NEWS

September 17-18, La Loma Polo Club interscholastic polo team, based out of Member Club Las Canchas Polo Club in Guatemala City, Guatemala, traveled to Santa Clara Polo Club in Alajuela, Costa Rica, to play the first leg of the Central American Youth Arena Championship. After two games, La Loma was victorious outscoring the opposing Santa Clara - Costa Rica team 22-18.

Begun only two years ago, with the help of Border Circuit Governor Dan Coleman, the team is managed by Jorge Raul “Coky” Molina. Molina began working with youth programs four years ago when his son Raul Molina started competing in international youth tournaments in Guatemala. Coky Molina encouraged his two stepdaughters, Ana and Marcela Novales, and niece, Sofia Novales, to join Raul Molina and form an interscholastic team. With the help of Team USPA member Sebastian Aycinena, the two organized practice sessions and practice games for the kids on a more frequent basis and gradually, the team began to evolve and become more competitive.

Last year, Coleman and his youth team were invited to play in the annual Central American Arena Youth Championship. During the tournament, Molina arranged two interscholastic games, which qualified La Loma for the Central Regional Interscholastic Open Preliminary in Houston, Texas, in February 2016. Their first trip to an interscholastic tournament, La Loma put up a valiant effort but were defeated by more experienced teams. “On the bright side, the kids enjoyed the company of the other teams and made new friends. They also got a glimpse of what they can look forward to if they continue to play together as a team,” said Coky Molina.

Next week, the Las Canchas Polo Club will host the National Arena Delegates Cup as well as another youth tournament. USPA Umpire Ronnie Hayes will officiate. “We are looking forward to this tournament once again as the finale to our arena season,” said Coky Molina.