Aspire Sports Turf

Aspire Sports Turf (AST) serves as the Center of Excellence, driving research, development, construction, and education in the pursuit of natural sports turf excellence. Our commitment extends to sports facilities across Qatar and the Middle East, where we have established a reputation as trailblazers, renowned for pioneering innovative and imaginative solutions in turf design, construction, and maintenance throughout the region. At AST, our guiding principles revolve around embracing technology and innovation, fostering environmental awareness, and championing sustainability in every facet of turf management.

The Official FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Turf Delivery Services Consultants.

Services

Leveraging our team's extensive expertise, cultivated over years of experience in the Middle East and on the global stage at the highest levels of the industry, AST delivers unparalleled turf consultancy services in the Middle East. Furthermore, our affiliation with the esteemed STRI Group grants us access to cutting-edge, field-proven turf insights, which we readily share with our valued customers.

Research & Development

Through our extensive affiliations with the renowned STRI Group's esteemed turf research programs in the UK, Australia, and the USA, AST brings forth a diverse range of turf-related research services tailored to our clients in Qatar and the Middle East. With our Research and Development (R&D) Centre equipped with essential testing facilities and maintenance services, AST is exceptionally well-positioned to conduct comprehensive turf research across Qatar and the Middle East region.

Design & Project Management

Amidst the ongoing development surge in Qatar and the Middle East, the creation of thoughtfully designed and precisely constructed turf facilities for sports and leisure is the key to their lasting success and efficiency. We stand ready to deliver comprehensive design and project management services for all types of turf surfaces, guaranteeing that every aspect of the site is meticulously managed to achieve the most favorable outcomes.

Turf Management

Elevating a turf surface to its utmost performance standard is a true mastery. Our team of seasoned turf managers is adept at tailoring site-specific management programs and overseeing their implementation to ensure the desired outcomes are met at any venue.

Event Management

Within the context of an event, the quality and durability of a turf surface can exert a considerable influence over the event's ultimate success. We partner with the event management teams to provide planning and execution services for turf surfaces that smoothly integrate with the overall event agenda.

Training

At AST, we have designed specialized Turf Management Training Programs specifically for the turf management industry in Qatar. These programs are primarily focused on providing comprehensive education in the domains of Turf Maintenance, Turf Construction, and Turf Repair. Each area is subdivided into various levels and subjects, equipping trainees with the essential knowledge needed to excel in their daily turf management roles in Qatar.

Turf Farm

A stipulation implemented for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and one that remains applicable for all forthcoming events, is the provision of top-tier turf repair services throughout the entire operational period of event match and training venues. Our on-site turf farm serves as a valuable asset for the development of robust management and training systems that can be harnessed in the execution of the overarching turf repair strategy for these venues.

8.4

ACRES OF TURF

Competition Pitches

125

Training Pitches

Turf Farms

Projects

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

TURF MANAGEMENT DESIGN AND DELIVERY CONSULTANCY

Client

Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC)

Project Duration

November 2016 – December 2022

AST established a strategic partnership with the SC Technical Delivery Office, assuming the role of Subject Matter Experts for all sports turf-related activities crucial to the successful staging of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Within this collaborative effort, we closely collaborated with SC staff to provide expert guidance and hands-on involvement in shaping Turf Logistics plans. Our contributions extended across various vital areas, including cutting-edge research initiatives, meticulous pitch design strategies, ongoing turf management protocols, and efficient tournament operations. Additionally, we played a key role in designing comprehensive training programs to equip contractors with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the tournament's high standards. Our collaboration was instrumental in ensuring that the tournament's sports turf aspects were executed flawlessly, contributing significantly to its overall success.

Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium

CLIENT

Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC)

CAPACITY

45,032

COUNTRY

Qatar

Turf Lay

1st July 2021

Design
Construction Planning and Supervision
Maintenance Planning, Supervision, and Consultancy

Al Bayt Stadium

CLIENT

Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC)

CAPACITY

68,895

COUNTRY

Qatar

Turf Lay

27th April 2021

Design
Construction Planning and Supervision
Maintenance Planning, Supervision, and Consultancy

Al Janoub Stadium

CLIENT

Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC)

CAPACITY

44,325

COUNTRY

Qatar

Turf Lay

29th April 2021

Design
Construction Planning and Supervision
Maintenance Planning, Supervision, and Consultancy

Al Thumama Stadium

CLIENT

Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC)

CAPACITY

44,400

COUNTRY

Qatar

Turf Lay

1st April 2021

Design
Construction Planning and Supervision
Maintenance Planning, Supervision, and Consultancy

Education City Stadium

CLIENT

Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC)

CAPACITY

44,667

COUNTRY

Qatar

Turf Lay

4th March 2021

Design
Construction Planning and Supervision
Maintenance Planning, Supervision, and Consultancy

Khalifa International Stadium

CLIENT

Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC)

CAPACITY

45,857

COUNTRY

Qatar

Turf Lay

12th May 2021

Design
Construction Planning and Supervision
Maintenance Planning, Supervision, and Consultancy

Lusail Stadium

CLIENT

Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC)

CAPACITY

88,966

COUNTRY

Qatar

Turf Lay

2nd September 2021

Design
Construction Planning and Supervision
Maintenance Planning, Supervision, and Consultancy

974 Stadium

CLIENT

Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC)

CAPACITY

44,089

COUNTRY

Qatar

Turf Lay

21st April 2021

Design
Construction Planning and Supervision
Maintenance Planning, Supervision, and Consultancy

FULL DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR IRRIGATION UPGRADE

CLIENT

Ministry of Sports and Youth (MSY)

Project Duration

16th June – 30th June 2016

The irrigation upgrade for Al Sadd Stadium's main pitch reached completion in June 2016, with all work finalized in a remarkably short two-week timeframe from the start of on-site operations. This contract represented a groundbreaking agreement, as it mandated that all necessary materials be on-site before the commencement of work, a pioneering approach. Notably, the irrigation system installed in Al Sadd Stadium is a first-of-its-kind innovation, featuring individual control for each sprinkler – an industry-standard technology seen in major stadiums worldwide.

SPECIALIST TURF MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY

CLIENT

Ministry of Sports and Youth (MSY)

Project Duration

July 2016 – Ongoing

Starting in July 2016, Aspire Sports Turf took on the role of full Turf Management responsibility under the Ministry of Sports and Youth. This responsibility was aimed at enhancing local Turf Maintenance and Playing Standards for the local football grounds within Qatar. Our team continue to supervise the main Pitches of all the stadiums and training sites. Our services encompass a comprehensive turf management consultancy, including surface performance testing, on-site supervision, pitch usage management, maintenance and renovation oversight, and the development of technical plans for pitch construction, along with on-site training.

MSY Venues

Al Gharafa
Al Wakrah
Al Sadd
Al Ahli
Al Arabi
Qatar Sports Club
Al Shamal
Al Duhail
Al Markhiya
Al Kharatiyat
Umm Salal
Al Shahaniya
Al Sailiya
Muaither
Mesaimeer

AST RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

CLIENT

Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC)

Project Duration

May 2016 – Ongoing

In May 2016, AST initiated plans for a specialized research facility. Subsequently, we executed the design and establishment of the AST R&D Centre, strategically positioned at the outskirts of the Aspire Sports Turf offices. This cutting-edge center encompasses two distinct zones: one dedicated to Scientific R&D, with a primary focus on the Signature Pitch and Turf Maintenance Programs, while the other serves as a valuable Turf Farm resource, facilitating ongoing research and development efforts related to Turf Repair Methods. It's worth noting that both sites are presently fully operational, with continuous R&D activities underway.

FULL PLANNING AND DELIVERY OF JASSIM BIN HAMAD STADIUM RETURF

CLIENT

Ministry of Sports and Youth (MSY) and Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC)

Project Duration

11th - 14th June 2016

We efficiently coordinated and supervised a groundbreaking project, marking the debut of big roll warm season turf installation in a stadium venue within Qatar. The project encompassed a total pitch area of 8,050 square meters and involved the utilization of big roll turf, with each roll spanning approximately 13 meters. Notably, this re-turfing initiative, sourced from the AST R&D Centre, was executed with remarkable efficiency, taking just over 14 ½ hours to complete. Importantly, it comfortably met the ambitious timeframe of 16 hours, as stipulated by the SC.

AL UQDA RACETRACK, Al khor

CLIENT

Ministry of Sports and Youth (MSY)

Project Duration

April 2021 - Ongoing

AST stands out in a diverse range of services designed to elevate track quality and performance to the pinnacle of industry standards. Our expertise includes selecting specialized equipment, notably larger and equipped with the correct tires for minimal footprints compared to standard football pitch equipment. We meticulously choose Ryegrass varieties, including Diploid and Tetraploid blends, strategically managing oversewing to ensure rapid growth, reaching a height of cut of 100mm within just one month. We employ advanced water management tools, design custom fertilizer and chemical programs, and adhere to strict turf cultural standards for mowing, grooming, and vacuuming. All these efforts culminate in presenting a uniform dense mat of turf that can withstand the rigors of the Al Uqda horse training and racing schedule, ensuring a top-quality track presentation.

STAFF

Wayne Holmes

Director

With 29 years of dedicated experience in the field of sports turfgrass management, 15 of which in the Middle East. Wayne has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the way we think about and maintain sports turf. His career has been driven by a deep passion for both turfgrass and technology, believing that a well-maintained turf not only enhances the quality of sports but also contributes to the well-being of athletes. Wayne has achieved numerous milestones in the sports turf industry, with his innovative approach playing a pivotal role in ensuring top-notch playing surfaces for athletes at all levels. With a strong belief that the foundation of sports excellence lies beneath our feet, a well-maintained turf is not just grass; it's the canvas upon which athletes create their masterpieces. It's Wayne’s mission to provide them with the best canvas possible.

Greg Bolton

Senior Consultant

Greg is a highly experienced Groundsman and Head Groundsman renowned for managing top-tier playing surfaces across the UK and Europe. His career highlights include overseeing grounds at the Madejski Stadium, where he managed various events such as Premier League football, rugby matches, concerts, and film shoots. At Craven Cottage and the London Stadium, Greg maintained pitch quality for numerous high profile events. Recently, Greg achieved significant acclaim for his role as consultant during the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. His meticulous management ensured impeccable playing surfaces throughout the tournament, showcasing his expertise under the global spotlight of one of the world's most prestigious sporting events. Greg also provides consultancy services and has advised on pitch management strategies, including overseeing operations for Leicester City Football Club at Oud Haverlee Leuven Football Club's training ground.

Stefan Sheraton

Senior Consultant

Stefan is an accomplished Sports Field Consultant, backed by an illustrious career spanning over 25 years. During this period, he has excelled in the meticulous management of diverse sports turf surfaces, ranging from the precision demanded by football pitches to the demanding intricacies of cross-country courses and golf trails. His profound expertise extends to the domains of soil testing and irrigation management. Stefan's standout talent lies in his knack for selecting the right turfgrass varieties to match specific, fostering superior playing conditions. Stefan's exceptional skills in crafting and executing tailor-made maintenance programs have consistently optimized playing surfaces, exceeding the highest expectations of clients. Beyond his technical expertise, he distinguishes himself as a compelling communicator and collaborative team player, consistently going the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction.

Adrian Black

Turf and Landscape Manager

Adrian is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in Turf Management and Horticulture, where he has refined his skills in sports ground maintenance, precise turf management, specialized gardening, pest control, adept decision-making, and astute problem-solving. His career is marked by a proven record of excellence, from routine upkeep to effectively tackling unforeseen challenges with agility and precision. Adrian's exceptional communication skills enable him to engage seamlessly with stakeholders at all levels, including the public and management, cultivating collaborative and productive work environments. Additionally, his dedicated team-oriented approach consistently contributes to the collective success of projects and enhances team dynamics, making him a valued asset in any professional setting.

Consultants

Darra Hudner
Gaurav Heblikar
Matt Walton
Alves Filho

Sports Field Consultants

Nagarajan Karun
Amir Abdat
Farhan Abbasi
Ajithkumar P.S.
Siboniso Zwane
Ashfak Hussain
Sai Autla
Moin Edris
Kesavan Chelliah

Careers

Where Talent Meets Opportunity

Available Positions

There are currently, no available positions.

We appreciate your interest in a career with AST. While there are no open positions at this time, we're always on the lookout for exceptional talent. We encourage you to check back regularly for updates on job opportunities.

Catalogue

If you're interested in learning more about our company and its history, please feel free to download our catalogue for more details.