UK-based 876 Polo to visit for exhibition game

IN A significant milestone for Jamaican polo, 876 Polo — the UK’s first Jamaican polo team — will return to the island for a special exhibition match against a combined US-UK squad at Kingston Polo Club at Caymanas Estates on Sunday.

While polo has an established presence in Jamaica, this event marks the first time a UK-based Jamaican polo team will showcase the island’s international polo talent on home soil, celebrating the connection between Jamaica’s local polo tradition and its growing global influence in the sport.

Long known as the ‘Sport of Kings’ and played by royalty and aristocracy throughout history, polo represents the pinnacle of sporting exclusivity. Now, 876 Polo is breaking barriers and redefining who belongs in this prestigious arena.

“Bringing 876 Polo to Jamaica represents the fulfilment of a dream,” says Sekou Torre McDonald, founder of 876 Polo.

“Through this exhibition, we aim to show the world that Jamaicans not only play polo but are true contenders in the global arena. We want to celebrate our heritage and provide a platform for future generations of Jamaican athletes to thrive in this prestigious sport.”

McDonald, who was introduced to polo by a friend just five years ago, quickly became hooked on the sport. Now serving as the patron of 876 Polo, he has transformative ambitions for the team and the sport in Jamaica.

McDonald’s vision extends beyond this exhibition with plans to take 876 Polo on a global tour. His ultimate goal is to develop homegrown talent, specifically seeking players born and raised in Jamaica to represent the nation on international polo fields.

“My mission is to create pathways for Jamaican-born players to excel in polo at the highest levels,” McDonald explains.

“We’ll be travelling worldwide to compete, but more importantly, to show that Jamaica belongs in this sport. I’m committed to finding and developing polo talent right here on the island — players who will carry their Jamaican heritage proudly on the global stage.”

This exhibition match will feature 876 Polo’s polo-skilled players, including top-tier Jamaican talent, such as McDonald, Paul Lalor, and Cameron Waites, playing against the US polo team members Dale Johnson and Noah Dabney. The event will include music, drinks, and food on sale, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates polo and Jamaican culture.

876 Polo’s diverse makeup and commitment to cultural inclusion has garnered international attention as they successfully blend the aristocratic traditions of polo with Jamaica’s rich heritage.