ONE?OF?THE?highlights of the Battle of the Sexes polo final last Sunday was the debut of 14-year-old Joshua Archer.
Josh, as he is commonly called, is the son of Monique and Wayne Archer, architects and founding members of the Battle of the Sexes tournament, which they conceptualised and started 12 years ago.
His late grandfather, Tony Archer, was a founding member of the Barbados Polo Club, who represented Barbados against several overseas teams back in the 1950s and 1960s. His other grandfather, Bjorn Bjerkham, is a veteran polo enthusiast, who played the game for many years.
Josh’s mum Monique, apart from playing in several of the 12 tournaments to date, is also one of Barbados’ leading equestrian riders having successfully represented the country in several international events. His dad Wayne is the newly elected BPC’s president and an avid two-goal handicapped player.
Given his background, is it no surprise that the third year student of Providence Secondary School ended up playing polo.
Josh said last Sunday’s event was a dream came true.
“I always wanted the opportunity to play on the big stage and against good opposition,” he told SUNSPORT.
“Even though it was a little frustrating and a little tougher than I was expecting, I still enjoyed the game. I was not getting the ball as often as I would have liked but being part of the winning team and playing alongside my dad was a wonderful feeling.”
The Archers were thrilled by their son’s debut.
“It was a wonderful feeling watching Josh come of age and playing alongside his dad. Words cannot describe the feeling,” Monique said. “I was so happy and elated watching him rub shoulders with the more experienced players on the field.”
Dad Wayne added: “Whether we had won, lost or drawn the game was secondary, just having my son playing alongside me in his first big game was a dream come true.”
The teenager is firmly set on playing in a professional league.
“My aim is to play the game at the highest level, so it means I will have to play as often and as best as I can so that can be rated at the highest possible handicap,” he said.
“After that I would like to play in the big countries with and against other top-ranked players from around the world. One day, I may be able to represent Barbados possibly at the Olympics.”
Josh was full of praise for his parents and trainer Martin Fuester, who he said banded together to help him to reach this level.
He now joins a growing list of young enthusiastic polo players that includes Christansia Evelyn, Jake Bayley, Ashleigh Deane and her brother Adam Deane.
