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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
JOINING & MEMBERSHIP
How do I join? Fill out the new members form in the Linktree in our Instagram bio (@durhamunipolo). All general club info is in our handbook, which is also linked there. How much is the annual membership fee? We offer three membership types: * Full Playing: £115 * Leisure: £70 * Social: £25 What's included in membership? Detailed information regarding memberships can be found on our "Memberships" page. Are all lessons free once I'm a member? Lessons aren't included in the membership fee. Membership fees mainly help us cover fuel costs so we can drive you to and from training. Here's what each membership gets you: * Full Playing (£115): For anyone who wants to train regularly or compete for Durham. It's required to play in tournaments. You get unlimited access to lessons, plus land training, club kit and stash, and socials. * Leisure (£70): For anyone who wants to play more casually. You get up to 3 lessons per term, land training, access to club kit and stash, priority for DUPC ticketed events, a reduced member's price and priority table applications for ball tickets, and access to socials. You can upgrade to Full Playing at any time. * Social (£25): For anyone who wants to be part of the social side of the club. You get priority access to DUPC socials and events. Are memberships limited? Will I miss out if I wait? No, memberships aren't limited, so you won't miss out. Can I join once I've arrived in Durham or partway through term? Yes. You can buy a membership at any point during term and join lessons from then on. I've bought a membership. When will I hear back? You should be added within 2 days of purchasing. If you haven't heard anything by then, message us on Instagram at @durhamunipolo. Can alumni become members? What perks do they get? Yes! Alumni can join our alumni WhatsApp group for free using the link in our Linktree. We'll keep you up to date with events, tournaments, stash releases, and any other DUPC news and opportunities. Can postgrads and international students join? Yes, absolutely.
TASTER SESSIONS
When are the taster sessions? All taster sessions this Michaelmas are on Sunday 4 October. How do I sign up? Through the Fixr ticket link in the Linktree in our Instagram bio. What's included in a taster session? Each session has two parts. First, a ground session where you'll learn the basics, like how to hold a mallet, the polo riding position, and how to hit the ball. Then a horseback session where you put it all into practice. Full details are on the Fixr page and in the caption of our taster session post. Where are sessions held, and how do I get there? We train off-site with Dart Polo Academy in Lincolnshire. Our designated drivers take groups to lessons and back, as part of a subsidised lesson fee. I've played before. Should I do a taster? Tasters are mainly for people who've never tried polo. If you've already played, we'd recommend going straight for a full membership. Experience & ability Is the club suitable for total beginners? Yes, we're super beginner-friendly! Most of our members had never played polo before coming to Durham, and our coach is very experienced at teaching beginners. I'm not a confident rider, or haven't ridden in a while. Can I still join? Yes, completely fine. Our beginner lessons focus on polo riding and building your confidence on horseback. I'm an experienced player (handicapped, or played for another uni). How do I get involved with the team? We'll put you in a team that matches your ability. If we don't have enough players at your level to make a full team, you'll play in a combined team with players of a similar level from other universities.
LESSONS & TRAINING
Do you offer riding lessons? Not specifically. If you'd like to work on your riding, we can point you to a local riding school where DUET (Durham University Equestrian Team) and DUES (Durham University Equestrian Society) train. Is there a hitting cage or wooden horse in Durham? Not at the moment. We're planning to run hand-mallet sessions to help members improve their swing and hitting. How often are lessons, and how do I book them? Usually 2–3 a week, depending on driver availability. Lessons are announced in the WhatsApp group and places are allocated through sign-ups.
KIT & EQUIPMENT
What do I need for a taster session? Just shoes you can ride in and jeans or jodhpurs. If you have a riding helmet, bring it. If not, don't worry, because helmets and sticks are provided. Do I need to buy my own equipment as a member? It's not essential, but it is encouraged. Does the club have equipment I can borrow? Yes, we have spare helmets, knee pads and mallets.
STASH & CLUB SOCIAL COMMUNITY
Can I buy club stash (e.g. a Durham polo shirt)? This year's stash is in the works! We'll announce on Instagram and WhatsApp when it's available to buy. Alumni will also have access to stash drops. Is there a group chat? Yes. You'll be added once you've bought one of our three membership types. Do you run socials? Yes, we hold the best socials every second week.
OTHER
Who do I contact with other questions? DM us on Instagram at @durhamunipolo.