FIS Polo Kids – Frankfurter Poloclub

Polo Kids Frankfurt – Cooperation Program with Frankfurt International School

Polo is more than a sport — it is a learning experience that combines movement, strategy, teamwork, and connection. Through the cooperation between Frankfurt International School (FIS) and the Frankfurter Polo Club, students can explore an athletic pathway rooted in heritage, international exchange, and personal growth.

Why Polo for Children?

Polo offers a rare combination of physical, social, and cognitive benefits. Children learn to:

develop coordination, balance, and body awareness
read changing situations and anticipate what comes next
make decisions under time pressure
cooperate with teammates and communicate clearly
stay focused when things are difficult and grounded when things go well
build resilience, focus, and emotional self-regulation

Although fast and exciting, polo places great emphasis on awareness, teamwork, and decision-making — skills that support children far beyond the field.

A Programme Designed for Young Learners

Under the guidance of the professional coaches of the Frankfurt Polo School, students progress step-by-step through riding skills that build progressively from their starting level, stick-and-ball technique, strategy, and game understanding. Beginners are welcome; no riding or polo experience is required.

Parents are welcome to attend sessions and observe progress — a part of polo culture that many families enjoy.

Looking Beyond Frankfurt

Polo has a strong educational tradition in leading schools around the world. Through established youth and school polo networks in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Argentina, long-term opportunities exist for:

student exchanges and youth tournaments
cultural and language exposure
mentoring and leadership development
holiday camps and training programmes

These perspectives will be explored together with FIS as the programme grows.

Who teaches the program?

Brad Rainford-Blackett is an experienced British polo professional (international handicap: +3, German handicap: +2) with an international background in both competition and coaching. He has worked with polo organisations in Europe and Australia, and previously built and led a successful polo academy in Liechtenstein, supporting young players from their first introduction to the sport through to competitive play.

Brad combines strong technical expertise with a coaching style that is clear, energetic, and confidence-building. He is known for making complex skills accessible, keeping sessions dynamic, and helping children feel motivated, engaged, and ready to take on new challenges.

His coaching approach is built on three foundations

Structure and Clarity

Polo requires coordination, timing, and strategic thinking. Brad breaks these components into manageable steps and predictable routines, helping students understand the game and make thoughtful decisions.

Encouragement and Connection

Brad builds quick rapport with young players, creating an atmosphere where they feel supported and confident to try, communicate, and collaborate. This fosters teamwork, enjoyment, and social connection — core elements of polo culture.

Resilience and Leadership

The sport teaches children to adapt, manage pressure, and learn from experience. Brad encourages players to approach challenges with courage and sportsmanship, developing confidence, problem-solving skills, and emerging leadership.

Through these pillars, Brad balances skill development with the broader values of polo — teamwork, strategy, courage, and global connection — making the sport a meaningful and rewarding experience for young learners.

Languages: English (native), German (conversational), Spanish (conversational).

Assistant Coach

Melisa Rondic is a Frankfurt-based polo coach with over 15 years of experience in the sport and a strong professional background in working with horses and young riders. She specialises in teaching children aged 5 to 10 and is widely appreciated for her calm presence, patience, and ability to create a safe and positive learning atmosphere.

Melisa’s coaching is especially suited for younger students and first-time riders. Her sessions are structured and confidence-building, helping children feel secure while developing coordination, balance, and early polo skills in a playful and motivating way.

What makes Melisa’s role unique is her combination of teaching and organisational responsibility. She is deeply involved in daily stable operations and event coordination, bringing a high level of reliability, risk awareness, and attention to detail. She has successfully organised children’s programmes and events with up to 30 participants, always ensuring clear supervision, safety routines, and well-prepared structures.

Her approach goes beyond sport: Melisa focuses on empathy, teamwork, respect for the horse, and the steady personal growth of each child — making polo an experience that is both athletic and emotionally supportive.

Languages: German, English, Spanish, Serbian

Learn More

A dedicated FAQ section for FIS families can be downloaded here.
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We look forward to welcoming Frankfurt International School students and families into the world of polo and to building a long-term, meaningful cooperation between our communities.