NATIONAL YOUTH TOURNAMENT SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP®

NATIONAL YOUTH TOURNAMENT SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP®

TOURNAMENT HISTORY

Established in 2013, the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) program provides outdoor clubs the framework for hosting USPA-sanctioned tournaments. Players age 19 and under holding a minimum -1 goal handicap are eligible to participate, allowing youth players the opportunity to compete against their peers. A unique and crucial step in developing a young player, the program instills valuable lessons about being a team player, while improving a participant's polo game.

At each qualifier, NYTS All-Stars are named for their exceptional horsemanship, sportsmanship and skill, both on and off the field. Players nominated as All-Stars are eligible for selection in their respective zones for the Championship® Cecil Smith Cup and NYTS Girls' Championship®.

The 2021 NYTS Championship®, hosted by Oak Brook Polo Club, Las Brisas Polo Club, Morgan Creek Polo Club, Due West Polo Club and the Chicago Polo Association features four teams competing for both the NYTS Championship® Cecil Smith Cup and the NYTS Girls’ Championship®. As the NYTS program has grown over the past 8 years, NYTS Chair, Chrys Beal, set a goal to introduce and expand a girls’ division. The USPA is proud to host four girls’ teams at the Championship level in 2021. Each Open team will be paired with a Girls’ team for the week and attend team meetings and each other's game to further promote camaraderie and increase coaching and learning time.

The 2020 National Youth Tournament Series Championship® featured a rematch between Florida Region and reigning 2019 champions, Eastern Region. Florida Region secured early control of the game and were able to raise the Cecil Smith Cup in their home region with a 10.5-4 victory.

The 2021 NYTS Championship® Semifinal games will be held on Friday, September 10, at Las Brisas Polo Club with the final on Sunday, September 12 at Oak Brook Polo Club.

The Open Division is comprised of four teams: Eastern Region, Central Region, Western Region and this year the fourth team, includes four players selected based on handicap and eligibility to create a wild card team. Among this year's competition is Active Team USPA Member Winston Painter representing the Eastern Region.

2020 National Youth Tournament Series Championship® Cecil Smith Cup Champions: Florida Region - Landen Daniels, Hope Arellano, Jack Whitman, Finn Secunda. ©David Lominska