating professional will be matched with a selected young player and then spend some time one-on-one coaching with them through the season.”

Senior players participating in the program include James Harper, Sam Hopkinson, Raul Laplacette, Bautista Panelo and Lachie Gilmore.

Juniors will be selected by Polo NSW, and coaching sessions will take place at a suitable time and place for both juniors and pros.

Polo NSW President Jeremy Bayard lauded the professionals for their contribution to developing the next generation.

“What a generous gesture from our top players.”

“This is succession planning for the sport for the next couple of decades."

“We need to get our emerging players from zero and 1 goal up to 3, 4, and 5 goals to underpin the high-goal playing cohort."

“This is such a great opportunity for our young players to learn from our best.”

The first session will start this spring and then roll out again in autumn. Participating young players will be selected based on demonstrated enthusiasm to improve; participation in organized coaching, other training/information clinics; exemplary on-and off-field behavior; sportsmanship.

There’s no need for players to nominate - all young players are being constantly watched.

Enquiries can be directed to nsw@australianpolo.com.au