Polo Club: Welfare Officer

Having been involved in both the academic and social sides of university life since starting at UCL, I believe I would be a suitable candidate for a welfare role because I understand how much a society’s atmosphere shapes whether people stay engaged or quietly drift away. From group coursework, training sessions, and organising small informal meet-ups, I have seen how people participate more confidently when they feel comfortable rather than judged, and that sense of ease usually comes from consistent, approachable support rather than big formal initiatives. I have took part in peer support situations before where what people needed was not perfect advice, but someone steady to listen and help them find the right direction, whether that meant pointing them toward university services or just making sure they were not dealing with things alone. If elected, I would focus on running regular low-pressure welfare activities such as coffee drop-ins, short post-training check-ins, and occasional study or decompression sessions during heavier academic periods, because small, repeatable spaces often works better than one-off events. My aim would be to help build an environment where members feel able to show up as themselves, speak if something feels off, and know there is always someone in the society paying attention rather than assuming everything is fine.

I grew up around horses and started playing polo at Durham before coming to UCL. Since joining UCL Polo I have been involved from the early stages of the club, attending the first taster session and helping organise the club’s first tournament against Durham as well as the St Moritz Snow Polo tour.

As Welfare Secretary, my focus will be ensuring the club remains a welcoming and supportive environment for all members. Polo can be difficult to start, so it is important that beginners feel supported both during lessons and at tournaments.

I will run a weekly Welfare Hour where members can speak confidentially about any concerns or simply take time away from the pressures of university and sport. I also want to increase welfare support at matches and tournaments so players feel encouraged and supported when competing.

Alongside this, I would like to expand the club’s work with polo and equestrian charities. This would support good causes within the sport while also giving members opportunities to work on meaningful projects within the wider polo community.

My aim is to help maintain a supportive and inclusive club where everyone feels comfortable getting involved and progressing within the sport.