SURREY, United Kingdom — UK-based Jamaican Sekou Torre McDonald is aiming to carve out a new chapter in the island’s sporting history as he seeks to use his 876 Polo Team to increase Jamaican representation in a sport often viewed as exclusive. This is while opening pathways for players from the island and the Diaspora to compete on the global stage.

McDonald explained that his journey into polo revealed a surprising connection between the sport and Jamaica.

“Before I started playing polo I didn’t know it was played in Jamaica, and it’s actually home to one of the oldest polo clubs in the world,” he said. “I want to create more opportunities for Jamaican players to play internationally and bring more exposure and polo tourism to my country.”

For McDonald, the formation of the team is as much about cultural identity as it is about competition.

“Creating 876 Polo Team is about representation and visibility. Jamaicans have global influence, and this team is about widening the narrative and ensuring that when young people look at the sport, they can see themselves in it,” he said.

Polo is often perceived as a sport dominated by wealthy players from traditional polo nations, but McDonald says there are misconceptions about the presence of people of colour within the sport.

“The general misconception I’ve experienced is that people of colour aren’t in this sport. Polo is big in Nigeria and Ghana, and being a black polo player in England I often get people assuming I’m from Africa,” he said. “I started the UK’s first Jamaican polo team to ensure people knew exactly where I’m from and that Jamaica’s in the building.”

Jamaica has a long history in polo, McDonald noted.

“Polo may not be widely associated with Jamaica but it’s home to one of the oldest polo clubs in the world, and to players who represent Jamaica globally,” he said. “Creating more exposure and awareness are some of the reasons I founded the team, and my hope is that we can add to the long-standing polo history that Jamaica already has.”

The initiative has received support from members of the Jamaican Diaspora and private backers overseas.

“We’ve received strong encouragement from members of the Diaspora and private supporters who understand the cultural significance of what we’re building,” McDonald said. “There’s growing interest as people begin to see 876 Polo as more than just a team. This is an exciting time for us.”

The team now operates independently.

876 Polo Team founder Sekou Torre McDonald (right) alongside teammate Casey Simmons. Carlton Mcleod photo

“The team has primarily been supported through private backing and strategic partnerships,” he said. “As the platform grows and our international presence strengthens, we hope to build deeper institutional relationships.”

McDonald says sponsorship would accelerate development, expand youth programmes, and support international competition.

“Sponsorship would create more opportunities for the team to continue growing and would enable things like youth programmes and more international tournaments,” he said. “We’ve a lot of dreams and goals to accomplish, and with sponsorship that would enable us to continue making them a reality.”

He also outlined the financial demands of the sport.

“Polo is one of the most resource-intensive sports in the world,” he said, citing expenses for horses, training, staff, tournaments, travel, and veterinary care. “Sustaining a competitive team requires serious financial commitment and long-term backing — that’s why strategic sponsorships and partnerships are critical.”

In the near term the team will focus on UK tournaments in 2026–27, expanding its Rum Challenge Trophy into an annual fixture, and entering select international invitationals from March 2027, starting with Jamaica.

“Absolutely,” he said when asked about representing Jamaica internationally. “The long-term ambition is to formally represent Jamaica in international polo tournaments. I’m laying the groundwork now and aim to play the US Open in the near future.”

Beyond polo, McDonald hopes to inspire young Jamaicans to pursue opportunities beyond traditional boundaries.

“That ‘No’ arena is off-limits. You don’t need to fit into someone else’s expectation of you or where you belong,” he said. “You’re not defined by your current circumstance. If you want it badly enough, you can achieve whatever you want.”

His ultimate dream is to hear the national anthem at a major polo tournament.

“Absolutely everything,” he said. “It would mean the world to me to know I did that for my country and my fellow countrymen; that’s icing on the cake.”

McDonald is also preparing to host his annual polo tournament, the Rum Challenge, expected in early September. Last year’s staging was held at Guards Polo Club, the official polo club of the British royal family.

MCDONALD…the general misconception I’ve experienced is that people of colour aren’t in this sportThe Art of Polo image