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EDITOR'S BLOG

RAISING INDUSTRY STANDARDS
At Leicester City FC’s new Sports Turf Academy
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I recently met Jonathan Knowles, Head of Sports Turf Academy, to discuss a range of industry subjects including the evolution of apprenticeship programs in the UK and inspiring the next generation of turf professionals.

In June I was invited to visit Leicester City Football Club’s new Sports Turf Academy (STA) by Jonathan Knowles the Head of Sports Turf Academy.

The visit was prompted in response to a recent article I wrote about the current state of the industry. Jonathan was keen to demonstrate to me the work he and some fellow colleagues had been doing to raise education standards for ground professionals and the work they are now doing at the academy facilities.

Our conversation revolved around various topics related to sports turf management including apprenticeships, impartiality in research, DNA analysis, fertiliser products, data-driven decision making in golf course management, and the evolution of apprenticeship programs in the UK.

Jonathan said the STA aims are to inspire the next generation of sports turf professionals, with the LCFC facilities providing live environments for trials and research.

They have also developed a team of trained operatives to carry out contractual works for third parties, namely local sports clubs.

The Academy is built around four distinct pillars - Education & Training, Technical Services, Tournament Support and Trials & Research - to support the development, diversification and professionalisation of the sports turf industry.

The Training & Education pillar includes specialist provision of sports turf educational packages, ranging from short-courses to apprenticeships to degree-level internships.

The Academy seeks to add value to all those in sports turf education by utilising a blended learning experience of practical, online and classroom-based teaching. This flexibility in delivery means there are no fixed academic terms and provision is available throughout the year. Furthermore, the Academy looks to support the sports turf voluntary sector with their training needs too.

Through its Sports Turf Academy Technical Services pillar, improvements will be made to grassroots football pitches. With grassroots football set to receive almost £550M of Government funding over the coming years to make playing surfaces safer, the STA will say they will set a new standard in pitch improvement and offer tailored advice to grassroots clubs to maximise the potential of their funds.

Finally, tournament support will come in the form of highly skilled seasonal staff the STA will make available to venues hosting turf-based sporting events. As well as ensuring venues meet and exceed exacting standards set by governing bodies, the programme is aimed at enabling professional development and the cross-sport sharing of best practice.

Jonathan was keen to point out his role is to oversee the Sports Academy and the business that the Sports Academy does. He explained, ”We’re engaged with about 50 local football clubs, and to date have improved 200 plus football pitches.”

The money for this work has been generated by funding from Football foundation, Sport England, National lottery and the Premier League. It is utilised to upgrade, renovate provide new machinery for grass roots football facilities.

The club have three full time grounds staff dedicated to doing this external contractual work. It gives them the opportunity to learn many new skills involved with the renovation of pitches. The monies earned from these works are ploughed back into the academy for further investment in training courses, research and trial works.

As for the training ground there are around twenty full time grounds staff to look after all the facilities at the site.

Laurence Gale with Jonathan Knowles

My tour of the site began with Jonathan showing me the training rooms and laboratory where they carry out testing and analysis of the performance and condition of the playing surfaces at both the training grounds and the stadium.

They have an on-site trial area, some 1000m2 in size, for trialling seed varieties, fertilisers and other turf products that enables them to monitor the health and performance of the sward. They also undertake glass house trials on new products that companies are recommending to them in the form of nitrogen-based products such as seaweed extracts and bio stimulants.

In the lab and out on the trial sites, they are able monitor the condition of the sward and soil using several different soil tests and vegetive DNA tests. Also, all the playing surfaces are analysed daily for consistency, performance and health using a plethora of testing apparatus such as artificial athlete, soil moisture meters, rotational traction meters, density scanning, root density, ball speed and roll tests and along with the use of drones.

The ability to now conduct DNA testing of grass samples takes micromanagement of pitches to a new level, meaning they are able to identify several issues that may be occurring. For example there may be two or three disease pathogens causing a problem and therefore they can be dealt with accordingly.

Collecting data is fundamentally important to find out better ways of managing the turf in terms of controlling weeds pest and diseases. Water management is key to having the right moistures levels. Within the sward anything between 18-25% is desirable as any other readings (drought or over watering) will have a bearing on performance, health and recovery of a pitch.

Over time this constant monitoring of the pitches has given them a valuable insight into the best practices they need to undertake, to keep these playing surfaces in the best condition to withstand the daily use they get.

We then briefly spoke about the work Jonathan and Daniel Ratling from Whitgift School have been doing with a number of other high profile grounds managers in improving and developing Sports Turf apprenticeships.

Over the last few years, this group of volunteers have been reviewing all sports turf apprenticeships including development of occupational profile, apprenticeship standard and end point assessment schedule. They work with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) in the development of the apprenticeships.

Essentially, they have now overhauled Level 2 Sports Turf Operative, Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician and have begun the development of a degree-level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship.

This overhaul was to ensure these apprenticeships give our industry parity with other industries and seek to provide an aspirational educational pathway from entry to degree level. Making them more in tune with the professionalism that employers expect.

The new format evolves around constant learning throughout the duration of the programme and at the end of the programme you are put forward for the final endpoint assessment by all three parties, (employer, training provider and the candidate, themselves).

Since 2020 over 30 apprentices have gone through the academy scheme. Jonathan said, “We usually get a high amount of interest with over 30 plus applying and, by the time we whittled them down, we may interview around seven who come in for a tour of the site. They are then told in no uncertain terms what the job involves, eg working in all weathers and walking in excess of 15,000 steps per day. We then conduct a full interview and ask them about themselves and then make a final decision on whether we take them on.”

Jonathan was keen to point out that they also visit a lot of schools to promote the work they do. They also invite schools to come and see for themselves the range of skills and opportunities there are for young people to come and work in the sports turf industry.

Hands-on experience can also be gained in building bird boxes, walking the golf course, doing some ecology work, washing down machinery, line-marking, visiting the workshops and playing some football.

“By inviting both teachers and pupils to see at firsthand the work we do at the training ground,” explained Jonathan, “it opens their eyes to the range of job roles there are in a professional sporting environment.”

Jonathan also believes that the industry has changed dramatically in the last 15 years, offering many new ways of working. “Using the latest technologies, management software and robotics we probably can attract a newer audience to come and work in our industry,” he said.

The Leicester City Football Club Sports Turf Academy is an exceptional facility and is at the forefront of the training of future professional grounds practitioners and managers. I would like to thank Jonathan for giving me the time to come and see the work they are doing to promote the skills, knowledge and work that goes into producing world class playing surfaces.

NEWS

SALE SECURES CLUB'S FUTURE
Twenty jobs saved

In our first WEB ONLY story, the deal has not only secured the future of the historic golf club and saved jobs, but, unusually, it will also deliver a significant dividend to its 400-plus members.

GMA CONFIRM AWARDS VENUE
Following change of date

In our next WEB ONLY story, the Association says the change of venue promises a "fresh and exciting backdrop for one of the biggest events in the sports turf industry calendar."

EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY IN AMENITY MANAGEMENT
New online course announced

Course has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including esteemed former Amenity Forum Chair, and current TurfPro contributor, John Moverley.

BASIS has announced the launch of its new online course series, ‘The Principles of Sustainable Amenity Management’.

Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including esteemed former Amenity Forum Chair and current TurfPro contributor, John Moverley, BASIS says this self-paced, four-part course offers an in-depth exploration of essential topics such as policy, biodiversity, water and air pollution management, and integrated approaches. All modules are available via BASIS Classroom.

The course is divided into four key modules. Each module can be purchased individually, and participants who complete all four will receive access to a fifth module - a free online toolbox kit. This bonus module includes case studies, guides, and the opportunity to take a BASIS-certified assessment.

The organisers say by enrolling in this course, participants will gain essential knowledge and insights to advance their professional growth.

The course will cover:

Understanding Policy & Sustainability in the Amenity Sector
Building Biodiversity for Amenity Environmental Management
Managing Water and Air Pollution in the Amenity Environment
Planning Integrated Approaches in Amenity Situations
Sustainable Amenity Practice in Action - Case Studies, Assessments & Certification

In a statement BASIS said, "Through these modules, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable practices in the amenity sector. Designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and implementation of sustainable management practices, this course caters to a diverse audience, from seasoned industry veterans to newcomers, including landscape managers, groundskeepers, and environmental consultants. No previous experience or qualifications are required to complete this course."

For further information visit basis-classroom.co.uk/courses/amenity and see the full series. BASIS Professional Register members will have access to the first module through their membership.

PRO DEALER EXPANDS FURTHER INTO ARB
Addition to range

The addition to the product range follows significant developments in the dealership's entry in to the Arb market.

The GGM Group have announced the addition of the Worky-Quad mini loaders to their product range, as one of a series of developments to support their growth into the ARB sector.

The company has been awarded the Cast SSQ Worky-Quad skid steer loader franchise, which was unveiled on their stand at the recent Great Yorkshire Show.

The addition of Worky Quad to the product range follows significant developments in GGM’s entry in to the Arb market, including the expansion of their FSI territories with the addition of Yorkshire to North Wales and North of England, from the Scottish boarder and the recruitment of a new product specialist, all within one year of entering this market.

Filippo Zangoni of the Cast Group said, “We are extremely excited to be working with The GGM Group to offer Worky-Quad to new territories in the UK. The company is long established and has made great inroads in to the Arb sector over the past year. We have previously worked with several members of the team and we know that we will build a fantastic, long lasting relationship.”

The expansion comes 10 months after the group made the first part of their move in to the ARB space. In further developments, GGM has appointed Matt Bolton as Ag & Arb product specialist in a role which will see him working alongside Phil Edmondson (Ag & Arb product manager) tasked with taking the range out into the field and meeting customers.

Chris Gibson said, “GGM already have a reputation for offering the customer an exceptional level of service, both before, during and after sales, welcoming Matt to the team brings additional skills and knowledge to compliment this existing expertise offering our Ag and Arb customers a bespoke solution to their machinery needs.

“Both our Colne and Haydock workshops have highly skilled in-house and mobile service technicians with vast experience in all kinds of grounds maintenance and ag & arb machinery who, along with our dedicated well stocked and knowledgeable parts team, offer customers the high level of aftersales service you expect.”

GAMMIES HELP POWER CHARITY
Mobile response vehicle

Jim Beattie, volunteer & chair at Tayside 4x4 Response with Les Gammie, depot manager at Gammies Groundcare

Tayside 4x4 Response approached dealers Gammies, seeking a product to fulfil a unique set of needs.

Forfar-based supplier of groundcare machinery and services, Gammies,say they were recently approached by charity Tayside 4x4 Response, seeking a product to fulfil a unique set of needs.

Jim Beattie, volunteer & chair at Tayside 4x4 Response with Les Gammie, depot manager at Gammies Groundcare with the Stihl PS3000 battery generator

Founded in 2010, Tayside 4x4 Response is a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to providing crucial support to the community during times of crisis. Their dedicated team utilises their own 4x4 vehicles to collaborate with emergency response agencies, including the Police, Firefighters, Council, SSEN, and the NHS.

As the organisation has grown, expanding from a modest ten volunteers to over thirty-six committed individuals, they have continuously evolved their resources to enhance the level of assistance they can offer. Their recent addition of a mobile unit, equipped with computers, internet access, power outlets, refreshment facilities, and comfortable seating, has revolutionised their ability to deliver aid on the move.

Les Gammie, depot manager at Gammies, said, “When Tayside 4x4 Response approached us looking for a generator that could deal with powering numerous laptops, monitors and charging points for long periods of time, we were delighted to present a solution that also has no emissions and low noise levels. The Stihl PS300 also has a compact design allowing it to be integrated into a small space within the unit.”

Jim Beattie, volunteer at Tayside 4x4 Response, added, "This battery has allowed us to be more flexible with the support we provide reliable power for the events we attend, which are often across multiple days and in remote locations. Gammies after sales also means we have support if there’s issues with the generator."

Gammies say that between 2022 and 2023 they saw a modest rise of 3.74% in battery product sales, but already in 2024 there has been what they describe as an "exponentially large uptake in battery product popularity". They are predicting sales displaying an overall 55.67% increase this year.

MANUFACTURER PARTNERS WITH MB MOTORSPORT
Contributing to British Touring Car Championship season

Collaboration will see company become a proud sponsor of the Mark Blundell Motorsport Racing Team.

The Toro Company has announced a new partnership with MB Motorsport.

This collaboration will see Toro become a proud sponsor of the Mark Blundell Motorsport Racing Team, contributing to a dynamic season in the British Touring Car Championship.

As part of this partnership, Toro and Reesink Turfcare, exclusive Toro distributor in the UK for Toro golf and sports fields equipment, has provided MB Motorsport with the all-new Vista lithium-ion powered shuttle vehicle. This vehicle seats eight people and will serve as an asset for transporting team members and hospitality guests during various racing events.

Andy Brown, global business development manager at The Toro Company, said, "Our collaboration with MB Motorsport is a testament to our dedication to the sports sector."

He continued, saying, "Toro is not just about lawn care; we are also leaders in the vehicle industry, from utility vehicles to people movers. This partnership is an ideal opportunity to showcase our vehicle lineup, which embodies the same principles of continuous innovation, top-notch performance, and unwavering reliability found in the fast-paced world of motorsport."

Mark Blundell, sporting director of MB Motorsport, added, "This partnership is poised to enhance our team's performance and operational capabilities. The addition of the Toro Vista vehicle to our logistics will undoubtedly elevate our team and guest experience at every event."

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