Report for the IPC Meeting Wednesday 15th July 2009
Since the last meeting of the IPC in 2007, the UKPA has been busy setting up the company to run the 2011 World Cup. A venue has been secured and all involved are very excited. A separate report is tabled.
We have been very active in trying to grow the sport and take it to as wider audience as possible. We continue to have very close links with the Pony Club, and have recently been very active with British Riding clubs and University Riding Clubs.
This year we engaged the services of a marketing company, and they have just informed us that we will be giving a demonstration at the Blenheim Horse Trials 3 day event in September.
The membership figures are quite static, but we feel with all the recent efforts and the 2011 World Cup, we should see an increase over the next few years.
We continue to host the annual European Challenge. This has proved very popular, and we are looking forward to their involvement in the World cup event.
In 2008 we hosted a very successful tour from Australia. Exciting Polocrosse was played by both Teams
We are looking forward to the games against South Africa at the weekend..
This year we have also had a successful Development tour to Ireland, and we are sending under 16’s to NSW Australia.
We continue to develop our Coaching and Umpiring accreditation schemes.
This year will be my last as UKPA Chairman, after 10 years it is time for someone else to take over the reins and guide our Association to new levels.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my friends from around the World for all the help given to the UK. May this continue.
Dave Brookes
UKPA