SPORTSSPORTSwww.sportsmanagement.co.uk MANAGEMENT VOLUME 15 Q4 2011 masterplanning SOCHI 2014 SIR KEITH MILLS on the progress made towards London 2012 legacy promises
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SAPCA
RUGBY LEAGUE gearing up for the summer switch
GRASSROOTS A national league beckons for Taekwondo The Basketball Arena's all set for the Olympic handball fi nal
INTRODUCING PADEL TO THE UK MARKET
DELIVERS NEW SCHOOL SPORTS FACILITIES READ SPORTS MANAGEMENT ONLINE: WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK /DIGITAL S&C Slatter sets a new performance standard with their delivery of sports facilities for St Bartholomew’s School.
Staff and pupils of St Bart’s are relishing playing and training on their new sports facilities, including a sand dressed Artificial Turf Pitch and 4 x court Multi-Use Games Area. S&C Slat- ter delivered the new facilities for market leading major contractor Willmott Dixon in record time. Not only was the speed of construction impressive, S&C Slatter also performed excep- tionally well in ensuring works were delivered safely.
Willmott Dixon’s Building Manager, Luke Brind- contractor, the external sports facilities ley: ‘S&C Slatter have delivered on what they programme stipulated an 8-week period to said they would do. They have been hard work- deliver both the full size Artificial Turf Pitch and ing and impeccable in their approach; they have an adjacent 4 x court Multi-Use Games Area. worked with us at every step of the way. Health This presented logistical and planning chal- and Safety is incredibly important to Willmott lenges which were managed carefully and Dixon and we impress on our subcontractors the efficiently between the client, Willmott Dixon and need to operate to the letter of the law. We have S&C Slatter. been very impressed with S&C’s approach and they have achieved some of the highest scores in Health and Safety across all Willmott Dixon sites Technical Fact File: during this package of works.’
S&C Slatter secured this prestigious contract in the face of fierce competition. The company’s High performance monofilament textur- constructive approach to project delivery, their ised sand dressed artificial turf pitch ability to provide synthetic turf system solutions in line with the clients’ specified requirements, Tennis and Netball courts to AENA and and extensive in-house construction capabilities Sport England standards all contributed to place the company ahead. Floodlighting system installed to stringent Working with the client, S&C Slatter embarked flood spill performance standards on an extensive market research exercise to match the client’s prescriptive sporting require- Acoustic fencing to ATP and MUGA ments with the best possible surface system solu- perimeter tion. Following play testing of facilities, the school’s Heads of Sport selected the exceptional GreenFields HT MF 18 sand dressed system for their Artificial Turf Pitch. This market leading surface system comprises heavy weight mono- filament texturised yarns offering performance standards to suit an array of sporting disciplines.
Record Time
AAs the final phase of works on a prestigious £30m contract to rebuild St Bartholomew’s School, the external sports facilities were to be delivered in a tight timescale. Typically, new build synthetic turf pitch facilities require a works programme of some 12-14 weeks. Due to the project’s extensive scope of works for the main For more information call: 01635 34521 or visit us at www.sandcslatter.com EDITOR’S LETTER
Rethinking women’s sport
blistering new report from the Commission on the Future of Women’s Sport – Big Deal: the A case for commercial investment in women’s sport – argues for a complete shake-up in the way sponsors and the industry view commercial opportunities presented by women’s sport. The report presents research showing high levels of interest by the public in watching and engaging with top female athletes and contrasts this with the lamentable levels of sponsorship currently being generated. It also highlights the low levels of TV airtime being devoted to broadcasting women’s events and proposes that this mismatch is undermining the growth of women’s sport and its corresponding
PHOTO CREDIT: GETTYIMAGES.CO.UK PHOTO CREDIT: impact on the health of women and girls who are lacking role models and inspiration in taking up sport. Team GB’s Nina Heglund In the foreword, Commission chair, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson says: “Investment in women’s sport at the Women’s Handball really matters: it affects elite development, the promotion of female sporting role models and the provision Euro 2012 Qualifier of opportunities at grassroots level; all of which directly impact the health and wellbeing of the nation.” e-mail: please use contact’s The report shows that between January 2010 and August 2011 women’s sport received just 0.5 per cent of all UK sports sponsorship. During the same period, men’s sport received 61.1 per cent. These figures, [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS however, do not tell the true story of what women’s sport is really worth according to Big Deal, which Denise Gildea argues that commercial investment fails to reflect the value of the market. Consumer research indicates 64 +44 (0)1462 471930 per cent of the public think “top individual sportswomen are as exciting to watch as top sportsmen” and EDITOR Liz Terry Lack of investment largely accounts for the absence of a female +44 (0)1462 431385 sporting culture in the UK: its competitors are not being presented MANAGING EDITOR Karen Maxwell as fit, healthy role models to inspire women and girls to be active +44 (0)1462 471920 PUBLISHER 61 per cent want “more women’s sport on television”. The report says “the case for increased investment David Hunt in women’s sport is based not on notions of equality or fairness, but on a sound commercial rationale.” +44 (0)1462 471902 So why are things this way? Big Deal says anecdotally, the reasons for the current situation appear to NEWS EDITOR be historical and the result of inertia and resistance to change in the industry: “All the research shows that Tom Walker the traditional excuses, ‘it’s always been this way’, ‘women’s sport isn’t as good as men’s’ and ‘no one +44 (0)1462 471934 wants to watch it’ have no commercial basis and should be consigned to a bygone era.” JOURNALISTS Martin Nash The report says low levels of commercial investment are undermining the potential for women’s +44 (0)1462 471911 sport at a time when 80 per cent of women and girls – half the UK population – aren’t playing enough Pete Hayman sport or doing enough exercise for it to have a positive benefit on their health. In addition, forecasters +44 (0)1462 471938 believe that in 20 years, the majority of women in the UK will be overweight. PRODUCTS EDITORS Big Deal says commercial funding creates opportunities for grassroots participation, which feeds the top Martin Nash end of the game and that “lack of investment accounts for the absence of a female sporting culture in the +44 (0)1462 471933 UK: women’s sport is not widely promoted and its competitors are not being DISPLAY ADVERTISING John Challinor publicly presented as fit, healthy, sporting role models to inspire women and +44 (0)1202 742968 girls to be physically active.” Jan Williams In highlighting the opportunity, the report says women’s sport offers +44 (0)1462 471909 sponsors almost virgin territory with a big up-side in the audiences which DESIGN can be reached through both traditional and new/social media. It also gives Ed Gallagher +44 (0)1905 20198 the top 10 reasons why sponsors should invest in women’s sport now. Andy Bundy In concluding, it says: “A nation of active women represents a significant +44 (0)1462 471924 health, social and economic prize, both for the nation and for those whose INTERNET money could make a difference.” Dean Fox +44 (0)1462 471900 Liz Terry, editor [email protected] twitter: elizterry Tim Nash +44 (0)1462 471917 CIRCULATION MANAGER Michael Emmerson the leisure media company publishes +44 (0)1462 471932 FINANCIAL CONTROL Sue Davis +44 (0)1395 519398 FINANCIAL ADMIN Denise Gildea +44 (0)1462 471930
4 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 IN THIS ISSUE ISSUE4 2011
18 Keen sailor Sir Keith Mills talks Olympic legacy 24 Masterplanning Sochi 2014 is more than stadia design
72 How to create engaging play schemes 56 National Sports Centre operation 54 Rugby League’s summer switch
4 EDITOR’S LETTER 28 IN THE KNOW AT KNOWSLEY 54 ALL CHANGE FOR The newly-opened Knowsley Leisure and COMMUNITY RUGBY LEAGUE 6 LETTERS Culture Park is reviewed by John Bell David Carpenter discusses the facility issues with becoming a summer sport 7 JOHN GOODBODY’S ANALYSIS 32 SWIMMING STATE OF THE Promoting fair play in sport INDUSTRY REPORT 56 NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRES David Minton highlights key data Effective operation for elite and 8 INDUSTRY NEWS from the Leisure Database survey community use, by Kath Hudson on UK swimming pool facilities 14 PEOPLE NEWS 60 RESURFACING SYNTHETIC TURF 34 EVENT PREVIEW: SPATEX 2012 A Q&A with SAPCA’s Marie Cooksey 15 2012 PROFILE: The BOA’s Mike Hay 36 GRASSROOTS: TAEKWONDO 64 LIGHTING MAINTENANCE 15 SAPCA NEWS Trevor Baxter looks at the structures the sport has in place to capitalise 66 INTRODUCING PADEL 18 INTERVIEW on London 2012 success Is the UK ready to play? By Trevor Baxter Sir Keith Mills talks to Karen Maxwell about Olympic legacy and delivering 41 THE BASKETBALL ARENA 71 ENGAGING IN PLAY a new sporting infrastructure Karen Maxwell asks how the design brief We get industry views on staying power for the Olympic temporary venue was met 22 EVENT REVIEW: ISEM 74 SPORT KIT pmplegacy’s Helen Delany highlights 46 KEEPING FANS CONNECTED the event’s hot topics Stadia technology by Stuart Hamilton 76 SAPCA DIRECTORY
24 MASTERPLANNING SOCHI 51 IMPROVING CUSTOMER 79 SPORT DIRECTORY Jerry Anderson and John Barrow RELATIONSHIPS IN SPORT discuss Populous’s Russian role Views from four industry experts 82 DIARY DATES AND AD INDEX
Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 5 LETTERS
ISSUE 4 2011
Do you have a strong opinion about your industry? Where are things going wrong, or right? Sports Management would love to hear from you. Email: [email protected] PHOTO: ©AZWEGERS PHOTO: digital magazine What are the benefits of hosting See Sports Management online overseas squads in 2012? www.sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital With less than one year left to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the scramble by British cities to host overseas squad training camps is set to intensify. Already we know that China will ini- tially be based in Leeds, while Jamaica will set up in Birmingham. The kudos for cities in attracting squads is obvious. As such, it is safe to assume there will be Birmingham to host Usain Bolt’s team mates some economic benefits accrued to cities, no matter how intangible they might be. will be spending time shopping and so- news and jobs: Yet two questions remain: what will cialising where they are based. be the tangible economic benefits of One also has to consider the cost of For jobs and news visit hosting and will there be a net economic squad hosting; for instance, security www.sportsmanagement.co.uk benefit to the cities fortunate enough to sweeping and policing and there’s likely or sign up for e-news on play host to an overseas squad? to be disruption to local communities. www.leisuresubs.com It’s difficult to see there being huge Given the paucity of economic benefits, tangible economic benefits as squads such costs must challenge the benefits. subscribe: will only be in town for a short period Sign up for Sports Management of time, will probably bring their own Professor Simon Chadwick, chair: Sport at www.leisuresubs.com or supplies, and it is unlikely that team Business Strategy and Marketing, call: +44 (0)1462 471915 members deep in pre-Games training Coventry University Business School
A more play-based curriculum needed
The Association of Play Industries (API) The report found that children want- supports the recent recommendations ed to spend more of their time outdoors made by the ‘Erosion of Childhood’ letter, and recommended that play facilities published by The Telegraph and signed be made an active priority of both local by more than 200 academics, authors and and central government. attention buyers! children’s charities – encouraging a more API chair, John Croasdale, said: “The fi nd suppliers and innovation updates play-based curriculum for children. UNICEF report and current obesity fig- www.sport-kit.net More needs to be done to link educa- ures suggest that children want more tion about healthy eating and obesity time and better facilities to play out- with better opportunities for play. doors. We need to further the learning buyers’ guide: In response to the letter, Children’s links between childhood obesity and For suppliers of products and Minister, Sarah Teather, said: “Govern- play – particularly in deprived communi- services, turn to page 80 ment can only do so much. As a society, ties where the need is greatest.” we all have a stake in making sure The API has produced several articles there’s time for family life and children warning of the links between a low SAPCA Sports Management is the offi cial are free to cherish their childhoods.” standard of health education, particu- magazine of the Sports and There was no mention of play. larly for communities deprived of play Play Construction Association A recent report by UNICEF into the facilities and where there is a high prev- (SAPCA), the trade body for culture of materialism in the UK found alence of obesity. For more details go the UK’s sports facility construction that our children are still some of the to www.api-play.org. industry. Sports Management and SAPCA work in partnership to promote high unhappiest in Europe and have the standards in the design, construction and lowest wellbeing overall of the 21 Deborah Holt, association manager maintenance of UK sports facilities. developed nations surveyed. Association of Play Industries (API)
6 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 SPORTS ANALYSIS
John Goodbody reports on Promoting fair play in sport
he sentencing of three disgraced Pakistani cricketers for cheating during the Test Match against T England in August 2010 has been a reminder of the potential for sports events to be fixed for corrupt betting reasons. Had it not been for the journal- istic enterprise of the now defunct News of the World in exposing the practice, the cricketers might have con- tinued to take part in similar criminal activity for years to come. It’s very well for Sir Ronnie Flanagan, the head of the anti-corruption unit of the International Cricket Council, to say that he didn’t believe that corrup- tion was commonplace in the game. Since his staff had been unaware of the malpractice before the exposé, one wonders how he knows this? Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif (second from right) received a one-year sentence for corruption Given the fact that Interpol estimates that the market for illegal gambling is US$500bn (£312bn) in Asia alone, the The IOC regards the potential of corruption through betting temptation for individuals to succumb to be as big a threat to the integrity of sport as drugs to corruption is enormous, particularly when, as is the case with the Pakistani cricketers, they are not that well paid. Authority, and Simon Barker of the suspicious betting patterns with It’s no wonder that Dr Jacques Rog- Professional Footballers’ Association. the Gambling Commission. ge, the president of the International As Lamb says: ”If we are to tackle this The government has recently an- Olympic Committee (IOC), regards the effectively, then working hand-in-hand nounced plans to strengthen the 2005 potential of corruption through betting with players is absolutely essential. Gambling Act to allow the commission to to be as big a threat to the integrity of ”Educating sportsmen and women of pass onto the IOC information it receives sport as drugs. Whereas competitors the dangers of the seemingly innocuous from law enforcement agencies during take drugs to win, some sportsmen and approaches from individuals for infor- the Games. Yet, the government is reluc- perhaps women are being approached mation, even about weather conditions tant to fund the Sports Betting Group in to be paid to lose or to influence the in- or the form of players, is crucial to at- the same way that it does with UK Anti- tegrity of the event. tempts to stamp out corruption.” Doping, to which it gives £7m a year. Although the targeted sports are the Many national governing bodies Instead, Hugh Robertson, the Minis- leading professional ones, such as foot- (NGBs) may believe that they are not ter for Sport, says: “You need to break ball and horseracing, the staging of an at risk because they are not aware of down the barriers between the organi- event of the magnitude of the Olympics any betting taking place on their sport. sations responsible for dealing with this.” will create a market because of the in- The Sports Betting Group has therefore However, money is needed and an ternational interest in so many sports. conducted an audit of about 40 NGBs alternative method of funding would be At least in the UK, early steps have been to help them with correct practice, with for there to be a small levy on bets placed taken following a government-commis- Lamb admitting that “some are more in Britain to allow the group to have the sioned report into sports betting integrity. ahead of the game than others”. necessary financial support. After all, the A Sports Betting Group has been set up The group has also successfully industry is worth £36bn in this country under the chairmanship of Tim Lamb, lobbied the government to require and could afford it. As Lamb says: “This is the chief executive of the Sport and off-shore betting companies to be an issue that is not going to go away.” ¬ Recreation Alliance. Among its members subject to the same high standards as are Paul Scotney, who heads the Intel- those operating in the UK: such as com- John Goodbody has covered 11 successive ligence Unit of the British Horseracing panies sharing any information about Olympic Games for the Sunday Times
Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 7 NEWS UPDATE
Jglijkf`eZi\Xj\e\n Pflk_:_Xik\ili^\jc\^XZp[\YXk\ jkX[`ldZXgXZ`kp6 Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (THFC) Manchester-based organ- is investigating the possibility of increasing isation Youth Charter has the capacity of its proposed multi-million launched a new e-peti- pound stadium development in north tion calling on the House of London. According to The Telegraph, Commons to debate the social the Premier League club is looking at and cultural benefits of the building a 60,355-seat venue as part of its London 2012 Games. Northumberland Development Project The group has launched (NDP), instead of 56,250. The newspaper the 2012 Sport Legacy Access said that THFC aims to achieve the capac- For All petition in order to ity increase without having to alter its plans, ensure that plans for a sustain- which have been drawn up by KSS Group, able legacy for young people or apply for fresh planning consent. are fully implemented. Youth Charter also said that it is looking to provide a response and contribute to the debate Youth Charter is calling for free access to sports facilities for under 18s surrounding the causes and lessons learned from this summer’s riots. huge opportunity for the sporting world to It follows the launch of the organisation’s leave a lasting legacy for the young people of manifesto earlier this summer, which included the UK but in order to make that happen we a call for free access to sports and leisure facili- need to be sure of the plans that are going to ties for all young people aged under 18. be implemented. The 2012 Olympic Games can Youth Charter executive chair Geoff help address the ongoing social and cultural Thompson said: “The 2012 Games present a disaffection of young people.”
New development stance for sports halls =`m\jgfikj`eY`[kf =8NjlYd`kj]ffkYXccZ\eki\gifgfjXcj j\Zli\]XZ`c`k`\jc\^XZp Plans for the construction Five sports have joined forces with funding of a new training facility in agency Sport England in a bid to improve Newport, Wales, have been sports hall provision and secure a lasting submitted to the local author- facilities legacy across the country. ity by the Football Association New guidance called Developing the Right of Wales (FAW). Sports Hall has been produced alongside the Newport International national governing bodies of badminton, Sports Village (NISV) has basketball, cricket, netball and volleyball. been identified as the site for It is hoped the document will result in the scheme, which will also a more efficient and flexible approach to involve Newport City Council constructing new or upgrading existing and the Welsh Football Trust facilities, while ensuring the right speci- (WFT). A dedicated facility for fication and location. all FAW and WFT represen- tative squads is earmarked as part of the development, along Plans for the centre include training facilities for the national teams 9F8j`^eje\nX^i\\d\ek with a Centre of Excellence for n`k_Iljj`XeEF: coach education and sports science. Alterations would be made to the rear of the The project will include education space, NISV velodrome to provide storage space, while The British Olympic Association (BOA) WFT football development headquarters and new artificial and grass pitches will be intro- has signed a new Memorandum of the provision of training facilities for interna- duced. The existing skatepark will be demolished Understanding (MoU) with its Russian tional and professional teams visiting Wales. to make way for a spectator stand. counterpart to identify areas of strategic partnership. It is intended that the new agreement will help the two organisations C=:j\Zli\jjkX[`ld[\Z`j`fe\ok\ej`fe work together ahead of the London 2012 Games and the Sochi 2014 Winter Games Liverpool Football Club (LFC) has reportedly Anfield home looked “increasingly unlikely” to share best practice. Information relat- secured more time to decide whether it wants due to a number of planning obstacles. ing to the organisation of the events and to take up a 999-year lease at Stanley Park for The Liverpool Echo has now revealed that the respective “sporting landscape” of both the purpose of building a new stadium. Liverpool City Council has granted LFC a countries will also be made available under In July, the Premier League club admitted further extension to its end-of-September the terms of the MoU. that plans for the renovation of its current deadline in which to make a decision.
8 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK
DXpfi1Cfe[feÊi\X[pË Jgfik
Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 9 NEWS UPDATE
Jgfikj>ifle[jJX]\kp 8lk_fi`kpcXleZ_\j >pdeXjk`ZjjZ_\d\]fiJZfkcXe[ The Sports Ground Safety Authority A new national initia- (SGSA), a new organisation created in order tive, devised by Scottish to ensure the safety of spectators at venues Gymnastics in a bid to IMAGE: LOSEVSKY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ PAVEL across the UK, has been officially launched. improve health through SGSA will build on the work of the Football participation in physical Licensing Authority, which helped improve activity, has been unveiled in the safety of football grounds – however, it’s Edinburgh. GymPlay aims to remit will also extend into other sports. develop the basic movement Sports Minister Hugh Robertson said: patterns of everyday life for “The authority will take its expertise and children between the ages of advice into other sports and ensure that three and five years old and is spectator safety is properly implemented to be rolled out over the next at all sports grounds.” few months. It is based on the principles of SPLICE: Social Physical Lingual Intellectual Creative The initiative is aimed at children aged between three and five years old and Educational develop- ment and will grow participation in physical “Opportunities of this kind are fun for the activity from an early age. children and encourage them to continue par- Scottish minister for Commonwealth Games ticipating in physical activities.” and sport Shona Robison said: “The GymPlay The launch took place at Craiglockhart programme is a fantastic new way of intro- Leisure Centre, run by Edinburgh Leisure ducing young children to gymnastics and the and one of the venues that delivers gymnas- benefits of physical activity. tics coaching to local pre-school children.
Chelsea hoped to take over ownership of the land :_\cj\X[\]\Xk\[`e Jk?\c\eji\Z\`m\jb\pjkfe\njkX[`ld jkX[`ldgliZ_Xj\Y`[ St Helens Rugby League Chelsea Football Club (CFC) has failed Football Club has been in its bid to purchase the freehold land given the keys to its new on which its Stamford Bridge stadium is 18,000-capacity stadium on located from Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO). the edge of the Merseyside Nearly 62 per cent of the votes cast at the town by developer Langtree. CPO’s general meeting on 27 October Langtree appointed Barr backed the plan, however a 75 per cent Construction to build the majority was required in order for the £25m venue, which has motion to be approved. taken 14 months to com- CPO was established in 1993 to secure the plete. Arcadis UK acted future of the ground, which had come under as project manager on the threat and left the Premier League club at development. risk of being made homeless. The next 10 weeks will see work carried out by the Super League club to fit out The new stadium is scheduled to host its first game during January 2012 99:li^\[kf`eZi\Xj\ the internal areas of the sta- Êd`efi`kpjgfikËZfm\iX^\ dium, including kiosks, catering outlets and fans and residents to “sample” the stadium. turnstiles. St Helens chair Eamonn McManus said: UTV Media, part of the ITV network and It is anticipated the first St Helens match will “A new stadium has been almost 10 years in owner of talkSPORT radio, has urged the take place at the ground in late January, before the making and I can’t begin to describe how BBC to increase its coverage of “minority a series of structured events are held to allow pleased I am that we are finally at this point.” sports” to help fulfil legacy aims from the 2012 Games. The company has made a sub- mission to the BBC Trust in which it calls :fleZ`cXggifm\jGcpdflk_jkX[`ldgliZ_Xj\ on the publicly-funded broadcaster to do more for less mainstream sports. Plymouth City Council’s (PCC) cabinet and is dependent on the Akkeron Group complet- UTV has called on the BBC to “grasp its full council have approved a plan to acquire ing a planned takeover of the club. longer-term responsibilities to support a the freehold of Home Park as part of efforts to It is expected that PCC will pay £1.6m for permanent legacy for the Olympics”, while support professional football in the city. the land and the stadium, before leasing it back also sharing exclusive rights to events such The purchase of the stadium, which is the to the club for £135,000 a year. The deal will as the Olympics. home venue of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, also protect the venue for football uses.
10 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK
8pc\jYlipMXc\c\`jli\ ,%,djkX[`ld]fi:ldYi`X gifa\ZkkfZfdd\eZ\ Work is set to start on a new Willmott Dixon is to start work on a £6.45m £5.5m community stadium revamp of Aqua Vale Swimming and Fitness in Whitehaven, Cumbria, in Centre in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, as spring 2012 after the propos- part of wider council regeneration plans. als were given the green light Aylesbury Vale District Council is to by the local authority. undertake the improvement programme The venue will comprise the in a bid to complement its multi-million first phase of the Pow Beck pound vision for the town centre. Valley mixed-use masterplan, Work on the FaulknerBrowns Architects- with global management and designed development is scheduled to be technical consultancy WYG completed in September next year, with the involved with drawing up council planning to keep the facility open the plans. WYG has now amid work on the phased programme. been appointed by Copeland Borough Council to fur- An artist’s impression of the new community stadium ther develop proposals for Copeland Community Stadium to allow the fundamental elements of the Pow Beck Valley selection of a design and build contractor. masterplan starting to become a reality.” It is anticipated the venue will be com- Bob Collins, speaking on behalf of the coun- pleted in late 2012 ahead of the Rugby League cil, added: “The new stadium will provide a World Cup in 2013 and will provide a home for shared home for Whitehaven Rugby League Whitehaven’s rugby league and football clubs. Football Club and Whitehaven Amateur WYG regional director buildings and infra- Football Club, as well as providing a facility structure John Kipling said: “It is great to see for use by the wider community.”
The centre will cater for people of all skill levels J\Xe?fckflkc`e\je\n@DJG8^fXcj )+dEXk`feXc@e[ffi 9DO:\eki\fg\ej Sean Holt, the interim chief executive officer of the new A special opening event has taken place to Institute for the Management mark the completion of Manchester’s new of Sport and Physical Activity £24m National Indoor BMX Centre, which (IMSPA), has said the body has been built adjacent to the National will look to draw members Cycling Centre. from a much broader cohort Sport England invested £3m in the facil- than its forerunners. ity as part of its multi-million pound Iconic In an interview with Leisure Facilities fund, the second round of which Management, Holt said that was opened up to new applicants earlier this while its core membership month. The BMX centre also received £8.5m will still comprise those from Manchester City Council and is to be employed by operators and used as a training facility for the country’s suppliers, the institute hopes elite riders ahead of the 2012 Games. to attract professionals work- Holt has led the new organisation following its official launch in May ing across the physical activity sector. The broadening of the net is part of Sport, Parks and Leisure (ISPAL). While IMSPA >i\\ec`^_k]fi IMSPA’s aim to represent the whole of will look to expand its reach within the active =:Le`k\[jkX[`ldgcXej the active leisure sector. leisure sector, Holt added there would be less IMSPA was formed following the merger involvement with parks – formerly a key ele- FC United of Manchester has been awarded of the Institute of Sport and Recreation ment of ISPAL. To read the interview go to: planning permission for a new 5,000-capac- Management (ISRM) and the Institute for http://lei.sr?a=f6Z4N ity sports stadium at the Ronald Johnson Playing Fields in Moston, Manchester. Manchester City Council’s planning and E\n[`m`e^]XZ`c`kp`eJfkfe]fiFcpdg`Z_fg\]lcj highways committee approved the plans at its meeting on 27 October. The project has A new dry-land diving studio has been to perfect their skills alongside training in the also been designed to provide facilities for unveiled at The Quays swimming and diving pool. Richard Sheath, chair of the Southampton the local community. centre in Southampton. Diving Academy, said: “The opening of this In addition to the stadium, the scheme The studio features new springboards and new facility is an important step in maintain- will comprise a community club house with trampolines and improved harness and land- ing Southampton and The Quays as a High changing rooms, a function space and a ing facilities, allowing divers of all skill levels Performance Centre for British Diving.” new artificial pitch.
Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 11 NEWS UPDATE
('d@Zfe`Z=XZ`c`k`\j 98J@Jlem\`c\[Xk
12 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK
:fekiXZkj`^e\[]fi9i`[^nXk\i @E;LJKIP:FDD Sedgemoor District Council JX]\^lXi[`e^k_\LBËj (SDC) and Somerset County i\Zi\Xk`feXcjgXZ\j Council (SCC) have revealed that a contract for the con- s 2011 draws to struction of Bridgwater’s a close, Fields new £6.3m swimming pool Ain Trust is has been signed. Th e agree- gearing up for what ment with BAM PPP, which promises to be our most was fi nalised on 13 October, exciting year yet as our now paves the way for a new legacy programme gets venue at Trinity Sports and into full swing. The ?\c\e Leisure that will off er com- Queen Elizabeth II >i`]]`k_j munity swimming facilities. Fields Challenge will A 25m, six-lane pool, a deliver grassroots benefi ts to commu- training pool, changing Facilities at the £6.3m centre include a 25m, six-lane swimming pool nities across the UK by safeguarding all rooms, spectator seating kinds of outdoor recreational spaces to and an ‘increased’ leisure facility capable SDC group manager for community devel- mark both the Diamond Jubilee and the of accommodating a 50-station fitness opment and wellbeing Teresa Harvey said: 2012 Olympics. suite are proposed. “Th e signing of the contract is a major mile- So far more than 900 spaces have Scott Brownrigg Architects have designed stone in the development of a new pool for been nominated for inclusion in the the large complex – which also involves the Bridgwater area. Th e pool will be a great programme, which means we’re almost Somerset Leisure, Futures for Somerset, community facility and we look forward to the halfway towards our ambitious target of Chilton Trinity Technology College and build commencing in the coming weeks ready 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Fields. Bridgwater Education Trust. for opening in spring 2013.” It’s been fantastic to see the range of sites put forward from all corners of =@8XeefleZ\jg_pj`ZXcXZk`m`kpi\YiXe[ È?Xm\X=`\c[;Xp`jX^i\Xk fggfikle`kp]fiXccHl\\e The Fitness Industry Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 13 PEOPLE NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK FC:Xggf`ekje\n Z_`\]\o\Zlk`m\ Oldham Community Leisure (OCL) operations director Stuart Lockwood has been named as the trust’s new CEO. Lockwood will replace incumbent chief executive Ian Kendall on 1 January 2012. Kendall is stepping down aft er eight years with the organisation, which operates 14 facilities on behalf of Oldham Council. With more than 20 years worth of experience in the fi tness and leisure industry, Lockwood has held a number of senior management positions in both the public and private sector. Lockwood said: “We need to position Jkl[[jk\gj[fne ourselves as the number one solution to improving the health of the nation.” ]ifdJb`ccj8Zk`m\ Stephen Studd, chief executive of SkillsActive, has announced his decision GcXp :_Xic\jI\\[`je\n<=;JZ_X`i E\nZ_X`iXe[Z_`\]\o\Zlk`m\]fi9@JC Charles Reed has been Business in Sport and Leisure 2018 World Cup bid and replaces named as the new (BISL) has announced the BISL’s interim chief executive chair of Th e English appointment of Chris Bell and offi cer Dominic Harrison. Federation of Disability Simon Johnson as its new Commenting on the Sport (EFDS), replacing chair and chief executive appointments, BISL founder Baroness Tanni Grey- offi cer respectively. and life president John Th ompson, who becomes Bell is former CEO Brackenbury said: honorary president. Ladbrokes and will “Th is combined Two other positions on replace David Teasdale level of experience, the board have been fi lled from 1 January, with knowledge and by Gerry Kinsella and Teasdale taking up the expertise will add to Janet Williams. Th ey will role of vice chair. BISL’s reputation as lead the organisation into Johnson, the authoritative voice 2012 and build on the legacy for disabled people in sport. (pictured) is former in and for sport and Reed will work alongside an expanded board of trustees, chief operating leisure and help it rise made up of other member organisation representatives and offi cer of England’s to the challenges ahead.” business acquaintances. He was director of customer service and communications for Nationwide Building Society. 14 Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 2012 PROFILE NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK Mike Hay The BOA’s head of winter sport engagement is responsible for delivering the London 2012 preparation camp at Loughborough University for Team GB Can you tell me about team along with Tanya Harris (head of your background? summer sport engagement) and Dave After 20 years as an athlete – having Reddin (head of performance services) won medals at World Junior, European we currently report directly to Clive and World Championships – I retired in Woodward (director of sport). 1997 and took the post of high perfor- mance curling coach with the Scottish What’s involved in delivering Institute of Sport and performance di- the Preparation Camp at rector for GB curling. Loughborough University? Under my programme leadership There are five main deliverables that we between 1998-2006 the Institute teams are focusing on were successful in winning World Junior, 1. Training facilities for 23 disciplines/ European, World (men’s and women’s) teams including facility upgrades, and Olympic Gold medals (Salt lake 2002). equipment provision and venue Loughborough University offers extensive Other successes included coaching Europe configuration. world-class training facilities for athletes to a record win over North America in the 2. Residential accommodation for 2006 Continental Cup – curling’s version athletes, officials and other Team GB within which athletes, coaches and of- of Golf’s Ryder Cup. clients’ groups. ficials can be properly ‘kitted out’ during Following the Turin 2006 Olympic Win- 3. Performance services to fully support the six-week period prior to the Games. ter Games, I joined the British Olympic athletes and officials. Practitioners and service providers Association (BOA) as Olympic perfor- 4. Team GB Experience incorporating from the English Institute of Sport (EIS) mance manager for Winter Sports. As ‘kitting out’ for all team members. will also be on campus and able to give part of the BOA’s HQ team I have attend- 5. Logistics and operational services to the consistency and quality of elite train- ed the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Vancouver support sports in a safe, secure, ing delivery that the Olympic sports are 2010 Olympic Winter Games and also accredited environment. used to contracting. European and Australian Youth Olympic Festivals. Next January I’ll be the deputy What facilities does the What lessons do you bring chef de mission to Clive Woodward at the university offer to Team GB? from Calgary and Macau? inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games Centrally located in the heart of the UK, The reason for transiting through the in Innsbruck, Austria. Loughborough University is arguably the Team GB Preparation Camps in Macau leading university in the country for its and Calgary en-route to the Olympic What does your current world-class sport training facilities across Games in Beijing and Vancouver were role consist of? a number of Olympic disciplines. to acclimatise the athletes to a new time I cover all areas of performance and gov- It offers four-star accommodation zone, and adapt to a new environment ernance for the seven Olympic winter located within the University Campus, and culture. Next year’s ‘home Games’ sports. As part of the BOA’s performance which allows for exclusive Team GB areas, will offer unique challenges. We aim to provide the transition from the athletes’ regular home training to a multi-sport We aim to provide the transition from the athletes’ regular training environment before the Olympic competition, this is particularly relevant training, to a multi-sport environment before the Games for sports with little or no multi-sport or Olympic experience. Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 15 SAPCA UPDATE NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK K\Z_e`ZXcYi`\Ôe^jXkCfl^_Yfifl^_Le`m\ij`kp he second Sport and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) T Technical Meeting was held at Holywell Park, Loughborough University on Thursday 10 November. The programme focused on the design and construction of outdoor sports facilities – from site investigation and ground conditions, through drainage and base design, to surfacing systems, paints and coatings and maintenance – with special sessions on tennis surfaces and lighting. Peter Mackey of Dow Chemicals was the keynote speaker. He talked about how advances in technology, materials, standards and techniques will shape the sports surfaces of the future. The afternoon session included two discussions led by key industry experts. The SAPCA Technical Meetings are a must for sports turf owners, managers and operators first covered modern synthetic turf systems, trends and innovations. The second was These regular SAPCA meetings are open non-members. There is also a special “buy hosted by leading maintenance practitioners, to any interested party with delegate fees two, get a third place free” option. For more who discussed how to care for 3G synthetic being held at last year’s rates of £195 per information contact SAPCA on +44 (0)24 sports turf systems. person for SAPCA members and £295 for 7641 6316 or go to www.sapca.org.uk Jkfg%Cffb%C`jk\efe\$[Xpj\d`eXi his is the theme of the next SAPCA one-day exhibition and seminar, T due to be held at Twickenham Stadium on Tuesday 29 November 2011. Aimed at anyone involved in A qualified workforce is essential designing, buying, specifying, operating and maintaining sports facilities, the focus of the event is very much about Lj\`kficfj\`k how to make budgets stretch that much SAPCA is encouraging all of its further and maximising the value of members to take advantage of the current facilities. government funding that is available Industry experts will be on hand to cover the cost of staff undertaking to offer advice on facilities funding, the NVQ Level 2 qualification in Sport sports surface selection, maintenance, and Play Surfaces. natural turf, protection of playing The NVQ has become the recognised fields and lighting schemes. All qualification within the sport and play supported by over 40 exhibitors construction industry. It demonstrates showcasing the latest developments, an individual’s expertise and knowledge products and services. in the industry and illustrates a level RIBA (Royal Institute of British of competency equal to the task atw Architects) will also be in attendance hand. The qualification is supported with a series of seminars aimed by key sports governing bodies, which specifically at sports facility increasingly expect projects that they architects and other specifiers. fund to be constructed by contractors Attendance at the event is free. To who employ qualified operatives. register, visit www.sapca.org.uk/twickenham, For more information visit www. call 024 7641 6316, email Twickenham Stadium will play host sapca.org.uk, email [email protected] [email protected] to this sports facility event 16 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE OLYMPIC STANDARD With London 2012 fast approaching, O’Brien Contractors and Eastwood School unveil their impressive new synthetic Mondo six-lane 400m IAAF track ith less than 12 months to go, the UK is counting down for what will be the largest sport- W ing event the country has ever seen. High on the nation’s agenda is the availability of quality sporting facilities. With this in mind, concept through to com- pletion needs to be first class – ensuring every stage is carefully managed and the correct team is selected to guarantee the finished product is of the highest standard. CIVIL ROOTS Eastwood School’s Mondo 400m athletics track delivered by O’Brien O’Brien Contractors has its roots in civil engineering. With that comes a wealth of of a superior quality and similar to that in expertise and hi-tech techniques, which “Being the world’s leading international stadiums”. are perfectly aligned to the business sports track manufacturer we Mondo’s UK project manager, Joe of producing quality and cost-effective require first-class preparation Hoekstra, said: “Being the world’s leading sports pitches for clients. sports track manufacturer we require first- for all our tracks. O’Brien class preparation for all our tracks. O’Brien GROUND MODELLING did not disappoint, their did not disappoint, their work was second O’Brien Contractors offers a full range work was second to none” to none”. of technical services. By using ground modelling and laser levelling O’Brien can SERVICES help businesses save time and money on and encourage athletes from around the O’Brien Contractors offers a full range a project, as well as reducing the carbon globe to make Eastwood School track their of services, including: footprint of a development. number one choice of training venue. ■ Total solution for sport pitches from The project was delivered on time and design through to completion EASTWOOD SCHOOL, ESSEX to budget and professional quality. ■ Earthworks design and ground O’Brien Contractors was brought on By implementing proactive proposals modelling facilities, bulk earthwork board by Eastwood School to design and O’Brien was able to offer Eastwood School and site clearance build a synthetic Mondo six-lane 400m reduced costs within the project and bring ■ Fine tolerance laser levelling and IAAF and UK Athletics track with associ- the contract value down, within the client’s 3D machine control systems ated infield facilities. requirements, without compromising the ■ Ground stabilisation The project involved reduced level ex- quality of the end product. ■ Drainage, pipework and cavation, ‘cut and fill’ to formation with associated works the disposal of residual spoil, including EXCELLENT FEEDBACK ■ External service yards associated drainage sub base build up and O’Brien’s director, Mick O’Brien, said: ■ Roads and sewers macadam civils works. Installation of long “With high praise from Mondo, alongside ■ External works including block jump, triple jump, high-jump, pole vault the positive feedback from the school, we paving and slabbing. and circle for throwing events were includ- are really delighted to have been a Princi- ed, along with a FIFA compliant football pal Contractor for such a prestigious client pitch on the infield, which was top soiled, and project”. seeded and marked accordingly. Eastwood School’s Services Director, On top of this a Mondo Sportsflex SX, Scott Sterling, said “We were very im- CONTACT O’BRIEN 400m running track was laid. Standing out pressed with O’Brien Contractors from from its competitor, it boasts a wealth of start to finish. They assisted us with ideas Manor Cottage, Church Lane, advantages, including a non-slip running in our design phase and were not only Cubbington, Leamington Spa, CV32 7JT, surface and is recognised as one of the timely in their completion but the qual- Tel: 01926 423918 Fax: 01926 883767 fastest tracks in the world. ity of the work was outstanding. We have Email: [email protected] Sportsflex SX selection as the Olympic had many people visit our facility and have Web: www.obriencontractors.co.uk track for London 2012 will only benefit been continually informed that our track is Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 17 INTERVIEW SIR KEITH MILLS Karen Maxwell talks to the deputy chair of LOCOG about winning the bid and the progress made on the ambitious London 2012 legacy promises so far sk Sir Keith Mills – one of the most successful British entre- preneurs – about his greatest professional achievement and without hesitation he says:A “winning the bid to host the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games”. Best known for developing, owning, managing, buying and selling loyalty schemes – such as Air Miles and the Nec- tar Card – throughout the world – Mills is used to taking on ambitious ventures. Which is why, although he admits he pre- viously knew nothing about the Olympic Games, he readily accepted the call to lead the London 2012 campaign back in 2003. BEHIND THE BID “The opportunity to run the bid came completely out of the blue,” Mills says. “I had just launched Nectar and was getting a sailing team together for the America’s Cup, when Barbara Cassani – who was asked by the government, the Mayor of London and the British Olympic Associa- tion to form a bid company for London 2012 – approached me to come and run it. “Although I’d never actually been to an Olympic Games, this was in fact a very sophisticated marketing job. It was about building a product by selecting the ven- ues, the transport plans and the budget in order to put a bid book together. Then marketing or selling it to sport internation- ally – particularly to the 150 International Olympic Committee (IOC) members who were going to vote,” Mills explains. According to him, at that time, the UK’s reputation for hosting sports events was very poor. “We’d hosted very few major events over the previous 20 or 30 years and had in fact won the right to hold the World Athletic Championships, but gave it back because we couldn’t build a sta- dium. That type of thing doesn’t go down very well internationally. We were punch- ing below our weight in the international federations so we were not in a good place,” Mills says. “However, when I did a A global marketeer, Mills’ earlier career was with The Economist and The Financial Times back of the envelope analysis of the other 18 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Sir Keith Mills (right) and Seb Coe (middle) promoting Sported and how it helps young people develop life skills through sporting activity nine cities bidding for the 2012 Games “The transformation of east London Left: Mills was one of the crew that won I thought we had a very good chance has been exceptional. There’s going to the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race against Paris and Madrid, which were be hundreds of companies that will have in 1999. Centre: Seb Coe and Keith Mills considered to be our rivals. waiting for the IOC’s decision on the 2012 created bigger and better businesses off “Any potential host city can enthuse Olympic hosts in Singapore. Right: an the back of the Games and we’re doing about its ambience, great hotels and International Inspiration project in India a great job in getting the Olympic values fantastic venues, but the one thing that through to over 20,000 schools around no other city had previously done was the UK,” he explains. to say ‘we’ll use the Games to inspire Coe and I appointed Paul Deighton from “Outside of the UK, we’ve created young people around the world to get in- Goldman Sachs as CEO. International Inspiration, a charitable foun- volved in sport – using it to improve lives “A great team of people can figure out dation that I personally chair. We’ve already through education and health’.” the most difficult things and make them run programmes in 20 countries and en- Once the bid was won, Mills drew on work. Between us, we’ve put together an gaged with more than 12 million children his business expertise to set up the Lon- outstanding management team of people – that’s pretty astonishing,” he says. don 2012 organising committee (LOCOG) with complementary skills – everyone is Mills’ own charitable foundation, Sport- and the Olympic Delivery Authority dedicated to what they do, but we all ed, is also gaining momentum. “We’ve (ODA). “LOCOG is essentially a commer- have fun and enjoy what we do too.” now got more than 1,000 clubs involved cial organisation,” he says. “It had to raise in this venture across the UK. Sported pro- more than £2bn of its own money to LONDON LEGACY vides both funding and help in the form fund the Games. And the key to starting Regarding the ambitious promises made of mentors and volunteers for tiny groups up any successful business is to find really in the bid, Mills says: “We’re not there that use sport to help disadvantaged good people to run it. Which is why Seb yet, but we’re in pretty good shape. children in some of the more challenging Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 19 INTERVIEW SIR KEITH MILLS parts of the country,” he explains. Adding that he expects the initiative to continue for decades to come. Participation, however, is an issue that Mills admits still needs addressing, although he stresses that this issue is not unique to this country. “I was in Beijing recently, speaking at the IOC Sport For All confer- ence, and met with many heads of country sports councils who reported the same concerns. Getting a sports infrastructure in place that can really address and deliver sport and then communicating the benefits to different audiences is really challenging. “Putting my marketing hat on, I believe there are two things that are needed to engage the general public. The first is to set people’s imagination alive and get them excited, and the second is to make sure the product is on the shelf and widely A keen sailor, Mills is principal investor in Alex Thomson Racing and the Hugo Boss Open 60 team distributed. In other words, the national organisations responsible for deliver- and local, to make sport easier and more and the expected development of White ing sport – whether it’s local authorities, accessible to the general public. And at Hart Lane, Mills says it’s a complex project schools or clubs or facilities – all need to the same time bring more commercial that can only realistically be delivered with point in the same direction, be fit for pur- opportunities. “We’ve already had some public support. “Although I’m not involved pose, welcoming and easy to access.” very good examples of commercial part- with it directly, I know the club has been Mills says that in practice this has not ners in UK sport. Sky’s partnership with negotiating and discussing with the Mayor necessarily always been the case. The prob- cycling and British Gas’ partnership with of London and the government regarding lem being that the various elements of swimming are good examples of how very ways in which it can help bring about the delivering sport are not particularly well large, consumer-facing businesses can help regeneration of Tottenham and Haringey, connected or strategically aligned. “It’s an sport reach consumers much more effec- which are incredibly poor parts of the city. issue we’re working on in the merger of tively. I think we can do a lot more of that The reality of a project of this size in this Sport England and UK Sport as a catalyst if we are more connected,” he says. current economic climate is that it’s not for change,” he says. “I expect to issue a consultation-type possible for a club to do it on its own.” document before the end of the year that “You’re talking about a £400m project, MERGING SPORT will lay out a vision. I’ll be asking all those which is part of a much broader regen- Chosen as a neutral individual, Mills was in sport who have an interest in making eration involving the rebuilding of rail appointed chair of the board charged things better, to have their views so that stations and roads – it’s a big undertaking with bringing about the merger between we can go into 2012 with a really con- for a football club that only makes about Sport England and UK Sport, to help them crete plan for the future.” £20m a year profit,” he says. think through a new vision for the sector. “If you take the Olympic Park and all “The board is made of the two sporting TOTTENHAM FAN the billions of pounds that have been entities, the government, sportscotland, Apart from his love of sailing, Mills is spent in east London, three-quarters of Sport Wales and Sport Northern Ireland, also a lifetime supporter of Tottenham the money that’s been spent support- Mills says. “My job is to help them deliver Hotspur FC, and joined the club’s board ing the park has gone into non-sporting a new vision and a new infrastructure four years ago. “I’ve never been a season projects. It’s gone into the sewers and that will address the core issues of sports ticket holder, but I help the chair and underground power lines and roads and participation – continuing from the very management with the business and com- stations. If you’re going to do a major re- successful work we’ve done in elite sport.” mercial aspects of the club,” he says. generation, a very substantial part of this Mills says this will include all delivery Regarding the club’s well-publicised in- cost is not in actually building the venue bodies and agencies at all levels, national terest in moving to the Olympic Stadium it’s everything around the outside and that’s what Tottenham needs help with.” Mills’ advice on major projects, such as this, must be in high demand, particularly There are two things needed to engage the general now he has Olympic experience to add to public. The first is to set people’s imagination alive his credentials. “Actually, over the past six or seven years Seb and I have spent quite and get them excited, and the second is to make sure a bit of time helping other countries,” he the product is on the shelf and widely distributed says. “I draw no distinction about who we help. If somebody calls up for advice, we give it to them.” ● 20 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 SYNTHETIC FIELDS’ PREFERRED PRODUCER www.g-spot.it IRB Preferred Producer FIFA Preferred Producer of Football Turf Synthetic fi elds realized all over the World Check it on www.limontasport.com LIMONTA SPORT S.p.a. Via Crema, 60 24055 Cologno al Serio - BG Tel: +39 035 4812111 fax: +39 035 4812247 [email protected] PLAYING ON A DREAM CONFERENCE REVIEW The recent annual International Sports Event Management (ISEM) conference provided a forum for exchange of knowledge and opinion among those in the sports event management sector. Delegate Helen Delany reports ISEM REVIEW n 12 and 13 October, influential sport administrators, including London 2012’s Lord Sebastian O Coe, Paul Deighton and Sochi 2014’s Dmitry Chernyshenko took to the stage to give their progress reports on the run up to the Summer and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games at Lon- don’s annual International Sports Event Management (ISEM) conference. Attended by around 150 delegates, the event was a platform for international industry experts to share their insight and experience on trends in the global sports event industry. Over the two days, particular focus was given to effective event management, security planning and how a host can maximise an event’s Athletics’ IAAF World Championships. EMERGING MARKETS commercial and legacy opportunities. Combining presentations with panel The economic growth and development With recent high-profile international discussions and formal networking ses- of emerging markets such as the Middle sports events as examples of best practice, sions, some of the key event messages East and the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, delegates were also able to listen and learn included emerging markets, legacy and China and South Africa) compared with from presentations on the hosting of the adding to the event experience. Here the downturn seen across Europe and FIFA Women’s World Cup and International follows a brief summary: Northern America, means that an in- creasing number of events will be hosted by emerging countries. WILL LONDON DELIVER A SUCCESSFUL LEGACY? Emerging markets are attractive to rights holders due to their: ccording to pmplegacy, the hard whether this is converted into sustained UÊ Ability, through centralised govern- legacy benefits relating to the participation remains the big question. ment structures, to invest and commit A regeneration of East London, new Three years out and Sochi has already to an increased level of funding at the sporting venues and an enhanced trans- demonstrated it is possible – with bid and hosting stage. port network cannot be argued against. increased levels of sporting participa- UÊ Ability to deliver strategic objectives In terms of the soft benefits, the consen- tion recorded at 17 per cent nationwide of the rights holder through new sus is that it is too early to tell. Ticket- and 35 per cent in the Sochi region. This facilities as well as growth, develop- ing demand may indicate that we have shows what can be achieved through ment and profile raising of the sport a nation enthused by Olympic sport but embedding legacy at the bid stage. in new territories. The legacy impact is often far greater in these countries. 22 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 EVENT PLANNING – 12 KEY STEPS 1. Eliminate as much uncertainty from bid delivery and beyond – early planning of who, what, where, when, how and why for areas such as budget, technical requirements, delivery model and operations 2. Leverage the distinct value – of the event, the city, the country, the movement or sport 3. Create an event personality not just a brand – give it a time, a place and purpose 4. Give selflessly – for event planning and management the journey is as important as the destination. Be aware that the IOC is a time-based organisation, your partners will be around significantly longer 5. Spend time on a strategy at bid stage that involves all stakeholders and has a clear plan for delivery 6. Develop a sound budget that translates to fiscal control rather than hinders front-line management 7. Put yourself in the position of all stakeholders and mentally walk through their experience 8. Get the best people – hand- pick your team and check their actual delivery experience 9. Secure support from the top – develop and build relationships so there is confidence and trust 10. Define structure and responsibilities – at both planning and in event management mode 11. Keep your hands free – ensure guidelines are in place so there is clarity on delivery and senior management can oversee and provide additional resource to address any inevitable problems 12. Work hard and enjoy! UÊ Ability to offer robust commercial ADDING TO THE EVENT EXPERIENCE With major sports administrators in models, with greater commercial Adding consumer value to an event is an attendance (including Lord Seb Coe: opportunities and reduced risk – given increasing trend. Examples included: top left and above) delegates were a typical underwriting of the financial offered great networking opportunities UÊ Fan parks. First introduced at the 2006 model due to a keenness to host. at the event management conference FIFA World Cup. These offer com- While this growing trend will result in an mercial benefits, educational and increasingly competitive events market interactive legacy and help to build-up and may limit the UK’s potential to at- It can take many different forms, such and generate interest tract future events, it does provide an as sporting, economic, social and environ- UÊ In-event opportunities. Using digital opportunity for event professionals in mental with hard legacy benefits relating media to bring the spectator expe- the UK to work with emerging countries to facilities and infrastructure and soft rience to life and provide a better and share their international experience. benefits to lifestyle and cultural changes. understanding of the sport It’s widely accepted that any success- UÊ Sports presentation. Entertaining and IMPORTANCE OF LEGACY ful bid will need to demonstrate a positive educating spectators i.e. at the 2011 Legacy is the long-term, sustainable ben- legacy impact. The issue is balancing what Daegu IAAF World Championships efit that may be created from bidding for is right for both the host city and the rights ‘ssshhhh’ sound effects prior to the and hosting a major sporting event. holder, i.e. managing the demands of the gun and use of six split big screens to It creeps into virtually all events-re- rights holder with the city’s long-term illustrate the technical detail of events. lated presentations and discussions, needs. The general perception is that in emphasising how integral it is to event Olympic and Paralympic terms only Barce- Helen Delaney is a senior consultant planning and delivery. lona in 1992 has successfully managed this. at pmplegacy Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 23 MAJOR EVENTS The sweeping profile of Sochi’s stadium reflects the costal and mountain location MASTERPLANNING SOCHI 2014 Much has changed in the design and delivery of major international sporting events since Russia hosted the Moscow 1980 Summer Olympics. Jerry Anderson and John Barrow explain Populous’s assisting role at JERRY ANDERSON the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi JOHN BARROW hen the bidding commit- traditional summertime holiday destina- temporary – a balance that is crucial to tee responsible for creating tion for millions of Russians. One of the creating a successful legacy. All of these Sochi’s bid for the 2014 legacy aims behind the bid was to de- challenges were met with a clear plan, W Winter Olympics began velop the area further. The idea was to which took full advantage of the stun- the process of pulling it together, it create an Olympic park, which could act ning seaside location. had been 25 years since Russia had last as a catalyst for this development by link- After the announcement in June 2006 hosted a major sports event – the Mos- ing the nearby Caucasus Mountains and that Sochi had made the shortlist, a tre- cow Summer Olympics, back in 1980. In the coastal region with new infrastructure mendous effort went into preparing the the intervening years many things had and facilities. Bid Book. Populous designed the initial moved forward in the design and de- Although cluster venue parks have be- assessments of all potential venue sites, livery of these events. The committee come standard for Summer Games, this helped in the selection of those sites and recognised the need for international was the first time it had been proposed developed the venue design imagery. expertise and this is where Populous was for a Winter Olympics. We also worked closely with the able to come alongside the bidding com- Populous, with experience of master- Bid committee to develop the presen- mittee to bring Olympic standards back planning for numerous major sporting tations to the International Olympic to Russia. events, including the Olympic Park for Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission, London 2012, was able to draw on that made presentations on behalf of Shaping the vision knowledge and bring the lessons learnt to the Sochi Bid Committee to the commis- Seven cities set out to become the host of the bid for the Winter Games. sion and provided all design and graphic the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games The site for the park was selected as materials for the final presentation prior and Populous worked with the Sochi 2014 the Imeretin Valley, located alongside the to the IOC vote. Organising Committee from the outset to Black Sea at the southern end of Sochi. On July 4, 2007 in Guatemala, Sochi assist in its bid efforts. For the remaining venues, it was a ques- beat both Pyeonchang, South Korea A key initial part of any bid is to outline tion of analysing the few facilities which and Salzburg, Austria in a hotly contested the proposed venues for the Games. As a already existed and deciding what need- effort to win the rights to the 2014 Win- popular coastal resort, Sochi has been a ed to be built and what could be purely ter Olympic Games. 24 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Located on the main Olympic plaza, the transparent skin exposes the building’s structural elements and allows sight- lines through to the mountains and sea Realising dreams beginning. This process has included After the euphoria of being an- all the initial work for overlay and nounced as the host city, the hard event venues, the Sochi venue re- work began again in full force. The quirements, preliminary block plans concepts and plans outlined in the Bid for all competition and major non- Book had to be developed into both competition venues, design reviews masterplans and venue plans that for all venues, and delivering the would allow ideas to be transformed overlay strategy for the detailed im- into reality. plementation of the work. As a first step, the Sochi 2014 orga- The brief was to design the Underpinning all this has been a vi- nising committee asked Populous to sion of creating temporary structures help prepare design briefs for each stadium to host the opening that reflect the excitement and spirit venue, prior to awarding the develop- ceremony, then expand of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. ment to the competing contractors. The State Corporation responsible We were able to draw upon the expe- to 45,000 seats for World for constructing the permanent infra- rience we have gained from working Cup matches, then reduce structure for the Sochi 2014 Games, on many previous Olympic Games to Olympstroy, engaged Populous to help with this, as well as with design to 25,000 legacy format develop the Olympic Park master- and operational reviews. plan. Working closely with the St A big part of any Olympic Games Petersburg Institute of Urban Stud- is the design of the temporary support these facilities are temporary, their design ies, Populous developed a refined park structures needed for any large event. is hugely important to the functionality masterplan, establishing the location of Referred to as Olympic overlay, these and experience for both athletes, media, all venues within the park. These will facilities require as much area as the the Olympic and Paralympic family and include five arenas, two practice ice facili- venues themselves, and often include spectators. Populous has been engaged ties, spectator concourses and facilities, non-permanent stadia as well. While in developing overlay plans from the an athlete village, media centres, Games Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 25 MAJOR EVENTS An entire infrastructure for a city of 350,000 people will transform the area into a major winter destination support facilities and an IOC hotel. A Its sweeping form responds to both co-ordinated plan reflecting all the its coastal location and mountainous venue, overlay, transport, spectator backdrop, while its crystalline skin concourse and ancillary support facili- engages with its surroundings by day, ties was established and approved by and provides an iconic representa- Olympstroy and the organising com- tion of the colour and spectacle of the mittee. Alongside the operational games when illuminated at night. requirements, we made the vision for The stadium will be the focal point establishing a gateway between the of the Games and the event as a Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea whole will leave a lasting legacy for more evident on this unique site. The venues in the park the evolution of Sochi as a domestic and international tourist destination. A lasting legacy will include five arenas, In fact, beyond the staging of the The next stage was the design of spe- two practice ice facilities, Games, an entire infrastructure for a cific venues and in October 2009 we city of 350,000 people will be put in were delighted to be appointed as spectator concourses, an place, transforming the area into a architects for the Sochi Olympic Sta- athletes village, media major winter sports destination that dium, joined in the design consortium will last well beyond the 2014 Games. by Russian contractor Engeocom, and centres and an IOC hotel Botta Management. Welcoming the world This is the third Olympic Stadium A major objective for Russia over the that Populous has designed and the first The brief for the stadium was to design next few years is to begin hosting major time that a Winter Olympic host city has a building that could host the Olym- events once more. Winning the Win- built a stadium. The reason behind this pic opening ceremony, then expand to ter Olympics has allowed the country to decision was that Russia’s bid for the 45,000 seats to host World Cup matches break back onto the world stage and the Olympics was part of a broader goal to and finally reduce down to 25,000 seats new skills and expertise that are being de- step back onto the world stage as hosts in its long-term legacy format for a local veloped domestically during the work on of major sporting events so the coun- football team. Populous was able to take the Sochi Games will help Russia raise its try would also be providing itself with a some of the lessons learnt in the devel- profile around the world. potential future venue for events such as opment of the London Olympic Stadium, FIFA World Cup matches, now that Russia in terms of adaptability and flexibility to Jerry Anderson and John Barrow are has been awarded the 2018 competition. transform after hosting an Olympic event. senior principals at Poplous 26 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 NEW OPENING Animal sculptures and artefacts made from recycled objects create a unique entrance into the Leisure and Culture Park In the know at Knowsley John Bell, former director of Leisure and Community Services for Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council takes us on a tour of the recently-opened £25m Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park his new facility, built on the purpose hall features 700 bleacher seats Fitness and PowerPlate equipment while former Sir Thomas Beck- with room for an additional 200 for a fully-trained instructors offer inclusive et school site in Huyton, full-house show. The first performance workouts for people of all abilities. Merseyside, offers something has already been scheduled: Hamlet, Popular classes, such as Zumba, kick fit, different from a traditional performed by the Royal Shakespeare aqua boot camp and Aqua Zumba are leisureT centre. There’s a giant fish sculp- Company touring company. also available, as well as the ever popular ture outside the entrance for starters, In sports mode, the hall is the home of spin classes in a dedicated area equipped then past reception in the vibrant foyer the Mersey Tigers Basketball team and with 25 Keiser bikes. area there are more animal images – an the Liverpool Futsal Brazilian football For balancing the body and mind, the owl, an eel and a zebra. team – which has just achieved a new spa, located on the first floor, provides a These animals link to the Knowsley world record for 37 hours continuous play relaxing environment with soft furnish- Alphabet trail, inspired by Edward Lear ings, low lighting and five treatment – who wrote ‘The owl and the pussy cat’ rooms; two with ensuite showers. A sau- rhyme during his time at nearby Knows- The cost of the sport and na, steam and salt room is located on the ley Hall in the late 19th Century. ground floor – adjacent to the facility’s Another artisan, international artist cultural centre was met by two swimming pools Gordon Young, has also left his mark. He’s prudential borrowing and An excellent view of the two 25m been working with members of the local swimming pools is offered from the first community to create artefacts made from council reserves – to be paid floor. The wider pool is an eight-lane recycled materials taken from local disused back on the eventual sale of competition pool, which includes a ramp buildings. An example of this work can for disabled users (during my visit this be found at reception, where old school the former leisure site pool was being used for aquarobics by bench tops have been transformed into a Activity for Life GP Referrals clients. This piece of art by some of the facility’s Day pool can be used for swimming galas, Care Centre special needs users who are al- at the new centre. Storage for equipment with spectator seating for up to 300. The ready making good use of the centre’s arts within the hall has been well planned and smaller 25m four-lane pool can be used and crafts provision and sensory room. the additional Green Room allows for vis- as a warm-up facility in this instance. The iting artists and teams to have their own pool’s moveable floor Combining sport and culture shower and dressing room. allows for flexible swimming program- The facility ticks all the boxes for the Encouraging regular physical activity ming within the centre. sports, cultural, community and educa- in the community, a fitness suite sits on tional needs of the local area. two levels within the centre, consisting of The Velodrome and BMX Track Overlooked by a fully-equipped audio 110 stations of Life Fitness, Balance Mas- Outside the building sits an impressive visual control room, the six-court, multi- ter, Stair Master, Concept rowers, Escape 400m-track velodrome, which features 28 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 The wider of the two 25m pools can host swimming galas, while the smaller pool can be a warm-up facility. Below left: Popular classes at the gym an international-standard BMX track with Balfour Beatty, which is Knowsley within its bowl. Currently still under MBC’s PFI partner for Building Schools construction, the structure is due to be for the Future. However, the Leisure and completed in December this year. Culture Park is not a PFI scheme and will This achieves a promise made to be operated by the Department of Well- British Cycling to reinstate a cycling fa- being Services in Knowsley MBC. cility when Kirkby Leisure Centre – the Key to the scheme’s success will be at- training home of Olympic cyclist Chris tracting a large number of members and Boardman – was closed some years ago. visitors. Knowsley card members can use The new velodrome complements the an access card to enter the building. Once recently-opened Indoor Cycling Centre in inside they can pay-as-you-go or buy a Manchester. It also provides a much an- gold or silver membership – depending on ticipated BMX facility for local bikers and Financing the new centre which facilities they wish to use. showcase BMX events. In these difficult times for public fi- An interesting future development nances, the Knowsley Leisure Facilities could be the use of the Knowsley card for OurPlace strategy has embraced a major ratio- travel by bus and rail. Early discussions With teenage needs in mind, a new Our- nalisation of all Knowsley Metropolitan with Merseytravel have provided encour- Place youth centre for 13- to 19-year-olds Borough Council’s (MBC) leisure facilities agement for this idea which may open sits alongside the facility. The centre of- on a ‘hub and spoke’ principle. up the centre to ‘green’ travel – by bike, fers local children the chance to spend The £16m cost of the sport and cultural for example. their free time in the media suite, dance centre was met by prudential borrowing studio, café and chill out areas. and council reserves. This is to be paid Conclusion It also features advice/counselling and back upon the sale of former leisure sites This new centre is incredibly impressive skills training rooms, a multi-use games when the economy improves. The velo- and when fully open should provide a area and garden allotments. drome and BMX site cost £1.3m and was national exemplar of best practice. It financed by grants from British Cycling’s provides inclusive facilities for all ages Learning centre Whole Sport Plan, Sport England and and abilities; the whole building echoes a On an adjacent part of the site, just Knowsley PCT. The OurPlace Youth commitment to sports and arts. It is truly beyond the velodrome, sits a new sec- Centre cost £5m and this was met by a ‘one building – many functions’. ¬Ê ondary school for 900 students. Sports Big Lottery grant. facilities on the school site include a third The speed of the project build – from John Bell is Honorary Secretary at generation floodlit artificial pitch, grass planning consent to virtual completion in CCLOA, a director of the Sport and pitches and indoors, a small fitness suite 18 months – has been a positive. This was Recreation Alliance and chair of and dance studio. achieved by utilising the existing contract Merseyside Sports partnership Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 29 PROJECT PROFILE Chiefs benefit from Gen3 revolution Gen3 Kinematics’ partnership with Exeter Chiefs rugby club has produced a massive increase in the players’ strength and conditioning gain CLIENT: Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club “Using the MyoTruk and SUPPLIER: MyoThrusta in our training Gen3 Kinematics sessions, the team has xeter Chiefs rugby club achieved roughly a 7 per is one of the most suc- cent increase in strength cessful rugby clubs in the E country – playing in the and conditioning gain” Aviva Premiership. Since the club was promoted in May 2010, Exeter has steadily ascended to become an established presence in the top tier excellent and the guys are fitter and Correspondence Technology, the sys- of rugby. After finishing eighth in its stronger than ever.” tems are able to deliver effective muscle first ever season in top-flight rugby, the The game results of Exeter Chiefs have fibre recruitment through a full-range of success that’s been achieved in a short spoken for themselves since the club was movement – from extreme flexion to full period of time is outstanding. promoted. It currently lies fifth in the extension, with a greatly reduced risk of Gen3 Kinematics was brought in to Premiership this year having won three injury during training. This is due to the install its MyoQuip strength training out of the first six games. With a squad equipment design being focused on de- systems, the MyoTruk and MyoThrusta that possesses many of its players from its livering training movements that have no in July 2010. The training programmes time in the league below, strength and adverse loading in the spine, hips or knees. through which head of strength and conditioning performance has been a key Andy Naisbitt, business development conditioning coach Paddy Anson puts his part to their success. “Using the MyoTruk manager, Gen3 Kinematics, says: “We’re players through uses the MyoTruk and and MyoThrusta in our training, we have delighted with the results that have been MyoThrusta daily to increase the strength achieved roughly a 7 per cent increase in achieved by the guys at Exeter Chiefs. and explosiveness of his players. strength and conditioning gain,” says An- “Their performances in the league One of the key aspects to the Myo- son. “This is a massive amount at the elite have been brilliant and with the use of Truk and MyoThrusta is the ability to do level given that even a 1 per cent increase our training equipment we are proud to strength training efficiently and effec- is considered to be a great result”. be a part of the club’s success. Our part- tively due to the technology involved Injury prevention is one of the key nership helps reinforce our ambition to in the MyoQuip equipment. As Anson aspects to Gen3 Kinematics’ MyoQuip help develop a new method of strength explains: “The MyoTruk and MyoThrusta training systems that has benefited Exeter. training for athletes across the board.” have formed a key part of to our train- The equipment’s aim is to provide a safer, ing programmes that have helped us more efficient strength training environ- For more information: tremendously since our arrival in the Pre- ment for athletes in any sport. Armed Email: [email protected] miership. Our testing scores have been with the patented Broad Biomechanical or visit www.gen3kinematics.com 30 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 SWIMMING SWIMMING STATE OF THE INDUSTRY As London 2012 approaches and the need for investment legacies close in, evidence of what’s already been achieved in terms of swimming facilities is showcased in The Leisure Database Company’s latest report. By David Minton he recently released 2011 State marginal decline in the swimming pool of the UK Swimming Industry facilities at private health clubs. Report sets out to inform na- Regional variations are apparent too. tional and local government Northern Ireland and the Northeast of as well as operators and sup- England have the lowest provision of pliersT on the state of and changes to the pools, while the Southeast of England industry’s swimming pool facilities. has the highest provision. In the public The report reveals swimming to be one sector, Scotland shares the highest re- of the most accessible sports with 84 per gional provision with Southeast England. cent of people in the UK living within two miles of their nearest swimming pool, PRICING VARIATIONS whether that’s a public or private facility. In the public sector, swimming prices The free Splashpath app offers pool and timetable information to encourage people vary across the regions. The average cost to swim on a more regular basis. It currently TYPE AND LOCATION OF POOLS of a pay and play adult swim among has more than 26,000 subscribers The report shows that throughout the public sector pools ranges from £2.76 in UK a total of 4,674 swimming pools are Northern Ireland (18 per cent below UK operated across the 3,311 UK public and average) to £3.89 in London (15 per cent Report reveals the make-up of the stock private sites with swimming facilities. above UK average). to be mainly indoor main pools (58.8 per The UK stock is predominantly oper- The top five trusts notably charge cent). Teaching pools make up more than ated in the public sector with 2,769 pool higher than the average adult pay and 25 per cent, 7 per cent are leisure pools facilities at public sports centres and 1,905 play fee for swims at their centres. and 7 per cent are outdoor pools. pool facilities at private health clubs. In the 12 months to 31 March 2011, the NATIONAL STOCK SECTOR DIFFERENCES increase in pool facilities on offer through In regard to what type of pools are in the In the private health club sector, the the public sector sports centres offset the national stock, the Swimming Industry majority of pools are found at multi-site Private clubs with swimming pool Public sports centres with swimming Public and private: facilities – regional breakdown pool facilities – regional breakdown swimming pools by facility type Region Clubs % Clubs Region Clubs % Clubs Eastern 160 10% Eastern 149 9% Outdoor East Midlands 100 6% East Midlands 125 7% 7.1% Diving 1.5% London 191 12% London 143 8% Northeast 55 3% Northeast 67 4% Indoor leisure Indoor main Northwest 195 12% Northwest 188 11% 6.7% 58.8% Northern Ireland 21 1% Northern Ireland 43 2% Scotland 138 9% Scotland 219 13% Southeast 268 17% Southeast 221 13% Southwest 171 11% Southwest 182 11% Indoor teaching Wales 62 4% Wales 130 8% 25.9% West Midlands 121 8% West Midlands 128 7% Yorkshire & Humberside 101 6% Yorkshire & Humberside 133 8% 7+ 72k Total market Total market All UK clubs 1,583 100% All UK sports centres 1,728 100% 32 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 operator clubs, given the development PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/BIKERIDERLONDON and operational costs of pools. How- ever, the report also shows that we are It’s good to see that the pool stock remains witnessing a decreasing number of pools relatively stable but we’ll want to continually opening in the private health club sec- tor as club openings in that sector move monitor this situation as public sector reductions in towards low cost operations – many of funding could have significant impact in the future which do not have pool facilities. In the public sector, there has been an increase in centres with new pool open- ings. In the 12 months to 31 March 2011 Splashpath is now seen as an industry can help us all plan to meet this growth. there were 27 new pool openings. The solution to increasing swimming partici- It’s good to see that the pool stock re- top five trusts and leisure management pation. The application has witnessed mains relatively stable but we will want to contractors operate 20 per cent of the more than 600 people per week sign up continually monitor this situation as public UK public pool market. to find out where and when to swim. sector reductions in funding could have a significant impact in the future.” BOOSTING PARTICIPATION INVESTMENTS IN UNDERSTANDING Sean Holt, CEO of IMSPA agrees: The report reveals that technology will Industry bodies have welcomed the re- “These figures aid in planning and pro- play an important role in encouraging port for the value it brings to the sector. viding relevant services to the sports and further swimming participation. “We know that swimming remains a leisure sectors and enable us to meet the For example Splashpath, the free massive participation sport and activity, opportunities arising from the Olympic mobile application, encourages more but we still need to grow the market and momentum.” people to swim more often with readily the numbers participating regularly,” says The report also details the age and size available, real-time pool and timetable Andy Reed, chair of Sport and Recreation of swimming pool stock as well as pool information. Already there are more than Alliance and independent board member facilities and recent changing room refur- 26,000 swimmers and more than 100 op- of the ASA. “Reports suggest that latent bishments. More details are available on erators using Splashpath to promote their demand for swimming remains high so www.theleisuredatabase.com pools, all of which are location-aware. providing this kind of detailed information or +44 (0)20 7395 6177. ● Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 33 SHOW PREVIEW New building standards and rising energy prices will be key issues discussed at this event SPATEX 2012 INTERESTED IN SWIMMING POOL OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND DESIGN? THEN BRIGHTON IS THE PLACE TO BE, FROM 4-6 FEBRUARY 2012 t’s not often that you’ll find the Changing standards chemical dosing systems and, most im- majority of the UK and European Current government regulation in the portantly, energy will remain firmly in the swimming pool products and hot domestic house building market means spotlight at the show. SPATEX visitors will I tubs suppliers and manufacturers that renewable sources of energy need to be able to witness some of the advances conveniently situated under one roof. be used to enable the building to satisfy in these areas and advice will be on hand At SPATEX 2012 visitors are provided Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) re- to help them meet the new standards set. with an ideal opportunity to research quirements. These regulations will soon exciting new products for the 2012 season, apply to swimming pool buildings too. In Matching with Europe together with a convenient platform for addition to this, by 2016, the government Going forward, low maintenance those business meetings that there’s little will have ruled that no new gas supplies costs and energy efficiency will contin- time for during the hectic pool season. will be allowed to new build sites. ue to be a priority at community pools These new standards, together with throughout the UK. While heat pumps Seminar programme fast rising energy prices, have put pres- remain high on the list of ‘most wanted’ Offering its support to the exhibition, sure on pool owners to actively address for such savings. the Institute of Swimming Pool Engi- energy efficiency. This also fits with the Although throughout Europe, heat neers (ISPE) will be organising a series of consumer’s desire to buy into products pumps have been an accepted technology informative seminars during the event by and services that they perceive to be less for well over 20 years, the UK govern- industry leaders who are first in their field harmful to the environment – thus reduc- ment’s target of 15 percent of energy of pool expertise. ing their own carbon footprint. to be derived from renewables by 2020 The varied seminar content will include The government’s new Part L Building assumes significant growth in the use of technical product application presen- Regulations, introduced this year, has an renewable technology in order to meet tations as well as business-orientated increased focus on reduced energy con- this commitment. papers. Due to the fact that swimming sumption, and its far-reaching effects will Much can be done with existing pool running costs are likely to be at the become more evident within the building technology, however, used as part of a forefront of every pool owner, operator and swimming pool industries in 2012. proactive energy saving programme. This and manager’s mind – another much- With these issues in mind, swimming includes good initial design, efficient pool debated topic will be green issues and pool heat retention covers, heat pumps, maintenance and good housekeeping – renewable technology. water circulating pumps, control of backed with energy-efficient products. 34 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Saturday 4th to Monday 6th February 2012 SPLASH IT k_\gffcXe[jgXj_fnk_\gffcXe[jgXj__fn Hilton Brighton Metropole Exhibition Centre, Brighton, UK TIP IT SPRAY IT SQUIRT IT 9 bring life to your pool 9 replace old water features 9 create revenue through play 9 latest interactive water technology 9 By the Industry, for the Industry designs to suit all pool types Register for free at www.spatex.co.uk or call + 44 (0)1264 358558 MEDIA PARTNERS: Tel: +44 (0) 1752 771740 SAT 09:30 - 17:00 / SUN 09:30 - 17:00 / MON 09:30 - 16:00 E: [email protected] W: www.hippoleisure.com !" # $ % #)-),&0 $- # ) % +/)/ ,- *# (+ ")+$ *)+- &$ !$, ($($-$ -$. )!)'$ &$ !+ "$,- + # +$-/ ("& ( & , )-& ( Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 35 GRASSROOTS WING O TH R E G GRASSROOTS For a sport with roots embedded in South Korean culture for anything up to 5,000 years, taekwondo has taken almost that length of time to come to the sporting consciousness of the British public. Trevor Baxter reports TAEKWONDO ith reputable sources sug- – largely due to taekwondo’s Games sta- June. Youngsters from six upwards com- gesting that 70 million tus. Alongside judo, it is one of the only peted alongside world-class British stars. people practice taekwondo two martial arts on the Olympic schedule. In 2012, it is envisaged there will be W in 200 countries, the sport a new exciting National Taekwondo had been a well-kept secret in the UK, The UK landscape League (NTL) with three NTL events until the formation of the British Tae- There are now more than 14,000 regis- across the country culminating in a pre- kwondo Control Board (BTCB) in 1982. tered players in the UK, an increase of sentation evening – in conjunction with Even globally the modern form of tae- 4,000 from 2007. Including participation the BTCB – where the overall winners will kwondo – literally translated as the way by other members of the taekwondo be crowned national champions. of the foot and the fist (tae meaning family, it’s estimated there are approxi- The NTL concept is seen as a replace- to break or attack with the foot, kwon mately 60,000 people aligned to this ment for the Nationals, providing meaning to break with the fist and do particular martial art. athletes with more regular and high- translated as the art or way) – wasn’t So, London 2012 could provide the BTCB quality sparring opportunities on the agreed until 1955. It took another 18 and GB Taekwondo (the performance arm big stage. With an exciting end goal for years before the formation of the world of the sport, challenged with delivering athletes, the NTL will hopefully encour- governing body, the World Taekwondo Olympics medals) with further impetus to age a take up in the number of people Federation (WTF). rid itself of the ‘minority sport’ tag. involved in the sport. However, for an ancient martial art that A demonstration event for the first In addition, invitations will be made to struggled for nearly five millennia to find time at the 1988 Games in Seoul, tae- train at the GB High Performance Acad- its niche in the modern world, the growth kwondo was upgraded to medal status emy in Manchester – the spiritual home spurt in popularity in little more than a at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Even of taekwondo in the UK and host city for quarter of a century has been incredible. before London, there are already encour- next year’s European Championships. A major catalyst came in 1994, when aging signs that both base and pinnacle Football may be king in Manchester the WTF received International Olym- of the pyramid look in good shape. but in Newton Heath taekwondo has put pic Committee (IOC) recognition. The A record entry of more than 450 players down strong roots. The main training curve upwards shows no sign of dipping attended the National Championships last base at Ten Acres Lane isn’t just home 36 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Above: flexible national champion Andrew Deer. Below: World Champion Sarah Stevenson coaching technique Left: British Open champion and World silver medallist Jade Jones at GB Taekwondo Academy in Newton Heath to elite athletes. It’s open and provides Indeed, the successes highlighted “Those athletes with potential will taster sessions and training programmes the strides being made to implement a be invited to Manchester in September for schools, clubs and community groups. talent pathway so athletes like Worthing- 2012,” explains GB Taekwondo devel- The GB administrative offices are billeted ton can eventually progress to become opment manager Dean Leak of the in the new East Manchester Academy. members of the GB Academy set-up like Homestay initiative. In turn, it’s hoped the presence of Dickson and Abley. “They will train full-time, receive a world class athletes on their doorstep will The eight-strong GB squad comprised bespoke education package and stay inspire Mancunians to take up a sport youngsters from the World Class Per- with a host family.” that otherwise might be alien to them. formance Programme and from leading The Talented Athlete Scholarship clubs around the country. Scheme (TASS) and Sports Aid – again British success linked through Sport England – provides British players secured a record four med- Talent pathways funding to help prospects fund interna- als at the World Championships in South GB Taekwondo, through its partnership tional competitions, which is key Korea in May this year – including gold with and funding from Sport England, to development. for Sarah Stevenson. has developed a talent pathway to pro- The Olympics though remain the goal Another six medals were won at the vide young talented athletes with the for any aspiring athlete and medals in British Open in Manchester in October, opportunity to access world-class provi- London could produce untold benefits for including gold for Olympic hopefuls sion and move through a logical system the sport with a rise in popularity and in- Aaron Cook, Jade Jones, Martin Stamper to maximise their taekwondo ambition. creased participation. and Bianca Walkden. Proof that the pro- The programme aims to make Britain the But there’s a determination at all levels duction line of talent is running smoothly number one nation in the world at junior to maximise the success and the profile al- came a week later with three medals at and cadet level through the continuation ready achieved by frontline British players. the European Junior Championships for of regular contact with athletes at talent Systems being introduced now are as Sophie Dickson, Jamie Abley and 14-year- squad training, increased investment in much to produce talent for Rio 2016 and old Beth Worthington from the South clubs and the opening of the first National future World and European Champion- Hams club in the -44 kg weight division. Junior Homestay programme in 2012. ships as for London 2012. Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 37 GRASSROOTS Georgia Barnes, one of the leading juniors during a National Junior Training Camp in Manchester Growing the grassroots of growth of its clubs and keep more Before the Talent Pathway’s introduc- The task for the BTCB and members training for longer. tion, the route into the GB academy was “This will ultimately help deliver the through recognition at the National GB Taekwondo is to elite athletes of the future to the GB Tae- Championships or International competi- capitalise on any success kwondo Academy,” Tranter says. tions. No formal scouting system existed. “There has never really been a sig- at London 2012 and Moving upwards nificant grassroots programme in place have the structures GB Taekwondo is charged with delivering before,” Leak says. the third tier of Sport England’s ‘Grow “In the past, the route into the World in place to do so and Sustain’ pathway known as ‘Excel.’ Class Programme came directly from the “It’s in our interest to take from the local club. Now GB Taekwondo, through wider pool and put programmes in place the Sport England ‘Excel’ programme, health and flexibility improvements or just to identify talent and bring them along,” has installed a pathway athletes can visi- to feel part of a club that offers respect says Leak. bly understand and realise. We now have and confidence building for everyone. Existing WTF club members are a great national team and are building “Many schools are switching onto the encouraged to enter national and inter- development programmes from the top huge benefits to their pupils by bringing national competitions to gain experience down rather than bottom upwards. WTF Taekwondo into their curriculum or and recognition from the GB coaches. “We have the shop window and every- as part of their after school clubs. Parents Athletes who show signs of world- thing in place to use them as a stimulus see the immediate positive outcomes class potential can come to Manchester for increased interest in the sport. If we that their children exhibit as the found- to showcase their skills at trials for the get gold medals next year then the task ing principles of WTF Taekwondo are at national cadet/junior talent squad. Here, is to signpost people, who are new to the the core of everything taekwondo does: they’ll be fully assessed and monitored on sport, into clubs. etiquette, modesty, perseverance, self- a continual basis to realise their perfor- “The task for the BTCB and GB Tae- control and indomitable spirit. mance and athletic potential. However, kwondo is to capitalise on any success at “Every elite athlete comes through the NTS is not a taekwondo camp. It’s an London 2012 and have the structures in the club system and the development education centre which encompasses all place to do so,” Leak says. plans for the clubs via coach education areas of service provision to emphasise Adrian Tranter, chair of the British Tae- and training are at the forefront of the personal and sport development. kwondo Control Board, says: “The club funding that is soon to be brought into “At each tier of the pathway – from system is already well structured with the BTCB through Sport England’s “Grow schools, cadets, juniors, homestay through systems for both the sports side and the and Sustain” pathways. Initiatives include to the Olympic programme – we will en- martial art practised throughout. posts for development managers, coach sure players’ access to high-performance “The clubs’ work is to give an oppor- education through a recognised training support staff, including nutritionists and tunity to learn all the basic skills and to provider plus user-friendly website tools psychologists, to define what’s needed at progress at a pace that suits the individual. being brought in for the first time. each stage of the pathway to contribute It doesn’t matter if it’s an aspiring Olym- “With the success it has achieved in to an improved programme,” Leak says. ¬ pian or someone who just wants to enjoy recent years, the BTCB is convinced that the physical and mental challenges, the this funding will result in a greater level Trevor Baxter is a freelance journalist 38 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 SPECIAL OFFER WANTED – REGIONAL SHOW SITES Save up to 50% on a refurbishment sports floor! Gerflor require a number of Regional Show Sites for our new TaraflexTM Sports Flooring. ECO-FITTM is a new innovation allowing an existing sports surface or multi purpose floor to be left in place and overlaid. This saves on downtime, environmental impact and costs. Taraflex TM ECO-FITTM went into production in April 2011 and we now require a number of Regional Show Sites to help us fully launch the product. Requirement: L Sports or multi purpose hall over 100SqM in need of improvement or replacement. L School, College, Trust, Charity or Local Authority. L Full technical site survey required. L Existing compliant surfaces, including Wood, Lino, Granwood, Rubber, PU. L We provide a new sports floor at a heavily discounted rate in return for feedback, pictures, future client visits etc:- Contact us now for a no obligation discussion or to Sites Required in: arrange a survey. Scotland - Somerset - North West - Yorkshire - Midlands - London - Surrey - Kent - Darren Wood Wiltshire - South Wales - Ulster - Cheshire - Sports Manager Hertfordshire - Hants - Herefordshire - Cumbria - Tel: 07836 366579, North East Bucks - Staffs - Derbyshire - Tyneside - Email: [email protected] Lancashire - Suffolk - and more. visit: www.gerflor.co.uk Churchill Community College Wallsend, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK 38.0m w x 64.6m l Considering your building options? Norseman Structures is passionate about delivering affordable alternative building solutions that exceed expectations. · Comprehensive construction services · Greater design fl exibility · Engineered to be permanent, designed to be relocatable · More economical to operate · Brighter work, learn and play environment ! " #$% &' ( )) ( NON-TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES THE BASKETBALL ARENA Karen Maxwell talks to Wilkinson Eyre’s Sam Wright about the design principles and reusable options of one of the largest-ever temporary venues built for any Olympic Games here’s currently no British Standard for a temporary sports arena. However, the joint SKM T Engineers/Wilkinson Eyre and KSS architectural design team believe that the Olympic Park’s Basketball Arena, built in time and on budget for the Lon- don 2012 Games, will provide an excellent benchmark. According to Sam Wright, head of the Wilkinson Eyre part of the design team, what may have helped the team win the competition to design the arena in the first place was the fact that they offered four basic options for a temporary sports venue: a portable frame, a dome struc- the challenge was to build a temporary Six of the world’s top teams competed ture, a cable net structure and a table 12,000-seat arena, while allowing for a in the test event at the Basketball Arena top structure. significant transformation in terms of “After our appointment, the SKM/ Olympic to Paralympic configuration. KSS/Wilkinson Eyre design team worked Designing a seating bowl is a com- everything that went up would have to closely with the London 2012 Organis- plex process when sight lines need to come down. “A permanent structure ing Committee (LOCOG) and the Olympic be International Olympic Committee is typically made from concrete and in- Delivery Authority (ODA) to whittle the (IOC)-compliant. Wright explains. “The cludes terraces and seats. This material options down. It was basically a process arena will host the basketball preliminary has an inherent fire property and allows of elimination, which got us to the most rounds and the handball final as well as for ground floor accommodation un- efficient and pragmatic design that best wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basket- derneath the seats for changing rooms, suited an arena that would only be in use ball and each of these fields of play have plant rooms, storage and catering. It also for a six week period,” he says. . very specific setting out requirements. allows for spectators to enter the struc- Once a functional seating bowl was de- ture through an upper level. SEATING ARRANGEMENTS vised, then it was our job to co-ordinate “Conversely, scaffolding was used for According to Wright, the whole arena with KSS and dovetail everything around the seating bowl structure of this tempo- had to be designed around the main the bowl.” rary arena. You can’t fit much around a function of the building – the seating The key issue with the design of the 3m grid and entrance into the arena was bowl. Designed by sports architects KSS, structure, according to Wright, is that only possible from ground level.” Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 41 MULTI-SPORT FACILITIES 3 28.5m x 16m, The Charter School, London /-.*( !-%#) ) /%' /'.%+/,+*-!*,-+*,.-+! %4 ./, ' 2'%#$.!)!,#2!"4 %!). ! .%)# ) 0!).%' .%*)*+.%*)- +.%*) ' ) %'' ,2,**(- Sports Facilities Riverside Industrial Park, Tan Yard Road, Catterall, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 0HP 3 744m 2, Newbridge High School, Leicestershire Tel: 111 *''%)-*) */& CopriSystems tough durable canopies are ideal for providing year round sporting facilities with total protection from the elements. Up to 40m spans available with unlimited length in either fixed or telescopic models. Translucent covers allow maximum natural light and full length sliding curtains provide complete ventilation. GET UNDERCOVER With a CopriSystems sports dome - for year round protection from the weather ! Structural, lightweight galvanised CopriSystems steel frame ! Translucent cover ! Natural ventilation COVERING TECHNOLOGY ! Cost efficient ! Fast installation ! Year round weather protection 01794 301 000 01794 301 342 ! Suitable for a wide range of sports www.coprisystems.com 42 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 NON-TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES REUSABLE OPTIONS MATERIAL WORLD Located north of the Olympic Park, close The structure won’t be leaving a foot- to the iconic Velodrome and the BMX print either as Wright says that there is Track, the design brief also stated that the barely anything in the ground that sup- building should be a showcase for British ports the building. engineering expertise and offer a certain “The whole building is just 90m wide, ‘wow’ factor. However, Wright says that 30m high and 120m long and sits on there was a budget to stick to and a main 150mm thick pad foundations onto the driver behind the choice of materials was compacted earth foundations. The foun- that they could be reused after the event dations are actually smaller than that of and not just recycled or skipped. your average house,” he says. “Everybody knew from the outset that The only bit of concrete within the the brief wasn’t to design a reusable structure is the 60m x 30m sports floor building – there just isn’t a reuse market base. With dimensions set out for the for a 12,000-seat arena. If you design a larger handball court specification, the temporary structure that’s going to be sports flooring is a Mondo cassette floor, taken down and be put up again you which was laid for the recent London Competition floors and scoreboards, to have to design in inherent flexibility and Prepares test events and has now been accreditation and catering were tested durability. So, for example, you’d have taken up and stored before the start of at the recent London Prepares event to factor in the strength of the hurricane next summer’s Games. season in Jamaica or snow loads in Nor- “The ultimate goal was to achieve a way and this adds a premium to anything structure. These are fitted out for the reusable building that can break down you’re doing. This truly reusable ap- Games but will also go back into the hire into various components and we es- proach wasn’t deemed cost-effective by market after the event.” timate that about 70 per cent of the the ODA,” Wright says. As regards mechanical systems, Wright building materials used will go back to “Instead, we physically separated the says there was no need for heating as market,” says Wright. different elements so what we’ve got is the venue is designed for the Summer Although the building may contain a a 1,000-tonne steel frame structure and Games. The only cooling kit used at the simple structure, the outer façade fea- fabric cladding as one element and the venue is hired-in plant. “You just pump tures a signature design that is unique to temporary scaffold seating structure as up the chamber created under the seats London 2012. another, which, when taken down, will and it rolls out through where people Wright says that its purpose is to cover go straight back in the hire market. sit,” Wright says. “These are low-tech the seating bowl and keep everyone dry “The changing rooms, the Olympic handling units that come from the hire inside, while offering a broadcast-qual- family lounge and the federation offices market. The lighting system is also hired ity environment. “Broadcasters needed are in the form of modular accommo- and both will go back into the market af- a blackout environment. We wanted to dation and situated outside the main ter the Games.” create an envelope to provide a lid to Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 43 Recreational COATINGS LIMITED All Aspects of Indoor Sports Surface Installation (to meet all specifi cation and budgetary requirements) U Sub Floor Preparation U Fast Track Installations U Existing Floor Refurbishment U Gym and Free Weight Areas Tel: 0161 484 0111 U Nationwide Coverage Fax: 0161 484 0222 U Line Marking and Painted Logo Installations Email: [email protected] U Floor Sanding and Sealing www.rec-coatings.co.uk STRUCTURES IN MOTION SPORTS BUILDINGS Tailor-made design For all kinds of sports and weather Open or closed side walls Easily half the cost of conventional buildings Translucent roof Rapid construction Veldeman UK Ltd | Corn Roses, Highfi elds | Crowle, Scunthorpe | North Lincolnshire DN17 4NP Tel: +44 1724 710 681 | [email protected] | www.veldemangroup.com 44 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 NON-TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES the bowl while the sides stop the wind offer 1 per cent wheelchair user positions load on the seating structure. (with companion seats) and this con- “The arena doesn’t have a front door The key issue with the figuration will increase to 2 per cent in that leads into a sealed environment. design of the Basketball Paralympic mode as well as an increase in The cover has a raised skirt, so it’s actu- wheelchair press positions. ally open all the way around the ground Arena structure is that During this transformation, Wright floor – so the material had to be light- says the lower half of the bowl is re- weight, Wright explains. everything that went up configured to increase the number of “On the outside however, there had would have to come down seating positions and additional ramp to be a level of façade enhancement. In access from the ground level, which order to get the ‘wow’ factor it couldn’t won’t change the dynamic shape of the be plain,” says Wright. “PVC was a fit bowl. “The main challenge was ‘back of for all these requirements. It was plastic heartbeat of one of the athletes or the house’ and meeting the requirements enough for us to sculpt, it was light- flow of the game, or the arena filling up to accommodate the bigger wheelchair weight and it can offer a blackout and emptying, it’s going to be a real cen- design used for wheelchair rugby and membrane for the lid. It is also an easy trepiece in the park,” Wright says. basketball,” he says. material to put up and put down quickly. So how does the design of the finished The outer skin is simply made from 6m ADAPTING CONFIGURATION product compare with that of a perma- strips of PVC, which are stretched over a During the Olympic Games, there will nent venue? “Reuse is the key point of random array of radial steel arches to cre- be just 22 hours to transform the venue the whole structure. We’ve been honest ate a dramatic, undulating façade. from the basketball competition to the about the materials used, for example Regarding cleaning, Wright says that handball finals. This will include remov- the fact that you can see the temporary there is a lot of dust in the park while ing the basketball posts and installing seating structures in the staircases. We’ve construction is still taking place but once the handball goals and field of play mat. embraced, rather than shyed away from washed down it’ll offer a translucent During the Paralympic Games, there its design,” says Wright. quality which will be enhanced by a light- will be just 12 hours to get ready for “We are confident that there will be ing scheme, which will be added in the wheelchair rugby after the wheelchair an afterlife for most of the arena materi- run up to the Games. “The whole build- basketball competition finishes, with sim- als,” Wright says. “Who knows, we might ing will be backlit and will have a strong ilar changes needed. The seating bowl even see some components at the next narrative – whether it’s following the configuration during Olympic mode will Olympic Games!” ¬ Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 45 BIG SCREENS KEEPING FANS CONNECTED Stuart Hamilton, senior director, This is only natural, after all when fans can watch a game Sports and Entertainment Innovations complete with instant replays, in-game statistics, real-time analy- sis and high definition from the comfort of their sofa – all at a at Cisco, looks at how technology can lower cost per game and without the chance of getting rained help transform the live fan experience on – the incentive to travel to the stadium and watch the game in the flesh is diminished. We are already seeing the red button effect impact on international cricket, where in many countries ot so long ago, there was only one way for a sports Test match attendances are falling rapidly, despite television fan to see their team play; travel to the stadium, audiences remaining high. In addition, with these new TV tech- buy a ticket and watch the game live. The advent nologies becoming increasingly common across all sports, it’s of televised sport changed that but, for many clear that sports organisations and venues need to step up their years, watching a sporting event on TV was just game if the live experience is to meet – and surpass – fan expec- Nwhat you did if you couldn’t be there. After all, nothing could tations and stay ahead of the competition. be as good as being there live, could it? Meeting this demand, a new raft of technologies are now available to provide fans in the stadium with more interactive Accelerating innovation and personalised experiences, allowing sports and entertainment Today, the balance between live and televised sport has shifted. properties to connect with fans in entirely new ways. The huge increase in the number of available channels com- bined with the rise of high definition television (HDTV), surround Transforming the fan experience sound, digital recording devices such as TiVo, video on demand Large video-screens have been present in major sporting venues and, most recently, 3D have revolutionised the viewing experi- for a while but now. With a fully IP-based network designed to ence for the average armchair sports fan. In addition, more and stream high volumes of media at once, it’s possible to make high more fans are using a second and even a third screen in the form definition (HD) video available on hundreds and thousands of of computers, smartphones and tablets, to complement and par- digital displays throughout the stadium, creating a more immer- ticipate in the action via social media outlets. This influx of new sive experience for all. This means replays or alternate camera technology, the so called ‘red button effect’ is great news for the angles are no longer confined to big screens or scoreboards but viewing public but, for sporting organisations, teams and venues, can be shown on TV displays throughout the stands, press area, it represents a very real threat to ticket sales, match attendances premium clubs, even in the concourse to entertain fans queuing and associated revenue streams. for refreshments. THE MILLENNIUM STADIUM, CARDIFF ome of the Wales national rugby union team and the Wales national H football team, the operators of Car- We want every single individual diff’s Millennium Stadium wanted to deliver an unprecedented sporting experience for fans who visits the Millennium and visitors. Stadium to leave armed with By working with Cisco, the stadium is now able to deliver seven channels of HD video from special memories of having an expanded channel line of up to 450 displays attended a great event for more than 74,500 visitors to experience. The StadiumVision technology allows the stadium to transform from holding rugby or football matches to a concert venue that can supporters to put up with second best in the “We can now show them images from the host the likes of Take That or U2 as well as modern era,” says Roger Lewis, group chief action they have just seen and live images of opening up new revenue streams through tar- executive, Welsh Rugby Union. “We want every what is happening behind the scenes before, geted promotions and sponsorship activities. single individual who visits the Millennium during and after the big events. This enriches “Nobody in the elite sport or major Stadium to leave armed with special memories their experience of being in the stadium and event marketplace can afford to allow their of having attended a great event. takes our visitors even closer to the action.” 46 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 It’s possible to make high definition video available on hundreds and thousands of digital displays throughout the stadium, creating a more immersive experience for all BIG SCREENS EDEN PARK, AUCKLAND den Park is the biggest sports ground in Auckland, New Zealand and is used for E both the rugby union and rugby league national teams during winter and the New Zea- land cricket team in the summer. Cisco’s StadiumVision solution was deployed within the stadium to deliver extended ex- periences for stadium visitors and also future proofed the venue’s technology infrastructure so it can continue to provide a great fan expe- rience for years to come. The technology has allowed Eden Park Sta- dium to deliver fan content everywhere around the stadium so spectators can follow the action Eden Park Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand was a main venue for the 2011 Rugby World Cup even while they’re out of their seats, as well as generating new forms of revenue through advanced advertising and sponsor messages. David Kennedy, Eden Park Trust’s CEO says: Creative and innovative “Creative and innovative use of technology use of technology is vital is vital for us to be competitive and adapt to the demands of the tech-savvy spectator who for us to be competitive expects a media enriched experience that gets them up close to the action.” Cisco StadiumVision enables sports and entertainment prop- real-time statistics and video feeds from other events. These can erties to manage video and digital content delivery to all TVs also be adapted to allow fans to order refreshments, merchandise throughout the stadium or arena. Video displays at concession or even personal concierge services without leaving their seats. stands can be used to show live action from the game as well These opportunities offer significant ways to increase revenue. as dynamic digital menus, allowing venues to offer customised It even goes beyond revenue, as digital signage allows venue menus and pricing according to the event and audience. For in- staff to guide fans out of the stadium in a way that reduces stance, child-friendly menus for kids’ days or more sophisticated congestion and provides fans with the latest traffic or public offerings for evening games or concerts. This can be particularly transport information. A fully integrated, flexible IP-network useful for football stadiums, where rules on selling alcohol dur- also powers video surveillance for the whole stadium and helps ing the game can differ depending on the competition. Prices communicate key messages to the public, employees and secu- can even be adjusted during the event to help sell off excess rity, allowing the entire venue to be managed centrally to aid stock towards the end of the day. crowd management and ensure safety issues can be identified The displays can also be used to show live feeds from other and dealt with before they even arise. games, so fans can keep an eye on their team’s rivals during the game, and be used to entice fans to spend more time in the sta- Enhanced Wi-Fi solutions dium before and after games. It can be frustrating for fans to have low levels of connectivity within a stadium, but thanks to the latest in-stadium technology, Driving revenue growth the game is changing. Fans will be able to connect to their favou- Such high levels of configurability within the network allow ven- rite teams via their mobile devices while in the stadium, much in ues to take in-stadium advertising and sponsorship to the next the same manner as they are away from the event. Through a level. Live video streams can be complemented with targeted fast, scalable and secure wired wireless network, customised for advertisements, including offers for upcoming events, special high density environments, the experience of attending a live promotions or in-game offers, specifically tailored to the area of sporting event becomes as engaging as being at home. the stadium, the time of day or even key moments in the game. For instance, venues can display different adverts in the premi- Building for the future um sections of the stadium to the standard seating, or introduce Organisations are facing ever more competition for the public’s new adverts depending on the half-time score. At the click of attention from the ‘red button effect’. However, the industry is a mouse, the stadium or arena can be customised to meet the embracing this challenge. The technological advances discussed unique needs of a concert and other unique events. above, powered by a connected stadium platform, are already Premium clubs or suites can be provided with configurable a reality in many international venues and could be coming to a video services, allowing spectators to produce their own unique venue near you. By tipping the balance back to the live in-game match-day experience complete with custom video highlights, experience, the future is bright for venues around the world. ¬ 48 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 CHANGING TIMES? S&P works with you to deliver inspirational environments by solving your procurement demands and establishing new models of service consolidation and partnership working The Edge, University of Leeds Cardiff International Pool K2, Crawley The Peak, Stirling Sports Village DELIVERING INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS FOR 30 YEARS Architecture t Masterplanning t Consulting t Regeneration tFeasibility Refurbishment t Consultation t Engagement t Procurement Advice Project Management t Planning Sustainability t Value Management LONDON NOTTINGHAM GLASGOW Victory House 9 Weekday Cross Mackintosh House 30 Kingsway The Lace Market 5 Blythswood Square London WC2B 6EX Nottingham NG1 2GB Glasgow G2 4AD +44 (0)20 7831 8877 +44 (0)115 941 5369 +44 (0)141 225 8399 +44 (0)20 7831 4477 FAX +44 (0)115 947 5955 FAX +44 (0)141 225 6271 FAX www.s-parchitects.com [email protected] For sports managers and policy makers who want to keep briefed on the latest developments in facility provision, funding, policy partnerships and development SUBSCRIBE ONLINE HTTP://WWW.LEISURESUBS.COMWWW.LEISURESUBS.COM OR CALL OUR SUBSLINE +44 (0)1462 471915 Special offer Add leisure ADD THE FOLLOWING TO YOUR SUBSCRIPTION… opportunities to your subscription for only £10 (UK only) attractions management leisure opportunities Everything you want to know about the visitor Fortnightly leisure recruitment, training, attractions market. From theme parks, waterparks property and news publication which gets you the and zoos to museums, expos and science centres right job or the perfect candidate for your vacancy health club management leisure management Keep up to date with the health & fi tness market The magazine for professionals and senior policy- by reading the leading title for the industry. makers. Leisure Management looks at the latest trends Includes Spa, Europe and World specials and developments from across all leisure markets spa business spa opportunities – for free! Read about the investors, developers, Fortnightly international spa recruitment, designers and operators who are shaping training and news publication the rapidly emerging global spa sector For your FREE copy visit www.spaopportunities.com CRM Information gathering helps the operator to address customer IMPROVING needs and interests CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS IN SPORT We ask four experts how CRM can aid retention and encourage long-term loyalty in the sport and active leisure sectors TOM WITHERS HEAD OF SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, GLADSTONE HEALTH AND LEISURE RM software is enable leisure operators to make the cor- customer service communication and to growing rapidly rect choices in how they segment this aid management reporting. C smarter. The lei- data and ultimately speak to individuals. The system is designed to improve sure industry is driving At Gladstone we have launched Con- customer relationships, increase loyalty, its evolution in an effort tact Manager, a clever software bolt-on identify customers that should be given a to better communicate for our core Plus2 product that enables higher level of service and decrease cus- with members and pros- operators to maximise the efficiency and tomer turnover. It can encourage repeat pects by addressing their effectiveness of any customer-focused purchases, decrease marketing costs and specific needs and interests – making their strategy. It works with the captured cli- increase sales revenue profit margins. experience feel personal and relevant. ent preferences, processing personal In a world of diverse communication, Most leisure management software information and automating time-based where customers choose how we talk to captures a wealth of data – including actions, which can be used to support the them and what information they want to demographics, usage, visit profiles and management of sales leads, the roll-out receive, listening and responding to those customer spend, but good software can of marketing campaigns, for tracking preferences is more important than ever. DARREN BOXALL MD, XN LEISURE n Leisure is specific challenges faced by the trust and engaged in a this highlighted the fact that the busiest X programme of part of its operation was the reception – continuous strategic Self service elements and the first point of contact for information, investment in people, online functionality are the bookings, payment and interaction with systems and processes the customers. that specifically meet sector’s next progressive step Through our collaboration with Prot- the needs of the leisure ouch, we developed a turnkey self-service industry, of which self-service elements provide efficient solutions for payment, kiosk – or virtual receptionist solution – to and online functionality are viewed as the ordering, product look-up and ticket automate the processes via an easy-to- next progressive step for the sector. printing services which utilise chip and navigate interface to make the reception Our partnership approach allows us to pin, RFID, keyboard, Bluetooth, web cam- processes faster and more efficient. work with a carefully selected choice of eras, printers, scanners and WiFi. This has allowed the trust to provide a hardware and technology providers. For Our recent partnership with Fife Sports wider range of services, reduce costs and, example, we’ve teamed up with Prot- and Leisure Trust is a good example of our at the same time, empower the reception ouch, one of the UK’s leading suppliers customer-centric approach. An initial con- staff to offer a more effective standard of of touch screen and kiosk systems, to sultation allowed us to understand the primary customer service. Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 51 Xn Leisure CRM the IT Partner of Choice PETER STEDIFORD, CLIENT MANAGER, GREEN 4 SOLUTIONS A leading provider of Leisure Management Solutions with over three decades of experience as the RM systems are technology partner across the public, seen as essential private, FM, education sectors. C in helping to re- cruit and retain existing Centralised CRM can help clubs Our portfolio of solutions includes the ‘Award Winning’ modules to better leverage of your existing resources, customers and encour- to develop their relationships increasing profi tability and effi ciency. age new supporters. These include: By understanding the through membership and loyalty L Local or web hosted, wizard based, membership customer more intimate- solution with market business analysis tools ly and establishing a regular channel of The solution – in place at a wide range reporting and simple control of estate wide data. communication, organisations are taking of rugby union, football, rugby league, L Retail based POS and bookings combine to make a proactive role in marketing their clubs racecourses, ski centres, bowling centres a powerful yet intuitive solution. and events. and arenas – can be tailored to suit any L Online Bookings – the 24 hour solution designed to complement existing services alleviating In theory, the online ticketing system booking process and is available online, at pressure from your front desk, become truly should be a perfect bedfellow for the point of sale, in a call centre or through a service orientated. CRM database but the design of many kiosk. Not only does this remove the need L Online Memberships – extend your membership ticketing systems has made it difficult for for complex integration between differ- sales team, customers can join online, easing the burden on your front of house operations. Existing them to embrace the internet (and cap- ent systems, but having powerful CRM members can renew memberships on line, ture customer data) and the ‘per ticket’ and eCommunications features means improving cash fl ow. charge has acted as a barrier for many that profiles of customers are constantly L Self Service – from checking in for a course right customers to purchase online, thus artifi- enriched with their interactions with the through to rebooking a session for the following week or the purchasing of activities. Retail cially reducing the number of customers business and messages can be targeted Systems Award winner 2010. who were willing and able to provide and relevant to each individual and deliv- their contact details. ered using the eCommunication tool. The centralisation of transactional data These may be in the form of automat- from ticketing, access control and merchan- ed order acknowledgements, pre-event dising systems into one database allows checklists or travel information, which organisations to gain valuable insight into provides a perfect up-sell opportunities. their data through enhanced business in- Post-event surveys, thank you emails and telligence, segmentation and analysis. The targeted follow-up offers can be an auto- core platform delivers dynamic marketing mated part of the booking process. functionality to enable comprehensive cus- Centralised CRM can help clubs to tomer profiling and provide email and text develop their relationships through the marketing channels to ensure communi- introduction of membership and loyalty. cation with customers and members at all The aggregation of transactional activity stages of their relationship. enables analysis to take place of support- Green 4 Solutions delivers a CRM-driven ers’ interactions with the club, be ticketing system, built within the Micro- it through ticket sales, retail purchases or soft Dynamics CRM platform. membership. Striking new kiosk designs adds to the improved customer experience Xn Leisure Systems Ltd Customer profiles are 115M Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RZ enriched with transac- Tel: +44 (0) 870 80 30 700 tion information at Fax: +44 (0) 870 80 30 701 many sports clubs Email: [email protected] www.xnleisure.com Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 CRM can help target the right products and services to the Health & Leisure right customer STUART DALRYMPLE FOUNDER AND MD, GOODFORM uring the past decade we’ve D seen the sports industry’s approach to Sports organisations are its customer relation- rapidly recognising the value of ships shift significantly and CRM has become an cultivating customer relationships increasingly important strategic tool. scattergun approach’ to marketing, dispa- Although still slightly behind other rate systems and data, no CRM system, no industries, sports organisations are rap- customer history and no single customer idly recognising the value of cultivating view. Our brief was to consolidate the dis- strong customer relationships to aid parate data, create a single customer view retention and loyalty for long-term com- and manage this data on an ongoing mercial gains. We’ve seen this first-hand basis and use it to power targeted, per- at our annual Sports CRM Summit, which sonalised sales and marketing campaigns. is a platform for the sports industry to Our in-house CRM system hosts a single explore the latest developments in CRM. customer view of 240,000 records with Each year the event has grown and con- regular feeds from eight systems across the tinues to attract more delegates from club. We’ve segmented and profiled this across Europe who are keen to progress data to produce nine customer types and their knowledge of CRM and its applica- produced individual marketing plans for tion in their business. each type based on their preferences. Using From working with our clients on a tac- this approach we’ve been able to identify tical basis we’ve witnessed first-hand the the club’s most loyal and profitable custom- commercial gains that can be achieved ers as well as targeting the right products when sports organisations adopt a cus- and messages at the right customers to give tomer-centric approach and our work as our clients an excellent return on invest- CRM Agency for Queens Park Rangers FC ment on their marketing spend. is a prime example. Spend per head increased by 326 per cent We were appointed as CRM agency for in the 2010/2011 season, our personalised the club in 2009 as they were seeking to e-marketing campaigns regularly achieve communicate more effectively with their incredible open rates of more than 40 per fan base, develop their business pro- cent and we’ve tracked direct incremen- cesses and increase revenues via a new tal revenue generation of approximately CRM strategy. At the time the club had ‘a £10,000 per month through our campaigns. www.gladstonemrm.com Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 01491 201010 53 NATURAL TURF ALL CHANGE FOR COMMUNITY RUGBY LEAGUE DAVID CARPENTER OF TRIOPLUS LOOKS AT SOME OF THE FACILITY ISSUES AS COMMUNITY RUGBY LEAGUE PREPARES TO BECOME A SUMMER SPORT FROM 2012 arch 2011 was a momentous will bring: “The summer switch will bring more than 60 club visits alongside de- month for rugby league at better conditions for rugby league: Bbt- tailed interviews with key individuals and community level as the sport ter weather and pitches will mean less research of potential development sites M elected to depart from its cancellations; firmer pitches suited to the that included schools, parks and universi- traditional winter home and, from 2012, modern, faster game; drier conditions for ties. The RFL adopted the draft report in become a summer sport. The season will better handling and passing in a more spring 2011 and has been very positive in run from the end of March until Play-Off expansive game; and lighter nights for implementing the recommendations. Finals in early November, and will also training and development of skills. The strategy raised several significant see the launch of a new enhanced and Clubs will also benefit from the integrat- issues but the poor quality of natural turf integrated league structure encompass- ed structure and will be able to arrange playing surfaces was dominant, particu- ing the whole sport. social and other events around guaran- larly in the traditional playing areas of Super League remains at Tier One, the teed match day opportunities, without the Yorkshire, the North West and Cumbria. pinnacle of the British game. Tier Two en- threat of cancellation,” he says. An irony is that rugby league played in compasses the Championship. Tiers Three Although the community move is non-traditional areas is generally played [National Conference Leagues] and Four driven by increasing participation and im- on better surfaces, albeit largely on short- [Regional Leagues] represent the com- proved matchplay opportunities, facility term hired facilities from rugby union munity game. improvement is high on the RFL agenda clubs and other natural turf providers. and the governing body has been very SUMMER SWITCH proactive in advance of the switch. KEY FOCUS AREAS The community move to summer was not Security of tenure: A perennial issue without contention but more than 70 per FACILITY STRATEGY with voluntary sports clubs that merits cent voted in favour and now the sport In late 2010, the RFL commissioned Tri- a feature in itself. Asset Transfer is also is well into preparation for what is being oPlus to research and develop a new relevant here as most sports clubs are termed ‘the summer switch’ . facilities strategy to address the summer simply not positioned to understand and Rugby Football League [RFL] director switch and look at facility needs for the take advantage of the potential opportu- of participation and strategic partner- next 10-year period. nities and understand the negatives. ships, David Gent, is confident of the More than 100 of the 437 community Improved club management: Under- positive benefits the new arrangements clubs were researched in detail, including standing and interpreting lifestyle trends; ARTIFICIAL TURF DEVELOPMENTS The RFL is part of the Playing Surface Group established by the major national governing bodies of sport. The RFL has recently adopted policy whereby rugby league can be played on artificial surfaces as follows: ■ 65mm long pile with shock pad [IRB22] Training and competition, all levels of the game ■ 55-60mm long pile [FIFA One Star] Training and competition, all levels of the game The poor quality of some playing surfaces ■ 40mm short pile [FIFA One Star] was raised in the Recreation and training only, but not full contact version of game facilities strategy Further ongoing research is being commissioned by the RFL 54 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Better weather and lighter evenings will offer improved conditions during the summer switch changes to licensing and smoking expert-led pitch remediation sur- laws; competing leisure opportunities; A SUSTAINED PROGRAMME vey, resulting in the RFL potentially changes in immediate community de- supporting a £5,000 improvement mographics. All have contributed to a OVER A 10-YEAR PERIOD WILL package by professionals at each club. changed environment for club manag- BE REQUIRED TO IMPROVE, Gent says: “The site assessments ers and some have struggled to cope. MAINTAIN AND SUSTAIN have now been completed and we Changing facilities: These are gen- are ready to announce the autumn erally poor. Funding is not available PLAYING SURFACES remediation programme.” for total renewal but a lot could be In addition, more than 25 National done through, for example, Sport Conference League clubs at Tier Three England’s ‘Inspired Facilities’ programme comment was: “The grass rarely gets cut have recently attended grounds mainte- to make simple improvements to club fa- [if there is any], it is occasionally spiked nance courses organised by the RFL and cilities that would improve comfort. and seed thrown down once a year.” the IOG. All community clubs will get the Access to other facilities for training opportunity to undertake the course. and development: This relates to a drive to ADDRESSING THE SITUATION Ian Lacy, head of professional servic- move away from intensive training on club The RFL has acted promptly to address es at the IOG says: “The two inaugural pitches, often under a single floodlight – the situation. Under the guise of its courses were a great success. It was a moving towards the use of parks and other recently established Playing Surfaces real eye-opener for some of the attend- alternative training facilities – including Group, which also draws on the external ees who had not previously had any artificial surfaces. expertise of the Institute of Grounds- grounds care training. We were also able It was however, poor natural playing manship (IOG) and the England and to discuss potential help to clubs through surfaces that dominated. The strategy Wales Cricket Board, advice to clubs has central buying of items such as seed and identified a potential scenario whereby improved dramatically. sand, and how essential machinery might poor winter surfaces are overplayed, of- RFL facilities manager Carol Doran has be pooled and shared.“ ten devoid of grass, rutted and subject to lead the development of performance Gent is optimistic about the future. waterlogging and become equally poor quality specifications for both natural “We’ve acknowledged the issues but know summer surfaces that are bone hard. More turf and artificial surfaces. that a sustained programme over a 10-year worryingly, playing surfaces have gener- Advice has been issued to clubs on the period will be required to improve, main- ally been getting very little in the way switch to summer rugby league. More tain and sustain the playing surfaces. The of regular maintenance. Too often the than 60 community clubs have had an summer switch will be the first test.” ¬ Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 55 FACILITY MANAGEMENT NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRES Crucial to our medal haul at every Olympics, two of the UK’s National Sports Centres have a new contractor in place. Will this boost our chances at the London Games? Kath Hudson reports part from the English In- Elite and aspiring athletes use the train- off tough competition to retain the stitute of Sport Sheffield, ing and rehabilitation facilities within Plas Y Brenin contract. three of the UK’s four Na- these centres; elite athletes can rub shoul- “If you’re looking to manage sports tional Sports Centres (NSC) ders with local and regional users coming facilities, the National Sports Centres are – Bisham Abbey, Lilleshall up through the ranks, or groups visit- the top of the tree,” says Serco director of Aand Plas Y Brenin – were gifted to Sport ing for weekend and holiday camps. The leisure Ian Phelps. “We feel privileged to England in the 90s and are now owned by centres are also home to a number of na- win the contracts in a very tough and chal- the Sports Council Trust Company. tional governing bodies of sport (NGBs). lenging selection process and we aim to The high-performance facilities within However, in the lead up to the London exceed the expectations of Sport England these NSCs are a vital resource for Team 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the NGBs who use our services.” GB: at the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Para- the NSCs have been getting a shake up. lympic Games, Bisham Abbey athletes Serco has taken over the contracts to run Exemplar facilities won seven medals and Lilleshall athletes both Bisham Abbey and Lilleshall, while Twelve contract contenders were origi- achieved five. the Mountain Training Trust has fought nally in the frame and Sport England had Members of the TeamGB gymnastic squad use the high performance gymnastics facilities at Lilleshall National Sports Centre 56 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Elite athletes are put through their paces by expert coaches from the English Institute of Sport in the newly-installed performance gym at Bisham WE WANT TO BE PROVIDING EXEMPLAR FACILITIES, WHICH PEOPLE WILL COME AND LOOK AT FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD; PROVIDING AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF HOW SPORT SHOULD BE DELIVERED WITH AN NGB high aspirations. “As the last to deliver what was needed. Serco contract came to an end, we had have also linked with local author- the opportunity to refresh where ities to see how it can encourage we were with the NSCs and make community use,” says Mills. sure they were realising their po- According to Phelps, these are tential,” says Kevin Mills, who’s in complex sites to run, with the charge of strategic lead projects right balance needing to be struck and facilities at Sport England. between all the different user “We felt some of the provision groups. “The challenge is to satisfy wasn’t at the level we thought the elite athletes and the national it could be. So, when drawing squads, as well as developing together the new contract and the legacy to increase mass par- looking for a partner, we wanted Bisham is also base for the WIN Tennis Academy ticipation,” he says. “Due to the to raise the bar in what we could national status, the centres attract deliver. Our aim was to provide groups from all over the country exemplar facilities, which people will “The response from the market in for sports camps. Another challenge is to come and look at from all over the world; terms of the amount of interest and ideas balance sport and commercial opportunities providing an excellent example of how which were put forward was really com- that could help offset the running costs.” sport should be delivered with an NGB.” petitive and interesting,” says Mills. “But A strategic review, completed in August what I felt Serco did was grasp what we Positive approach 2009, cited four main aims for the centres: were trying to achieve – that the centres Serco took over the 15-year contracts for research; talent development; working were very special and needed something the two centres in April this year, and al- with NGBs; and cost effective delivery. inspirational in terms of delivery. ready Sport England has been impressed Although cost effectiveness was cited as “We were particularly impressed with with the proactive approach. an aim, the board made it clear that sport the level of thought Serco put into how to More resources have been pumped into comes first. However, this means that now meet the strategic objectives. The opera- sports development and NGB engage- more commercial activity, such as confer- tor put effort and resource into engaging ment, sports development officers have ences and weddings, will have a higher with stakeholders, such as the NGBs and been appointed and Serco has started profile within the centres. UK Sport, to understand the customers and working on development programmes Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 57 FACILITY MANAGEMENT More than 30 NGBs make regular use of Lilleshall National Sports Centre while some, such as Archery GB, have chosen the centre for their HQ THERE IS NOW A REAL FOCUS ON WORKING WITH THE NGBS AND MAKING SURE THAT SERVICE QUALITY IS CONTINUALLY AT A HIGH LEVEL with the resident NGBs – including hock- Bisham Abbey SPORT ENGLAND SEMINARS ey, gymnastics and archery. Mentioned in the Doomsday Book, this Head of the NSCs Zoe Dixon, who deals Sport England used the experience of 800-year-old Abbey, based in Marlow, with Serco on a day to day basis, says: was once home to English nobility. Now the NSC procurement process to run “There’s now a real focus on working with it’s a prestigious training venue for a series of seminars, which looked the NGBs and making sure that the service more than 20 sports and home to the at operational efficiency, facility quality is continually at a high level. When south east region of the English Insti- rationalisation and leisure management we started the new contract, my team had tute of Sport, England Hockey and the contracts and procurement. meetings with Serco to talk about how we WIN Tennis Academy. It’s a training base Alternatives to service reduction could develop a positive relationship and for the rowing and canoeing NGBs, and how we would work together to ensure and closure of leisure facilities as a England Football and Rugby Associa- the national centres were as good as they response to financial pressures was tions (among others). The centre has 52 could be. It’s proved to be a very positive discussed and the options to achieve a bedrooms and a sports science medicine arrangement and we’re getting more done 30 per cent reduction in revenue and facility, including Europe’s biggest non- by working like this. The contract commits capital costs outlined. Information can military environmental chamber. Serco to deliver and things do occasionally be obtained at www.sportengland.org go wrong, but there’s a real willingness to Lilleshall put things right and improve.” Lilleshall Hall, in Shropshire, was built Mountain training in 1831 as the hunting lodge and fam- Upgraded facilities Regarding Plas Y Brenin, this centre is al- ily retreat of the Duke of Sutherland. Prior to the contract change, Sport Eng- ready regarded as being at the forefront Now a centre of sporting excellence it’s land had funded facility investments of the mountaineering sport, which is home to British Gymnastics and the that include an indoor archery range at largely thanks to the efforts of its contrac- Grand National Archery society. As well Lilleshall and a hockey pitch at Bisham. tor, the Mountain Training Trust. as extensive sports facilities, including Elite training facilities have also been “We put pressure on the trust to main- 35 acres of grass pitches, it offers ac- added – including a specialist performance tain and enhance that reputation, while commodation for 187 people, a lecture gym and an indoor training track, togeth- reducing costs, and they responded posi- theatre and 14 seminar/meeting rooms. er with a medical/rehab hub, manned by tively – the management team are good at four doctors, 12 physiotherapists and two making the most of their resources,” says Plas Y Brenin massage therapists. A hydrotherapy pool Mills. Adding that there’s no need for facil- Situated in Snowdonia National Park, has also been brought over from the origi- ity investment but the trust will continue to North Wales, the original core of the- nal British Olympic Association medical invest into sports provision and coaching. building was a Grade II listed hotel. centre at Norfolk Park. Meanwhile, the centre’s been identified Today, the facility offers a year-round Further investment is planned, which as the mountain biking training centre for programme of mountain sports courses, will include improvements to the accom- the Olympic Games and a new mountain including rock climbing, mountaineering, modation block, pavilions, a sports hall bike skills course has been completed. scrambling, hillwalking, orienteering, at Lilleshall and investment in football “We’re supporting the centres as much mountain biking, (dry slope) skiing, pitches at Bisham. However, this will be as possible to increase our medal haul next kayaking and canoeing. A day visitor delayed until after the 2012 Olympics, so year,” says Mills. programme of activities, qualification as not to compromise the training facili- courses, first aid, mountain rescue and ties in the run-up. Kath Hudson is a freelance journalist alpine climbing is also on offer. 58 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 setting the standard - leading the field Wembley The Home of Great Goals We are Official Suppliers of Football Goals and Nets, Rugby Posts and American Football Goals to the new Wembley Stadium Telephone 01502 583515 www.harrod.uk.com Football’s home is on BSH Grade ‘A’ grass seed mixtures. For an excellent range of high quality fertilisers and seeds designed to meet the specific needs of the amenity industry, simply buy direct from the specialists at www.bshamenity.com Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 59 SYNTHETIC SURFACES RESURFACING SYNTHETIC SPORTS TURF If your synthetic turf pitch has reached the end of its lifespan, resurfacing could be an option. SAPCA’s new training and technical manager, Marie Cooksey, advises on what considerations should be taken into account Why should pitch resurfacing be considered? The most common reason for the replacement of an existing facility is due to the playing surface no longer providing the standard of play required. The synthetic turf pitch may have exceeded its lifespan, leading to potential health and safety concerns for users, with maintenance no longer able to repair or rejuvenate the surface to the required performance standard. How do I identify whether a surface needs replacing? The age of the synthetic pitch is the first indication. A surface will last an average of 10 years – depending on the amount of usage, By resurfacing a synthetic the quality of the product and its installation, and the level of sports turf pitch, interest can be ongoing maintenance. Other signs to look out for are excessive renewed – bringing increased wear and tear of the surface, such as gaps beginning to appear revenue into the facility – i.e. the separation of the synthetic turf at the seams where it is joined together. However, each pitch is unique in its design, installation, usage and maintenance regime so it’s important to seek expert advice. Where can I seek expert advice? have been amended since the original pitch was constructed. Specialist contractors from the Sport and Play Construction Asso- You should also refer to the Sport England document on Select- ciation’s (SAPCA) Pitch Division and/or independent consultants ing the Right Artificial Surface via www.sportengland.org. from the Professional Services Group can provide the necessary The questions you need to consider include: expertise and experience. The SAPCA member companies can be ■ How many hours of daily play do you require? identified using the searchable database at www.sapca.org.uk. ■ What sports do you wish to play on the surface? ■ What standard of play is required? What is the process of deciding on the correct surface? It’s often assumed that pitch replacements will be quoted on the What are the benefits of pitch resurfacing? premise of like-for-like. However, different sports require differ- The technology within synthetic turf systems is constantly ent playing characteristics and the respective governing bodies evolving and will have advanced significantly since the first (NGBs) stipulate precise requirements. It may be that the sport pitch installation. Improvements in the durability of yarns to be given priority on the resurfaced pitch is different from the and fibres during the manufacturing process can increase a original pitch, or that the requirements outlined by the NGBs surface’s life expectancy. A new pitch surface can offer increased 60 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 A new surface can offer increased playing performance at the facility and can be designed to meet the specific demands of different sports playing performance at the facility and can be designed to underneath the synthetic turf system and that the material has meet the specific demands of different sports. not become contaminated in any way. Perimeter edging – this edging retains the pitch construction What design considerations need to be taken into account? and should be checked for line and level as well as structural In the absence of a copy of the original design and specification, integrity. If the existing edging is to remain in position it must it’s essential that a comprehensive investigation be carried out to be suitable for the finished level of the new surface. establish the basis of the original design, and its relevance to the Shockpad – if the existing pitch was constructed using a shock- new design being proposed. A condition survey of the existing pad as a resilient layer to provide player comfort and to comply pitch can also determine the following key points: with performance criteria, this should be checked to ensure that Drainage – existing system checks to ensure the drains are work- it will perform satisfactorily in the new design. ing satisfactorily by rodding or carrying out a standard drain test. Resurfacing may provide an opportunity to install new drainage Are there any other refurbishment options? where the current design is inadequate. As part of the facility’s condition survey and upgrade pro- Sub-base – ensure an adequate thickness of sub-base material gramme, the pitch surround fencing and the floodlight system Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 61 SYNTHETIC SURFACES It’s essential that maintenance can also be inspected to determine whether any repairs is undertaken regularly to ensure or even replacements need to be made. optimum playing performance, pitch What are the cost implications? longevity, safety and appearance To maximise the return on current facilities and make budgets stretch further, pitch resurfacing could be a preferred choice for facility owners and operators who are faced with reductions in public spending and ongoing rises in overheads. By replacing your How do you ensure a newly resurfaced pitch, interest within the facility can be renewed – bringing an in- pitch lasts another lifespan? creased revenue stream through increased usage of the pitch. The life expectancy of the surface will depend on the mainte- nance and how intensively it is played on. It is essential that How long will a resurfacing project take? maintenance is undertaken regularly to ensure optimum playing The project duration for the replacement of a synthetic turf performance, pitch longevity, safety and appearance. The pitch pitch surface can range from three to five weeks – depending contractor will always provide specific maintenance instructions. on the actual specification and level of replacement. This time Further guidelines, which could help to maximise the surface’s will increase if the surface shockpad or other refurbishment up- lifespan can be found in the SAPCA Code of Practice for The grades are required. Maintenance of Synthetic Surfaces via www.sapca.org.uk. CASE STUDY ALDENHAM SCHOOL ollowing advice from a specialist synthetic surface F maintenance company and a subsequent pitch inspection, Alden- ham School in Hertfordshire decided to replace its existing sand-filled syn- thetic sports turf surface. The original surface had become slippery where the sand in-fill was contaminated and it was starting to hold water. Joints in the existing surface also required repairs and the surface pile height had deteriorated greatly in recent years. After visiting various reference sites, the school chose the Interna- tional Hockey Federation-accredited TigerTurf Evolution surface, which CASE STUDY it had observed at Imperial Col- The 3G surface had to perform well for both football and hockey use at the facility lege’s Harlington sports ground. The surface was chosen on the basis of being excellent for hockey, useable LANCASHIRE FA International Artificial Turf Standard for tennis and five-a-side football ancashire FA’s sand-filled synthetic (IATS) for football use and the Interna- and extremely hard-wearing and grass pitch at its county ground had tional Hockey Federation (FIH) for local long-lasting. L performed well since it was originally and regional league competitions. Once McArdle Sport-Tec had re- constructed by Thornton Sports in 1997. The re-surfacing process involved remov- moved the existing surface, the However, after 14 years of continuous use, ing the existing surface and disposing of company checked the levels and the the full-size pitch was showing signs of it in a safe and sustainable manner. The integrity of the underlying shockpad wear and tear and no longer provided the existing shock-pad was then inspected, and found this still within guidelines standard of playing surface required. and necessary repairs were carried out set out by SAPCA and Sport England, The Lancashire FA was looking for a before the new synthetic surface was laid. before installing the new surface. 3G surface that would perform well for Finally, a sand and rubber infill was ap- The project was carried out to a their coach education and referee cours- plied which, in this case, was automated tight programme during the school’s es, while being suitable for use by local by a specialist Sandmatic machine to en- Easter holiday and was completed hockey clubs. sure a consistent infill level. ahead of schedule – allowing the Thornton Sports’ UK manufac- The pitch re-construction works and the school to use the pitch when the chil- tured SoccerTurf 40M surface met both building of a new five-a-side facility, were dren returned for the summer term. these requirements; approved by the completed in just five weeks. 62 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 MARK HARROD We restore, clean, repair and maintain synthetic LINE surfaces for maximum life MARKING and performance. FLUID Intervention Maintenance Asset management Creating ‘as new’ Keeping facilities in Creating a lifetime synthetic surfaces great condition maintenance plan £13.20MK-020 £26.40MK-021 PRICE INCLUDESEACH VAT PRICE INCLUDESEACH VAT (NOT CARRIAGE) (NOT CARRIAGE) FOR ALL YOUR LINE MARKING NEEDS REPLAY Maintenance Ltd Wesley House, Whittle Close, Newark, NG24 2DY 2011/12 Catalogue OUT NOW Tel: +44 (0) 1636 640506 Fax: +44 (0) 1636 612860 Email: [email protected] Call Mark on 01502 710039 or markharrod.com www.replaymaintenance.co.uk SURFACES . . . FOR WINNERS As the UK market-leader in sports surfaces, our expertise covers the design, installation and maintenance of synthetic athletics tracks, football pitches, hockey pitches, rugby pitches and tennis courts as well as indoor sports halls and individual tailored multi-sports areas. CHARLES LAWRENCE SURFACES LTD. A MALCOLM GROUP COMPANY Brunel House, Jessop Way, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 2ER, England Tel. +44 (0)1636 615866 Fax. +44 (0)1636 615867 Email. [email protected] www.charleslawrencesurfaces.co.uk Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 63 SPORTS LIGHTING LIGHTING MAINTENANCE Rob Eadson, maintenance manager at Abacus Lighting, explains why effective, regular maintenance is essential to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of all sports lighting systems ith rising costs and every- Just one faulty lamp can cause major working at optimum levels throughout its one feeling the pinch, your problems for an entire venue or event, planned lifetime. lighting installation may be whether it’s an insufficiently lit sports For larger facilities, maintaining the W an easy target for cutbacks. field or a world-class stadium. Down- correct lighting levels is important to However, this could be an expensive mis- time costs heavily, as does replacing ensure the scheme continues to have take, which can lead to the need for bigger faulty equipment that’s been neglected adequate requirements for both the capital investment further down the line. or incorrectly used – a costly mistake that sport and any planned broadcast. As any can easily be avoided when you consider photographer or TV crew will testify, you COST-EFFICIENCY that maintenance packages can cost as can have the best camera in the world Keeping high-value equipment in con- little as £2 a day. but if the light fails, so will the picture. tinual operation is key to maximising These lighting levels can change over investment – whether it’s generating PERFORMANCE time so a service plan is vital. stadium income by enabling HDTV broad- Regular maintenance of sports equipment However, it’s not just high exposure casting or keeping sports enthusiasts can improve the performance of a sports venues where lighting performance happy at a local community sports centre. lighting scheme and ensure it continues is critical. Even at grassroots facilities, TRENT BRIDGE CRICKET CASE GROUND, NOTTINGHAM STUDY hen Trent Bridge Cricket Ground chose Abacus to manufacture and W install six new floodlight masts as part of an £8.2m re-development project, the club also signed up for a comprehensive 10 year maintenance plan. The 40m-high fixed masts carry a total of 360 floodlights and the maintenance plan in- cludes annual cleaning, bi-annual illuminance testing and bulk lamp replacement after Trent Bridge Cricket ground hosted the 2011 World Twenty20 Cricket Championship 2,500 hours of use. Routine maintenance in- cludes cleaning, spot replacement of failed lamps and checking for floodlight alignment. solution. This method of access fully com- and International Cricket Council One Day Further periodic maintenance includes bulk plies with the latest working at height International standards, the scheme was lamp replacement, non-destructive testing of regulations and allows engineers to take tools instrumental in helping the ground win the foundation bolts, mast inspection and NIC and spare lamps up the masts in safety. the honour of hosting the World Twenty20 EIC electrical certification. The floodlighting scheme had to be de- Cricket Championships in 2009. This was a To facilitate maintenance, the masts were signed to accommodate 20Twenty, Pro40 major coup for the ground, which saw off designed to incorporate a ‘man rider‘ system, and day/night One Day International cricket competition from a number of clubs across which allows operatives to safely access the matches without the need to hire expen- the country and brought millions of pounds floodlights. This system removes the need sive, temporary floodlighting equipment. of extra revenue to businesses across the for ladders, offering a less visually obtrusive Designed to meet English Cricket Board Nottinghamshire county. 64 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Based-hinged masts can be lowered to ensure maintenance can be carried out safely AN INVESTMENT TO ENSURE A LIGHTING SCHEME IS SAFE, COST-EFFECTIVE AND RELIABLE WILL PAY OFF IN THE LONG RUN BY MAKING A FACILITY ACCESSIBLE AND ATTRACTIVE Lighting levels at a sports facility can be boosted significantly by ensuring that the front glass of the lamp is cleaned regularly sports lighting levels are designed to for Electrical Installation Consulting In accordance to this it is vital to ensure achieve a maintained level of light below (NICEIC) compliant and there is also an ob- a maintenance regime involves the in- which it should not fall. This level can ligation, by law, to undertake adequate spection of foundation bolts, security of only be achieved by carrying out regular precautions against the risk of death or floodlight brackets plus a range of other cleaning of the floodlight glass. personal injury from electricity. Since the checks. You need to be mindful of the Lighting Guide 4: Sports Lighting introduction of the Health and Safety Of- number of people standing or sitting un- published by the Society of Light and fences Act in 2009, it has become essential der lighting masts every time the facility Lighting (part of CIBSE – the Chartered to follow good practice and maintain high is open to spectators. Institute of Building and Service Engi- standards, not only to protect a facility’s Recent developments in mast technol- neers) indicates that between 10 per cent workforce and the general public, but to ogy, including telescopic solutions, make and 17 per cent of the light output of a avoid serious legal ramifications. on-going maintenance and inspections floodlight is lost through dirt deprecia- even more vital to ensure that the initial tion over a three-year period without MASTS AND COLUMNS investment is fulfilling its potential. cleaning – dependent on the site loca- It’s not just the floodlights which need Abacus has developed a range of tion. So a facility’s lighting levels can be regular attention in order to ensure the raising and lowering masts to ensure boosted simply by having the front glass- safety and longevity of a lighting proj- maintenance can be carried out safely. es cleaned regularly. ect. Lighting masts, fixed or hinged, We also provide counterbalance training To protect a lighting investment in the are designed in compliance with the ILE to enable any lamp replacement or clean- long term and to ensure a sports facil- Technical Report No. 7 (Institution of ing to be carried out by the facility staff. ity is fully compliant with electrical and Lighting Engineers). Similarly, this de- A little investment to ensure a lighting mechanical regulations and guidelines, on- sign standard, which is recognised and scheme is safe, cost-effective and reliable going maintenance of exterior lighting is accepted worldwide, stipulates a main- will pay off in the long run by making a vital. It’s important to prove that the facil- tenance and inspection regime, which facility accessible and attractive to both ity is certified National Inspection Council ensures that masts or poles remain safe. users and spectators. ¬ Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 65 TENNIS The game is a cross between tennis, squash and racquetball. It is played on courts two-thirds the size of a standard tennis court INTRODUCING PADEL Trevor Baxter looks at the racquet sport that’s taken the Spanish-speaking world by storm and asks whether the UK is ready to follow suit? uddersfield is syn- When you consider there are 12 million WHAT IS IT? onymous with former padel players worldwide, including six Lesson one – don’t add tennis to the title. Prime Minister Harold million registered in Spain, there is consid- It may resemble an abridged version of Wilson, Hollywood ac- erable room for its expansion into the UK. the sport, but it’s not padel tennis, it’s tor James Mason and Spain is also home to Tony Lee, presi- padel – a game originating in Mexico, as the birthplace of dent of the UK Padel Federation (UKPF). circa 1970, and now the most participated rugby league. But this Registered in Yorkshire and recognised by in sport in Argentina. West Yorkshire town, whose growth and the International Padel Federation (IPF) its According to padel coach Toni Salord subsequent decline centred on the textile international influence has grown steadily Monserrat, it started with a wealthy Mexi- industry, is also now home to one of the in the past 18 months. can man who had a tennis court in his fastest growing sports in the Spanish- Padel England, an alternative governing back garden. “He became bored by hav- speaking world. body, has offices in London and Kent. Both ing to pick up all the balls. So, he decided Padel is the newest-born sibling of the have designs on obtaining funding from to build a wall to prevent that happening racquet family – a cross fertilisation of Sport England to help the sport flourish. and Padel was born,” he says. tennis, squash and racketball. “It took 30 years for the sport to devel- Currently, there are just four padel courts op in Spain, so it’s early days for the UK,” WHAT’S NEEDED TO PLAY IT? in Britain; two located at the Huddersfield says Lee. “The sport needs to be played Over time, padel courts have become Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. Rye in Sus- by a sufficient number of players or have standardised. They are roughly two thirds sex and the Harbour Club in Chelsea, south a minimum number of facilities before the size of a traditional tennis court; 20m west London are the other venues. Sport England will grant recognition.” long by 10m wide, incorporating a low 66 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Playrite’s Matchplay 2 surface was installed at Escuela Pia de Barcelona. Padel has become a popular sport throughout Spain lying net. At the ends are 3m high walls at Wimbledon or Flushing Meadows and and the Swiss sport hornussen (a mix of of concrete blocks or toughened glass. – apart from elite level matches – it’s dou- golf and hockey)? Indeed, Padel England’s The walls extend from the back corners bles play rather than singles. official website describes padel as ‘the to 4m down the length, 3m high for the “Padel is easy to pick up,” says padel pio- fastest growing sport you’ve probably first 2m and 2m high for the next 2m. The neer, Peter Vann in Huddersfield, who was never heard of’. remainder of the court is made of strong seduced by the simplicity of the game dur- Possibly because of the cost of a court, metal fencing to a height of 4m. ing trips to La Manga sports resort in Spain. which, according to Vann, will set you The playing surface can be tarmac, “Tennis and squash can be technically back approximately `25,000 (£18,000). concrete or synthetic turf and permitted difficult games to get pleasure from if you The price does include, however, manufac- colours are green, blue or terracotta. have never picked up a racquet before. ture, shipping from Spain and installation. If synthetic turf is used, the IPF stipu- With padel you can learn to play, have “A padel court can be a large initial lates partial sand infill for indoor courts fun and be competitive after just 20 min- outlay,” says Vann, who oversaw the de- and full sand infill for outdoor courts. utes. Anyone from four to 84 can enjoy a velopment of the Ellesse Padel Academy Racquets are shorter but heavier than game from scratch,” he says. in Huddersfield. Particularly as, without their tennis cousins and bear little resem- Sport England recognition we are not en- blance to squash equivalents. Balls are SPORT DEVELOPMENT titled to government funding.” also less pressurised than tennis balls. So, with such a glowing reference, why Huddersfield’s courts were fund- Serving is underarm with balls hitting is padel only marginally more popu- ed through member donations plus a the floor first. However, points are scored lar than other sport derivatives, such as £20,000 grant from Kirklees Council and in exactly the same way as tennis games bossaball (a sort of trampoline volleyball) another £5,000 from UKPF in 2009. Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 67 TENNIS “We need to prove to Sport England that padel is a fully- established sport with the requisite number of members and facilities and that a proper development structure is in place” However, despite the set up costs, more courts are on the horizon. Four courts are due to be installed at the David Lloyd Centres in Chigwell, Essex and Raynes Park in south west London. A tennis club in Warwickshire has plan- ning permission for a further two courts and there is a self-funded scheme to pro- vide facilities at a club in north London. At the Ellesse Padel Academy, Vann “There are some sponsors but we Young padel players at a coaching session points out that to play the game you are happy to invest our own money at Ellesse Padel Academy in Huddersfield. don’t necessarily have to join a club. too,” De Wilt says. Padel helps with eye/ball coordination “Probably 30 per cent of our revenue at According to Lee, the UKPF’s mission Huddersfield comes through pay and play statement, launched 18-24 months ago for padel,” he says. Only four countries have won world wasn’t quite as bullish as Padel England’s. According to Vann, court hire costs £12 championship medals since the first men’s “We hoped to build 20 courts in the first for a 45-minute session while social ses- championships in 1992: Spain, Argentina, year, but found that a challenge,” he says. sions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings Brazil and Uruguay. Spain is the current “The 40 courts forecast by Padel England are priced at £7 for 90 minutes. reigning men’s and women’s champion. would certainly create a better infrastruc- Early learners are also encouraged to In the UK, former tennis professional ture and dramatically increase the number try out the sport too. “It’s an ideal game Richard Brooks is regarded as one of our of people playing the sport.” for youngsters, as the racquet skills that leading padel players. Top international De Wilt says: “Until we can prove to you get in padel can translate straight tennis players Andy Murray, Gael Monfils, Sport England that padel is a fully-estab- into tennis,” says Vann. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have also lished sport with the requisite number “There’s a thriving junior section at the been known to swing a padel racquet. of members and a proper development club and a number of members recently structure in place, including a schools pro- participated at the World Junior Champi- HARNESSING OPPORTUNITIES gramme and qualified coaches, then this onships in Mellila, Spain,” he says. Padel England was founded in March this is the way we must go. Tony Lee sees Huddersfield as a perfect year with the aim of developing a struc- “We believe the UK Federation has example of how tennis traditionalists can ture for the sport in the UK. The governing similar aims. We are not asking people to be won over by the Latin interloper. body’s president and director is Erik De pick one side or another.” “The club committee was ardently Wilt – a Dutch-born former hockey player. According to De Wilt, Padel England against the introduction of padel; fighting De Wilt believes that by June 2012 there already co-ordinates a development net- it at all costs,” he says. “Now those very could be as many as 10,000 registered work that provides a pathway for aspiring same people are the biggest supporters.” padel players in the UK. He also thinks players to progress from schools and clubs up to 40 courts will be operational next to the national squad. INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS year, including padel’s own national train- In addition, the association offers infor- Like every other credible sport, padel ing centre in central London – the sport’s mation about the game, runs coaching world championships are hosted on a equivalent of Roehampton or Wimbledon. courses, tournaments from county to in- bi-annual basis. Working with five manufacturers, De ternational standard, distributes results The 2010 version took place in Mexico Wilt is determined to provide courts at and promotes the sport at all levels. and the UKPF sent out a 14-strong team, cost price, across the country, with some The issue now is to ensure that the finishing 10th out of 13 nations. The fed- components built in the UK. Padel Eng- game is a good fit into the English eration also prepared squads for a land – a non-profit organisation – will also sporting culture. European Championship in Portugal and part fund these courts through invest- the recent World Juniors. ment from its board members. Trevor Baxter is a freelance journalist 68 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 AMB Sports are committed to the development and construction of high quality sports facilities and surfaces to ensure the ultimate in sporting performance and enjoyment is achieved. www.ambsports.com The A to Zaun of sports and play fencing. Contact us for a FREE technical design and specification service or a FREE brochure. Tel: 01902 796699 [email protected] www.zaun.co.uk Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 69 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE FREE SPORTS FENCING! Yes free! Self Funding Sports Fencing... JB Corrie would like to introduce an exciting new product called Image Sports Fencing. Designed specifically for football and multi-use games areas, the fencing incorporates encapsulated rebound boards, which allow for bespoke digital images to be printed on them – making them ideal for advertising opportunities at your facility uring these difficult financial boards to advertisers for £1,000 each. times, we understand that This bought each advertiser printed schools, colleges, universities, board advertising for their organisation D councils and volunteer organi- for a three-year period. In today’s market The Encapsulated rebound boards sations are struggling to grant fund new there can’t be many marketing opportu- are ideal for advertising projects. However, our Image Fencing nities with such a low cost! As a matter of System helps to bridge this funding gap fact, why should they stop at one board? then contact our extensive list of potential through advertising opportunities. They might take one in each of the four advertisers and promote your project to An average-sized football area offers elevations, this will enable them to reach them. As soon as we have enough spon- space for approximately 45 full-sized directly to the sports players and spec- sors to pay for the project we will be able boards at 2.5m wide x 1.2m high. These tators whether it is within a school, a manufacture the fencing and organise a boards are exterior quality birch wood college, a university, a sports/leisure cen- fitting date. All you have to do is invoice with a special film on one face to al- tre or local sports club. Plus Image Sports the list of sponsors and the fencing will be low any digital image to be reproduced. Fencing offers the added benefit for ad- paid for – and quite possibly a large sum Through innovative design we are able vertisers to give something back to their of money will be generated too! to encapsulate the boards within the community – and helps you to improve fencing without the need for drilling and your sports facilities. The Corrie Image Rebound System bolting the boards in place. This means is our top of range sports fence that the boards will not suffer from wa- Local advertisers This patented system comprises of ter ingress and because of this we are Along with our contacts we will also strong twin bar Corrie play panels set able to offer a three-year anti-fade guar- offer your advertising opportunity to level and flush over the Image rebound antee on the colour printing and a 10 local firms. The more boards sold helps to- boards. The system is available in mul- year guarantee on the steel work. wards club funding. For instance if the new tiple heights with single/double gates, Some organisations may not have the fencing cost £35,000 and 40 full boards goal recesses and multi goal /basket ball man power or know how to successful- sold at £1,000 you would not only receive sections, spectator / viewing areas. The ly sell the advertising boards so to help free top of the range fencing but you’ll steel posts and gates are hot dipped gal- kick-start this process we have compiled have an additional £5,000 for your funds. vanised to BSEN ISO 1461 then polyester a database of potential advertisers that powder coated to any standard colour to may be willing to invest in your project Repetitive revenue earner BSEN 6497 for longevity. (subject to location/organisation etc.) The advertising rebound boards can be The image boards are manufactured in A recent JB Corrie customer sold their sold on a time dependant contract. Once birchwood (From sustainably-managed this agreed contract is completed the re- forests). The boards can have any digital bound boards would be available to be image printed on the inside face – an ad- sold again and again. This could regularly vert, a school crest or logo etc. The reverse add thousands of pounds to your funds. side of the boards are supplied green. JB Corrie & Co Ltd is a well respected How to kick start this process? family-owned UK company and has been Firstly, contact myself and I will arrange manufacturing and supplying steel prod- for one of our area managers to con- ucts and fencing for more than 80 years. duct a free site survey. They will measure the area/s required and report back to Please contact us with your enquiry. our head office. We will then send you a Peter Stone JB Corrie sell the advertising quotation for the fencing / ground works JB Corrie Sales Manager JB Corrie manufacture the fencing JB Corrie fit the fencing required. If you like what you see we will Tel 01730 237130 70 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 PLAY ENGAGING IN PLAY Four commentators who work within the play sector give their views on what to consider when designing a play area to capture children’s long-lasting interest DUNCAN WOOD-ALLUM contained a variety of loose parts, Another play concept was the DIRECTOR, THE SPORT, LEISURE such as foam blocks, sand and annual free Street Games festival AND CULTURE CONSULTANCY water tools, as well as tarpaulins, – held in Thomas Jefferson Park fabric and milk crates, which chil- in Harlem and supported by the e need to be directing more reve- dren used to create their own toys Walt Disney Corporation. nue to support programmed play and games. This initiative brought the clas- W in parks and urban open spaces – Supplemented by sand, soil sic street games back from the 60s particularly in holiday periods. Having visited and natural features within the and 70s. Pogo sticks, double-dutch the City of New York Parks and Recreation play area, this concept was suited to its (skipping), hula hoops and yo-yos were just Department in April 2009, I was introduced tight urban outdoor space and encouraged some of the activities that families were to some innovative programming in areas of ‘free play’, which is critical to children’s in- encouraged to try, along with roller skating limited outdoor space, under the strapline tellectual, social, physical and emotional and skateboarding. Background Motown, ‘It’s your playground’. A couple of initiatives development. Rock and Roll, and Soul music created a cool in particular caught my eye. Trained play workers facilitated activity urban atmosphere, which encouraged ma- The Imagination Playground concept at each playground site but they let the jor corporate sponsors to support the event, was a set of building blocks, or boxes, which children direct their own play. resulting in zero cost to the city. MICK CONWAY, PROGRAMME MANAGER, PLAY ENGLAND he key to creating and T sustaining chil- dren’s engagement in play areas is good design and a sense of place that incor- porates a range of natural features as well as play equipment. In 2008, Play England published the De- sign for Play guideline, which remains one of our most popular downloads and led to what The Times newspaper described as the play revolution. More than 3,000 play areas were refurbished or created in line with the WILL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ENJOY THE PLAY EXPERIENCE AND WANT TO RETURN? guidance and research has shown that these facilities are now more popular with chil- dren and families. to and explore, and will children and families Play England has developed a range of As well as the physical design of the play enjoy the experience and want to return? tools to assess the quality of both staffed area, a play facility provider should also Structured around 10 principles based on and unsupervised play areas and can pro- think about its ease of access and inclusion what works, the Design for Play guidance vide bespoke training and support packages for all. Other considerations should be fo- outlines a six-stage design cycle from prepa- to help those responsible for children’s play cused on whether it is safe, is it easy to get ration through to review. to implement them. Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 71 PLAY IT’S OUR REPSONSIBILITY TO ENGAGE AND DESIGN BETTER SPACES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ADAM WHITE CMLI To encourage ownership and increasingly likely to default back DIRECTOR, DAVIES WHITE respect for a space you’ve got to what they know. More and LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS to get the children actively in- more KFC (Kit, Fencing and Carpet) volved in the design and build playgrounds with springy chick- he important thing to remember is of the project. It’s also essential ens, bow top fencing and rubber that the success of any public play to involve the council’s mainte- bouncy wet pour surfaces are reap- T space project is not down to one nance team from the outset, as pearing on the design briefs. thing – there are a few key milestones they know what works and what I believe there’s got to be some that need to be met if you want to give doesn’t on the ground. connection between the value we put on your play space a fighting chance of being ‘Big Society’ sounds like a fantastic idea, public spaces for young people and the re- around in 10 years’ time. however, we are finding more and more spect they show them later in life. It’s our Firstly it is essential to know the dif- councils are using this as an excuse to del- responsibility as professionals to ensure ference between consultation and egate the final decision on what to do with we’re genuinely engaging and designing engagement. All too often timescales are their public play spaces to the community. better spaces for our young people. reduced and budgets cut and a three- This is great, but without professional Some councils prioritise genuine engage- month engagement programme becomes guidance and support the general public are ment and design quality in the creation of an afternoon consultation event. not going to know what’s possible and are play spaces, as for the others – shame on you! CLAIRE MOLLETT Multi-sensory water play can are perfect to attract and distract SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, encourage even the most reluc- these young minds. HIPPO LEISURE PRODUCTS tant toddler to get their feet wet. A recent survey of leisure It can build confidence to help centre managers showed that ngaging children in the world of wa- them cope with traumas that are parents will travel a greater dis- ter play is certainly not a ‘one splash often associated with swimming tance to leisure centres offering a E suits all’ situation. Recent research pools, splashing water and put- variety of water play equipment shows how the waterphobic, less water ting their face into the water. to please their children. Many confident and often fearful group of chil- Products that promote parental partici- centres experience record figures following dren (typically nought to eight age range) pation and inclusive play scenarios are vital refurbishments and the introduction of new respond to the introduction of water play to these early stages of development. A interactive play equipment. The returns for equipment in leisure centres and swimming combination of interactive toys – creating a relatively small investment can be profit- pools around the country. gentle water flows, cascades and waterfalls able in more ways that one. 72 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrekrt ek 2011 if you are a designer, buyer, builder out for new developments, products to free advice from key industry or operator of sports facilities. and services from over 40 exhibitors experts on facilities funding, sports Visit this FREE one-day sports including specialist contractors, surfaces, maintenance, protection facility construction event. consultants, suppliers and sports organisations. schemes. ! "! # $ % &'( t: 024 7641 6316 e: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk The Sports and Play Construction Association | Federation House | Stoneleigh Park | Warwickshire | CV8 2RF The Number 1 evolu on in indoor cycling A 5-in-1 workout for the whole body Exclusive Core-balance Technology Tel: 0121 713 1668 Email: [email protected] www.eqfitness.co.uk Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 73 Product round-up sport-kit.net the search engine for leisure buyers Wherever you are in the world, fi nd the right products and services 24 / 7 Mark Harrod to be sole by logging on to Sport Futsal Five supplier Management’s free search Suffolk-based Mark Harrod has be- engine www.sport-kit.net come sole supplier to the FA’s Futsal Fives – a series of indoor adult Futsal leagues. Previous high-profile contracts Audience Systems for Mark Harrod also include walking on air supplying the FIFA Futsal World Cup and other Futsal centres as well as the An innovative idea from Audience FA Futsal start-up leagues in Paignton, Systems helps venues with sports Liverpool, Northampton, Hertfordshire floors to accommodate mobile re- and Middlesex. tractable seating units, by reducing the need for floor reinforcement. sport-kit.net KEYWORDS Operators simply plug the units’ mark harrod transport trucks into an airline – allowing the seating to be moved with minimum manual handling and without the need for floor reinforcement along its route. The ‘air hover’ system can be retro- fitted easily to existing retractable sport-kit.net KEYWORDS seating systems. audience systems Lighthouse makes an Impact in Vancouver FieldTurf in Preferred Lighthouse and TS Sports have com- Producer programme pleted the installation of four video screens at BC Place in Vancouver, Synthetic turf specialist FieldTurf has Canada, home of MLS’ Vancouver joined the ‘FIFA Preferred Producer’ Whitecaps and the CFL’s BC Lions programme. The company is a leader football and soccer teams. The sta- in FIFA-recommended installations dium now features the world’s second responsible for more than 160 FIFA- largest centre-hung LED video system. recommended fields worldwide. It features Lighthouse’s new Impact The FIFA quality concept was developed 16 LED video panels and is used for to raise the quality of pitches and guar- showing sponsor messages, anima- antee the safety of players at all levels, tions, replays, player introductions, by setting firm requirements at each custom video and live concert and stage of the turf life cycle. special event coverage. sport-kit.net KEYWORD sport-kit.net KEYWORD fi eldturf lighthouse 74 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 log on to www.sport-kit.net and type the company name under ‘keyword search’ Harrod UK’s towering success in New Zealand The world’s third largest sporting event, the Rugby World Cup, host- ed this year by New Zealand, saw 20 teams battle it out for the right to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy over 48 matches spanning 45 days. Lowestoft-based Harrod UK supplied three of the main stadiums – Eden Park and North Harbour in Auck- land, plus Forsyth Barr (or Otago) in Vredo’s winning pass Dunedin – with 17m-high aluminium sport-kit.net KEYWORDS Millennium rugby posts for use dur- Murrayfield Rugby Stadium has harrod uk ing the high-profile event. acquired a 1.2m Vredo Supa Compact disc overseeder to enable groundstaff to overseed the sports pitch in a single Pedal-powered outdoor games by Sportswise pass. The action of the closely spaced discs, which are only 35mm apart, Sportwise has added a self-powered make a precise cut into the turf where fitness game to its equipment portfo- the seed is sown directly into the soil. lio – combining technology with the Three different models are available. opportunity to get fit outdoors. Console-based, the EQ Fitness game sport-kit.net KEYWORD is powered by pedal power, so the lon- vredo ger the participant performs a cycling motion – the longer the game. This equipment is available in a variety of designs to suit budget and facility and is ideally suited to holiday parks, open spaces, schools and leisure centres. It is environmentally friendly sport-kit.net KEYWORD as no external power is required. EQ Fitness Itza Kidzworld with Timberplay Two new signings Alongside a range of indoor play for Matchsaver facilities Kidzworld, in St. Austell, Cornwall, now boasts new extensive Real Madrid and Gothenburg are the outdoor play equipment supplied latest signings for Matchsaver’s new by Timberplay. The project, part of a automated pitch protection system. redevelopment programme, has seen Matchsaver – suitable for all outdoor the attraction double in size. The play sporting venues including football, area now includes Smugglers Cove, an rugby and cricket – enables a pitch to undercover sand and water play area be covered in less than 10 minutes at featuring pumps and slides, and the the press of a button. This maintains Treetop Scramble, a custom-built area the best possible playing conditions featuring wobbly walkways and a rope and negates the need for match climb to reach a steel tunnel slide. cancellations due to adverse weather. sport-kit.net KEYWORD sport-kit.net KEYWORD timberplay matchsaver Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 75 Principal contractors A Tennis Courts B Synthetic Pitches SAPCA C Athletics Tracks D Multi Sports E Natural Sportsturf DIRECTORY F Play Surfaces Ancillary Contractors, Manufacturers & suppliers The Sports and Play Construction SAPCA represents a wide range of G Adhesives Association, SAPCA, is the specialist constructors of natural and H Aggregate Producers recognised trade organisation synthetic sports surfaces, including I Equipment Suppliers for the sports and play facility both outdoor and indoor facilities, J Fencing Systems K Floodlighting construction industry in the from tennis courts and sports pitches L Indoor Structures UK. SAPCA fosters excellence, to playgrounds and sports halls. M Paint Manufacturers professionalism and continuous SAPCA also represents manufacturers N Screening/Windbreaks improvement throughout the and suppliers of related products, O Sports Surface Suppliers industry, in order to provide the and independent consultants that P Surface painting/Line Marking high quality facilities necessary for offer professional advice on the Q Civil Engineers & Groundworks the success of British sport. development of projects. R Irrigation & Pumping S Maintenance PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS Construction, Design & Braithwaites Yard, Surfacing of all Sports Facilities. Hallow, Telephone: 0844 448 4370 Worcester, WR2 6PW sports grounds L soft landscaping & reclemation L hard landscaping Fax: 0844 448 4371 L environmental improvements L grounds maintenance email: [email protected] T: 01905 640671 F: 01905 640621 E: [email protected] T 0191 3782288 F 0191 3789962 Web: www.ambsports.com E [email protected] A D A B C D I J K N O P A D J K P A B D E Charles Lawrence Tennis Courts Honours Yard, 4 Allen Avenue, Quorn, Loughborough, Lodge Lane, Leicester LE12 8TR Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP84AJ Tel: 01509 563212 tel: +44(0)1636 615866 T: 01494 766673 F: 01494 766674 Fax: 01509 561325 E: [email protected] email: [email protected] www.charleslawrencesurfaces.co.uk www.thechilterngroup.co.uk A D I J K P A B C D O Q A D I J K O Q S A D J K P Design, Build & Maintain the Finest construction maintenance equipment Tennis Courts & Sports Surfaces Tel: (0116) 246 0500 Fax: (0116) 246 1561 St. Peter’s Works, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham GL51 9AL 01621 85 86 86 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01242 513251 Fax: 01242 226396 www.etcsports.co.uk www.fossecontracts.co.uk www.grimshawgroup.co.uk A B D A D J K P A B C D A D E F I J K O Q Hunter Construction (Aberdeen) Ltd, Centaur House, To book your advertisement Thainstone Business Park, in the SAPCA directory call Inverurie AB51 5GT Hanslope, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK19 7BX, David on Tel: 01908 510414 / 511155 Fax: 01908 511056 Tel: 01467 627290 Fax: 01467 625791 Email: [email protected], +44 (0)1462 471902 E-mail:[email protected] www.landunitconstruction.co.uk B D E Q B D E Unit 32, Clwyd Close, Newbury Berkshire Tel: 01491 827810 Hawarden Industrial Est, Manor Lane, Hawarden, CH5 3PZ, t: 01635 34521 Fax: 01491 827830 T: 01244 533184 www.sandcslatter.com [email protected] F: 01244 533184 POLYTAN SPORTS SURFACES LIMITED E: [email protected] Phone: 0845 224 1416 Fax: 0845 224 1617 SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SURFACES AND www.mcardle-astroturf.co.uk Email: [email protected] EQUIPMENT FOR: L Multi-Sport Facilities www.plattconstruction.co.uk www.polytansports.co.uk L Cricket Facilities L Play and Educational Facilities B C D O A D J K P Q B C D O D F 76 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS G Adhesives L Indoor Structures Q Civil Engineers & Groundworks H Aggregate Producers M Paint Manufacturers R Irrigation & Pumping I Equipment Suppliers N Screening/Windbreaks S Maintenance J Fencing Systems O Sports Surface Suppliers K Floodlighting P Surface painting/Line Marking 280 Watford Road, Abacus Lighting Limited St Albans, Herts, Sutton in Ashfield Support in Sport (UK) Ltd AL2 3DN Nottinghamshire, NG17 5FT Market leaders in the manufacture, design and construction Specialists in Tennis Courts and GG of sports fi elds and training complexes Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA’s) www.abacuslighting.com Tel: 01623 511111 Tel: 01900 817837 Fax: 01900 817605 Tel: 01727 730707 :CV %]]Q` 1J ]Q` 8HQI email: sales@supportin sport.com [email protected] Fax: 01623 552133 www.supportinsport.com www.sportscourts.co.uk Email: [email protected] O B D E J K O P Q R S A J N P S K S Sports flooring · Sports surfaces B&L Fencing Services Ltd Phone: 01527 882101 Tracks for champions Fax: 01527 882123 Bridome Ltd, The Courtyard, Wisley, Surrey GU23 6QL www.berleburger.com www.blfencing.co.uk !"# ! Tel: 01422 200 143 Tel +44 (0)1932 350365 Fax +44 (0)1932 350375 $%&'(')* Fencing Specialists to the Sports Industry e. [email protected] www.bridome.co.uk '%&'(')* Email: [email protected] J L M P O GET UNDERCOVER With a CopriSystems Tel: 01920 860600 sports dome - BASF Construction Chemicals (UK) Ltd for year round protection Fax: 01920 485915 from the weather Email: Tel: 0161 727 2864 Fax: 01527 503576 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01794 301 000 Fax: 01794 301 342 [email protected] www.conica.basf.com Tel: 0800 9886370 www.collinson.co.uk www.coprisystems.com www.cuphosco.com G O P L L K Fabrieksstraat 13, 8281 BW Genemuiden, The Netherlands. O G O O Leading Manufacturer of innovative premium- quality vinyl fl ooring Fully compliant -278%00)673*8,);360(7*-2)78 with EN14904 743687796*%')7 Call +44 (0)1926 622600 GEZOLAN AG T: +41 748 3040 9RMX *SVIWX4EVO&YWMRIWW'IRXVI4EVOIV(VMZI0IMGIWXIV0).4 email: [email protected] Switzerland email: 8IP *E\ www.gerflor.co.uk www.gezolan.ch [email protected] )¦QEMP JS\WTSVXW$FXGSRRIGXGSQ O O O I O P Sports Facility Construction: Exhibitions & Seminars SAPCA regional exhibitions featuring the leading constructors of sports facilities and suppliers of related products and services, together with I seminars on key aspects of sports facility design and construction. FOR FUTURE EXHIBITIONS AND SEMINARS GOALS MAKE GAMES. Tel: 024 7641 6316 or Email: [email protected] WE MAKE GOALS. www.sapca.org.uk 01502 710039 I Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 77 SAPCA DIRECTORY ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS " !#$ Suppliers of sports ! $ surfacing materials High quality sports posts, Polytech International Ltd and Millennium Rubber Ltd, nets and tennis court equipment $ Nab Works, Pott Shrigley, Macclesfi eld, Cheshire SK10 5SD T: 0121 783 0312 "$"$ F: 0121 786 2472 T: +44 (0) 1625 575737 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.hexasports.co.uk $$$$$ $ " www.mri-polytech.com I J K O Murfi tts Industries Limited Station Road, Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9AD Temporary Tel: 01842 860220 buildings Fax: 01842 863300 www.nottssport.com Email: [email protected] www.neptunus.co.uk T: +44 [0] 1455 883 730 O L O O SPORTS PITCH RUBB CONCEPT TO REPLAY Maintenance Ltd CONSTRUCTION Wesley House, Whittle Close, Newark, NG24 2DY PO Box 7, Wellington Mills, Liversedge, W Yorks WF15 7FH UK BUILDING SYSTEMS Tel: +44 (0) 1636 640506 Tel: +44 (0)1924 412488 we will never stop...innovating Tel: 01926 423918 e-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.obriencontractors.co.uk www.play-rite.co.uk www.replaymaintenance.co.uk www.rubb.com Q O I P S L Surfaces and Thorn Lighting, equipment for sport, Elstree Way, Borehamwood play and leisure. Hertfordshire WD6 1FE @E;FFIÛJGFIKJÛJLI=8: I O L O K Get it right the fi rst time, use British Sugar TOPSOIL Fencing, Gates and Vehicle Control Phone: +44 (0)845 607 6308 The Sports and Play Construction Association Fax: +44 (0)845 607 6307 can be contacted on: 024 7641 6316 Email: [email protected] Web: www.werra.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 0870 2402314 www.bstopsoil.co.uk www.sapca.org.uk O J Wright & Maclennan Ltd To book your advertisement Camps Industrial Estate Kirknewton, Midlothian, EH27 8DF in the SAPCA directory call T: 01506 881486 F: 01506 883669 Cleaning, marking and lining of sports surfaces David on E: [email protected] Tel: 01342 311155 Fax: 01342 311156 www.wrightandmaclennan.co.uk www.white-line-services.com +44 (0)1462 471902 www.whitehorsecontractors.co.uk I P S B D E Q R J To subscribe to Sports Management, log on to www.leisuresubs.com email subs@leisuremedia. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES com tel +44 1462 471913 fax +441462 433909. Annual subscription rates are UK £27, Europe £37 rest of world £58, students UK £13 Sports Management is published each quarter by The Leisure Media Company Limited, Portmill House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1DJ, UK Hedgihhjg[VXZiZhi^c\VcYVcVanh^h and is distributed in the USA by SPP, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. Periodicals IZa )) % &,,(,+*%%, postage paid @ Manchester, PA. POSTMASTER. Send US address changes to Sports Management, ;Vm )) % &,,(,+*%%. c/o PO Box 437, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. lll#aVWdhedgi#Xd#j` The views expressed in print are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher The Leisure Media Company Limited. Sports To book your advertisement All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or Construction Consultancy in the SAPCA directory call transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recorded or otherwise Tel: 01403 259400 Fax: 01403 261250 David on without the prior permission of the copyright email: [email protected] Tel: 01536 400012 Fax: 01536 401953 holder. Printed by Manson Group Printers. Email: [email protected] +44 (0)1462 471902 © Cybertrek Ltd 2011 ISSN 1479/9146 Tracks - Pitches - Courts & MUGA’S www.surfacingstandards.co.uk 78 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 DIRECTORY sports management directory Be seen by over 5,500 active buyers in the most exciting full colour buyer’s guide in the sports industry. Call the Sports Management team now on +44 (0)1462 431385 Email: [email protected] construction & surfacing exercise equipment fencing manufacturers of sports facilities and supplier Scientific Solutions For Fitness™ the leader in sports injury & The best in sports specialist cardio facilities & surfaces exercise Call 0844 448 4370 www.ambsports.com For a complete Member Experience 01608 678238 Equipment · Entertainment · Technology · Services [email protected] consultants www.duralock.com www.SCIFIT.uk.com Interior Tel: 01276 404900, Email: [email protected] Solutions www.precor.com " " " " " INTERIOR DESIGN & PROJECT MANAGEMENT RECEPTIONS LOUNGES CAFES BARS " " " "" !" "!" CAINE GROVE FIVE OAK LANE STAPLEHURST KENT TN12 0HT TEL; 01580 890123 FAX: 01580 893626 www.interior-solutions.co.uk Tel: 01730 237100 [email protected] CONTACT: ROY ROBERTS Call: 0845 402 2456 www.servicesport.co.uk flooring Contact us for a FREE technical design and specification Looking to buy service or a FREE brochure. Tel: 01902 796699 Flooring? [email protected] Book your advert www.zaun.co.uk on our website and be seen by over 14,000 buyers every month. to book your advert in the sports management directory Download your FREE buyers guide now: Call the Sales Team Today Call David to Discuss Your Booking escapefitness.com/HCMFLOOR now on 01462 431385 +44 (0)1462 471902 www.sportsmanagement.co.uk Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 79 DIRECTORY indoor flooring indoor/outdoor surface line Indoor sports halls/temporary lockers/changing rooms marking & maintenance or non - traditional structures UÊÃÌ>>ÌÊEÊ,ivÕÀLà iÌ UÊ->`}ÊEÊ-i>}Ê UÊ,i«>ÀÊÊUÊ i>}Ê UÊ >Ìi>ViÊ*À}À>ÃÊ Cleaning, lining UÊ iÊ >À} Temporary buildings UÊiiÀ>Ê i>}ÊEÊÊ and resurfacing ÊÊ >Ìi>ViÊ*À`ÕVÌà of sports surfaces FITLOCKERS Tel: 01477 544 149 Quality Affordable Timber Lockers Email: [email protected] Tel: 44 (0)1342 311155 www.franciscoatings.co.uk Fax: 44 (0)1342 311156 T: 01923 770435 Email: [email protected] sales@fi tlockers.co.uk www.white-line-services.com www.neptunus.co.uk www.fi tlockers.co.uk Indoor sports halls/temporary lockers/changing rooms or non - traditional structures UK BASED MANUFACTURERS OF: ❖ Wooden & laminate lockers c\`jli\d\[`X ❖ Toilet Cubicles & IPS Systems GET UNDERCOVER ❖ Reception Counters With a CopriSystems sports dome - RIDGEWAY FURNITURE ❖ Any other wood based product JKL;@F for year round protection from the weather Tel: 01794 301 000 Fax: 01794 301 342 @e[ljkip$c\X[`e^ dXib\k`e^Xe[ [\j`^ej\im`Z\j www.coprisystems.com N`k_dfi\k_Xe*'p\XijË \og\i`\eZ\#c\`jli\d\[`X jkl[`fn`ccnfibn`k_pfl RUBB kfZi\Xk\Y\jgfb\gi`ek BUILDING SYSTEMS Xe[n\Yjfclk`fejkf gfn\ipflidXib\k`e^ we will never stop T 0870 420 7818 [email protected] ...innovating ◗ N\Y[\j`^e ◗ 80 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 sports flooring sports lighting sports surface maintenance Tel: 01623 511111 Fax: 01623 552133 High performance fl ooring Email: [email protected] solutions for ALL indoor sport Picture courtesy of Call +44 (0)1926 622600 Cheshire County Sports Club email: [email protected] www.gerflor.co.uk Fully compliant www.abacuslighting.com with EN14904 Maintaining Synthetic Sports Surfaces Recreational We specialise in the maintenance of all types of synthetic surfaces. We COATINGS deploy a wide range of specialised machines, processes and techniques LIMITED in order to keep sports facilities in the best possible condition at every stage of their life. Sports Lighting Specialists Please contact us for a FREE site visit or for further information. All Aspects of Indoor Sports Surface Installation Design . Installation . Maintenance REPLAY Maintenance Ltd (to meet all specifi cation and budgetary requirements) Nationwide Service Tel: 0161 484 0111 Fax: 0161 484 0222 Wesley House, Whittle Close, Newark, NG24 2DY Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1636 640506 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01920 860600 www.rec-coatings.co.uk Fax: 01920 485915 Fax: +44 (0) 1636 612860 www.replaymaintenance.co.uk Email: [email protected] www.cuphosco.com sports equipment suppliers & manufacturers synthetic sports surfaces tennis court construction & surface coatings maintenance The leading manufacturer of netting, posts & sports ground equipment Specialists in Tennis Court Construction & Maintenance for ! " # $ $ Local authorities, Councils, Schools, $$ %$# Tel 01502 583515 Tennis Clubs & the Private Sector 01727 730707 www.harrod.uk.com Tel: 01491 827810 www.sportscourts.co.uk !"# ! $%&'(')* Fax: 01491 827830 www.mcardle-astroturf.co.uk wet leisure play products GOALS MAKE GAMES. beauty WE MAKE GOALS. leisure-kit.net fitness www.leisure-kit.net TALK TO MARK HARROD fun The website, email and search engine for leisure buyers 01502 710039 gaming www.markharrod.com golf www.leisure-kit.netVisit leisure-kit.net for the sports ground construction green latest news about products hospitality and services for the leisure industry. leisure museum To advertise your product and reach over 20,000 spa leisure buyers call now on sport +44 (0)1462 431385 or email water [email protected] Hippo Leisure Products Ltd, Unit 18, Estover Road, Estover, Plymouth PL6 7PY subscribe online at www.leisuresubs.com Tel: +44 (0) 1752 313075 E: [email protected] or call +44 (0)1462 431385 W: www.hippoleisure.com www.whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 81 powered by aZ^hjgZY^Vgn#Xdb DIARY DATES Worldwide events listings for leisure professionals 23-24 NOVEMBER 2011 5-8 DECEMBER 2011 Rugby Expo Beyond Sport Summit Twickenham Stadium, London, UK Cape Town, South Africa Offering delegates a chance to learn This event combines networking oppor- from the experts, attend masterclass tunities, insightful panels and action-led ADVERTISERS INDEX workshops, debate topical issues and working sessions for those who use sport understand more about the sport’s latest as a vehicle to create social impact. The AMB Sports 69 commercial developments – this two-day Beyond Sport Awards winners will be event will shift between the professional selected from 400 projects covering more British Gas Business 27 and the grassroots parts of the game. than 150 countries. www.rugbyexpo.com www.beyondsport.org British Seed Houses 59 Charles Lawrence Surfaces 63 26-30 NOVEMBER 2011 24-26 JANUARY 2012 Soccerex Global Convention Harrogate Week 2012 Collinson 42 Forte de Copacabana, Rio, Brazil Harrogate, Yorkshire, UK Copri Systems 42 This major international conference Now in its 25th consecutive year, the will see experts from football and BIGGA Turf Management Expo (BTME) EQ Fitness 73 business tackle the global issues and is a leading European showcase for turf topics currently affecting the industry and groundscare professionals and buyers Gen3 Kinematics 30/31 in a series of panels, one-to-one inter- – offering a large selection of products Gerfl or 39 views, keynote addresses, presentations and services to equip sports venues. More and workshops. than 54 educational workshops and semi- Gladstone 53 www.soccerex.com nars will be conducted at the show. www.harrogateweek.org.uk Harrod UK 59 29 NOVEMBER 2011 Hippo Leisure 35 SAPCA Sports Facility Construction 30 JANUARY 2012 Exhibition and Seminar SAPCA Annual Conference JB Corrie 70 Twickenham Stadium, London, UK Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel, Limonta Sport 21 This one-day event comprises a series of Warwickshire, UK informative and educational seminars. SAPCA’s 14th annual conference is a key Mark Harrod 63 The accompanying exhibition will feature event on the industry calendar, where the leading constructors of sports facili- members can get together with NGBs Milon IBC ties, suppliers of related products and and funding agencies to examine the Neptunus Structures OBC services and professional consultants. sport facilities construction marketplace. www.sapca.org.uk For further information please contact Norseman Structures 40 the SAPCA offi ce on 024 7641 6316. 29 NOVEMBER 2011 www.sapca.org.uk O’Brien Contractors 17 FIA and IMSPA Industry Summit Recreational Coatings 44 The Congress Centre, London, UK 20-22 FEBRUARY 2012 Chaired by former rugby player and Grass Yarn and Tufters Forum 2012 Replay Maintenance 63 sports presenter John Inverdale, this Swissotel, Zurich, Switzerland S&C Slatter IFC/3 Fitness Industry Association/Institute for This event provides an opportunity for the Management of Sport and Physical delegates to discuss structural changes in S&P Architects 49 Activity event will include speakers from the synthetic turf market. They can learn the worlds of politics, health, Olympics about the industry’s growth prospects, SAPCA 73 and Paralympics. better understand what is going on in SPATEX 2012 35 www.fi a.org.uk other regions of the world and hear about recent product and technological Sport Relief 35 1 DECEMBER 2011 and performance developments. Sports Courts UK 69 IOG Conference and Awards www.amiconferences.com Reebok Stadium, Bolton, UK Veldeman Structure Solutions 44 Now in its third year, this Institute of 8-9 FEBRUARY 2012 Groundsmanship (IOG) event offers the Driving educational achievement XN Leisure 52 perfect opportunity for open space man- through PE and sport Zaun Fencing 69 agement professionals to update their Telford International Centre, UK knowledge by learning from leading The Youth Sport Trust brings together experts from the UK and the US. The IOG innovative work in PE, school sport and sport-kit.net Groundsman of the Year will also be an- whole school achievement and showcases nounced at dinner in the evening. global practice. For more information on our advertisers’ www.iog.org www.youthsporttrust.org products log on to www.sport-kit.net 82 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2011 © cybertrek 2011 WHY WEIGHT STACKS ARE HISTORY. milon training equipment is advantageous over conventional your personal settings. milon training systems are installed weight stack equipment because milon uses electronic motors in over 1500 health clubs today. to create resistance. milon’s machines produce 2 load types: concentric and eccentric weights. Weights are changed in To find out more about milon and to test drive our systems 1-kg increments. It gets better. call +44 (0) 800 0988 420. milon equipment is proven to be up to 30% more effective Are you ready for milon? than conventional equipment. All our machines are smart card www.milon.com controlled, each machine will set itself up automatically to .%045.53 4%-0/2!29 "5),$).'3 .EPTUNUS IS AN INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIST IN TEMPORARY AND RELOCATABLE BUILDINGS ()2% 052#(!3% ,%!3% $O YOU NEED TEMPORARY SPACE .EPTUNUS IS A LEADING SUPPLIER OF HIGH QUALITY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND SEMI PERMANENT BUILDINGS FOR HIRE OR PURCHASE 0ARTICULARLY SUITABLE FOR SPORTS AND LEISURE APPLICATIONS THE .EPTUNUS SEMI PERMANENT PRODUCT RANGE IS THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED AND VERSATILE CHOICE IN TODAY´S MARKET "ASED ON HIGH TECH AND INNOVATIVE DESIGNS WITH DURABLE COMPONENTS THESE STRUCTURES HAVE SIMILAR CHARACTERISTICS TO A PERMANENT BUILDING &LEXIBLE 3USTAINABLE 2EADILY AVAILABLE AND QUICK TO INSTALL &ULLY INSULATED #OMPREHENSIVE CHOICE OF SIZES 3UPERIOR ENERGY PERFORMANCE 3UITABLE FOR USE FROM SEVERAL MONTHS TO YEARS 2ELOCATABLE (IRE LEASE OR PURCHASE 2ECYCLABLE .%045.53 ,TD 4HE /LD 2ECTORY \ -AIN 3TREET \ 'LEN½ELD ,EICESTERSHIRE ,% $' \ 5NITED +INGDOM 4 \ & SALES NEPTUNUSCOUK \ WWWNEPTUNUSCOUK