Following trials held by FIFA on synthetic surface maintenance equipment, Alan Ferguson, Head of Grounds and Estate at St George's Park - the FA's National Football Centre, has chosen a SISIS Osca tractor mounted oscillating brush for use on their indoor and outdoor synthetic pitches.


Alan Ferguson with the Sisis Osca tractor mounted oscillating brush

An advocate of both natural and synthetic maintenance equipment from SISIS, AIan has held a strong relationship with the company since his time as head groundsman at Ipswich Football Club.

"I acted on the recent FIFA synthetic surface maintenance trial reports, where the Osca performed very well," said Alan. I wasn't surprised as I used one at Ipswich and it performs really well. Ball roll is a difficult parameter to keep in check and the Osca's oscillating brushing action brings something different to our maintenance programme and it's something that actually makes a real difference."

Synthetic sports surfaces require a good maintenance programme in place from the start. Failure to regularly remove dirt, leaf debris and other detritus from the surface can lead to contamination of the infill. The Desso I-DNA synthetic pitches at St Georges Park were installed to the FIFA 2 star standard. Alan says that it's important to maintain them to a high standard with the level of use they receive on a weekly basis.

"With the level of activity on our pitches from both a tournament and also community use, it's imperative that our synthetic surfaces are maintained on a regular basis and to a high standard. The Osca has been added to our extensive range of maintenance equipment and we use itweekly. The key is going slowly enough to allow for a deep penetration, rather than trying to rush the process, which disperses the infill evenly, preventing excess material being left on the surface whilst reducing compaction."