Villages Polo Names Polo Director
By Alex Webbe
The Villages Polo Club has appointed 39-year-old Stuart Campbell as its new Director of Polo.
“We’re thrilled to have a player of Stuart’s experience and background in this position,” said Director of Marketing, Ron Allen. “Having played here for the past nine years, he’s become very popular with our local spectators and fits in nicely with the casual atmosphere of polo of our club.”
The former resident professional at the Sarasota Polo Club, Campbell comes to The Villages with skills that range from professional player to instructor to certified USPAumpire. His talents as a teaching professional will be another asset that he will put to use at The Villages Polo Club as he will be attempting to grow the ranks of players by not only recruiting existing players but by creating new ones through an exciting new polo school program.
As for his attitude toward the fans at The Villages, Campbell claims them to be among the very best in the world.
“I have never seen a more enthusiastic fan base in all my playing days,” he said. “The fans here are not only enthusiastic but well informed. They know the game and are not embarrassed to cheer on good plays or take you to task if you make a bad play,” he added.
“As a player it means a lot to have the fans out there cheering you on. People who travel to the Villages always comment on how great the fan support is,” said Campbell.
A new twist that will be offered under Campbell will be the availability of club horses that will allow players to fly in or drive to The Villages without trailering in their own horses and be able to enjoy the complete Villages polo experience.
“My goal is to make The Villages a fun place to play polo-a place where people line up to play,” he said.
Campbell wants to grow the club by not only recruiting players but by cultivating local talent as well. “I want to get some new local players,” he stresses. “I want to get my hands on interested kids and adults who I can train through polo lessons, clinics and camps,” he added. “We have to build the club from within as well as by attracting outside talent.”
“I was overwhelmed by the impact of the packed stadium and the manicured fields from my very first visit to The Villages,” said Campbell, “and nothing has changed that perception.”
“The challenges are many,” he admits, but Campbell is confident that he is at the right place at the right time.