British Forces Foundation stick and ball – Meet The Team
After a morning round of golf, the British players had a chance to get acquainted with the horses they will be playing in todays feature match at 5pm. It also gave them a chance to get used to playing in South Florida’s climate.
Rupert Lewis: Currently serving in the British Army as a Major in the Household Cavalry. Enjoyed both horses that he practiced and looks forward to playing them in todays match. He has played on the British Forces Foundation team a few times before and is a long time friend of Mark Cann.
Matthew Blakiston: Is a Veteran of the British Army, up until 2 years ago he was working in Reconnoissance, Intelligence and Training for the British Army. Matthew Enjoyed the horses that he had a chance to stick and ball and is excited to play them. Matthew thinks that, to spite what they lack on handicap against the US Army Polo Team, they will make up for it with the number of times the Brits have played together. He has helped Mark Cann with his fundraising efforts and has played on the British Forces Foundation polo team before.
Phillip Kaye: Is a Veteran of the British Army (Captain), he served 7 years and was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Phillip got on well with the horses, he has not been on a horse in 9 months, this was his first time back in the saddle after a major accident. Phillip said “I was a bit nervous, but they are absolutely lovely horses and I got my confidence fully back.” Phillip has been riding horses his whole life, and was even able to play some inter-regimental matches during his active duty thanks to the British Forces Foundation.
Mark Cann: Served for 12 years in the 17/21 Lancers “Death or Glory” (Major). Mark saw several major conflicts, Gulf War, Kosovo and Bosnia. While not technically on Active-duty, Mark is still in Afghanistan about every 6 months. Mark has been the Chief Executive of the British Forces Foundation for the last 12 years. Mark also produces all of the BFF shows. He remarked how lovely the horse are. Mark believes that the Brits have the horse advantage going in to this game, but the Americans are on home-turf and are a higher rated team. He fancies his teams chances if they can “Score early and settle…”
The British Forces Foundation provides entertainment and special programs to the troops of the British Armed Forces. It is equivalent to what the USO strives to do for American troops.
The match today is at 5pm at Grand Champions Polo Club.
The match will also be streamed live at http://www.chukker.tv by PoloNow
The field is located at: 13444 Southfields rd. Wellington FL 33414
For more info please call: 561-644-5050 or visit: http://grandchampionspoloclub.org