Sports Management Issue 4 2015

www.sportsmanagement.co.uk @Sportsmag Vol 19 issue 4 2015

Removing Barriers Getting SPORTING more women FUTURE into sport New government sports strategy examined

EDDIE IZZARD & THE #BIGHELPOUT

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EDITOR'S LETTER

SPORT FINDS ITS PURPOSE

When a political opposition praises a new government strategy it's a sign it's achieved consensus. Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation is a masterful piece of work which will change the wellbeing of the nation and see sport take its rightful place in the wider health agenda

hat a journey sport has been on over the last 50 The Active People research will become Active Lives and be years: from amateur to professional and from the rebuilt to represent a broader definition of activity. Crouch says private school to the mainstream. It's been quite a the outcomes "will define who and what we fund." W ride and we've essentially seen it democratised. So there’s huge change ahead. It will no longer be a given Now sport is taking another giant evolutionary leap forward that established bodies will get funding if they fail to make a and joining the mainstream health and social agendas with the difference, while other organisations – even outside conventional publication of the government’s report, Sporting Future: A New sport – which prove they're driving positive behaviour change Strategy for an Active Nation, which lays out plans for the sector. and social good in the target populations, will get it instead. Most policy documents do little more than gather dust, but once Sport England has retained pretty much all its funding in a generation one comes along which is so in tune with the needs (£1.40bn vs the existing £1.47bn), so the money's there to make of the times it’s both a game changer things happen, although some and a breath of fresh air. This is such councils facing cuts will need to a report. It's ambitious, thorough, What can we do with a prioritise when delivering on the inclusive and clear thinking. policy like this, a supportive vision of Sporting Future. First observation is that Sporting One of the most exciting Future has achieved a high degree of government and the best of announcements is a Sport England consensus by identifying issues and ourselves? A great deal of good focus on physical activity from the solutions which can be endorsed by age of five to 18 (currently 14-18). the industry and the main political This will get children into good parties: the shadow sports minister was complimentary and exercise habits at a critical stage in their development and must both Labour and Lib Dems will see some of their best ideas have be delivered in partnership with schools if it is to succeed. filtered in via the extensive consultation process. Read the report – it's stuffed full of good things which are In the foreword, sports minister, Tracey Crouch, says far too many for the space I have here: a new Sports Business the strategy has the aspiration to achieve five simple but Council, the revival of the Sport Cabinet of nations, the focus on fundamental outcomes for the nation – nothing less than mental health, the endorsement of CIMSPA as the lead body for "physical health, mental health, individual development, social the 'sports workforce', knowledge transfer between Olympic and and community development and economic development." non-Olympic sports, funding for kids' cycling – it's a long list. This broad remit places sport firmly at the heart of the nation's Hats off to ukActive, whose pivot to wellness and activity has wellness agenda and throughout Sporting Future, reference undoubtedly helped this change along and congratulations to is made to collaboration with a wide range of government everyone involved in making Sporting Future – it's wonderful. departments, private sector partners and quangos, including What can we do with a policy like this, a supportive government health and business. It also has social change at its heart. and the best of ourselves? We can do a great deal of good. Everything will be measured and the ways we measure will evolve, with Sport England's behaviour change methodologies Liz Terry, editor being extended to a national scale and new measures being email: [email protected] developed in areas such as the impact of sport on mental health. Share your thoughts – visit sportsmanagement.co.uk/blog

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 3 WELCOME

SEBASTIEN FOUCAN INTERVIEW – FREERUNNING ACADEMY LANDS IN LONDON PAGE 34

HOW TO ATTRACT MORE WOMEN TO TAKE PART IN SPORT PAGE 38

08 People profiles 18 Mike Hall column 38 Women in sport Eddie Izzard, comedian turned sports Sport, education and the 4th space – how Evidence shows that men still dominate volunteer; Ashes-winner and cycling supremo universities are benefiting from sport participation. Kath Hudson finds out what Matt Prior; and former Chelsea striker and operators can do to attract more women fan-funding pioneer Gianluca Vialli 20 News roundup 42 New sports – jorkyball 14 Write to reply 32 News report Fast-paced, profitable and suitable for small Readers’ letters to the editor How football is doing its bit to help with the spaces. There’s much to like about jorkyball, largest refugee crisis in a generation for both players and club operators 16 The new sports strategy A detailed look at the UK government’s new 34 Interview – Sebastien Foucan 46 Activity tracking – Strava society sports strategy – Sporting Future: A New He’s worked with Madonna and James Bond Strava describes itself as a global community Strategy for an Active Nation – which looks to – but getting kids active is still the most of athletes. Gareth Nettleton explains why transform sport in the country important thing for the creator of Parkour it’s more than just a tracking app

4 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 ISSUE 4 2015 www.sportsmanagement.co.uk @sportsmag

STRAVA SOCIETY – HOW A TRACKING APP CREATED A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF ATHLETES PAGE 46

DAVID MANICA INTERVIEW – THE CREATOR OF THE SEED STADIUM CONCEPT PAGE 72

50 Sustainable venue designs 64 Event report – Soccerex 72 Interview – David Manica Chris DeVolder from architects HOK on how The future of FIFA and technological The founder of Manica Architecture designing sustainable sports venues improves advances in fan engagement were among the explains his SEED stadium concept communities and the bottom line topics discussed at this year’s Soccerex 76 Sports structures – flexible designs 56 University sport 66 New opening – Centre Vidéotron Suppliers and designers are coming up with A look at university sports centres which Quebec’s ultra-modern arena promises to increasingly flexible solutions to clients’ have made commercial use of their facilities secure a new NHL franchise and end a requests to use spaces more efficiently a bedrock of their business model 20-year wait for the city’s ice hockey fans 80 SAPCA Game On 60 Growing the grassroots – swimming 70 Event report – ESDN conference SAPCA members’ news; CEO Chris Trickey Swimming is the most popular sport in the The conference for sport academics and looks ahead to 2016 UK. We look at initiatives which are aiming to practitioners explored the theory and practice grow demand and increase participation of behavioural change 90 Sports Management diary dates sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 5 the team

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 7 PEOPLE

“I think there are many people out there who don’t realise how much sport relies on volunteers”

Eddie Izzard, Join In ambassador

ddie Izzard’s credentials as a to sport. Every Olympic, Paralympic year with the Commonwealth Games’ comedian and actor are well and professional sports star started Clyde-siders and the Tour Makers during known, but his long-standing out at a local sports club or group. Any the Tour de France Grand Départ. Epassion for sport (and particularly one of them will tell you how important “But the big, high-profile events are running) is perhaps less so. volunteers are, and the vital role that just touching the surface. Seven out of A few eyebrows – and a lot of money – they’ve played in their career.” 10 grassroots sports clubs still need more were raised in the autumn of 2009, when volunteers. Given that each volunteer he took a month off his entertainment GETTING INVOLVED creates the capacity for at least 8.5 more work and completed an impressive 43 Following his record-breaking marathon participants in sport (yes, eight and a marathons in 51 days for Sport Relief. By challenge, Izzard was asked to help with half people!), it’s vital that we keep the the time he had finished, he had raised efforts to create a volunteer network volunteering spirit alive.” more than £1.85m for the charity. for London 2012. Alongside a number Izzard says his passion for – and A year later, in 2010, he was heavily of other famous faces, he was part of a understanding the importance of – involved in the search for the 70,000 team responsible for recruiting members volunteering was strengthened during his volunteers needed for the London of the public to do their part in fulfilling record-breaking marathon efforts. 2012 Games. To this day he continues the Games’ legacy pledge – Inspiring a “When I was running around the UK, to play his part in maintaining the spirit Generation. Being Izzard, his personality in my haphazard fashion, I saw the spirit of London 2012 through his work as a and enthusiasm for the cause was an of volunteering every day. From the high profile patron at the Join In Trust instant hit and he soon became the outside, running looks like an individual – a 2012 legacy programme aimed at unofficial “cheerleader” for the famous sport but you could not survive without encouraging people to volunteer in their London Games Makers. the team you’re a part of. local communities. “I was lucky enough to be involved in a “Your team are the people who sort you “Volunteers are the backbone of sport small way in the recruitment and training out mentally and physically at the end of in the UK – without them, sport just of the Games Makers,” Izzard says, playing every marathon and the start of every day. wouldn’t be possible,” says Izzard. “Behind down his role in his customary style. “And They share the highs and lows with you. every sporting champion or grassroots I’m thrilled to see that the awareness of It wasn’t just the experienced advisers, sports club is an army of volunteers who and enthusiasm for volunteering continues coach, sports therapist and tour manager have dedicated their time and efforts to grow in the UK. It was in evidence last who were part of this team either, it

8 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Izzard had a high profile role in recruiting London 2012 Games Makers – work that continues with Join In

was also the people of Britain, and the Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, aims to find bit. There are also people sitting on their volunteers who took time out to support 10,000 new helpers for sport in the lead couches, wanting to help but not knowing me. People I’d never met before.” up to December’s BBC Sports Personality where to start – as they don’t have any of the Year gala. contact with sports clubs. HELPING OUT For Izzard, the challenge is not just “People volunteer because they want Izzard takes his Join In responsibilities to educate people about the joys of to help and when they do they usually very seriously and regularly appears on volunteering, but to give them the find they enjoy it. You don’t have to be TV and other media promoting the push information they need to get involved good at sport to become a volunteer for more volunteers. The latest campaign helping out in the first place. – which comes as a revelation to some he’s lending his time – and considerable “I think there are many people out people. Therefore, it’s important to help – to launched earlier this year. there who don’t actually realise how make sure more people know that their The #BigHelpOut, organised in part- much sport relies on volunteers. Good help is needed – and that taking part is nership with the BBC’s Get Inspired people who, if we can engage them, something they’ll enjoy.” programme and paralympic champion would be more than happy to do their Details: www.joininuk.org sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 9 PEOPLE

“I first got into cycling because of my injury – but quickly became interested in the business side of it”

Matt Prior, former England cricketer and founder of ONE Pro Cycling

o athlete wants to involved with British cycling retire due to injury,” teams, mentioned starting up a says Matt Prior, new team. At first I didn’t take it England’s Ashes- seriously but after looking into it “N in detail I could see an enormous winning wicketkeeper who was forced to do just that in June 2015. opportunity not just to create a “But the decision was taken out of UK cycling team, but to create a my hands. My body simply could brand and a company. Following no longer deal with the strain of the initial chats with Becky, I then playing international cricket.” met up with entrepreneur Simon Prior’s early retirement was Chappell and he too could see the brought on by a persistent achilles opportunity. We put our heads injury when he was still at the together and ONE Pro Cycling top of his game. A vital cog in a was born.” machine described as one of the greatest ever England cricket ESTEEMED MEMBERSHIPS teams, the three-time Ashes Prior says Chappell, the winner packed his gloves away founder of Leeds-based for the last time after playing 79 Backup Technology, has been Tests and scoring more than 4,000 runs at instrumental in the setting up of ONE Pro. an average of 40.19. Prior was forced to retire earlier this A self-made millionaire, Chappell is now “I can look back at my career with a huge year, but has wasted no time in finding chair of the team and – alongside Prior, amount of pride. I played for my country another way to compete at the very top Frewing (general manager) and Rob Over and did so in an era in which English (commercial operations manager) – plays cricket was very successful. I gave my a major role in running the team’s day-to- everything for England and, ultimately, happened if it wasn’t for the niggling day operations. Led by Prior, the quartet that’s why I got injured.” injury which eventually ended his career. has come up with an innovative concept “I got into cycling purely because of the to ensure the economic sustainability of OUT OF THE PAN AND… injury to my achilles,” Prior says. “Cycling ONE Pro. While most professional cycling Aged just 33, Prior decided that he wasn’t, was very helpful for my rehab and it teams rely on high-profile, high value however, done with elite sport. Rather quickly became a passion. So much so sponsorship and naming deals, ONE Pro is than follow former colleagues Michael that I began to follow cycling and took an looking to create a stable brand – meaning Vaughan, Andrew Strauss and Graeme interest in it as a sport – rather than just that the team name isn’t for sale. Swann into the relative safety of cricket a form of exercise – and eventually got “We’ve gone about things slightly punditry, he committed his future to interested in the business side of it too. differently when it comes to our funding professional cycling. This time, though, he “It’s funny how, if you play one sport model,” Prior says. “It started off with an won’t be performing heroics ‘on the pitch’. professionally and show interest in initial fee investment, which we’ve used to Prior is the co-founder and chief another, the word gets round and people create the brand and hire the team. executive of ONE Pro Cycling, a start inviting you to events. In my case, it “We’ve been able to get partners and professional team with the bold aim of meant I became involved in the cycling sponsors involved, but we don’t want or reaching the World Tour, cycling’s highest world and made some contacts within it.” plan to sell title sponsorship – we want level. This will mean taking on the likes of It was one of those contacts, made while to be called ONE Pro Cycling just like Team Sky, Astana and Movistar at Tour de recovering from injury, that would result a sports team. We want the name to France, La Vuelta and Giro d’Italia. in setting up ONE Pro. keep the same and for people to build But how does one go from being an “When I was forced to pull out of cricket up allegiance and loyalty to the “club” – England wicketkeeper to a cycling team and found some time on my hands, just like football or cricket fans would. owner? Ironically, it might have never Becky Frewing, who’d previously been Hopefully in years to come, a little

10 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The aim for ONE Pro is to challenge at the major cycling Tours (above). Prior in his cricket playing days (right)

10-year-old will follow ONE Pro Cycling because his dad follows us too.” To promote the sense of ONE Pro being a club, it will offer a wide range of membership packages – so fans will literally be part of it. Benefits depend on the level of membership and include everything from branded merchandise to organised cycling sessions with ONE Pro’s professional riders and coaches. “Another thing we’re creating is ONE Pro Cycling House. We already tried out the concept during the final stage of this year’s Tour of Britain. We set it up in Piccadilly, London, as a space where all terms makes it clear that he is no cricketing achievements. This he puts cycling fans could come and have a drink “ambassador” – merely a famous face down to his personality. and some food and mix together, while recruited to add visibility and credibility to “I’m hugely competitive, anything I put they watched the riders go past.” a vanity project. Prior is fully committed my name to I want to do properly,” he says. to the success of ONE Pro and says “You can’t turn that off. I guess it’s a bit of GOING THE DISTANCE reaching the goals set for ONE Pro – to an “all-or-nothing” approach: whatever I Listening to Prior describe the new challenge at a Tour de France one day end up doing will always be 100 per cent.” venture in such passionate and detailed – would rate up there with any of his Details: www.oneprocycling.com sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 11 PEOPLE

“Our ambition is to be the number one global sports financing platform”

Gianluca Vialli, ex-Italy and Chelsea FC footballer and co-founder, Tifosy

You’re involved in a new venture I first met Fausto Zanetton, the founder from unlikely places. We launched a called Tifosy, what is it? of Tifosy, at a talk at the London Busi- campaign for Portsmouth FC for which Tifosy is a crowdfunding platform ness School and we struck up a friendship contributions came from 39 countries. exclusively designed to help football clubs based on our mutual love of Italian football Of course, the majority always comes raise funds online for specific projects. and interest in making the game better. from the core of passionate club fans, but We call it “fanfunding” as it leverages a When Fausto asked me to get involved football fans care deeply about the game club’s global fanbases. Our mission is to with Tifosy, I was very willing to say yes, and will often choose to help out a club enable everyone to invest in football in a because I think this is a great cause and in need. Our most recent campaign is for fair and transparent way. creates a win-win scenario. the new club Parma Calcio 1913 which Fans are the backbone of football and Tifosy can help football – and football was forced to leave the top flight Serie A we want to give them the opportunity clubs – in two ways. Firstly, to make them and accept a demotion to Serie D – the to support their club financially. Clubs financially sustainable and able to compete fourth level of Italian football. have thousands and sometimes millions better on and off the field. Secondly, to It has already attracted support from of passionate and loyal fans, who would strengthen the important relationship more than 40 countries. It just shows how love to be able to do their bit to help between clubs and fans. We don’t want strong ties are in the global football family their club progress and make a real fans to feel they’re simply clients, we want and how fans can be a force for good. impact. We believe that football clubs them to feel they have a relationship with who are willing to listen to their fans can their club – that they’re partners. What are your goals for Tifosy? realise amazing things. Our ambition is to be the number one Connecting fans with their club – does global sports financing platform and we Why Tifosy? that mean the target market is limited? plan to get there in several stages. I’ve been involved with football for many Actually one of the things that has Right now our focus is 100 per cent years. Now I’m 51 years old, I’ve got to surprised us with the campaigns so far football and so far we’ve done rewards- a point where I feel it is my duty to find is how wide the message has spread based campaigns, where fans give cash in ways to make the sport of football better. and how many contributions have come exchange for merchandise or experiences. The next step will be offering financial products, such as equity and debt, to fund bigger projects and give fans and investors ownership and a return on investment. Over time we plan to expand beyond our current European focus, and eventually move into other sports. Of course we’ve set expectations for growth, but it’s important to stress we’re focused on quality, not just numbers; we believe in managed campaigns and delivering success, so we look for worthwhile projects of meaningful size for clubs with an honest, open, sustainable approach to development. Vialli with then Portsmouth FC manager Andy Awford – a successful Tifosy campaign last year raised £270,000, which funded two Academy training pitches at Portsmouth Details: www.tifosy.com

12 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015

LETTERS Write to reply Do you have a strong opinion about the industry? Sports Management would love to hear from you. Email: [email protected]

A game changer – the new FIFA regulations Minister must

As readers of Sports Management will of products, in effect meaning that all the make good on her know, football’s world governing body previous registered ‘systems’ that FIFA has promises to sport FIFA has issued a major update of its recorded (reported to be 1,600) will now FIFA Quality Programme for Football need to be at least in part re-examined Turf. These are the requirements which within a year – the grace period given by regulate the use of artificial turf in FIFA to update any turf system which may football at all levels of the game. require field-testing. The updated manuals contain new There are many changes contained tests and new requirements all aimed at within the new manual – new tests added enhancing the performance and durability to the requirements, including samples of artificial turf used for the game. being tested for the first time for infill What readers should particularly note splash and the heating properties of is a significant big-ticket item – a new the turf system. Those involved in the Sports minister Tracey Crouch accelerated wear machine – which is used artificial turf industry should make an to condition the samples being tested by urgent point of familiarising themselves At goalball UK, we oversee a small but ageing them significantly. with these new requirements. thriving disability sport for the visually This is a game changer for FIFA Eric O’Donnell, managing director, impaired. We’re expanding rapidly and Licencees who manufacture these type Sports Labs a fleet of volunteers keep clubs running and tournaments organised. MIKKEL BIGANDT/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Our GB teams have achieved success and are aiming for Tokyo 2020. More importantly, our players benefit from a community which gives them the skills and confidence to thrive. Young players are 47 per cent more likely than the rest of their visually impaired peers to be in full-time employment or education, so for many, goalball has meant the difference between a career and a life reliant on benefits. I read with interest that minister for sport, Tracey Crouch, reiterated her promise not to measure the success of sports on participation and medals alone. Her view that the government’s new sports strategy will look at the overall value of sport, including improving health and educational outcomes, is the right one. The minister’s speech about this could have been written about goalball and if we’re to reach more than the 1 per cent of visually impaired people who currently have access to the sport, it’s crucial the new strategy reflects the realities of modern disability sport and that her promises become a reality. The new regulations affect artificial pitches at all levels – from grassroots to elite sport Mike Reilly, CEO, Goalball UK

14 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 SPORTS SURFACE TESTING AND CONSULTANCY

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 15 SPECIAL REPORT

Strategy hails new era for English sport

Sports minister Tracey Crouch has stayed true to her pledge to “rip up” England’s existing sports strategy and replace it with a new, comprehensive one that “involves all in society”

n revealing the new Sporting Future - A irrelevant” distinction between sport and New Strategy for an Active Nation on 17 broader physical activity. December, Crouch said she would make As a result, sport funding will be no apologies for its scale and scope, nor transformed so it’s no longer merely its ambition for the delivery of sport about how many people take part, but Iand physical activity. also how sport can have a meaningful and The strategy radically overhauls the measurable impact on improving lives. way sport is funded in England and is based on three key areas – harnessing the 4. There is a pledge to ensure no child potential of sport for social good, ensuring leaves school unable to meet a minimum success at elite level and improving sports swimming standard, including disabled governance. There are plenty of changes children and those with special needs. For which echo the government’s earlier calls this, the government will create a working of public funding being “a privilege not group which will report a detailed plan a right” and its intention to see a better in 2016. It is hoped the initiative will, in return on investment for grants made to the long-term, also help stem the sharp groups and organisations. decline in the number of people swimming Minister of sport Tracey Couch Public investment will be increasingly regularly in England. earmarked for initiatives which encourage physical activity among the inactive, as well 5. Performance sport agency UK Sport as projects that help young people gain “Physical activity and Sport England are to increase the skills that aid employment and tackle social adds £39bn to the UK level of cooperation. The two will devise exclusion and mental health problems. and commit to a memorandum of Crouch said that the new strategy economy each year and understanding on working together on would ensure sports continued to make “a talent and objective metrics by the end of significant contribution to the economy half of this comes from 2016. They will set targets for organisations too”, adding the economic contribution individuals’ involvement to reduce the percentage of income they from sport is now £39bn a year. receive from a single public sector source. With the wide-ranging new strategy, the in grassroots sport” The pair will also implement efficiencies government has made sport and physical outlined by this year’s triennial review. activity a key policy issue. to its previous obligation of improving 6. The strategy looks to help train and We have picked 10 strategy highlights participation among those aged 14+. better support those who work in sport. It will also broaden the scope of those Sport England, together with CIMSPA, 1. Sport will play an increased role in it funds. Geographic areas identified as will develop a workforce strategy in 2016 preventative healthcare. The Department “physically inactive” will be able to bid for with a clear skills framework for the sport of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Sport England resources to develop and and physical activity sector. Sport England and the Department of Health (DH) will implement physical activity strategies will also undertake a benchmarking ini- work together with the NHS and other – with exact plans to be announced in 2016. tiative in the form of a Sport Workforce organisations to promote sport and People Survey which will be a KPI when physical activity into care pathways. 3. Sport England’s Active People Survey analysing sector responsibility. will be scrapped and replaced by Active 2. Sport England’s role will be transformed Lives as the primary source of measuring 7. Safeguarding those who take part is and it’ll set aside specific funding to tackle participation. Rather than just sports, also detailed, with Baroness Tanni Grey- physical inactivity. The grassroots body has Active Lives will also record activities such Thompson chairing a Working Group on a a new brief to invest in physical activity as cycling, dancing and walking in order Duty of Care for participants in sport. The for those aged five to 18, as opposed to eradicate the “unhelpful, outdated and group will explore how government and

16 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The role of Sport England will be transformed and it will now be responsible for those aged five to 18

THE REACTION

QJennie Price, Sport England chief executive

“Today is a really important milestone for grassroots sport in England. We welcome the increased focus on using sport for social good, and are very much looking forward to developing more programmes and campaigns that tackle the issues that stop so many people being active. “Our priority now is to work with The strategy looks to secure the future success of Team GB and other elite national teams a range of partners to develop our plans to put this strategy into practice. sporting bodies can take a new approach to involved in the success of the previous two I’m committed to improving the way support athletes with qualified instructors Olympic and Paralympic Games. people experience sport.” and coaches, as well as ensuring they have support once their playing days are over – 9. A Sports Business Council will be with opportunities to take up other roles established in a bid to stimulate further QLiz Nicholl, UK Sport and careers in the future. Exact terms of growth and potentially shape policy in chief executive reference will be agreed by early 2016. the sports sector. The council will work with sporting bodies and firms to help “We’re delighted that the 8. The success of Team GB – and other them create business plans, gain access to strategy recognises the elite-level national teams – features finance and develop skills. excellence of the high heavily and the strategy pledges to Membership to the council will be drawn performance system and we accept increase exchequer funding to support from public and private sector companies the responsibility to find ways to widen Olympic and Paralympic athletes through working within sport. the reach of our ‘what it takes to win’ to the 2020 Games in Tokyo – even approach –and share the expertise that above and beyond funding levels in the 10. A new sports governance code will exists within Olympic sports, while not current Rio 2016 cycle. be drawn up, to which Sport England, diluting our focus on medal success. The government also plans to improve alongside UK Sport and other Home “The new governance code is very the performance of non-Olympic elite Nations Sports Councils, will have to timely. There has never before been sports teams by facilitating discussions adhere by September 2017. If bodies wish a more important time to ensure the between home nation football, cricket to continue to receive public funding they integrity of sport.” and rugby governing bodies, plus those must sign up to the code. ● sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 17 ARCHITECT'S NOTEBOOK

Sport, education and the 4th space

Mike Hall from FaulknerBrowns Architects shares his thoughts on the important relationship between sport, education and community

he huge increase Universities and College Sport) and a high Operationally this can be good business in student ranking in the all-important league tables. practice. Sharing the capital and running numbers over Ultimately, the key to achieving that is an costs of swimming pools, for example, can the last 15 years, emphasis on high quality amenities focused create a win-win situation for both parties. coupled with around the needs of teams, individual Ultimately, however, it's the overall Tthe introduction of tuition athletes and their training regimes. student experience which is the key factor. fees, has driven significant As general awareness of health and I recently delivered a paper at the IAKS investment in our university facilities. wellbeing in student life increases, however, conference (International Association for While much of this has been focused it's becoming clear that recreational sport Sports and Leisure Facilities) in Cologne, around academic infrastructure, non- is now of equal importance, especially with entitled 'the 4th space'. This explored the academic facilities, such as those for sport, the increasing availability of high quality added value that good design can bring to have also benefitted from investment. gym facilities in the private sector. a project when the tryptic of performance, Competition on the pitch is being recreation and community are carefully matched by competition off it to attract FORGING CONNECTIONS crafted together with a conceptual '4th the best students from home and overseas. This balance between performance and space', to deliver something special. With this in mind, what are the key recreation is coming under increasing This included a recent example – Den differentiators for estates directors to scrutiny, with a focus on how they can Haag Sport Campus in The Netherlands consider when planning new facilities? work together to maximise enrolment. – where an enlightened client saw the The traditional benchmark for the At the same time, universities are using synergies between education and sport, quality of a university’s sport offering is sport to forge closer connections between and as a practice we were able to harness the performance of the institution’s teams 'town and gown', by working with the towns that to great effect in our designs. in BUCS-officiated competitions (British and cities in which they are based. The brief for the Campus was to create a centre for sport, education and movement. A place where both the Hague University’s The '4th space' could be a piece of public realm, a social Academy of Sport Studies and city space or a wider concept where the power of sport is residents of all ages could engage in sport and education together in the same place. harnessed through facility design to deliver social objectives The idea of the '4th space' was realised in a spiralling DNA chain concept for the movement of the different user groups through the educational and sporting environments. This concept influenced the final form of the building. In other contexts the '4th space’ could be a piece of public realm, a social space, or a wider concept where the power of sport is harnessed through facility design to deliver educational or social objectives. In all instances, architects have an opportunity to work with educational institutions to deliver sports facilities which fully meet the needs of recreational users, elite athletes and the wider community. ●

Mike Hall, sports partner, FaulknerBrowns Architects. Tel: +44(0)191 2683007 e: [email protected] The Den Haag Sport Campus, Holland – an inclusive centre for sport, education and movement w: www.faulknerbrowns.co.uk

18 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 onsultancy for design, researc or natural and artificial sports

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 19 NEWS UPDATE

The redevelopment work will create three national-standard venues – including a 45,000-capacity stadium and 15,000-seat indoor sports arena

Building work begins on SIP Sports Centre in Suzhou, China

Building work has begun on a multi- Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP). Due to open is famous in China for its landscape functional sports complex in the Chinese in 2017, the complex has been designed design, and the masterplan for this new city of Sizhou, west of Shanghai. to fit into its surroundings in a city sports park is based on this tradition. Designed by architects von Gerkan, renowned for its natural beauty. “In a modern interpretation of the Marg and Partners, the SIP Sports Park A spokesperson for architects von city’s traditional gardens, an informally will include three national-standard Gerkan, Marg and Partners said: “Suzhou designed park landscape flows around venues – a 45,000-seat the podiums that rise in stadium, an indoor pool with straight lines from the 3,000 seats and a 15,000- surrounding streets and seat indoor arena. The sports support the stadiums. venues will be surrounded by “All three stadiums have residential quarters, a hotel undulating roofs that make and a leisure district offering the ensemble into a landmark community sports facilities visible from afar. and public spaces. In addition “The curved roofs will give to the competition and training the impression of unified pools, the swimming hall pavilions, marking the high includes a spa area, leisure points in this landscape. pools and sports shops. “As visitors walk along the The development is being curved pathways, various funded jointly by Sizhou vistas open up to water City and Jiangsu Regional features, pavilion architecture, authorities and when complete, and the landscape.” will form part of the larger Ground works have been completed and the project will open in 2017 Read more: http://lei.sr?a=g7u6e_P

20 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 NEWS UPDATE

The stadium will feature an artiﬁcial pitch – hidden under a retractable grass ﬁeld – allowing Spurs to host two NFL games each season

Tottenham appoints MACE to build new £400m stadium – reveals detailed designs

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (THFC) largest in the country, holding 17,000 fans. has turned to Mace to create the pre- Spurs are also planning to establish an construction plans for the £400m entertainment district around the stadium, re-building of its White Hart Lane stadium with plans in place for a 180-room hotel, in north London. Mace has been tasked an extreme sports centre, a “Sky Walk” with developing detailed programmes and adrenaline attraction on the roof of the working with the Premier League club to stadium and a “Tottenham Experience” – a produce specialist sub-contractor tenders permanent visitor attraction and museum before work begins. charting the club’s history. Building work on the development is The stadium will be built on the site of There will also be 579 new homes, a expected to be completed by 2018. Tottenham’s current home, White Hart Lane new community health centre and improved THFC plans to demolish White Hart Lane street infrastructure to better deal with and build a new 61,000 flexible stadium it an artificial surface – which will be used crowd management issues. – set to become the largest club stadium to host the NFL games. The artificial Sports architects Populous have been in London. The project will include four playing surface will also be capable of appointed to design the stadium, the hotel asymmetrical stands, a stadium wrapped hosting other sporting, entertainment and the visitor attractions, while Allies in a sculptured mesh and a glass facade and community events. Plans also show & Morrison will be responsible for the to the new home end. There will also be that the stadium will have three tunnels, design of the new homes. Donald Insall special design features to allow Spurs to one for football and one each for the NFL Associates have been named as heritage host two National Football League (NFL) home and away sides. architects. When complete, the stadium games each season under a 10-year The asymmetrical stands will allow capacity will surpass that of Spurs’ fierce partnership signed with the NFL in July. supporters to be closer to the pitch than north London rival Arsenal FC, which plays A retractable grass field, used by Spurs at any other comparably sized stadium, at the 60,4432-capacity Emirates Stadium. for its home games, will hide underneath while the home ‘kop’ stand will be the Read more: http://lei.sr?a=F4v2a_P sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 21 NEWS UPDATE

Sport England to use behavioural theory and success of “This Girl Can” in its future campaigns

In total, 2,568 projects will receive funding each year across 428 regions

Tesco to use bag charge money to improve sport

Supermarket giant Tesco has This Girl Can contributed to an increase of 148,700 in the number of women playing sport each week pledged to use the monies raised from the new 5p carrier bag charge Sport England is gearing up to launch the Substance National Conference: A to improve grassroots sports and programmes based on behavioural change Whole New Ball Game?, in a speech that green community spaces in the UK. theory in a bid to boost participation. warned against arbitrary measurements of A new law which came into force The governing body for grassroots people’s activity. She used Prochaska and on 5 October means that super- sport will implement its strategy, based Di Clemente’s Transtheoretical Model of market customers have to pay 5p on the Cabinet Office’s EAST model, after Behaviour Change to illustrate the public’s for every single use carrier bag. A data from its Active People Survey and attitude to sport and physical activity. spokesperson said Tesco – which supplementary research revealed that The model highlights five stages has more than 3,500 stores in the behavioural change was a constant journey, – pre-contemplation, contemplation, UK – would pass on all of the reve- and that people rarely fell into categories preparation, action and maintenance nue to improve outdoor spaces. of ‘active’ and ‘inactive’. – as the various states of activity the “The money raised will be used The EAST framework, devised last April, population finds itself in relation to to pay for local projects to improve was designed to encourage a behaviour sport. The former describes the state green spaces in communities right by making it Easy, Attractive, Social and in which people are oblivious to taking across the UK,” the spokesperson Timely. Sport England is in the process part in physical activity or sport, while added. “Projects that will get the of developing programmes based on this at the contemplation stage the thought green light as a result of the funding theory. For example, the body is devising of participating is starting to creep in. will include building new pocket an initiative alongside the Amateur Preparation could be signing up to a parks, sports facilities, woodland Swimming Association to create provisions gym or buying a bicycle, while action is walks and community gardens. for towels and hairdryers, making it easy actually taking part. Administration of the local funding for people to swim and creating little s The move comes as Sport England will be handled by Groundwork, nudges for continued involvement. is also setting its sights on increasing which specialises in transforming CEO of Sport England, Jennie Price participation among the disabled and local green spaces for the better.” talked about the ongoing initiative at individuals from poorer backgrounds Groundwork is an environmental following the success of its This Girl Can charity which works across the UK campaign – which helped spark a boost in helping communities find practical female physical activity. solutions to their challenges. The body’s Active People Survey, Tesco is inviting local community published on 10 December, revealed that groups and charities to apply for the number of women playing sport and the funding – which will be made getting active once a week increased by available annually to six projects in 148,700 to 7m in the last six months. each of 428 “Tesco regions” (2,568 Sport England launched its campaign at projects in total). the turn of the year, and Price said that the The amount of funding available insight and research compiled on barriers for individual projects will range to sport for women and girls, which helped from £8,000 to £12,000. In total, inform the strategy, could be replicated to the scheme will invest anywhere get people from the lowest socioeconomic between £20m and £31m each year. group and the disabled more engaged. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=r3M2G Sport England chief executive Jennie Price Read more: http://lei.sr?a=y7g6C_P

22 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 NEWS UPDATE

All Blacks’ brand value could hit US$500m by 2023 Rugby World Cup

The growing popularity of rugby in the US and a string of lucrative commercial deals could boost the brand value of the All Blacks to US$500m (NZ$762m, €468m, £327m) within a decade, according to analysts. International valuation ﬁrm Brand Finance has estimated that New Zealand’s victory at this year’s Rugby World Cup brought its current worth up to US$169m (NZ$251m, €158m, £111m) – but predicts the ﬁgure could more than double to US$500m by the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks – New Zealand’s national team – is the most recognised rugby team in the world Bryn Anderson, head of Brand Finance’s Sports Marketing unit, regions, akin to the NFL moving games Anderson also pointed to a string suggested that the valuation could be to the UK. When the All Blacks played an of lucrative commercial partnerships, achieved if the All Blacks capitalise on exhibition match against the US Eagles particularly with Air New Zealand, insurer the sport’s growing presence, particularly in 2014 62,000 fans attended Chicago’s AIG and designer Bulgari, as key to the in America, by staging exhibition games Soldier Field to watch. It was also team’s brand-building capability. or competitive matches in key growth broadcast on NBC to a large audience. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=w4R9s_P

Campaign to ‘ﬁx system’ and get women coaching

Sports Coach UK has launched its new Reach campaign, which looks to get more women involved in sports coaching. With women currently under-represented in coaching roles, Reach will target women of all ages and backgrounds. “Reach is about ﬁxing the system and Paschal Donohoe, minister of sport, supporting more women in coaching,” has launched a strategy consultation said Tony Byrne, CEO of sports coach UK. “We want women from communities Ireland begins work across the UK to know that coaching is on new sports policy an enjoyable and social experience while Read more: http://lei.sr?a=T3e8h_P Women are under-represented in coaching Ireland is to get its ﬁrst new National Sports Policy in more than 20 years. The strategy will look to provide the framework for sport for Vikings set sail with ship featuring LED screen the next decade and set the agenda for the newly established Sport A 2,000sq ft (186sq m) curved LED Ireland across participation, volun- screen will be one of the features of a teering and high performance sport. giant stylised ship which is due to be It will also outline the future built outside the home of the Minnesota development of the National Sports Vikings. The ‘Legacy Ship’ will be unveiled Campus and create a new facility outside the National Football League (NFL) strategy for regional and local franchise’s U.S Bank Stadium in time for facilities. A consultation process the 2016-17 pre-season. has now been launched, to which As well as the giant screen, designed as stakeholders in the public and the ship’s sail, the structure will feature private sector and the general public 150ft (46m) of linear displays featuring will be invited to respond. historic Viking moments. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=J5v3M_P The Legacy Ship at the Viking stadium Read more: http://lei.sr?a=M3j9d_P sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 23 NEWS UPDATE

7,600-seater tennis arena planned for Kuwait

Plans for a state-of-the-art 7,600-seater tennis stadium have been revealed as part of the expansion of the US$4bn (€3.6bn, £2.7bn) 360 Mall in Kuwait. The Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Sabah Tennis Complex will embed seating across two main arenas within the stadium, which will also include eight indoor and eight outdoor courts. The facility is part of plans to expand the 360 Mall, based in the town of Al Zahra, which already houses a cinema complex, 38 restaurants, cafes and sports and leisure facilities, as well as the largest collection of international designer brands in the country. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=r6E6t_P The stadium would become the second venue (after MetLife Stadium) to host two NFL franchises Disney chief backs joint-venture NFL stadium

The chief executive of the Walt Disney in New York. A rival bid made by the owner Company has given his backing to the of the St Louis Rams, Arsenal Football National Football League’s (NFL) Oakland Club’s majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, Raiders and San Diego Chargers as they to relocate to the LA district of Inglewood attempt to build a stadium in Los Angeles. was also proposed. Bob Iger has been named non-executive In April, Carson City Council (CCC) director of Carson Holdings – named after unanimously approved plans for the joint- Minnesota United will join the MLS the district of LA where the mooted arena venture, but the NFL owners will not vote for either the 2017 or 2018 season will be built – the development company on the issue until January 2016. NFL rules set up by the two franchises. Manica require that 75 per cent of the 32 owners Populous to design Architecture is behind the designs for the must approve the move and only one bid Minnesota’s MLS stadium Raiders/Chargers bid. Iger’s appointment can be accepted. According to CBS Sports, was announced last week, on the day the 16-20 owners had shown support of the Future US Major League Soccer teams’ US$1.86bn (€1.68bn, £1.24bn) Carson project prior to Iger’s appointment. (MLS) franchise Minnesota United joint-venture was presented to NFL leaders Read more: http://lei.sr?a=M9E9W_P FC has announced Populous as the lead architect for its US$120m (£80m, €114m) stadium. Earmarked for the Snelling and Arsenal FC to launch soccer schools in China I-94 site, known as Midway, between Minneapolis and St. Paul, the project Arsenal Football Club (AFC) has commit- wiall be due for completion in early ted to opening soccer schools in at least 2018. Kansas City-based Populous fi ve Chinese cities as part of a “long-term will design the 20,000-capacity deal” to develop grassroots football in stadium, which becomes the latest the country. The Premier League club has MLS partnership for the sports signed an agreement with Chinese sports architecture fi rm. It also designed and cultural development organisation Sporting Kansas City’s Sporting iRENA to launch the schools in 2016. Park, and is in the process of Shanghai and Chongquing will be the overseeing plans for Orlando City fi rst cities to benefi t from the facilities, SC’s 28,000 capacity stadium. with an additional three unspecifi ed loca- Read more: http://lei.sr?a=k6K7t_P tions due to receive schools. Arsenal – one the world’s biggest football brands Read more: http://lei.sr?a=B8C4r_P

24 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 For sports managers and policy makers who want to keep briefed on the latest developments in facility provision, funding, policy partnerships and development

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Private sector set to help shape the future of grassroots sport

Business secretary Sajid Javid has called on companies in the private sector to play a “massive role” in increasing participation rates in UK sport. During his speech at The Premier League and British Sport – The Economic Impact event, Javid said the changing landscape of consuming and playing sport provided an opportunity for private sector ﬁrms. Javid told industry delegates at London’s QEII Conference Centre that people wanting to participate in sport had a “wide range of options” and no longer had to join The success of Parkrun is an example of how private companies can thrive in the sector a Sunday league football team or local running club to get involved. story below), and Parkrun as companies “The kind of sport we watch is changing. He highlighted the success of ﬁve-a- that offered sport without the red tape The way we consume it and participate in it side football franchise Goals, which saw and regulation that come with events is changing too, and the private sector has Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley take a sanctioned by a governing body. “Sport is a massive role to play in this.” 4.94 per cent stake in the business (see changing,” Javid said. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=v5J8Y_P

Sports Direct takes punt on Goals Soccer Centres

Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley has widened his burgeoning leisure portfolio by taking a 4.94 per cent stake in five-a- side football pitch operator Goals Soccer Centres. Ashley’s share will be worth just under £4m via a contract for difference – leading to speculation that the move could be a precursor to a larger deal. When completed, the Khalifa stadium Market analysts said a takeover bid could will have a capacity of 40,000 follow, but added that the move may also be a “curtain raiser” to start talks over Khalifa Stadium first sponsorships with Sports Direct. Qatar venue to be ready Read more: http://lei.sr?a=d2q4N_P Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley Construction works on the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar are set to be completed Rio 2016 organisers cut budget by 30 per cent by the end of 2016 – making it the first of the 2022 World Cup The organising committee of the Rio venues to open to the public. The 2016 Olympic Games is to make deep stadium, which originally opened spending cuts in order to avoid going over in 1976, is undergoing its second its allocated US$3.6bn (£2.4bn) budget major redevelopment, following for the event. Speaking to the media, a restructuring in 2005, when it communications director Mario Andrada hosted the 2006 Asian Games. said the “days of lavish spending were At the time, Cox Architecture over” and that the committee was looking and its JV partners PTW and GHD to make cutbacks of up to 30 per cent. upgraded the open-air facility from Rio 2016’s budget is privately financed 20,000 seats to a partially covered but the Brazilian government is liable to 50,000 seat venue. meet the cost of any overspend. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=Y4B7B_P Rio 2016 is expected to cost around US$3.6bn Read more: http://lei.sr?a=E8C6D_P

26 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 NEWS UPDATE

Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Jalil to be reinvented as KL Sports City

Malaysian Resources Corporation (MRC) has been appointed to redevelop the existing Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex – the venue for the 1998 Commonwealth Games – and transform it into a new, iconic Kuala Lumpur Sports City. The RM1.6bn (US$375m, €344m, £243m) KL Sports City will create a vibrant sports hub capable of hosting elite sports events as well as cater to the local community and recreational users. Designed by global design practice The Bukit Jalil complex includes the Putra Stadium which will host the SEA Games in 2017 Populous, the ﬁrst phase of the work – set to begin in January 2016 and entitled Putra Stadium, the National Aquatic Centre 2018 and will add the ﬁnishing touches to project 1 – will include the redevelopment and the National Hockey Stadium, as well KL Sports City, creating a fully-integrated of the 87,000-capacity Bukit Jalil National as improving integration to the current and sports hub, consisting of a Sports Stadium in time for it to host the 2017 existing public transportation links. Rehabilitation Science Centre and public Southeast Asia (SEA) Games. Project 1 will The second phase, Project 2, will sports facilities. also include the upgrading of Bukit Jalil’s commence after the SEA Games in early Read more: http://lei.sr?a=Q6n9N_P

Details of US$1bn Milwaukee arena revealed

US-based National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise the Milwaukee Bucks has released the first interior renderings of its proposed new home; a 17,000-seat indoor arena in the city’s downtown. The images reveal an intimate venue that places the majority of fans in the The project will create the Nordic lower seating tier, close to the action, country’s first indoor skiing arena while members of the fan club have their own exclusive viewing area. The arena Plans approved for has been designed by a team including Norway indoor ski arena Populous, HNTB and Eppstein Uhen. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=G9m4a_P A rendering of the new Milwaukee Bucks arena Oslo-based property developer Selvaag has been granted planning permission to develop one of the world’s largest indoor ski arenas. Football League rebrands as EFL Masterplanned by London architects Chapman Taylor, in The Football League has rebranded collaboration with Norwegian itself as the English Football League architect Thomas Thiis-Evensen, the and will adopt a new corporate identity Winter Village scheme in Ødegården from the end of the current 2015-16 has been designed for cross country, season – when the league will adopt the free ski and downhill skiing, and abbreviation EFL for everyday use. will be the first indoor ski arena to The change is designed to create more be built in Norway. Offering year- interest in foreign markets, such as the round skiing for local people and US, where most major sports leagues use elite athletes, the development will shortened names. The league has also include 2.5km of cross-country trails unveiled a new logo – a football made up built over three storeys. of 72 balls, one for each EFL club. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=S2D6E_P The new logo represents the league’s 72 clubs Read more: http://lei.sr?a=f7z7f_P sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 27 NEWS UPDATE

Work begins on 2018 Olympic village

Construction work has begun on the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Village in South Korea. A groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the occasion at the site of the 42,000sq m Yongpyong Dome, located in what will become the mountain cluster for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Designed as multi-functional resort to provide an athlete-oriented environment, the village will include a number of environmentally- friendly innovations and will be fully accessible – as it will also serve as the athlete’s village for the Paralympics. The masterplan for the village has been designed by US-based BrentThompson Read more: http://lei.sr?a=Z6a8Q_P

IOC president Thomas Bach (left) with United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon UN highlights sport’s role as a tool for peace

The United Nations (UN) has offi cially of the UN’s Sustainable Development recognised sport as a “valuable tool in the programme. Thomas Bach, president of achievement of peace and development” the International Olympic Committee (IOC), during the 70th session of the UN said the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020 was General Assembly. The assembly adopted fully aligned with the UN’s 2030 Agenda a new resolution which promotes the for Sustainable Development. Sport, use of sport in promoting dialogue and he said, was the only area of human The fi gures suggest people living in the reconciliation in areas of confl ict. existence that had achieved universal law. east of Europe are more active The resolution, entitled Building a “Regardless of where in the world a peaceful and better world through sport sport is practiced, the same, universal Eastern EU countries and the Olympic ideal calls for cooperation rules apply”, said Bach. leading the way in sport among UN member states and the “That principle of non-discrimination International Olympic and Paralympic has allowed sport to promote peace and The latest data on physical activity Committees to maximise the potential of understanding among all people.” levels in the European Union seem sport in contributing to the achievement Read more: http://lei.sr?a=5n6u9_P to suggest that countries on the Eastern edge of the EU are more active than those in central Europe and the west. Country-specifi c WHO unveils 10-year physical activity strategy overviews on physical activity – published by the European Commission The World Health Organisation has sets its in cooperation with the World Health sights on overcoming the growing physical Organization (WHO) – show that the inactivity epidemic by outlining a 10-year EU’s most physically active countries strategy to get Europeans moving more. are Greece and Hungary, closely fol- The focus on physical inactivity as lowed by Slovakia and Romania. a separate issue to obesity marks a According to the report, 85 per cent signifi cant sea-change in the public of people in Hungary meet the WHO health narrative and follows a recent recommendation of 150 minutes of University of Cambridge report that found moderate activity per week. physical inactivity is killing twice as many Read more: http://lei.sr?a=m3Y2F_P Europeans as obesity. The strategy is focused on increasing activity Read more: http://lei.sr?a=3v4g9_P

28 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 LUNA TRAMPOLINES PROMOTION

Trampolining is a fun filled leisure activity that is designed for people of all ages and abilities.

GETTING BRITAIN BOUNCING The entertainment industry’s fastest growing attraction has arrived in the UK

ndoor trampoline parks have been springing up in the USA and other worldwide destinations over the last 5 years and now they have arrived in the UK. IMulti-bed indoor trampoline parks, typically housed in buildings ranging from 15000sqft to 35000sqft, combine a mixture of flat and angled interlocking beds allowing users to enjoy time with their friends bouncing around the jumping arena and participating in activities including dodgeball, slam dunk or diving into a foam pit or onto an airbag … great fun! The health benefits to the trampoline users Our design teams have been trained to develop exciting and innovative product in a safe, fun environment are all apparent from cardiovascular fitness through to coordination, agility, muscle toning with improved health and stress relief. product supplied by Luna Trampolines has Where will the industry go from here? One hours bouncing burns more calories than been developed to rival that available from The property agent phones have been red running for an hour and organised fitness the best suppliers throughout the world hot with operators trying to find suitable sessions are proving very popular. with safety and compliance a cornerstone. buildings in the race to open a facility and The product has traditionally been Wilson explains “we have a British manufac- put their flag on the ground and claim transported in from the States but now tured product developed with reference to territory … It might be that the many existing the UK has its own manufacturer. Based the available world standards and indepen- leisure operators with readily available space in Yorkshire, Luna Trampolines, a sister dently inspected and accredited to British grasp the opportunity and turn potentially company to House of Play, the world’s Standards … you cannot get a better product low income generating space into an income leading soft play supplier has positioned than that! And there’s not a question we generating hub of the community. itself to save the air miles. Shaun Wilson, cannot answer along the way”. Wilson Director of Luna Trampolines said “designing continues, “the journey available to House of and manufacturing equipment for indoor Play customers has been mimicked through Luna Trampolines trampoline parks was a natural extension Luna Trampolines … we take customers from The UK’s leading manufacturer of to the product we have been supplying to concept to completion using our in-house quality Indoor Trampoline Parks the indoor play industry through House of skills and direct operational expertise gained Tel: 01302 846876 Play for over 20 years and required no ad- from having set up our own multi-visitor en- www.lunatrampolines.com ditional automation in the factory”. The tertainment centre”.

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 29 PRODUCT NEWS

Arena supplied the Lee Valley Hockey Centre with 1,864 Clearview seats

Arena creates EuroHockey Championships venue The system allows the immediate and accurate marking of outdoor sportsﬁ elds in one go Arena Seating transformed Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre at “Pinpoint accuracy” using GPS-based linemarking Queen Elizabeth Park with grand- stand seating, media studios and Vitax is launching a linemarking machine directing the linemarking machine to the viewing access platforms for the which uses the Global Positioning System appropriate line selected. Unibet EuroHockey Championships. (GPS) to give ‘pinpoint accuracy’ to the The machine carries an onboard com- The temporary infrastructure cre- job of laying out a pitch. puter that can be uploaded with software ated a venue suitable for the event The Supaturf Swozi system works with for marking out whichever sports are – and included 1,864 Clearview a GPS receptor positioned on the pitch, required. Deviation from the marking map seats, split between two grand- which ‘talks’ to the onboard computer by even a few millimetres triggers the head stands, adding to Lee Valley via Bluetooth. This triangulates Swozi’s to adjust to maintain an accurate line. stadium’s existing (and permanent) position with help from its own GPS unit, sport-kit.net keyword: Vitax seating capacity of 3,000. sport-kit.net keyword: Arena Premier League’s surprise package chooses Dennis

Grounds keepers at high-ﬂ ying Leicester CIty FC have opted for Dennis turf maintenance machines to keep the pitch in top condition for Claudio Ranieri’s men – who at the time of writing are defying odds at the top of the English Premier League table. Seven of the Dennis turf mowers now The app will provide info on available maintain the club’s pitches. Four are based courts and pitches across 14 sports at the club’s training ground for the ﬁ rst team pitches and three at the King Power Sports booking app stadium to prepare the pitch for match day. launched for London A mower in action at the King Power stadium sport-kit.net keyword: Dennis

MyLocalPitch, which offers Londoners the chance to search and book sports sessions online, New shock pad system for sports surfaces has expanded its services by launching a mobile app to better Conica has developed a new shock pad cater for people wanting to book system with independent pre-approval for facilities “on-the-go”. surfacing contractors. Approved by the Applying the location of users, Swiss testing house IST Consulting, the the app will be able to provide infor- new shock pad system consists of Conica mation on available pitches and SBR rubber granulate and Conica PU binder. courts across 14 different sports Mark Keal, Conica’s technical director, – including football, tennis, netball, said: “As a company it is highly important basketball and squash. that we give sports surfacing contractors a sport-kit.net keyword: MyLocalPitch tried and tested system.” sport-kit.net keyword: Conica The system is designed to prolong the pitch’s life

30 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 DECEMBER 7-8, 2016 PALEXPO, GENEVA

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For hundreds of thousands of refugees starting a new life in Europe, football is the only language they share with their new neighbours Football to the rescue Tom Walker looks at how football is helping European nations deal with one of the largest global humanitarian crises in history

s hundreds of thousands of In a statement, the ECA said: “We cannot refugees continue to arrive close our eyes to the dramatic scenes in Europe from war torn currently taking place throughout Europe. countries, football – the We, the European clubs, understand that most global of all sports – is our work goes well beyond what we achieve Adoing its part in making the new arrivals on the pitch and are naturally committed to feel welcome and safe. By offering free engaging in social causes.” tickets to topflight games, donating Other clubs to have set up their own match receipts to charity and setting up funding initiatives to help refugees include new teams and leagues for the displaced, Football is helping kids deal with emotional Spain’s Real Madrid and France’s Paris clubs and organisations are using the traumas suffered during their journeys St. Germain – both of which have made beautiful game and its universal language sizeable donations to help charities working to break down barriers and help integrate with refugee children. Meanwhile, Italian the new arrivals. TEAMS ARE BEING SET UP Serie A club AS Roma, pledged €575,000 (£411,000, US$620,000) to its Football TICKETS PLEASE AND GAMES ARRANGED Cares campaign. One of Europe’s leading clubs, German champion FC Bayern München, opened AGAINST LOCAL TEAMS NEW SET OF CLUBS its doors by providing a training camp TO FORM FRIENDSHIPS All across Europe, clubs are being launched for young refugees. The camp will offer for refugees and games arranged against meals, football sessions and German local teams to promote integration and to language classes to help deal with the form friendships. One of these is Wacker emotional traumas the children have Odd in the Europa League in August – and Refugee Club, a team set up exclusively suffered during their long journeys Mainz 05, which gave out 200 free tickets for refugees by German club FC Wacker to safety. In addition, Bayern has also to their home match against Hannover. Munchen. The aim is to give young boys pledged to donate €1m towards projects Elsewhere, clubs taking part in this aged between 12 and 18 the opportunity to to help those involved in the crisis. season’s Champions League and Europa kick-start a normal life. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, chair of Bayern, League pledged to donate €1 from every Europe isn’t alone with its football- said: “We see it as our social responsibility ticket they sell to refugee charities – raising related aid missions either. Football to help the refugees, needy children, more than €2.8m (£2m) in the process. Federation Australia (FFA) launched its women and men; to help them and to The campaign, called 90 Minutes for own Football Cares initiative, designed to accompany them in Germany.” Hope, is based on an initial idea from help integrate 12,000 Syrian refugees into Other German clubs to set up initiatives Portuguese side Porto and backed by the communities in the country. “Football is to welcome refugees include Borussia European Club Association (ECA), the the only sport which is universally loved Dortmund – which invited 220 refugees to independent body which represents elite and understood by people everywhere,” watch their game against Norwegian side clubs at European level. FFA chief executive David Gallop said. ●

32 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 WHATEVER YOUR SPORT WE’VE GOT IT COVERED

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 33 INTERVIEW

ames Bond fans will recognise renowned freerunner Sébastien Foucan as the baddie Mollaka SEBASTIEN from the opening scenes of the 2006 film Casino Royale. JMadonna fans might have spotted him defying gravity in the video for her 2005 single Jump; he then toured the world with her on her Confessions tour. FOUCAN In spite of these impressive CV entries, Foucan remains remarkably down to earth – much more interested in exploring The founder of freerunning talks to Kate Cracknell about the potential of his art form and passing sport without boundaries, the vital need for everyone his passion on to others than he is in superstardom or marking his territory. to move and his new Oxygen Freejumping venture. “I’m a pioneer, but I don’t try to own anything,” Foucan explains. “Jumping, running, climbing, swinging… it was all here long before I was born. People will take freerunning and do it their own way, and I’m OK with that. But for me, what I do is a lifestyle – something I do every single day – and it’s a constant work in progress. I think that’s what happens when you create something new.” He continues: “I moved away from parkour, which I originally founded with my friends in Paris, when I started to feel limitations being imposed on my practice. People had started to say ‘It has to be like this, you shouldn’t do this, you can’t use this, you can’t do that’, and I found it very restrictive. I’m very into martial arts and philosophy, so I’ve always been driven by creativity and by being open. “Personally, I have absolutely no boundaries. Activities are activities. We give names to sports – tennis, for example – but if you put a racket in a kid’s hand and they don’t know the right technique, they’ll just move in whatever way feels natural to them and they’ll have fun. That’s what I focus on. Activity any time, anywhere – just move your body and have fun. My style therefore began to evolve

Foucan famously starred in the opening scene of James Bond film Casino Royale

34 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Born in Paris, Foucan is credited as being the founder of freerunning and one of the early developers of Parkour

I deeply believe we can live to 140 years old, but not if you get trapped in the cycle of competitive sport – the cycle of injury and recovery, of winning and losing into what I eventually named freerunning, “In my calendar we have spring self-belief. In my approach to teaching, if it which is about expressing yourself in your awakening, expressive summer, smooth doesn’t happen today, that’s OK – you just environment without limitation. If I had to autumn and winter sanctuary. Winter is keep coming back to it and sooner or later explain the difference between parkour meant to be more relaxing. Autumn can be your mind and body will just let go. I believe and freerunning, parkour is efficiency – it’s things like ice skating – swinging, gliding, I have the tools to help someone overcome getting past obstacles to get from A to B less impact on your joints so you can their fears, whatever those fears might be. – whereas freerunning is more about flips recover. In the spring you start to get more “I see a clear difference between and tricks and creativity. “But actually the dynamic. That’s my concept. traditional sports and lifestyle activities, difference is more than that. It’s a shift “People come in and want to do the and that’s shaped everything I do. I want from physicality to musicality.” jumps straight away, but as a coach I try my practice to become very educational, to share my bigger concept with them. with less of what I call lying. You might The Foucan philosophy They need to go through the whole year’s get an injury playing a sport, but people The longer you listen to Foucan, the journey to progress with freerunning, as lie to themselves and to their bodies – clearer it is that freerunning for him is as well as progressing in their own mindset they push themselves when they really much a philosophy of movement as it is towards a stage where they can just let shouldn’t, just to win a trophy. a physical act of bouncing off walls and their body and mind go. “In my practice – in my lifestyle – there’s jumping between obstacles. “The connection between your mind and no such a thing. If I were in pain, I’d stop. “For me it’s a connection, not just body is really important. I call it ‘horse- You need to work in harmony with your with nature but with the universe. It’s mindship’. The horse is your body, and body. I deeply believe we can live to 140 being in tune with your body and your the mind is obviously the mental side of years old, but not if you get trapped in the surroundings,” he says. “The aim of things – and often in freerunning there’s a cycle of competitive sport: the cycle of freerunning has nothing to do with being disconnect between the two. You see it a injury, recovery, injury, recovery, winning, able to jump high. The aim of it is wellbeing, lot when someone’s getting ready to do a losing, winning, losing. That destroys your which for me is everything you do that jump. It’s that fight inside: ‘I want to do this body, as well as your internal armoury. doesn’t damage yourself. It’s important not jump, but I can’t do it’. “That’s my philosophy, and that’s what to go against your internal music.” “Even me, when I was doing James I want to bring into my academy. I’d like He continues: “In freerunning, we don’t Bond – I was scared. I only had one tiny an area like a martial arts dojo with my have a season like a traditional sport might wire supporting me and my mind couldn’t philosophy up on the wall. It isn’t quite like have: there are no competitions, no league accept that was enough. But you focus that yet, but it’s what I’m working towards.” tables, no trophies. Instead we follow and you learn to believe you can do it. nature. We adapt to our circadian rhythms, That’s where I think freerunning has been Spreading the word understanding our bodies and creating influenced by martial arts – in that sense He’ll have plenty of opportunity to evolve lifestyles based around natural rhythms. of inner focus and concentration and his academy concept, having joined up sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 35 INTERVIEW

Foucan has made the Oxygen club in West Acton his base and says sport should be all about fun, play and freedom – especially for children with Oxygen Freejumping founders can find a creative route through it. At have had when I was a kid. A place that will David Stalker and Fred Turok to launch a Oxygen, I’m inside for safety purposes and make the word spread like wildfire.” Foucan Freerunning Academy in every for convenience – especially with children, Oxygen trampoline park. The first Oxygen because I have to be responsible for them. Calling all visionaries Freejumping site opened in West Acton, But in my daydreams, I’d have somewhere Given the way Foucan embraces London, this summer, with plans to open with a little tunnel where the kids could freerunning as a lifestyle, does he ever just another six over the next 12 months. crawl back and forth between an indoor walk normally down the street? A further 15 are already in the planning and an outdoor area. They’d love that.” “I do walk normally, but inside my head pipeline. “I’m really excited about it, The main challenge will be how to it’s constant. You look around and you because they just get it. David [Stalker] spread himself across numerous locations. see things differently. It affects you in shares my vision and my passion for “I’ll have to teach the coaches myself, your lifestyle forever, because you notice activity,” enthuses Foucan, who has now and in fact some of the adults who I’ve when people are putting up boundaries. made Oxygen West Acton his indoor base. been teaching for a while now have put You notice parents saying to their kids: But does it not matter that the activity themselves forward. ‘Don’t do this, don’t climb, don’t jump… takes place indoors at these venues – isn’t “But I have to deliver the quality. I have don’t, don’t, don’t.’ Society does that too. the whole point of freerunning that it to define the standards of the Sébastien I run a class at Latimer Road in London, takes place outside? “No, no. Freerunning way, and I’ve thought a lot about it. I now and every sign there says no freerunning, is everywhere: outside, inside, absolutely have a clear idea of what I want, how no skateboarding – and the worst sign I’ve everywhere. The world is the playground. it’s supposed to be, what I don’t want to ever seen: ‘No jumping of any kind.’ “I could work with anyone, anywhere, as see. So it’s coming. We may make a few “That’s awful, because there’s a huge call long as they have the vision. It’s important mistakes along the way, but I’m not afraid for what we do, not only from kids but from to design the room with freerunning in of the challenge. I want my legacy to be adults too – and that’s because people want mind though, so participants of all levels creating the place I would have loved to freedom. They want escapism. They want an activity that’s fun and social and that isn’t going to feel like a chore after work. Foucan’s new venture “So if you come to one of my with Oxygen Freejumping freerunning classes, we won’t be training. will see his Freerunning I don’t do sit-ups. I don’t do pull-ups or Academy concept spread push-ups. I hate running – it’s boring. We’re across the UK doing something new, and it’s about fun, play and freedom. I believe every park should be full of playgrounds. You have all this space and you should be using it to inspire people to be active. “I know there are health and safety considerations, but in life, 100 per cent safe doesn’t exist. We do our best in our academies, but activity is vitality. People have to be active. So where are the visionaries? I can go to any facility. All I need is partners who are visionaries.” ●

Evidence suggests men still dominate many areas of sport – they participate more, most administrators are men, male athletes receive more sponsorship and men’s sport gets the most media coverage. So what’s the way forward for women? Kath Hudson reports

he history and tradition of the Olympic Games, but restrictions have equipment and clothing. But women have sport is closely connected been lifted slowly. Even now women can’t additional barriers: they have more care with masculinity,” says Anita take part in the 50k race walk or some responsibilities, they worry more about White, a leading academic in shooting, sailing, rowing and kayaking personal safety, and have more concerns the field of women’s sport and events. According to the Women’s Sports about body image, not fitting in and ability “founderT of the Anita White Foundation. Foundation however, there should be levels. Added to this, there’s less visibility “Boys learn to become men through sport gender equity in Olympic participation of sports women in the media and a lack of and men reaffirm their manliness through rates by the 2020 Games. role models. Females do not grow up with it, so broadening the definition to include as much encouragement to do sport as women has been a challenge.” BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION males. Research cited by the Department I’ve just asked White the reasons why Everyday participation also shows a gender for Culture, Media and Sport in its October sport continues to be dominated by men. imbalance. According to Sport England’s 2014 interim report of the Women and “Sport has been invented, practised and Active People Survey 2014-15, around 6.8 Sport Advisory Board, says that sport plays controlled by men throughout history. million, or 30.7 per cent of women play a more central role in boys’ culture and Women have joined the party later and sport at least once a week for 30 minutes, social identity than that of girls and their major social and cultural change has been compared with 8.6 million men – or 40.6 popularity is linked – in part –to it. required for women to participate fully in per cent of the male population. This continues into adulthood. According the sporting world.” However, Sport England’s Habit for Life to research by Sportswise Sports Fan Panel, Illustrating this point, Pierre de survey found there’s a huge appetite for 43 per cent of men see sport as a way to Coubertin, who helped found the modern more sport, with 12 million women – half spend time with friends, whereas only 31 Olympics in 1894, said: “An Olympiad of whom aren’t active – saying they’d like per cent of women do and 38 per cent of with females would be impractical, to do more sport and physical activity. men are encouraged to compete in sport, uninteresting, unaesthetic and improper.” So why aren’t women participating? compared with 19 per cent of women. Fortunately it was only a few years later Some barriers effect both men and – 1900 – when women did participate in women: cost, access to facilities, FRESH FRAMEWORK? So if the model, which has been created by males, is what makes women feel alienated Tips for getting women active from sport, do we need a new one? White explains there was a movement in the QRun a public event where mid 1900s for women to create their women can meet coaches own sporting framework, based less on and see activity sessions competition and more on collaboration, QRun family sessions but these initiatives largely failed. Q Link with partnership “Girls wanted to be able to enjoy the organisations to reach women competition and recognition that their from a variety of backgrounds brothers and fathers were getting,” says QUse a variety of media White. “When I played hockey for England to promote the event in the 1970s, there was a mood of going QOffer easy to access for a different definition and not aiming information about for the big sporting events, like the what sessions entail Olympics and I now feel sad that I didn’t Q Get coaches to follow get to have those opportunities.” up afterwards Even now, despite the fantastic QEncourage existing achievements of the likes of the Williams participants to bring a friend sisters and Jessica Ennis, women’s elite Q Reassure novices that other sport doesn’t get the same attention as Having beginners train together aids confidence beginners will be present men’s. According to the DCMS, women’s sport accounts for just 7 per cent of total

38 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 In England, 6.8 million (30.7 per cent) women play sport at least once a week for 30 minutes – compared with 8.6 Anita White, founder of the Anita White million men (40.6 per cent) Foundation (above), which promotes the development of women in sport sports media coverage and the value of reported sponsorship deals for women’s Women have a strong influencing role within their families sport was just 0.4 per cent from the total in 2013. In the same year, the top five – sporty mums can be more influential than sporting heroes women’s sponsorship deals totalled £1.7m – and only three women made it to the so it seems logical for initiatives to target women Forbes list of 100 highest paid athletes. It would seem that women are destined including inactive social groups, self have more caring responsibilities than men, to fight for equity within a system which confidence and personal ability. A study and frequently have more complicated is weighted against them. White thinks carried out by Virgin Active in 2014, found lives, so offering more family activities and a multi-pronged approach is needed for that 39 per cent of girls were put off by the appropriately timed sessions to fit in with change: “Sport is still facing much the same PE kit. This rose to 46 per cent among 16- childcare, are some of the changes they issues as 30 or 40 years ago. It has to start year-olds, almost half of which admitted to would like to see. “These are just two of with families and primary schools, so that making excuses to get out of PE. a complex set of changes which need to positive attitudes to sport are formed early, be made in order to improve participation enabling girls to see sport as a fulfilling and FAMILY AFFAIR among women,” she says. “It is important important part of their lives. They need to According to Sport England, women have a for sports to understand what motivates see sport as an important part of becoming strong influencing role within their families women and to adapt to them, not expect a woman for a variety of reasons: it’s fun, and sporty mums can be more influential women to adapt to the sport.” it’s sociable and it promotes good health.” than sporting heroes or big sporting Some sports are already successfully To achieve this, it is important to keep events, so it seems logical for initiatives to adapting and offering some great teenage girls engaged. Girls currently target women and families. Ruth Holdaway, initiatives. The Lawn Tennis Association’s tune out of sport for a number of reasons, CEO of Women in Sport, says that women Tennis Tuesdays were a great success this sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 39 WOMEN IN SPORT

Check list for sports providers

QIs encouraging women’s participation part of your strategy? Q Does your club promote equal opportunities for women? Q Are training sessions aimed at a variety of abilities? Q Are your training sessions a mix of skills, drills and match play to attract women and keep them engaged? Q Is there a chance to meet and chat with other players? Q Are training sessions available at a suitable range of times? Q Are the images on your club The number of female website suitable for returning role models, such players or beginners? as cyclists Victoria Q Do your club’s communications Pendleton and Jess motivate people to want to Varnish, is increasing go along for a session?

summer, providing flexible tennis sessions “As well as addressing these barriers, we with no need to book or pay in advance. would like the NGBs to be turning their The sessions are sociable, but there is attention to the pipeline of women coming also some skills development for those through and looking at what they’re who want to progress. Similarly, Back to doing to encourage talented women to Netball and Back to Hockey have been very aim higher,” says Holdaway. “As well as successful, offering flexible sessions which bringing in independent non-executives involve some skills training, but are mainly from outside the sector, we want them about having fun and not tying women into to incubate their own talent coming up team commitments. through the sport, looking at the structures Taking this further, Women in Sport is and making it easier for women to progress. currently collaborating with British Cycling We don’t have time to wait for a generation to find ways of progressing women to a of women to come through, so NGBs more competitive standard once they have really need to commit to change: thinking been hooked on an informal basis. about the culture of the board, the timing of meetings and recruitment practises to IN THE BOARDROOM Ruth Holdaway, CEO of Women in Sport create a level playing field for women.” England Hockey is one governing body On the upside, Holdaway says the NGBs which is currently performing well at all “On the face of it, the numbers look are generally open to change, because they levels: increasing participation at grassroots good, averages show that good progress have learned from the business world that level, improving elite performance and has been made, we’re 3 per cent up from diversity at board level is not just about getting good female representation in the last year and pretty much at 30 per cent. ticking boxes, it’s good for the success of boardroom. Also, with Sally Munday at the Six years ago we were at 20 per cent, so the organisation. Going forward, Women helm, it is one of the 10 governing bodies that is good progress,” says Holdaway. in Sport will be working with successful which has a female chief executive. “However, looking at averages does NGBs to share good practice through the Sport England has set the national mask some of the problems, because those development of a Checklist for Change. governing bodies of sport a target to have sports which do really well, such as netball Finally, there have been two 25 per cent female representation on their and equestrianism, skew the results. Twenty developments aimed at women this year boards by 2017. Women in Sport has been nine of the 46 NGBs are still not meeting which reflect some fresh thinking. Sport campaigning on this point, but, in light of the 25 per cent target and they only have England’s This Girl Can campaign moved research which shows that 30 per cent is 12 months to get there.” away from air brushed images promoting needed to be effective, they want to see Holdaway says it’s also disappointing sport, while Bury Council’s I Will if You Will NGBs exceed Sport England’s target. to note that many of the barriers which campaign aims to remove practical barriers Women in Sport’s annual report, existed in 2009 remain: timing of board to being active, encouraging women to Trophy Women?, which looks at female meetings which clash with childcare; lack support each other and exercise together. representation in the NGBs, boardrooms of senior women as role models and a Let’s hope they can provide inspiration for shows some encouraging progression. masculine culture on boards. many more initiatives. ●

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 41 NEW SPORTS

Jorkyball, a fast-paced form of football, could be just the thing for sports centres looking to fill a small space with something that excites members and generate revenue

BY TOM WALKER JORKYBALL

hen French petrol station HOW TO PLAY manager Gilles Paniez What you need The rules for jorkyball are simple and help came up with a new form make it a fast-paced sport. Each match of football in his garage in The court is played inside a “caged” court between Lyon in 1987, he probably An enclosed, rectangle space with teams of two players – consisting of one Wdidn’t foresee the impact his newly at least one transparent wall to allow forward and one defender. The roles are invented game would eventually have. fans and referees to see the action appointed before the match and have to be For the first three years, Paniez and his Length: 9.80m (minimum 9.50m) reversed for each set, the forward becomes friends would be the only people to play Width: 4.80 m (min 4.50m) the defender and vice versa. jorkyball – a high-intensity version of the Height: 2.70 m (min 2.50m) The forward is allowed to move around beautiful game – when, rather unexpect- Goal size: 110 x 110 cm the entire court, while the defender is not edly, the sport was exported to Italy, thanks The ball: Hand-made felt, weighs 200g allowed to cross into the opposition half. to its inclusion as an exhibition sport at the Official supplier: 3bble The walled court measures 9.80m x 4.80 m 1990 FIFA World Cup. Tel: +39 (0)689 277 720 – so is slightly smaller than a squash court. Leonardo Giangreco Biancheri, an Italian [email protected] Matches are based on a best of three sets convert to jorkyball who had met Paniez, www.3bble.com format, with each set being won by the struck a deal to have the sport featured in team to first score seven goals. the fanzone outside the Stadio Olimpico in “This is a sport for everyone,” says Alessio Rome – the main venue for the event. After introducing jorkyball to Italy Di Maio, president of JIF. “It’s great for As a result, the sport spread rapidly in in those early days, Biancheri left for children, due to the small dimensions of Italy, and by the end of 1999, the number of London where he enjoyed a successful and the court, and perfect for adults who are jorkyball courts had reached 100. lucrative career in banking. looking for an intensive sport which will It grew in France too, with jorkyball clubs More than 20 years later, he’s is give them a fitness workout. As it’s basically popping up in around 35 locations. back in Italy and in 2014 – with capital football in a small space, the rules are For more than two decades, jorkyball raised during his banking career – he set easy to learn and there are no specialist enjoyed a reputation as a popular up a company, 3bble, with the aim of equipment needs.” underground sport in both countries, introducing jorkyball to new markets. Biancheri adds that jorkyball is a great remaining so largely due to having no 3bble is the official supplier of jorkyball way to keep fit – for all ages. “Jorkyball centralised organisation to develop it. courts and balls and works closely with the is intense,” he says. “Playing 50 minutes newly established Jorkyball International is equal to playing around three hours of NEW BEGINNINGS Federation (JIF) – the sport’s world 11-a-side football. There’s no let up.” However, there’s now a new push to spread governing body. Thanks to Biancheri’s The small space needed also means that jorkyball globally – a drive orchestrated by efforts in the past 18 months, the sport a jorkyball court can be fitted pretty much the same man who first took the sport to is going global and JIF currently has 12 anywhere – and this is where Biancheri Italy – Leonardo Giangreco Biancheri. countries affiliated to it. sees a great opportunity for the sport

42 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The compact size and shape of a jorkyball court make it suitable for facilities with limited space. The rules (right) make jorkyball a fast- paced sport

Leonardo Giangreco Biancheri (above) is helping to spread the sport

to grow. “As well as the core market of their offering. According to Biancheri, clubs often have limited space, but because sports clubs, it’s perfect for urban spaces the profitability aspect is one that has the sport offers a high intensity workout in city centres, as well as fitness clubs and convinced many clubs to install jorkyball in a very different way from traditional hotels,” says Biancheri. “Jorkyball can also courts at their centres. fitness activities. “From a fitness point of be used as a great fan engagement tool at “You can fit up to 16 jorkyball courts view, what gives it an edge over most other events and big football matches. Having in the space needed for one five-a-side intensive workouts is that it’s not just a a jorkyball court at a fanzone attracts football pitch,” he says. “As each jorkyball fitness activity – it’s competitive sport,” he people around it to have a look – so it court takes four players, by doing the says. “The more you play, the better you works perfectly for sponsors who want to maths, you quickly realise that you can fit become and you can challenge people and create interest at events.” more than five times as many players in.” get fit without even noticing!” In reality, most jorkyball clubs have PROFIT-A-BALL between one and three courts and in some MAKING IT WORK The fact that a 50sq m jorkyball court can cases they have been installed to replace As part of plans to secure more sites for be squeezed into a tight space also means underused squash courts. jorkyball in Italy – and to help clubs with the that the courts can be a very profitable Biancheri adds that health and fitness initial cost of installing courts – Biancheri investment for sports clubs and fitness/ clubs have shown particular interest in has struck a financing deal with one of the leisure operators wanting to expand adding jorkyball courts – not only because country’s national banks. “If a club wants to sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 43 NEW SPORTS

JIF hopes that jorkyball will continue to grow as people find new spaces to play the sport

buy a court – which costs around €20,000 “Players automatically get added to our – through a three-year financing deal, the JIF World Ranking Challenge too – so those monthly payments are only around €370 a who take it seriously can end up playing at month,” says Biancheri. The Jorkyball International the World Masters at the end of each year.” “This means that – with a recommended Federation (JIF) is the world One of the existing jorkyball clubs is cost of €8 per person per hour for a governing body which promotes, Tuttomondi in Chiusi, a town in Tuscany, jorkyball session – the club only needs to develops and manages Jorkyball Italy. The club has two courts and is get four bookings a week to break even. around the world. Founded in 2014 it managed by Giuseppe Daniele, a trained Any more bookings than that and the club is headquartered in Rome, Italy and fitness instructor, who decided two years starts making a profit.” its president is Alessio Di Maio. ago to become an entrepreneur and set up To help each club that buys a court, Tel: +39 06 85358618 his own jorkyball-only club. The club’s two 3bble also provides support and training in [email protected] courts are fully booked during weekends marketing and setting up a loyal user base. www.jorkyball.org and weekday evenings up until 10pm. Biancheri says that creating an active group The club recently hosted the Italian of users is beneficial for both the sport Jorkyball Cup for clubs and the very first and the owner of the court. His aim is to COMMUNITY MATTERS U-13 Jorkyball Cup. Daniele says he is help create local, loyal user groups and add To help clubs create a community, 3bble particularly keen to get children to play them to the “global community” of players. also provides a free software package and recently took on the role of youth “We don’t just want to sell courts which enables clubs to organise tourna- coordinator within JIF. – we want to make sure that the client is ments and leagues which can be managed successful in renting the court out and and viewed by players and teams online. FUTURE PLANS filling it with players,” he says. “We don’t “It’s all created automatically,” says In Biancheri jorkyball has a dedicated want to provide courts that stay empty. Biancheri. “The software has an algorithm ambassador and it’s clear the sport “That’s why we stress to the clubs which which provides points for each game and will continue to spread in Europe and buy our courts that it is not enough to automatically creates league tables. elsewhere. New countries are joining the simply install a court and assume people “Using the online service, a club can jorkyball family at an increasing rate and will play – because jorkyball will be create a circuit which allows players to gain Biancheri says he is constantly looking to something completely new to most users. points and track their progress. The points provide the courts to new territories. “It’s important that clubs appoint are weighted depending on the importance “We recently signed a distribution deal somebody to look after the court. They and size of the tournament or league and with a Japanese company,” he says. “They need to be on hand to explain the rules, players can also earn points by challenging have already set up a national federation to make sure people play with the right other teams to “friendly” games, which and affiliated themselves to JIF, so rules, and they also need to organise encourages usage of the courts. So in everything is in place. There are advanced tournaments and be the contact for both essence, players are able to organise and talks with a number of other countries too, JIF and their own private league online.” schedule their own games. so the family is growing.” O

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 45 INTERVIEW IMAGE: JERED GRUBER Strava has turned a small hardcore following in the US into millions of global users STRAVA SOCIETY Both riding on, and fuelling, the cycling boom, Strava has inspired people to get out on their bikes, trying to be King or Queen of the Mountain. Strava’s Gareth Nettleton talks to Sports Management

What is Strava? of bragging rights and desires to be that Strava is, at its heart, a global community fastest person ever. It’s very competitive. of athletes. Through our mobile apps Equally, the data and stats side is as and website, we connect, motivate and important as the social and competitive inspire runners and cyclists throughout side. Some of our members prefer to use their experience, from exploration and Strava in one-player mode: they simply adventure to training and competition. use the tool to get their own stats and Designed by athletes, for athletes, Strava track their progress over time. For them, unites millions from around the world every beating their own time is just as motivating day through the sports they love. as competing with others. We often see Although we allow people to track their this type of behaviour among our female rides and runs, we’re much more than members. However, I feel that Strava is a tracking app. Similarly, even though more fun when you have lots of friends and we connect people, we don’t describe followers who are also on Strava. ourselves as a social network. Members can make a ‘segment’, which When and how did is a designated stretch of road – usually Strava come about? a hill climb – that they can compete on. The two founders, Michael Horvath and People love to blast themselves over the Mark Gainey, met at Harvard University segment. The fastest are named King of the in the early 90s. They were in the rowing Mountain (KOM) or Queen of the Mountain team together and came up with the (QOM) for cycling. Runners are awarded a vision of creating a virtual locker room: Nettleton: “Strava is much more Course Record (CR). It taps into an innate invoking inspiration, motivation and than an exercise tracking app” human desire to compete: there are lots camaraderie. However, the technology

46 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Strava taps into an innate human desire to compete IMAGE: JERED GRUBER

wasn’t there at the time, so the idea was Who’s your target market? to keep you engaged – so we make it very put in a bottom drawer and they started Passionate athletes: not necessarily the easy for users to grow their own network. another software company instead. most able, but definitely the most keen One thing we definitely know from Fast forward to the mid-2000s: they – those who have a real desire to get out our data: once you’ve been for three or had moved from rowing to running and there and be active. So we cut across four rides or runs, you’re hooked. We cycling, and wanted another venture. With both sexes and all ages: we have teens and don’t tend to lose people, which means GPS being so accessible, they figured now septuagenarians using Strava. the product is engaging enough to keep could be a good time to dust off their We’re not about getting anyone to people motivated. It’s a good indicator original idea. They started off with one hill their first 5k, or getting them off the that, if we can get people into the exercise and gave GPS devices to some friends to couch – there are others aiming at that habit, it keeps them exercising. test the concept. The feedback was great market. We’re more about enhancing the and Strava was born. experience for the guys who are really What are your current into their cycling and running. That said, streams of revenue? How many users does Strava have although we were adopted by the pro At the moment we’re not profitable, but now, and how quickly did it grow? cyclists in the early days, we’ve tried to we’re confident of getting there in the We don’t say a figure, because as soon make the product useful and engaging near future. The core experience is free as we do it’s out of date. However, it’s in whatever your ability level. We feel that, for users, but we also have a Premium the substantial millions and growing by if we could make it good enough for the level – which offers more features, perks 100,000 each week. On the cycling side, pros, it will engage anyone. and benefits – that costs £3.99 a month or there are more men than women, but the £39.99 a year. Our aim is to keep growing split is fairly even for running. How do you continue to keep our Premium member base, so that these Initially, in 2009, it was reliant on a your customers engaged? members support everything else and Garmin, but it still won a small, hardcore If people aren’t engaged we don’t have a bring us into profitability. We’re actively following in San Francisco. Exponential business, so that’s where we put our focus. working on features at the moment that growth came in 2011, when the mobile Our members are very active and also very will further enhance the Strava Premium apps launch made Strava accessible to engaged: 30 per cent of Strava users are experience. But equally, when we do come anyone with a smartphone. active every single day, and it’s through us up with a great feature, there’s always the It grew quickly in English-speaking that they’re living out their athletic lives. temptation to make it available to everyone markets from day one. We didn’t go into We have a mantra which dictates that to help keep our whole user base engaged. a second language until last year, when we have to strive to do three things really In addition, a small but growing part we launched in France. Now you can get well – connect, motivate and entertain. of the business is letting Strava athletes Strava in 15 languages. So we try to keep it fresh and continue to purchase gear as a reward for completing It spreads via a network effect: starting develop new features. one of our challenges. This ranges from with small communities, who tell their Strava is a much more fun place when limited edition cycling jerseys to tech family and friends, who tell their family you have lots of friends and followers – T-shirts for runners. The unique part of our and friends, and so on. the social impact of your friends will help model, though, is that people have to earn sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 47 INTERVIEW

We had a founding principle that we wouldn’t litter the app with ads. It means we haven’t made as much money, but it’s a huge thing in terms of user experience IMAGE: ANDY WATERMAN

Strava has added route planning to help people improve and vary their exercise routines

that shirt through sweat and hard graft. older than us. That’s why we’re always new features to broaden this, such as We think that’s much more compelling looking for unique features to help us route planning and training plans, to help than a standard shop model. create separation between a Strava people plan their exercise rather than just Strava Metro is another strand. We experience and the experience available looking backwards. realised three years ago that we were on other sports and fitness platforms. Also, we’ll be working on our Premium collecting amazing data about where Equally, we try an not worry too much. product and putting our data to good use people run and ride – data that would be We believe that, if we keep doing good – for example, producing the best running very useful to town planners if they were, work – adding new features and keeping and cycling routes and also identifying top for example, doing an analysis of where our users entertained and motivated – stops, such as views, cafés and bike shops. they should be improving infrastructure people will keep discovering us and good Our aim is to become indispensable to and making changes. Hopefully the end things will happen. runners and cyclists. result of sharing this data will be that One thing that separates us is that we roads will become safer. don’t have ads in our product. We had a How can the sports industry work We talked to the Oregon Department founding principle that we wouldn’t litter with technology such as Strava? of Transport in the US first, and then the the app with ads. It means we haven’t If someone is active, they’ll use a number UK’s Transport for London approached made as much money, but it’s a huge thing of places and methods to train. Pretty us. They want to know the main cycling in terms of the user experience. much no-one only runs or cycles – they’ll arteries into and out of the city, and which have the appetite to do supporting activity junctions are avoided. Previously the What developments are you like CrossFit, yoga and strength work, as only way to measure this was by standing planning for the future? having a great core is really important for by the roadside with clipboards, but we We’re excited about all the new wearable runners and cyclists. can supply them with minute-by-minute technology. We try to be device agnostic There are huge swathes of the world roll-ups of any stretch of road. and make Strava compatible with all where people can’t ride their bikes outside hardware devices: we’re the Switzerland in winter, but they don’t want to be unfit Does the business face any threats? of fitness platforms. by spring. I’m sure Strava helps to fill We’re always conscious and aware, but We generally view it as a good thing, group cycling classes all around the world. what we’ve built in the last five years as it provides more ways to upload to What fitness clubs could learn from is unique. On the cycling side, we’ve Strava. Going forward, we’re working on technology is how to keep people grown very quickly and critical mass is the overall experience so we better serve engaged and motivated by using a social always a competitive advantage. Running athletes before and during activities. His- element. Gyms can be lonely, whereas is different: there are lots of running torically we’ve been very strong post-ride Strava has opened up individual sports by trackers and apps out there and most are and post-run, so lately we’ve been adding creating a community. ●

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www.matrixfitness.co.uk SUSTAINABLE DESIGN BY CHRIS DE VOLDER

The Recreation and Wellness Center in Auburn, Alabama, US, breaks boundaries with its figure-8, suspended running track and communal spaces GOOD SPORTS Chris DeVolder, sustainable design leader at architects HOK, explores how designing sustainable sports venues improves communities – and the bottom line

undreds of years ago, a sports Low-flow plumbing fixtures, dual- facility served as a city’s hub. flush toilets and native landscaping have It occupied the main public reduced water use in the building by 40 square or area where citizens per cent, while strategies implemented in assembled to support civic the design and operations divert 75 per Hactivities and housed functions including cent of the waste from Husky Stadium. hospitality, food and retail. This is achieved through the strategic Then, in the mid-20th century, many placement of recycling and compost new sports venues were built outside receptacles and the ability of the building’s cities’ central business districts. These loading dock to accommodate composting facilities were often surrounded by and multiple recycling containers. There parking space and focused on a single use, is also a buffer of trees and shrubs which resulting in disconnection the city’s day- separates the stadium from the wetlands. to-day life and infrastructure. Husky Stadium has received Salmon Today, many new sports facilities are Chris DeVolder Safe certification through the Pacific returning to city centres as part of sports- Rivers Council, which recognised its oriented, mixed-use developments. There’s pollution capture, stormwater capture and a focus on engaging residents, daytime the indoor environment, can help facility construction activity pollution reduction workers and visitors every day of the week operators minimise impact on the environ- strategies. It also won the inaugural – not just on game or match days. ment while improving the bottom line. Sustainability Award from the National Developers of arenas in cities including Association of Collegiate Directors of Edmonton and Detroit are following the Husky Stadium, Seattle Athletics and USG Corporation. successful model of the Kansas City Power When it comes to HOK’s work, the reno- & Light District and the Nationwide Arena vation and expansion of the University of MetLife Stadium, New Jersey District in Columbus, which integrate Washington’s Husky Stadium in Seattle, US Elsewhere, the 82,500-seat MetLife sports, entertainment, retail, office and is an example of how client organisations, Stadium is the only US stadium to residential. These projects promote designers and facility operators can col- house two NFL franchises and provides related development and maximise return laborate to create a venue which is both unparalleled flexibility in accommodating on investment while creating vibrant, beautiful and sustainable. The new design the needs and personalities of the New sustainable urban communities. preserves the history of the 1920 stadium York Giants and Jets teams. As well as economic sustainability, and its sweeping views of Lake Washing- Through a partnership with the design design strategies related to the site and ton and the Cascade Mountains while and construction team and the US landscape, and things such as transporta- transforming it into a state-of-the-art, Environmental Protection Agency, the tion, materials and resources, energy and 70,000-seat venue. project has achieved cost savings of

50 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 HOK’s renovation of the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium in Seattle, US, included the use of native landscaping in order to reduce water use at the venue

approximately US$23.5m over the past five years from green initiatives related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, mass transit, waste reduction and recycling. One of the solutions used is a group of solar panels above the stadium’s catwalk, which generates 350,000kW hours of electricity per year – equivalent to powering 34 average residential homes. The EPA named MetLife Stadium the NFL’s “Greenest Stadium,” and it has consistently been recognised by the Green Sports Alliance for its leadership in advancing sustainability in sports venues.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta The Mercedes-Benz Stadium – due to manufacturers are required to provide reflection. It’s satisfying that sustainable open in 2017 – will become the new home information about a product’s energy use, design strategies in campus recreation of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Major waste generation, chemical makeup and centres like Auburn’s reflect students’ League Soccer’s Atlanta United FC. manufacturing processes. increasing requests for healthy buildings Already billed as one of the world’s – and it’s great to see the desire of most sustainable sports venues, it is Auburn Recreation and administrators to meet their demands. targeting LEED Platinum certification Wellness Centre, Auburn and is designed to save 34 per cent more On a smaller scale, Auburn University’s The Green Sports Alliance energy and 45 per cent more water when Recreation and Wellness Center pushes Earlier this year, HOK entered into a compared with a baseline design. the boundaries of design from both a partnership with the Green Sports Alliance, Rainwater captured on site will be used sport and a sustainable design perspective. an international non-profit organisation for cooling towers and for irrigating the On track for LEED Gold certification which advises professional and collegiate landscape, including the edible gardens. from the US Green Building Council, the leagues, teams and venue operators about The stadium design team is currently centre includes an innovative, figure-8 strategies for sustainability. working with dozens of manufacturers suspended track, open-air exercise The Alliance is helping sports organ- to advance transparency in ensuring and fitness studio, daylight throughout isations understand how investment in the sustainability of building materials: the facility and exterior courtyards for sustainability can lead to long-term savings. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 51 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, US has achieved cost savings of around US$23.5m through green practices

Sports venues will become the THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY focal points of eco-districts What will the sustainable stadiums and arenas of the next 10 years look like? where resources are shared Design strategies for the high- site and community. The venue is the among facilities. Excess heat performance sports venues of the focal point of an eco-district, where from an arena will be used future will be based on these ideas: resources are shared among facili- to heat water in a nearby hotel ties. Excess heat from equipment QAbundance, not scarcity, is the lens in an arena, for example, is used to for all design decisions. The venue heat water at an adjacent hotel. With more than 300 members consisting harvests water, creates energy, QThe venue serves as an anchor for of teams, facilities, leagues and universities turns waste into food, enhances a co-op approach to the purchase of from 14 countries, the Green Sports the habitat and adds value for sustainable goods and services. It may Alliance is already making a difference in the surrounding community and bring together a ballpark, local school developing and sharing best practice in the owner. Decisions support the district, hospital system and retail centre, sustainability. In November, the Alliance common good of the community, for example, to pool the buying power launched the Corporate Membership not just a standalone project. for green products, renewable energy, Network, which is engaging corporate QProjects feature mixed-use commercial composting and local food. partners to learn from each other and programming that creates an QBiomimicry influences how the accelerate the pace of integrating active, engaging venue seven days design responds to the local climate, sustainability into their facilities. a week. The space synergies include allowing the building to breathe, provide The Alliance hosted a Climate and sports, recreation, entertainment, comfort for every human sense and Sports presentation as part of the United transportation, food, healthcare, adapt to year-round requirements. Nations Conference of Parties’ (COP21) retail, hospitality, conferencing, urban QThe site’s biodiversity is enhanced international climate negotiations, which farming, housing and education. through local or adaptive landscaping, took place in Paris from 28 November QThe design creates multiple solutions. edibles and the tree canopy. through to 11 December. A canopy that provides shade for daily QThe venue generates all its own energy The panel, which was attended by activities and game-day parking, for through solar panels, wind turbines or representatives of European sports example, has a roof structure with solar other renewable energy solutions. organisations, NGOs, government panels that generate energy for the QFuture venues will be net positive officials and the public, highlighted the building and cars parked beneath. when it comes to stormwater, opportunities sustainability in sports offers The canopy also directs rainwater accepting more water than they create, to the wider climate change effort. O into cisterns for reuse in the building, cleaning it naturally and reusing it.

With its mass appeal and ability to unite people worldwide, sport offers a powerful About the author: platform for demonstrating and communicating the importance of sustainability. Chris DeVolder, LEED AP, is the sustainable By establishing new paradigms for environmentally friendly design and design leader for HOK’s Sports + acting as a hub for related sustainable development, sports venues can Recreation + Entertainment practice become critical assets for an individual location, a community and a region.

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 53 OJMAR PROMOTION

Ojmar provided a digital locking solution for the University of Cambridge HIGH FLYERS Universities have unique challenges when it comes to locking solutions. Here’s how Ojmar has met the precise needs of some of the UK’s leading institutions.

No more locker hogging Bath goes card-free which locks are in use to quickly identify The University of Huddersfield recently Renowned for its £30m Sports Training which lockers are available, while the master invested £22.5m in new sports, Village, the University of Bath has a huge key system allows staff to open and relock catering and study facilities. Located membership and wanted to dispense with lockers if students forget their codes. in the city centre, the new building the use of cards for students. Ojmar’s has limited space for lockers. Ojmar’s OCS digital locks were installed on all new Catering for visiting sports teams brief therefore was to incorporate its lockers and easily retrofitted to the Prospec The prestigious University of Cambridge OTS RFID keyless locking system into Lockers already on site. The wipe clean had two challenges to overcome at its new the students’ existing ID cards for ease locks are suitable for both poolside and sports centre. The building plays host to a of use, while maximising usage of the dry areas. They are also easy to use with no variety of visiting teams so issuing keys or 200 lockers from TBS Fabrications. To keys or cards required. Users enter a four wristbands to access lockers was not viable. prevent students from ‘hogging’ lockers, digit code to activate and deactivate the Instead, Ojmar’s OCS digital locks provided Ojmar programmed the ID cards to work lock. The locks can be configured to open the ideal solution in the team dressing for three hours ensuring lockers are automatically after a set period of time to rooms. The locks are robust to withstand available throughout the day. prevent locker reservations. An LED shows heavy usage and users only need to enter a

54 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Ojmar’s range of innovative locking systems are robust to withstand heavy usage, yet easy to manage and maintain

four digit code once to access the lockers The two systems have an audit trail in real to the large glass fronted doors, which are provided by Prospec. The new locks mean time which is regularly used to check usage brightly coloured to match the centre’s the visiting sports teams don’t have to levels and to protect the Center from any vibrant decor. Coloured wristbands access wear bands or carry keys, which not only suspicion of theft. Cards can be programmed the lockers, and are also used to identify the increases safety, but also saves the univer- at reception via a standalone programmer - a centre’s different membership categories sity money on lost keys. unit designed to record and read proximity such as peak, off-peak, staff and students. In the members’ changing areas, the cards - saving gym staff valuable time. university card is used to operate Ojmar’s Other university projects in 2015 include: OTS advanced locks. A simple one click Simple locks, stunning design QUniversity of Birmingham operation allows users to activate and Innovative locker design combines with a QOxford Brookes University deactivate the lock by pressing their card subtle locking system for maximum effect QUniversity of Derby against the nozzle. They can also check at Edge Hill University’s sports complex. QUniversity of Warwick which locker they have used via an info The stunning bespoke glass lockers, supplied QSt Andrews University terminal thus solving the problem of by LFM, utilise Ojmar’s OTS basic locks forgotten locker numbers. providing a simple and attractive addition www.ojmar.com sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 55 UNIVERSITY SPORT BY RHIANON HOWELLS

UNIVERSITY SPORT SPECIAL PART 2

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

In part two of our series on university sports centres, we look at two universities which have made commercial community usage of their facilities the bedrock of their business models

n part one of our series on university limited memberships and pay-and-play they do. But how do these models work in sports centres (see Sports Management, options to community users. For a growing practice? And what benefits do they bring? Issue 3, 2015), we looked at how three number of university sports operations, universities – Loughborough, Durham however, community usage is not only part UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA and Sheffield Hallam – were balancing of the offering – it is absolutely integral to Opened in 2000 and still the largest Ithe needs of their students with those of their commercial model. Lottery-funded indoor university sports elite athletes and the wider community As more universities fund new sports centre in the country, the University of while also meeting commercial goals. facilities with NGB and/or Lottery grants, East Anglia’s Sportspark was one of the All of these centres work for and within many are signing up to Community Use first to prove the potential of this kind of their communities in meaningful and varied Agreements (CUAs) which require them community-focused model. ways, whether through outreach to schools, to place community usage, not at the As a predominately Lottery-funded partnerships with local clubs or by offering sidelines, but front and centre of what facility, Sportspark is bound by a CUA until August 2018, which requires it to prioritise community over university usage – the rule of thumb is 80:20 – albeit that for the purposes of memberships and pay-and- play access, UEA students are counted as part of the community. Membership numbers also reveal the emphasis on community, with 8,800 community adult members, 2,800 junior members and 1,900 student members. While community members pay monthly, from £5 for a pay-and-play discount card to £40 for peak all-access membership, students pay a one-off annual fee ranging from £135 to £300, depending on usage. In addition, pay-and-play visits will A community use agreement prioritises general public over university use at the UEA exceed 1.4 million visits this year and

56 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Facilities at the new £50m Birmingham centre will include a 50m pool (above), a 220-station health club and sports hall

“The university sector is good at sitting back and saying ‘operationally we’re very good aren’t we’. But there are many things we can learn from the commercial sector” approximately 9,000 students have receives a grant from the university to university to get a Quest ‘Excellent’ rating an activated campus card giving them subsidise student use) to be reinvested in at the Quest Plus level, which involves a discounted pay-and-play access (the facilities or programming. two-day assessment plus a mystery visit. student population is around 14,000). With regard to performance, Steele “The framework it creates ensures we Further to this, 42 of the university’s 65 admits UEA is not yet an elite sports continuously reflect on service delivery and sports clubs make regular use of Sportspark university, although he hints plans are review impact and outcomes, something facilities, alongside the top regional afoot to offer more support to its talented that commonly gets overlooked,” he swimming and athletics clubs. According athletes. In terms of facilities, a £1.5m says. “This in turn should drive improved to UEA’s director of sport, Phil Steele, the refurbishment project completed last customer satisfaction and a more programme is managed to ensure there year included more performance-oriented consistent level of service, both of which are always slots available for members and training equipment and a studio for higher- help us to be more financially successful.” pay-and-play users, as well as club- and intensity training, while specific strength performance-related activity. There is and conditioning and targeted training UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM inevitably some conflict, particularly when sessions have also been introduced at the At the University of Birmingham – which hosting large-scale events, but careful request of university clubs. next year will replace its existing indoor planning keeps this to a minimum. When it comes to staying ahead of centre with a new £55m facility – the The benefit of the model to the the game, Steele sets much store by practice of catering for community users university is clear, says Steele: “It cost the Quest, Sport England’s national quality alongside staff and students has an even university £2m [initial capital spend] for scheme, which functions both as a badge longer history than at UEA. According to what is now a £30m facility, in terms of of accreditation and a tool for continuous director of sport Zena Wooldridge, the UB what it’s cost to build and extend. If we had improvement. Sportspark received its first Sport team has been juggling the needs of to build it now, it would be £60m.” accreditation – Quest Entry, a one-day these different groups for 40 years. But Crucially, the CUA also allows any assessment – in January this year, and while management and staff are adept surpluses from the commercial side (Steele Steele now wants UEA to be the first at managing the inherent challenges, the sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 57 UNIVERSITY SPORT

Adding to the 1,900 student members, there are now 8,800 community adult members and 2,800 junior members at the UEA Sportspark existing centre is now simply too small and Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands and AFLS&P and 2.5 times as much as students (student inadequately designed to cope with what is – will have less wasted space and greater memberships currently start at £104 a being asked of it. “It causes huge problems accessibility, not only for disabled people year). While the opening of the new facility in terms of where we put everyone,” says but also for transgender and religious will naturally lessen demand on available Wooldridge. While extending opening groups. Facilities will include a 50m pool, space, some continuing tension between hours, ruthless policing of time slots two sports halls, a 220-station gym, different user groups is inevitable. The key and creative use of dead space – the six squash courts, five studios, a high to managing this, says Wooldridge, is good conversion of a storeroom to a group performance centre, a climbing wall, sauna, advance planning and communication: “For cycling studio, for example – papered over steamroom and a café. This is in addition to example, our student clubs understand the problems for a while, it eventually the university’s outdoor tennis courts and that their subsidies are to a large extent reached a tipping point, says Wooldridge: multiple grass and synthetic pitches. dependent on our members gaining use. As “As a leading sporting university we were The centre, says Wooldridge, will “serve long as we share that, and they understand falling behind, in terms of the expectations a wide range of users, from early years’ that, it does generally work.” of our students and our profile.” swimming to retired groups, and absolute Like Steele, Wooldridge also puts faith While redeveloping the current beginners to world-class performers.” As in the value of external accreditation and facilities to 21st century standards would well as catering for 15 community clubs, benchmarking schemes. In 2012, UB Sport have cost around £30m, the university 55 student clubs and a 2,500-strong took part in the National Benchmarking was persuaded to make an even bigger intramural programme, it will offer a wide Service – administered by Leisure-net commitment – £52.5m, with a further range of memberships and pay-and-play Solutions in partnership with Sheffield £2m in Lottery funding and half a million options. Membership estimates are 6,000 Hallam University’s Sport Industry in alumni donations. What the extra for students, 1,650 for staff and 2,500 Research Centre – “because it’s a valuable investment has done, says Wooldridge, for community members. Community benchmark against industry standards and is allow the university to build the new members will pay, on average, between two informs us how much we need to improve centre big enough to increase participation in the lead-in to a new facility.” and therefore revenue. This will not only Like UEA, UB Sport is also one of help subsidise student- and performance- seven Quest-accredited university sports related activity, but will also enable the centres, and the first to achieve Quest facility to be self-sustaining. Combo, which assesses both facilities and sports development. The motivation, says COMMUNITY BENEFITS Wooldridge, was to help operational staff In place of a conventional CUA, the uni- to “understand the standards to aspire to if versity has agreed a community use “in they are to be the best in the industry.” principle statement” in consultation “The university sector is good at sitting with Sport England and Birmingham City back and saying, ‘operationally, we’re very Council. According to Wooldridge, the good, aren’t we?’ But there are a lot of statement “simply reflects what we were things in the commercial sector we can intending to do anyway”, but by enabling learn from. Our students and members the university to demonstrate the extent come to us from private clubs: that’s what of its current community provision and their expectations are, that’s what we have planned future provision, it has proved “a to deliver. It’s very easy for [staff] to get useful perception-changing exercise.” comfortable and not necessarily see that. Birmingham will open a new £55m As well as being significantly bigger, So all Quest does is it changes the lens indoor sports centre in 2016 the new centre – designed by architects through which they see the world.” ●

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 59 GROWING THE GRASSROOTS TOM WALKER, SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Figures show that 52 per cent of 11-year-olds entering secondary school are able to swim

NATION’S FAVOURITE

Despite falls in the number of regular swimmers, visiting the pool is still the most popular form of sport in the UK. We look at what is being done to get even more people to jump in at the deep end

ince Sport England’s Active TURNING THE TIDE “Swimming is a great activity which can People Survey began 10 years Over the last year the national governing be enjoyed with friends, with the family ago, swimming has remained the body for swimming, the Amateur or individually”, enthuses Paker. “It is also most popular sport in England. Swimming Association (ASA), has gone incredibly versatile, providing opportunities Swimming’s unique ability through a period of change, bringing in for people to stay active regardless of their Sto appeal to both genders, all age groups new leadership and investing in an insight fitness levels or personal goals. and fitness levels, as well as to those with team to help the organisation – and the “But there is a lot of choice out there physical challenges or health conditions, wider industry – better understand the when it comes to physical activity and means the potential for engagement in the needs of the swimmer. This insight has people are rightly wanting more from their sport is huge. But outdated facilities, rising been central in shaping the ASA’s new swimming experience. Over the last year costs and a perception with that swimming Participation Strategy which, according to we have improved our knowledge of what hasn’t moved with the times, have seen CEO Adam Paker, will improve swimming motivates people to swim and, perhaps numbers begin to fall and there are now from its foundations and encourage more more importantly, what is stopping people moves to turn this situation around. people to return to the water. swimming more often.

Learning to swim unaided and one in five ago, yet only half of our adults cannot swim at all. children are able to swim Any attempt to increase “Ensuring that all the length of a pool. participation has to start children have the “More than 500 schools with swimming lessons. opportunity to take part have signed up to our Last year more than in high quality school School Swimming Charter, 2.4 million children and swimming lessons is not which is great, but we all 100,000 adults learned only paramount to growing need to work together to swim. While seemingly participation, it is also a key – government, schools, impressive figures, recent lifesaving skill that can help operators – to make sure research by the ASA shows to prevent drowning,” says all primary schools have that only 52 per cent of Adam Paker. the resources available to children at Key Stage 2 are “School swimming ensure all children have able to swim the minimum lessons were first the opportunity to learn requirement of 25m introduced 125 years to swim.”

60 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Since 2013, the average number of swimming lessons made available to primary age children per year has risen from 16 to 18

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“Our strategy is centred around improving swimming from its foundations We have many examples of well-run pools, but we also have by making it more visible and relevant to people’s lives, ensuring facilities are best the challenge of an ageing pool stock and an economic in class, and providing experiences which climate which is squeezing everyone’s purse strings genuinely meet people’s needs.”

MAKING SWIMMING VISIBLE out jogging or cycling, but by its very is squeezing everyone’s purse strings. By The ASA’s five-year strategy, which is nature swimming often happens behind working together, combining our expertise, supported by Sport England, aims to return closed doors. If you ask someone on the and supporting smaller facilities, we will be swimming to its heyday of attracting more street why they don’t swim more often, able to modernise swimming.” than three million adult swimmers every their response is usually, ‘because it never The third key area of the strategy week. One of the people brought in by crossed my mind’. We want to change this focuses on tailoring the swimming offer the NGB to help do this was Nick Caplin, by putting swimming at the forefront of for different needs. The ASA has seen former director of communications at Sony people’s minds and showing why it should great success with Swim Safe – its annual Computer Entertainment Europe. be integrated into their weekly routine.” open water safety programme for children As the ASA’s director of participation, Like many other sports, one of the key – and initiatives such as the Dementia Caplin has been integral in developing challenges for the ASA is around facilities. Friendly Swimming Project which is aimed the new strategy. “What we’ve done With an ageing pool stock – and 65 fewer at supporting people living with dementia is spend time really understanding the pools across 87 fewer sites than in 2013 to continue being active. market. What’s clear is that there are many – the public perception is that many Over the next two years the ASA will be different reasons why people go swimming; facilities are not up to scratch. The ASA developing new programmes to encourage what motivates one person is very different plans to support facilities by introducing more people to get involved. These range from the next, but there is a huge latent best practice endorsements and hygiene from mass-participation challenges – demand we need to tap in to.” support services, as well as new ways such as timed 500m swims – to new Increasing the visibility of swimming to accurately measure who is using the aquacise classes aimed at different levels. through a national marketing campaign and facilities. All of which will help to raise the Underlying all this will be the integration of improved digital presence is one of the first perception of swimming. new swim-logging technology. areas the new strategy will tackle. “We have many really great examples Caplin is quick to stress that none of this “We need to be better at reminding of well-run pools,” explains Caplin, “but can be done by the ASA in isolation and people why they should go swimming,” we also have the challenge of an ageing requires all stakeholders in the swimming says Caplin. “Every day you see people pool stock and an economic climate that industry to work together. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 61 GROWING THE GRASSROOTS

“Our research showed that what to learn how to swim. In response we will swimming needed was a whole new Talent pathway – the 12-strong be piloting a Swimming Teacher Apprentice approach. This strategy looks at the England swimming squad which Course in 2016.” overall swimming experience, so we were competed at the Samoa 2015 keen to consult with all of our partners Commonwealth Youth Games GROWING THE TALENT across the aquatics industry to enable us One area which has seen continued growth to improve cooperation.” is club swimming. The ASA has more than Kayle Burgham, technical manager for of qualified swimming teachers in the UK. 200,000 members at 1,095 affiliated Aquatics at STA – an awarding body for Our recent survey found that difficulties aquatic clubs. Volunteers remain an swimming teaching and lifesaving in the in recruiting trained swimming teachers important part of the sport, with 45,000 UK – concurs. “A united and coordinated is creating widespread problems – 72 regularly involved in clubs and at regional approach to swimming and water safety per cent of swim schools in the UK have and national competitions. education in the UK is needed, with the a waiting list for lesson spaces, but just The healthy nature of grassroots main aquatic and lifesaving bodies working over 81 per cent said they could not find swimming has created a pool of exciting more closely together to tackle all these appropriately qualified swimming teaching young athletes that the ASA’s talent important issues,” she says. “One of our staff to meet this demand. This is majorly pathway scheme, England Programmes, has greatest aims is to address the shortage impacting on the opportunity for children been able to support. This investment in identifying and developing young swimming talent Swimming and the health agenda continues to reap rewards, with the 12 athletes selected to represent Team A key selling point for person’s mental health. rolled out to a further England at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth swimming is that anyone As news stories abound six locations. The initial Games in Samoa claiming 25 medals and can take part. It’s often of problems in the NHS, results have been finishing second in the medal table. been described as a great rising obesity levels and extremely positive and With 12 of the 15 English swimmers leveller because once an ageing population, the project is supporting selected to be part of British Swimming’s you are in the water, swimming is increasingly even more people to 2016 Podium Potential squad, the ASA the relatively weightless being highlighted by enjoy swimming in a safe is confident that English swimmers will environment helps to health professionals and and friendly swimming continue to play a big part in the future of support the body. This is referral agencies as a environment. The ASA British international success. particularly helpful for good way for people to is also piloting projects With the rollout of the ASA’s work disabled people or those stay positive and active. in Peterborough and to increase participation, coupled with with health conditions. Last month, the ASA’s Kirklees focused on London hosting the 2016 European It has also been shown Dementia Friendly improving the experience Aquatics Championships and anticipation to be beneficial for a Swimming Project was for disabled swimmers. of the Olympics, 2016 promises to be an exciting year for swimming. ●

62 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 IQL UK PROMOTION

Retain young swimmers with Rookie Declining swimming numbers could spell disaster for pool operators. Fortunately, the RLSS UK’s Rookie Lifeguard Programme can help.

orking with the industry, Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness life support and water safety. These skills the RLSS UK has Centre has run the RLSS UK Rookie can not only save lives - one girl prevented developed a number Lifeguard Programme for more than six her baby brother from choking to death by of initiatives specifi- years. Operated by Places for People Leisure using the techniques she’d learned during cally designed to help in partnership with Wolverhampton City Rookie Lifeguard - the programme also Woperators attract new swimmers and Council, the centre has four swimming pools allows operators to retain children for an retain existing pool users. comprising a 25m main pool, a 15m pool, a additional three years. The highly successful Rookie Lifeguard toddler pool and a leisure waters pool. The centre runs five, 30-minute Rookie Programme has proved to be a particu- The centre runs a comprehensive classes each week, 50 weeks a year. larly useful tool for retaining younger programme of swimming lessons accom- “Rookie has been very successful for us. swimmers, allowing operators to keep modating some 3,000 children. Rookie It’s not simply an income generator; we children coming to their centres for Lifeguard has proved a useful way of retain children in our aquatics programme, longer. More than this, operators imple- retaining children after its learn to swim and introduce life-saving skills to them. menting the nine core awards over one programmes. Designed for eight to 12 year Rookie is viewed as a natural progres- 10-week term can potentially achieve a olds, the nine awards teach a variety of sion from our swimming lessons and we gross income of £3,000. life-saving skills including survival, rescue, also pick up children from other centres in Wolverhampton that don’t offer the programme,” says Donna Bristoll, opera- ROOKIE LIFEGUARD FACTS tions manager at Places for People Leisure. The programme also helps to retain QThe scheme begins with Stage 1 of the QMany Rookies progress to RLSS UK’s staff. Those holding a Level 2 Swimming Bronze Award and progresses to Stage Survive and Save Lifesaving programme Teacher qualification and a Lifesaving/ 3 of the Gold Award, starting off at an and some even continue the pathway Lifeguarding qualification can qualify as a ability level suitable for new swimmers and to become RLSS UK pool lifeguards, Rookie Lifeguard Instructor. progressing to the level where Rookie Life- completing the National Pool Lifeguard “Rookie is a great way for our teachers to guards perform life-saving tows. Qualification (NPLQ). develop and add another string to their bow. All they have to do is apply for the instructor QRookie Lifeguard is part of the National pack available from Lifesavers Direct (RLSS Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) UK’s online store) and complete the conver- developed by the Amateur Swimming sion. It’s an easy way to get more skilled and Association. It can also be run as a stand- happier staff,” says Bristoll. alone course by junior lifesaving clubs, leisure centres and swimming schools and as part of school swimming lessons. For more information The Rookie Lifeguard Water Safety Award contact Danielle Peel at: fulfils all of the Key Stage 2 water safety E: [email protected] T: 01789 773 994 elements of the National Curriculum. Or visit: www.rlss.org.uk

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 63 SHOW REVIEW BY TOM WALKER

This year’s show was the best attended in history, with 2,804 delegates from 82 countries SOCCEREX 2015

Tom Walker reports from the Soccerex Global Convention, where the future of FIFA, artificial pitches, advances in player metrics and fan engagement were on the agenda

he Soccerex Global Convention – with child rights organisation Terre des presidential election. Ali described the now in its 20th year – attracted a Hommes and charity Back In Football world governing body – and its brand – as record-breaking 2,804 delegates – showcased how football can be used as a being ‘extremely damaged’. from 82 countries to the tool for social development. “We have to change the entire way Manchester Central Convention Describing the addition of the new CSO FIFA is run and the way that it conducts TComplex in September. The key meeting area, Soccerex marketing director David itself,” Prince Ali said. “As much as people place for football professionals, the Wright said: “We’re always looking to love football, the feelings toward FIFA three-day programme of seminars and highlight the social issues affecting football are precisely the opposite and that is a keynote speeches was supported by a show and the CSO Zone allowed us to devote real shame. The whole football world is floor packed with 163 exhibitors – ranging more time and space to such an important suffering because of what is going on with from architects, designers and technology and diverse area within the industry.” FIFA and it’s no longer a matter of simply providers to marketeers and F&B suppliers. changing the leadership. The FIFA brand In total, there were 45 conference Towards a new FIFA is repairable, but we need to take a strong sessions spread across three stages. The conference opened with an interview stand and we need to start the action now.” The Studio was home to interviews and with HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, He added that he “wasn’t confident” that sessions involving the heavyweights of former FIFA executive committee UEFA president Michel Platini was the right world football – such as FIFA presidential member and the sole challenger to man to lead FIFA forward. candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, MLS incumbent Sepp Blatter at this year’s FIFA The topic of FIFA’s future loomed large commissioner Don Garber above networking discussions at and Football Association Soccerex, and most delegates (FA) CEO Martin Glenn. welcomed the news that The second stage, called former International Olympic The Academy, was a hub Committee director general of learning, insight and François Carrard had been creativity and hosted 20 appointed to lead a new FIFA individual workshops focusing reform taskforce. Carrard will on finance, social media, law, chair a 12-member panel that will match day operations and present reform proposals to the sponsorship. Finally, making FIFA congress in February, the its debut, the conference’s date when disgraced FIFA Corporate Social president Blatter will relinquish Opportunity (CSO) Zone his grip on the organisation he Football Association CEO Martin Glenn speaking at Soccerex – delivered in partnership has led since 1998.

64 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The convention attracts a number of leaders and former players who now work in the sector – such as Peter Reid and John Barnes (left and top left), Sir Bobby Charlton (above) and Peter Shilton (right)

Nequam, Catum mus, orum pris iaest perbis

During the conference, delegates learned how technology is changing the way football is played and managed – and how it’s followed and consumed by fans

Move towards artificial pitches an upturn in fortunes after well judged Moneyball and Soccernomics by Simon Another hot topic of conversation was the investment in artificial pitches. Kuper. Delegates were also given insights increased popularity of artificial pitches “Over the past two years there has been into how technology isn’t that far from – especially in climates less favourable for a realisation that we need to spend much being able to broadcast real-time player the year-round growing of grass. more on grassroots facilities – and more and physiological data back to coaching The recent success of the Iceland specifically, to increase the number of teams. It’s predicted that by 2030, national team, which secured qualification artificial pitches. We’re in a situation where team sports (not just football) could see to Euro 2016, was cited as an example English kids play on quagmires for two miniature cameras being introduced to of how talent can be nurtured when it’s months – which means conditions benefit every players’ shirt to track their views and provided with modern training facilities strong rather than skilfull kids,” he said. to cover their every move. and heavy investment in youth coaching. It’s not just player analysis and coaching Iceland, with a population of 300,000, has Technological advances which will be transformed by technology. 20 full-size artificial pitches and more The many ways in which technology is The way referees work will change, with than 150 small-size pitches to cater for its changing the way football is played and the introduction of impact sensors and 20,000 registered players, for example. managed – and how it’s followed and cameras, while fans will be able to literally Speaking at Soccerex, FA CEO Martin consumed by fans – were also debated feel what it’s like to be a top player by Glenn re-iterated the FA’s intention to during many of the sessions. Delegates using sensory data transmitted by an increase spending on artificial pitches for heard how many professional clubs electronic tattoo layer worn by players. grassroots football. “When it comes to are now adopting a more evidence- During the conference, it was announced artificial pitches, we are way behind other based, sabermetric approach to team that the Soccerex Americas Forum 2016 northern European countries with similar management and player recruitment, will take place on 11-12 May in Mexico climates,” he said, adding that there partly thanks to the publication of City. The global convention will be held in are many examples of countries seeing two influential books – Michael Lewis’ Manchester from 26-28 September 2016.● sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 65 NEW OPENING BY TOM WALKER

The design was inspired by Quebec’s cold climate FROZEN DREAMS

The opening of the Centre Vidéotron in Quebec could return a professional ice hockey team to the city for the first time in 20 years

anadian cities Quebec, RETURN TO BASE Toronto and Montreal are CENTRE VIDÉOTRON For the past 20 years, the Nordiques often considered as being the faithful have been campaigning to bring an most ice hockey-mad towns Architect/design team: NHL team back to the city. In September in North America – if not the Populous, ABCP Architecture, this year – after a number of false starts Cworld. In all three, hockey is more than just GLCRM & Associates and dashed hopes – those efforts finally a sport. The players are idolised and arenas Project manager: Genivar took a huge step forward thanks to the treated almost as places of worship. Structural engineers: Thornton opening of the Centre Vidéotron at For the past two decades, however, Tomasetti and M-E Engineers Quebec’s ExpoCité district. The 18,200- Montreal and Toronto have held a distinct Services engineer: SNC-Lavalin capacity arena was too late to save the advantage over Quebec – a team to support Contractor: Pomerleau original Nordiques, but is seen as the in the National Hockey League (NHL). Operator: AEG Facilities missing piece in putting a solid a case While Montreal is home to the famous for the NHL to finally award a franchise Canadiens and Toronto has the Maple to Quebecor – the telecommunications Leafs, Quebec’s beloved Nordiques were company which part-owns Centre forced to relocate to Colorado in 1995 due Vidéotron (along with the City of Quebec) to the “financial environment”. and has been actively seeking to secure an The problem was that having a successful NHL team since 2011. team on the ice wasn’t enough to sustain For Populous, the architects appointed the financial goals of Nordiques’ then The arena sits within Quebec’s ExpoCite to design the arena, there was never owner, Marcel Aubut. any doubt who the intended permanent The team was forced to play at the tenant would be. “This is absolutely a ageing, 15,000-capacity Colisée de casino. When a deal couldn’t be struck with hockey-first design with the intention of Québec and Aubut wanted the city city officials, Aubut sold the franchise to securing an NHL franchise in the near council to part-finance a move to a bigger, COMSAT Entertainment Group based in future,” says Kurt Amundsen, principal at modern arena where it would be easier to Denver, US and the Nordiques became the Populous. “The size of Vidéotron and the create and operate alternative revenue Colorado Avalanche. It was a devastating facilities within the venue mean that this is sources, such as retail operations and a loss for the city of Quebec. a major league arena.”

66 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The arena is jointly owned by telecomms group Quebecor and Quebec City Council and operated by US- based AEG Facilities

We were driven to design a very intimate bowl to provide fans with the best possible sight lines – we wanted to place them as close as possible to the action

NEW SPACE DESIGN the exterior skin is glue and wood, as is The CA$380m Centre Vidéotron is According to Brad Clark, senior principal the main atrium curtain wall framing along located adjacent to ExpoCite – Quebec’s of Populous, the design was influenced as the south side. Wood is a very prominent 4 million sq ft business district which much by Quebec’s extreme climate as it material in this building, more so than any hosts trade shows, events and business was by its rich hockey history. “One of the arena that we have done to date.” gatherings – and the arena has been biggest influences on the design was the designed as a flexible, iconic and way the city and its population celebrate CLOSE TO THE ACTION accessible space. the winter months and the cold,” he said. Perhaps the most innovative aspect of With a capacity of 18,259 for hockey “Early in the design process, we Centre Vidéotron is the way the seating games, Centre Vidéotron would rank as established that we wanted to capture the bowls have been designed. The brief from the 15th largest of the NHL’s 30 arenas, sentiment of the cold Canadian climate – Quebecor was clear – seating was to be as behind Montreal (the largest in the league the ice and snow – along with the warmth steep and tight as possible, in order to get with a capacity of 21,273) and Toronto of natural wood to speak to the area’s the fans close to the action and create an (18,800) but ahead of those in other booming timber industry. We really wanted unforgettable atmosphere. established and larger hockey markets, to incorporate maple wood and timber in “The mentality in Canada is quite such as Boston (17,565) and Edmonton some meaningful way. different from that in the States when it (16,839). While primarily designed as a “We were creative in using affordable comes to sport, especially ice hockey,” says hockey venue, the main amphitheatre’s and sustainable materials and natural Clark. “For Canadians, attending a game is flexible design allows seven different materials were central to bringing the story all about the sport and seeing the action, stage configurations to accommodate to life. Centre Vidéotron is probably one much more so than in the US, where there a multitude of events, from an intimate of the first – if not the only arena – which is a lot of secondary activity going on. In 3,700 theatre experience to a 20,000 incorporates wood into the primary the US, going to a live sports event is seen centre stage concert. structure. All of the exterior framing of more as entertainment, an experience, a sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 67 NEW OPENING

The VIP boxes are located on the upper bowl (left). The steep bowl design allows fans excellent sight lines to the ice

spectacle. At US arenas, we spend a lot of SUSTAINABILITY time designing secondary experiences. In DESIGN The Vidéotron Centre has been LEED Canada, it’s all about the sport. certified at the silver level, thanks to its “From the get go, we were really driven Quebec City is known for its extreme many sustainable solutions – which include to design a very intimate seating bowl, to temperatures and quick-changing energy-saving practices and reduced provide fans the best possible sight lines climate, which inspired Populous water consumption across the venue. onto the ice. We wanted to place them as to play with the theme of hot and Vidéotron has adopted an innovative close as possible to the action and make cold. Throughout the site, visitors approach to controlling and managing the seating bowl as deep as physically can experience the warm, cozy rainwater, with the aim of limiting possible. The seating bowl is designed in a atmosphere of chalets, seamlessly pollution of natural waterways by reducing way that it’s probably less accommodating blended with sleek, chic spaces using impervious ground surfaces, increas- to get to and from your seat – but once materials such as steel and wood. The ing ground infiltration and reducing or you’re in, the sight lines are amazing.” metal coating used in construction eliminating pollution from rainwater In other words, Populous’ design reflects light, mimicking snow or the runoff. The building envelope has also fits with the Canadian way of viewing waves on the river, while the blue and been equipped with air and vapour hockey. Fans are knowledgeable and want white colours throughout pay tribute barriers, protecting it against air leakage to enjoy the game in close quarters and to the world-famous Quebec winters. and diffusion and ensuring its longevity. they tend not to get up from their seats for food or drink during the game. IMPACT The efforts to place the spectators at “The entire upper level is located above Centre Vidéotron has had an immediate the heart of the action has also affected the corporate suites and lounges and has impact on Quebec’s entertainment the way the arena’s premium seating and a capacity of 6,940 people. The design landscape. It hosted its first major concert VIP boxes have been designed. Rather allowed us to use a steep seating rig, which on 16 September – when rock band than place the corporate boxes at the top still brings those premium seats and suites Metallica played to a capacity audience of the lower bowl, as most arenas do, the close to the ice and provides some really – signalling its new role as the city’s VIP seating areas have been placed at the incredible sight lines.” leading indoor venue. The centre has also bottom of the top bowl – which is often The 80 corporate suites are located on secured a permanent ice hockey tenant, seen by fans as “less desirable”. two separate levels and include a wireless giving fans a taster of what a future Therefore, the entire lower level is network and a remote connection to the NHL franchise would mean. The Quebec designated to “normal” seating and can concession stands. All suites are accessible Remparts – who play in the Quebec Major accommodate up to 10,010 people – more through the corporate lounge corridor Junior Hockey League – will play its home than 55 per cent of the total capacity. and by a separate, VIP elevator. There is games at the new venue at least until the “This is one of the first facilities where also considerable disabled access, with the return of a professional team. For the we’ve incorporated a premium seating lower bowl offering 26 and the upper 28 people of Quebec, that moment can’t product in the upper bowl,” Clark says. wheelchair-accessible seats. come soon enough. ●

68 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 ArenaVision LED Enabling new experiences at sports venues Philips ArenaVision LED system – a new innovative LED pitch lighting solution supporting the latest TV broadcast standards and, thanks to a dedicated control platform, creating a complete immersive experience.

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 69 EVENT REPORT DR JULIE BRUNTON, VICE CHAIR OF THE ESDN

ESDN CONFERENCE Understanding behaviours and how to change them was among the key topics at the sixth annual conference of the European Sports Development Network (ESDN) – the event which brings together sports academics and practitioners

ne of the main Transtheoretical Model that identifies a more about behavioural techniques of purposes of European staged approach to behaviour change. how to achieve change, as well as how can Sports Development While it has had mixed success, it can will educate people better around coping Network (ESDN) is to help those delivering sport to understand strategies to improve maintenance. give academics and that behaviour change is complex and Knowing about barriers and motivation Opractitioners an opportunity to share often involves a number of processes won’t necessarily lead people into action knowledge and discuss the advancement that individuals go through before they and maintenance, but improved knowledge of sport development. This year, the become physically active. of behaviour change techniques and conference’s main topic was sports Sport England highlighted the need to planning for dropout prevention might. participation – particularly timely, design sports offers with specific target Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign considering that Sport England and audiences in mind, to understand the illustrated excellent awareness-raising the British University College Sport barriers faced by a particular audience, and stated motivation. However, to move (BUCS) are currently in the middle of what motivates them and the context they people who need “a push” to get active is consultations which will result in new are in. There is also a need to understand another complex challenge that requires strategies on participation for both. better understanding of what will move these ‘intenders’ (those who need to INSIGHT TO PARTICIPATION be motivated to be active) into action. The day started with two keynotes with More work is needed to link university contrasting perspectives – one from academics with sports policy makers and Lisa O’Keefe, director of insight at Sport deliverers to help ‘try and test’ more England and the other from Fred Coalter, theory-based interventions to bridge the professor at Leeds Beckett University. gap between theory and practice. O’Keefe talked about the current picture of participation in England, describing the INEQUALITY IN PRACTICE need to understand behaviour, design and Keynote two, presented by professor Fred delivery for the particular target audience, Coalter, reviewed the data representing and finished with an illustration using a the inequalities in sports participation. case study from This Girl Can. Although changes in data collection When it comes to behaviour change have made longitudinal analysis difficult, theory, there is a myriad of theories and relationships between age, sex and social models. Sport England is linking its insight class and sports participation remained to Prochaska and DiClimente’s (1983) relatively unchanged from 1987 to 2014.

Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign was designed using a staged behaviour change methodology

70 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Getting people more physically active is about much more than just market segmentation and the targeting of certain social groups

Coalter argued that the comparisons made between the UK’s levels of participation and those of Scandinavian countries are spurious. He said we fail to understand that the different socio-economic structures and cultures of these countries explain their high sports participation rates. Drawing on the analyses made by authors Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett in their seminal The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone, Coalter The different cultures of the argued that general inequality is the key Scandinavian countries explain their to understanding differences in sports high sports participation rates participation and their meaning. Differences in the distribution of wealth, income inequality, educational access, social mobility and the differing social and economic position of women serve to explain different levels of sports participation. Important to note too, that the UK is lagging far beyond on most measures of equality. Unequal societies such as the UK are much less cohesive and inclusive and because of the negative and socially fragmenting socio-cultural and socio-psychological effects of inequality (such as status anxiety and stigmatisation). Julie Brunton (left), chair of ESDN and keynote speakers Fred Coalter and Lisa O’Keefe Therefore, getting people into sport is about much more than market segmentation and the targeting of certain populations covering young people, evaluation in all populations when trying social groups. Coalter concluded by university sport and wider communities. to increase participation in sport. arguing that the factors influencing sports ‘Women and Girls’ is ever present as The conference summarised thoughts participation may be well beyond the an on-going research area given the for future research and practice. Three key control of sports policy. persistence of the sizable gender gap areas that emerged throughout were: in participation and also referred to in 1) The extent of inequality and what we CHANGING BEHAVIOURS Lisa O’Keefe’s keynote with 1.75 million should do about this. With this in mind, how can this context be more men active than women. While this 2) Behaviour Change – do practitioners considered to help people change their topic can seem a little ‘tired’ for some, it and policy makers really understand the behaviour – can people still be helped to continues to be an essential area of focus. nature of this area to the extent that they change? From a theoretical point of view University and college sport is also a are able to effect change? the answer has to be yes, but there isn’t particular area of need for research in the 3) Should sport be focusing on the inactive one simple answer and it would require UK and this is timely, following the Active or issues around health and if both, how tailoring of resources to reach the people University Projects and continued Sport can they work more effectively? who need help the most. This of course, England funding into the university sector Details for the 2016 conference will from a population perspective, becomes with the Sport Activation Funding. be announced in the new year, while the issue for sports policy and practice. It was clear also that more work is presentations from this year’s event can Workshop areas addressed the different required on intervention design and be found at www.esdn2015.com O sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 71 INTERVIEW BY KATH HUDSON

DAVID MANICA The founder of Manica Architecture has come up with a concept which could shape the way major events build their venues in future. Kath Hudson talks to him about his approach

Can you explain your SEED stadium concept and how it works? The concept is part of an evolution of R+D ideas we’ve been focusing on in relation to creating more successful legacy conversions for major stadium events. Most legacy conversions try and figure out what to do with a stadium once it’s no longer needed for a major event. The innovation of the SEED concept is that it works first toward the legacy solution as a starting point, and then reverse engineers it. So in summary, we design a development concept that benefits the city, with low income housing, hotels, conference facilities, office and retail, parking, theatres, parks, and even terraced urban gardens – and then find a way to collect those buildings together temporarily for use as a stadium for a one-off event. Manica’s projects include the new home of the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, US The concept is yet to be realised, but I think it makes sense and will be implemented, to some degree, in the near future. How does the design of a sports Our VTB Arena project in central building effect the fan experience? Moscow – a singular facility which What are the biggest trends in sport A successful design can unlock the individually houses both indoor hockey, and architecture at the moment? greatest fan experience and the greatest outdoor football and a retail shopping Current trends include heightened revenues: both of which are critical when mall – is under construction. And we’re awareness of IT and technology, as well it comes to long term sustainability. The currently leading the design of the new as environmental sustainability. I’m also guest experience is choreographed by the San Francisco multi-purpose arena, which seeing a larger variety of seating types and architect as they are designing the building, is due to open in 2018, as well as the new offerings in each new building that opens. so fantastic and creative design is essential. Los Angeles NFL Stadium in Carson for I think sport architects are collectively the Chargers and Raiders bid to move pushing the boundaries of the building What are you working on right now? there, which will open in 2019. type further and further along. Each new We have multiple projects on-site around building which comes online is a clear the world. Our mixed-use sport park What have been your career evolution of what came before it. – including a small arena, conference high and low points? I’m pleased and proud to be part of a facility, hotel, ballroom, natatorium, and Winning big projects is always a thrill. small group of people in the world who are parking structure – is about to open just But seeing them realised and open is changing the building type forever. north of Hong Kong in China. what we do as architects. So some of the

72 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The VTB Arena in Moscow, a 15,000-capacity indoor arena in the heart of Moscow, is set to be completed next year (2016)

highlights were seeing our first three arena want to return to again and again, then this What is the worst part? projects open in China. A recent high is the final and most important factor in I despise chasing projects. I don’t do it point was the win in Los Angeles for the identifying which buildings are successful. often because many of our clients come NFL stadium, because we were up against to us. But on occasions when we have to three established companies, and we were What is the best part of your job? pursue projects through a formal interview selected as the lead design architect. One of the best parts is walking into the process, the effort is excruciating, it’s time studio every day to greet my team for consuming, a risky use of precious time, How do you judge whether what I call “another day of awesome”. and can be very stressful. a building is a success or not? The entire team is talented and driven, I sometimes pass on projects because I First of all it must be built! Nearly anybody and it’s an honour for me to lead, work don’t feel like going through the pursuit. can draw a creative building on paper, but it with, and learn from them every day. And takes a completely different kind of focus, although it is challenging and tiring, I Which other architects do you admire? and a strategic sense for compromise, to consider myself lucky to be able to travel I admire many of my peers and get a building out of the ground. the world to do these projects. I meet the competitors. We’re all in the same Once built, my gauge for success is based most amazing people, make lifetime friends trenches working hard every day to do on the people who use it. If the building and end up working on a building which will something special. When I see an idea brings people true joy, and it’s a place they last for generations in the process. from them that makes me think, sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 73 INTERVIEW: DAVID MANICA

Manica is working on a new home for a future NFL team in Carson City, Los Angeles

Most legacy conversions try to figure out what to do with a stadium after the event. The SEED concept works out the legacy solution and reverse engineers it

“Wow! That’s really cool. I wish I’d thought of that”, my reaction is to feel admiration rather than jealousy. The same holds true really for any building, not just sport. I may not know them by name, but when you see a unique idea executed in somebody else’s work, I appreciate the time and effort it took to get that idea to come to life. Architecture is hard, because it takes an unbelievable amount of compromise and balance. As designers, so many of our ideas are limited by simple things, like gravity or building codes, so when I see an idea that’s pure in thought and elegantly executed, I admire the designer that took The Manica-designed main sport and entertainment facility at Shantou Sport Park, China the time to bring it to life.

Why did you become an architect? I eventually stopped practicing trumpet, Two weeks after I graduated I went I used to draw pictures of houses when I but I’m very happy with my decision to to work at what was then HOK Sport. I was a child. When I realised that there were become an architect and I love what I do. focused on 3D design and graphics. people who did that for their work, and that At that time, computers weren’t they were called architects, I decided that’s What’s your career background? heavily used in our industry, so the work what I wanted to do with my life. I graduated from the University of Kansas my generation of architects was doing As I grew older, I became interested in in 1994, with the aim of working in a large gained a lot of attention. This gave me the classical music, learned the trumpet and practice doing larger projects. opportunity to work on interesting projects went to university on a music scholarship. In Kansas City, if you’re an architect at a with great mentors very early in my career. I decided I could be an architect and large company, there’s a good chance you’ll I worked my way up to managing director still play the trumpet, but of course, I was be working on sports buildings, because it’s of design as a principal in the office and wrong. There isn’t enough time in the day. the US home of sports architecture. then in 2007 I started my own practice. ●

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Rooms at the Southampton Hilton Hotel overlook the pitch at Ageas Bowl FLEXIBLE DESIGNS As sports venues look to use the space available to them more efficiently, suppliers are answering the call and delivering innovative and flexible structures and solutions

TOM WALKER, SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Audience Systems – which had installed Project: New seating system for Manchester Arena the original seating – for the project. By: Audience Systems Due to the arena’s busy schedule, the refurbishment programme had to be organised around events and functions, anchester Arena is, according to and ice hockey. The SMG-operated venue requiring forensic project management US-based Billboard magazine, the attracted 1.05 million attendees across 122 and coordination between arena staff and M world’s third busiest multi-use events during 2014. suppliers. In just 44 days the arena was venue – behind Madison Square Garden After nearly 20 years of busy use, the cleared, cleaned and refitted with 28 new in New York and London’s O2. As well arena’s seating system was in need of retractable systems and 11,600 new chairs. as concerts, it hosts a hectic schedule replacing. To ensure that the arena would The chairs were fitted with a protective of sports – ranging from WWE wrestling keep (and where possible, improve) on its plastic panels to protect upholstery and to and boxing to BMX, basketball, netball flexible seating system, SMG appointed increase durability. New, improved engineering systems allowed Audience Systems to reconfigure the retractable units in order to increase the number of seats in the arena by 345, meaning increased revenue potential. An additional 5,551 chairs are also on hand for configurations which need seat flooring. Audience Systems’ sales director, Gary Pillinge, said: “This has been a really complex job, but one with amazing results. Having installed nearly 12,000 seats, on a mixture of fixed tiering and 28 retractable units – while taking into account the need for slick transitions between set ups – The system has added capacity and flexibility to one of the world’s busiest indoor venues meant it was a challenging project.”

76 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Project: Converting hotel balconies into hospitality areas for cricket By: Arena Seating

he unique setting at Southampton’s quick. “It only takes about an hour per Ageas Bowl cricket ground – where room,” he says. “The additional spectator Ta hotel overlooks the field of play seating built on the balconies, however, The Cranford Superdome in West London – offers great potential for large scale means that the room is off sale for two to events. The flexible design incorporated three nights around the game.” into the hotel rooms facing the cricket field Following the conversion of the Project: Cranford Superdome means that they can be used as hospitality room, the balconies are installed with By: Collinson suites during high-profile games, such as tiered seating. Arena Seating supplied England’s one day internationals against 10 clearview seats, mounted on bespoke Australia and New Zealand earlier this year. frames, for each balcony which can be ueens Park Rangers Football While all beds are removed from rooms, converted into a hospitality box. Arena Club (QPR) has opened almost all of the other items of furniture lifted the seats into place using a boom Qthe Cranford Superdome in are utilised in the hospitality layout. lift from the outside, limiting disruption partnership with Cranford According to Stuart Robertson, AGEAS to hotel guests. In total, 17 rooms were Community College (CCC). The dome, Bowl’s commercial director, the conversion converted for the game against New located within the college campus in from hotel room to hospitality suite is Zealand and 24 against Australia. Cranford, West London, will be available during the school day for use by CCC pupils and other schools. It will be used by QPR’s academy players mainly in the early evening, and will be available for hire by members of the community in Project: Infinite Air, the UK’s largest trampoline and freerunning park the late evening and at weekends. By: Rubb Building Systems Supplied by Collinson, the new 4,680sq m AirDome houses a full-size 3G football pitch with a 3m roll off area. hen a pair of entrepreneur Soccarena facility. Rubb has also provided The translucent double skin membrane brothers were looking to set up platforms, dodgeball and basketball allows sun light to permeate into the W an adrenaline sports facility in equipment, netting and handrails. facility to create a light, airy playing the north east of England, they needed The main trampoline arena includes a environment whilst the innovative a flexible space to fit it all in. The Infinite ‘fast track’, rebound walls and flat-padded design of integral air pockets provide Air extreme trampoline park, covering sections along with interconnected insulation, making savings on energy. 35,000sq ft at the Soccarena in New individual trampolines for ‘free jumping’ Mark Donnelly, QPR chief operating Ferens Park, Durham, features more than and fitness sessions. Three ‘Slam Dunk’ officer, said the project took Collinson 80 interconnected trampolines, dodgeball trampoline basketball lanes have just 15 weeks to complete. “From order court areas and basketball lanes as well as a NBA-standard backboards and hoops. Wall- to completion the project has run like planned area for free running. running trampolines have been installed clockwork,” he said. “The AirDome is The £600,000 facility is the brainchild and individual coaching will be offered to a great coaching environment, during of Richard and Chris Knowles, co-owners help people improve their bouncing. The the harsh winter it will allow our of Coretech Sports. The pair approached park will also have a gymnastic ‘tricking and training sessions to continue, helping Rubb to design, manufacture and install a tumbling floor’ where people can learn new to develop and progress players’ skills flexible space – including the framework tricks and a purpose-built area dedicated to from an early age.” and trampoline systems – within the the modern sport of free running. As well as providing QPR with an all- weather training location for its young stars, the dome will allow the college to carry out football and rugby training whatever the weather – a huge bonus for sports which have previously had limited indoor space in the area, often resulting in the cancellation of games. Kevin Prunty, executive headteacher at CCC, said: “The Cranford Superdome is an amazing structure which will inspire all who use it. Not only is this a welcome addition to Hounslow’s sports facilities but we are investigating its use for a range of events and activities.” The 35,000sq ft space features more than 80 interconnected trampolines and other facilities sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 77 SPORTS STRUCTURES

The EuroHockey tournament took over London’s Olympic Park for 10 days

Neptunus also provided the venue with a Project: Temporary structures for the EuroHockey Championship 2015 VIP Pavilion, ticket check-ins, retail outlets By: Neptunus and information points across the park for the tournament’s 30,000 spectators. To help protect the all-important he Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Tennis Centre within the Olympic landscape of the iconic Olympic Park, all in London is living up to LOCOG’s Park into a competition venue. Temporary of the structures were self-weighted with T legacy pledge of turning the vast structure company Neptunus was called concrete floors – with some featuring park into a venue able to host a varied in and given just five days to deliver and bespoke entrance ramps and staircases. range of elite competitions. In August, build 2,460sq m of structures at the park. April Trasler, managing director of the park hosted the Unibet EuroHockey Working on behalf of long-term client Neptunus UK, said: “As the structures Championship. For the competition, the ICON, Neptunus supplied a number of its were situated at various locations across organiser, England Hockey (working in clear-span Alu-halls to form the venue’s the park, our technical team meticulously partnership with event specialist ICON), main entrance, main retail area, public planned the delivery and build to ensure needed flexible, easily constructed facilities catering structures and the players, friends our onsite crew of 12 could complete the in order to transform the Lee Valley Hockey and family clubhouse and museum. venue in just five days.”

hen Rovaniemen Palloseura (RoPS), one of the northernmost Project: Seating for the new main stand at Rovaniemen Palloseura W top-level football clubs in the By: Stechert world, decided to build a new main stand at its Keskuskenttä home ground, the architect had to take into account the 20m (22yds) of it. As a result, German- fierce climate and limited space. Located based Stechert was brought in to design above the Arctic Circle, temperatures a flexible seating solution which would in Rovaniemi, Finland, can drop to -47C maximise the space available. Stechert (-54F) during winter months. An added used its Berlin range of folding tip-up seats complication was the tight space allocated to create a 2,000-capacity stand. for the new stand – squeezed between the “We had to take into account the pitch and a public highway running within extreme weather, which can place a huge strain on the seats, so the durable Berlin products were a perfect fit,” says Kay Habermaier, Stechert’s sales manager. The main stand designer, Finnish architects Artto Palo Rossi Tikka, picked the seat colours to feature RoPS’ traditional blue and white as well as the city’s official colour green. The new €4.8m stand will increase the stadium’s seating capacity to 2,800 and total capacity (including standing) to nearly 5,000. According to RoPS CEO Petri Jaatinen, the added capacity could see average ticket The new stand has been designed to cope with Rovaniemi’s extreme climate revenue increase by €10,000 per game.

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New online guidance Playing fields can save the nation millions published for outdoor sport and play

New benchmark guidelines for the design of spaces for outdoor sport and play have been published. The document, Guidance for Out- door Sport and Play: Beyond the Six Acre Standard, will be a crucial tool for all local planning authorities, developers, planners, urban designers and landscape architects, when designing sport, play and informal open spaces. This guidance has been produced by SAPCA member Fields in Trust (FIT), the only independent, UK-wide Preserving playing fields could save the nation millions of pounds in health care costs organisation dedicated to protecting and improving outdoor sports and A report commissioned by SAPCA member attainment and economic regeneration. play spaces and facilities. It reflects The London Playing Fields Foundation It shows that savings of nearly £5m could a new planning policy landscape, shows how playing fields make a major be achieved through proactively engaging including changes to the National contribution to cost savings for both local with the local community. Planning Policy Framework (2012), the and central government. At a time of increasing pressure to build introduction of The Localism Act (2011) The Fields of Dreams impact report new homes on green space it has been very and the phased introduction of the demonstrates the social, health and difficult to resist the loss of playing fields. Community Infrastructure. educational impact and cost savings Over the past 25 years, the number of This updated guidance, which no attributed to the clubs and organisations grass cricket wickets in London has fallen longer differentiates between urban based at just one of its playing fields in by 41 per cent and grass football pitches by and rural areas, identifies benchmarks Walthamstow, north east London. 20 per cent. Previously, it has been difficult within the current policy framework The research focuses on 16-25 year old to prove their wider community value, but for informal open space – places for users of the Douglas Eyre Sports Centre the report makes a compelling case for the recreation, not involving organised in Walthamstow and considers the playing protection and full use of playing field sites. sport and play – and includes parks and field’s positive impacts on community The full report: www.lpff.org.uk/About/ gardens, and natural and semi-natural safety, health and wellbeing, educational Reports/Fields-of-Dreams habitats. The guidelines are provided as an interactive PDF on the Fields in Trust website www.fieldsintrust.org/guidance Success at Salford Sports Facility Show

The recent Sports Facility Show offered a series of informative seminars at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium. Attended by architects and delegates from sports clubs, local authorities, schools and sports governing bodies, the event featured a keynote speech by funding advisor Karen Wolland on the current sources of financial support available – and how the funding landscape is likely to change in the future. The networking space at the Facility Show Fields in Trust CEO, Helen Griffiths, The day consisted of seminars on a believes everyone in the UK should range of subjects including; the mainte- sports, maximising the benefits of play have access to free, local outdoor nance of synthetic surfaces, effective and raising the standards of natural turf space for sport and play marketing for sports facilities, understand- pitches. Presentations can be found online ing the construction of bases for outdoor in the events section at www.sapca.org.uk

SAPCA is the recognised trade association for the sports and play construction industry in the UK. Its role is to foster excellence, professionalism and continuous improvement throughout the industry, in order to provide the high quality facilities needed at all levels of sport, physical activity, recreation and play. SAPCA membership signiﬁes professional competence and performance.

To find out how your project can benefit from choosing a member company or to get the pitch on the benefits of membership call us now on 024 7641 6316, email [email protected] or visit www.sapca.org.uk.

THE SPORTS AND PLAY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

The Hexangle, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG Tel: 024 7641 6316 [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk The latest news and views from SAPCA ARE YOU RESPONSIBLE?

Tim Freeman, vice chair of SAPCA’s tennis division, explains how recent changes in health and safety legislation will impact sports and play facility owners and operators

f you are planning to carry out client’s duties will have construction works, or have asked to be fulfilled in contractors to quote for an upcoming these cases too. project, you need to be aware of CDM 2015 your responsibilities under the new duties associated IConstruction, (Design and Management) with the client role cannot be transferred Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). to other duty holders. You can obtain The CDM 2015 places legal obligations guidance from those with the necessary on you (the client), as well as on the knowledge and experience, but the legal designers and contractors involved in a duty remains with you. construction project, to ensure the Health and Safety (H&S) of anyone who may be How does this affect sports affected as a consequence of the works. and play facilities? If your sports club, school, parish council or What kind of a client are you? any other form of client body is planning to A “domestic client” is defined as an carry out construction work to provide new individual having work done at their own or improved sports facilities at premises home, provided it is not for a business under your ownership or control, you purpose – such as coaching or for let. have statutory duties as the client for that Domestic clients can transfer their duties project. You’re not expected to manage to others. Guidance on CDM 2015 refers or supervise the works, but you are best to other clients as “commercial clients” placed to ensure that only suitably qualified one contractor is being employed – or a being an individual or organisation having designers and contractors are appointed contractor for single contractor projects. work done for a business purpose. and that adequate time, finance and The appointments must be of a person The regulations themselves, however, resources are allocated to the project to or company with the necessary skills and only make reference to clients and allow it to be completed safely. knowledge to carry out the duties that go domestic clients. So while it might be with these roles. Appointments should be argued by some sports clubs and others What are these duties? made as early as possible, so health and that they are not operating as a business, You must appoint a principal designer and safety considerations are part of the pre- it would be prudent to accept that the a principal contractor – where more than construction, as well as construction phase. You must also ensure the project team is adequately resourced, with access to competent health and safety advice and is fully briefed about the project. The team must be provided with all relevant pre- construction information about the site.

How might this work in practice? It’s a good idea, having found suitably qualified designers and contractors, to formalise their appointment in a way that details the role they are to fulfill as far as CDM 2015 is concerned. In this way you can be seen to have carried out your first duty under the regulations. Resources proportionate to the work being undertaken must be allocated to the The client must provide information on any hazards present on the land project, including specialist advice if there is a need for it, for example if the site poses

No matter how large or small the project, the client will have statutory responsibility for the works

challenges that are beyond the everyday experience of the construction team. You must provide information about Sufficient time must be allocated for the works the hazards present on the land to to be properly planned and then safely executed your contractor. This is very important, especially in the area where construction – do not impose unrealistic deadlines will take place or on the access route to it. In particular tell the contractor about underground cables, underground voids (septic tank, old wells, swallow holes of working established in advance of that Still unsure about what to do? etc.), contaminated ground or asbestos, work starting. It’ll also detail how suitable It’s understood that for many small projects unstable structures or trees – anything welfare facilities are going to be provided. clients will not be experienced, so one of that may be dangerous to those surveying Until the plan is sufficiently advanced and the legal duties of your contractor under the site, carrying out the construction or the welfare facilities have been set up on CDM 2015 is to check that you are aware undertaking subsequent maintenance. site, the client mustn’t allow work to begin. of your duties as the client. Sufficient time must be allocated for The health and safety file must contain So if you have appointed a competent the works to be properly planned and then information for those undertaking future contractor, the company should be safely executed. Do not impose contract projects at your premises. Having agreed able to assist you. If they don’t raise terms that require the construction team the format before work started you should the subject with you or are unclear on to work to an unrealistic deadline to start ensure it is handed to you by the time the what’s required when asked, you need to and/or complete the works or without works are complete. remember your first duty is to appoint a provision for progress to be delayed if Strictly speaking, projects where only contractor who does have the necessary conditions are unsafe for them to continue. one contractor is appointed do not have skills and knowledge of these health and Your contractor should provide you with to provide a health and safety file, but safety matters. a copy of the job-specific health and safety it’s a good idea to have a record of what Q For further information on the new plan, which shows that the risks associated was done, what materials were used and CDM guidance, visit the HSE website: with the works that are going to be done outline any hidden hazards that could http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/ have been assessed and a safe method catch someone out in the future. cdm/2015/responsibilities.htm sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 83 The latest news and views from SAPCA

SPOTLIGHT ON SAPCA Sports Management speaks exclusively to SAPCA chief executive Chris Trickey about the association’s priorities for 2016.

Q Facility owners are increasingly asking a new range of membership benefits and how they can be more environmentally opportunities for individual members. friendly. How is SAPCA guiding the industry to a greener future? Q How are you rewarding innovation and We recently produced important the success of your members? guidance for the industry on the handling Our members work hard to design new and disposal of old synthetic sports products, introduce new innovations, surfaces. This is something we’ll build embrace new technology, and ultimately on by examining alternative methods of deliver great sports and play projects. In re-using and recycling surfaces in our order to recognise these achievements Technical Programme in 2016. and to illustrate the best that the industry Upcoming projects include the has to offer, SAPCA is introducing a new completion of a number of new and annual awards programme, which will be updated Codes of Practices, for bases presented to the winners at the SAPCA for sports surfaces, MUGAs, synthetic Annual Dinner. Chris Trickey, CEO of SAPCA, predicts an pitches, athletics tracks, natural sports Members are invited to share their exciting year ahead for the industry turf and sports equipment. success stories from 2015 at the SAPCA In 2016 we’ll also strengthen the Conference on 8 February 2016 and programme of technical inspections companies increase their international delegates will be able to vote for their in our Quality System, which ensures trade. There will be a dedicated export favourite entries. SAPCA members deliver high standards promotion workshop at the SAPCA of workmanship and service. Conference on 8 February 2016. Q What does the next year have in store for SAPCA? Q What plans are in place to streamline Q How do you plan to expand the There will be some exciting changes in the export process for UK businesses? membership base moving forward? 2016! The annual programme of one-day We work closely with UK Trade SAPCA’s membership has grown steadily Sports Facility Shows will be replaced with & Investment to promote export since its formation in 1997, to more than a series of new themed events, to target opportunities for British businesses within 230 companies across the sports and different sections of the marketplace. the sports sector, and SAPCA is now play sector. In 2016 we’ll launch a new Delivered jointly with one of SAPCA’s officially recognised as a Trade Challenge Individual Membership section to improve media partners, Wildfire Communications, Partner. Having created a new Export professional standards. The initiative will this will include a new conference and Group, in 2016 SAPCA will launch its new include a new programme of educational exhibition specifically for the UK’s export strategy with UKTI to help sports and training opportunities, and will provide education sector.

84 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The Sports and Play Construction in order to provide the high quality from tennis courts and sports pitches Association, SAPCA, is the recognised facilities necessary for the success of to playgrounds and sports halls. trade organisation for the sports and British sport. SAPCA also represents manufacturers play facility construction industry in SAPCA represents a wide range of and suppliers of related products, the UK. SAPCA fosters excellence, specialist constructors of natural and and independent consultants that professionalism and continuous synthetic sports surfaces, including offer professional advice on the improvement throughout the industry, both outdoor and indoor facilities, development of projects.

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS KEY

Charles Lawrence Tennis Honours Yard, A Tennis Courts Courts Lodge Lane, 4 Rupert Law Close, Quorn, Chalfont St Giles, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 8PE Bucks HP84AJ B Synthetic Pitches T: 01494 766673 F: 01494 766674 Tel: 0800 294 8066 tel: +44(0)1636 615866 E: [email protected] C Athletics Tracks Fax: 01509 558691 www.charleslawrencesurfaces.co.uk www.thechilterngroup.co.uk email: [email protected] D Multi Sports A D I J K P A B C D O Q A D I J K O Q S E Natural Sportsturf F Play Surfaces

To book your advertisement in the SAPCA To book your advertisement Design, Build & Maintain the Finest directory call John on Tennis Courts & Sports Surfaces in the SAPCA directory call 01621 85 86 86 John on www.etcsports.co.uk +44 (0)1202 742968 +44 (0)1202 742968 A B D

Hunter Construction (Aberdeen) Ltd, Centaur House, Natural & artificial Thainstone sports pitch specialist Business Park, Inverurie AB51 5GT Tel: +44 (0)1256 880488 Cosgrove Road, Old Stratford, Milton Keynes MK19 6AF Tel: (0116) 246 0500 Fax: (0116) 246 1561 Tel: 01908 260217 Fax: 01908 261659 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01467 627290 Fax: 01467 625791 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.fossecontracts.co.uk E-mail:[email protected] Web: www.kestrelcontractors.co.uk www.landunitconstruction.co.uk

A D I J K O P S B D B E E

McArdle Sport-Tec is one of the UK’s Unit 32, Clwyd Close, longest standing artiﬁcial pitch and track SPORTS PITCH Hawarden Industrial Est, contractors. In the past our 3G installations Manor Lane, Hawarden, CH5 3PZ, have included: Manchester United FC, Stoke CONCEPT TO City FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, West CONSTRUCTION T: 01244 533184 Bromwich Albion FC, Swansea City FC & F: 01244 533184 POLYTAN SPORTS SURFACES LIMITED Reading FC. Phone: 0845 224 1416 Fax: 0845 224 1617 T: 01491 827810 E: [email protected] McArdle Sport-Tec Ltd Tel: 01926 423918 Email: [email protected] 1-2 Thames Park, Lester Way, E: [email protected] Wallingford, Oxon OX10 9TA. www.mcardlesport.co.uk www.obriencontractors.co.uk www.plattconstruction.co.uk www.polytan.de/en

B C D A B C D E Q A D J K P Q B C D O

Newbury Berkshire Design, Build and LOOKING FOR A SUPPLIER? t: 01635 34521 Maintenance Service www.sandcslatter.com for all Sports Surfaces [email protected] INTERESTED IN BECOMING SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SURFACES AND For help & advice call us on 01529 461 500 EQUIPMENT FOR: ● Multi-Sport Facilities Email: [email protected] A SAPCA MEMBER? ● Cricket Facilities ● Play and Educational Facilities Web: www.smithsportscivils.co.uk D F A B C D C F Q S Tel: 024 7641 6316 Email: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk Quality contractors at affordable prices tel 01865 736272 www.whitehorsecontractors.co.uk

A B C D B D E

Northern Ofﬁce G Adhesives Synthetic 11 Enterprise Way To book your B&L Fencing Services Ltd Jubilee Business Park Phone: 01527 882101 multi-sport Derby. DE21 4BB advertisement in the H Aggregate Producers 0800 587 0290 Fax: 01527 882123 surfaces [email protected] SAPCA DIRECTORY www.blfencing.co.uk I Equipment Suppliers www.sport-top.co.uk call John on INVEST IN BETTER PLAY SURFACING, FROM THE GROUND UP. Fencing Specialists to the Sports Industry J Fencing Systems +44 (0)1202 742968 K S J K Floodlighting L Indoor Structures

ADVANCED COATING Sports ﬂooring · Sports surfaces BRITANNIA SYSTEMS FOR SPORTS AND M Paint Manufacturers RECREATION SURFACES Tracks for champions Britannia Paints Limited Unit 7 and 8, King Street Trading Estate N Screening/Windbreaks Bridome Ltd, The Courtyard, Wisley, Surrey GU23 6QL Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 9LF www.berleburger.com T: 01606 834015 F: 01606 837006 Tel +44 (0)1932 350365 Fax +44 (0)1932 350375 E: [email protected] Tel: 01422 200 143 O Sports Surface Suppliers e. [email protected] www.bridome.co.uk www.britanniapaints.co.uk Email: [email protected] P L M P O Surface painting/Line Marking Q Civil Engineers & Groundworks R Irrigation & Pumping LEADING AIR DOME MANUFACTURERS T: 01883 743988 F: 01883 744076 S E: [email protected] Maintenance Tel: 0800 9886370 www.collinson.co.uk 01794 301 000 www.coprisystems.com www.covairdomes.co.uk T Professional services L L L

Sports Lighting Specialists Suppliers of Adhesives www.cuphosco.com Leading in Artificial for all applications in Turf Systems the sports surface industry

Design . Manufacture . Install . Maintain Phone: +31 (0) 384250050 Tel: 01920 860600 E-mail : [email protected] Tel: 01889 271751 Tel: +44 (0) 131 629 0437 Fax: 01920 485915 www.fieldturf.com Email: [email protected] www.edelgrass.com www.envirostik.comwww.envirostik.com

K O G O

The leading manufacturer of netting, MULTI-USE SPORTS To book your FLOORING FOR ALL posts & sports ground equipment ROUND PERFORMANCE TARAFLEXTM advertisement in the COMMUNITY Call: +44 01926 622600 SAPCA DIRECTORY Email: contractuk@gerﬂor.com call John on Visit: www.gerﬂor.co.uk www.harrod.uk.com O Tel: 01502 583515 +44 (0)1202 742968 O I O P I

THE SPORTS AND PLAY Manufacturers of high quality sports equipment and tennis court products T: 0121 783 0312 CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION F: 0121 786 2472 E: [email protected] CAN BE CONTACTED ON: www.hexasports.co.uk

I K Tel: 024 7641 6316 Email: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk

www.markharrod.comwww.mamarkharrod.com Products for Sport www.mri-polytech.com

I O

To subscribe to Sports Management, log on to www.leisuresubs.com email [email protected] tel +44 1462 471930. Annual subscription rates are UK £27, Europe £37 rest of world £58, students UK £13 Sports Management is published four time a year by The Leisure Media Co Ltd, Portmill House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1DJ, UK. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher The Leisure Media Co Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recorded or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright holder, Cybertrek Ltd. Printed by Manson Group Printers. Distributed by Royal Mail Group Ltd and Whistl Ltd in the UK and Total Mail Ltd globally. ©Cybertrek Ltd 2015 ISSN 1479-9146 (print) ISSN 2397-2378 (online)

1YV½XXW-RHYWXVMIW0XH 7XEXMSR6SEH0EOIRLIEXL7YJJSPO-4%( Temporary LOOKING Tel: 01842 860220 Fax: 01842 863300 buildings FOR A Email: [email protected] www.neptunus.co.uk SUPPLIER?

O L O INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SAPCA MEMBER? . PRESERVING PLAY Complete lighting solutions for all sports venues www.progame-shockpads.com www.philips.com/lighting Contact: Martin Laidler – Sales Manager [email protected] Tel: 024 7641 6316 Tel: 07831 178690 01636 640506 www.replaymaintenance.co.uk t: +44 (0)7920 711442 e: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] MAINTENANCE FOR SYNTHETIC SPORTS SURFACES www.sapca.org.uk K O I P S

Market leaders in the Celebrating 20 years manufacture, supply, providing durable, installation & maintenance resilient & quality of synthetic and natural multi use sports floors we will never stop innovating sports surfaces. 01244 321200 Tel: 01900 817837 Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.rubb.co.uk www.sispitches.com www.sportssurfacesuk.com

L B D E J K O P Q R S O

SPORTS LABS Sports Turf Research Institute surface testing & consultancy DESIGN & ADVICE To book your FOR SPORTS SURFACES Synthetics sports pitch mainenance experts Tel: 0845 602 6354 t. +44 (0)1274 565131 tel:// 08702 400 700 fax:// 08702 400 701 advertisement Email: [email protected] e. [email protected] email:// [email protected] Web: www.sportslabs.co.uk www.stri.co.uk web:// www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk in the SAPCA T T S directory call John on Tiger Turf TM UK LTD The future of fencing TM t: +44 (0)1299 253966 Sports +44 (0)1202 Buildings e: [email protected] tel: 01902 796699 www.tigerturf.com +44 28 9264 8344 | [email protected] email: [email protected] 742968 www.veldemangroup.com www.zaun.co.uk

O L J

EXHIBITIONS & SEMINARS: SPORTS FACILITY SHOWS

SAPCA regional exhibitions featuring the leading constructors of sports facilities and suppliers of related products and services, together with seminars on key aspects of sports facility design and construction.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS: SAPCA Conference and Annual Dinner 08 February 2016 - Chesford Grange, Kenilworth

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Craft sman creating great changing precor.com · 08448 480101 · [email protected] environments Lockers Cubicles Vanity units Bench seating Ancillary furniture To advertise here, call John now on Call 01480 405396 +44 (0)1202 742968 [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.cqlockers.co.uk

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. 3 PRESERVING PLAY R’s MAINTENANCE FOR REPAIR SYNTHETIC SPORTS SURFACES REVIVE [email protected] 01636 www.replaymaintenance.co.uk 640506 REJUVENATE

sports flooring

sportsequip

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sports lighting MULTI-USE SPORTS TARAFLEXTM FLOORING FOR ALL the night sky in safe hands COMMUNITY ROUND PERFORMANCE T: +44 01926 622600 E: [email protected] W: www.gerflor.co.uk

Quality Innovation Tel: 01623 511111 Value Email: [email protected] www.abacuslighting.com Picture courtesy of Cheshire County Sports Club wet leisure play products

Interactive Water Play ^ports >iŐhƟnŐ ^pecialists www.cuphosco.com Flume Slides Safety Solutions Filtration Service & Maintenance

T: +44 (0) 1752 771740 E: [email protected] Design . Manufacture . Install . Maintain W: www.hippoleisure.com Contact us now for your Tel: 01920 860600 Fax: 01920 485915 &rĞĞ >ŝŐŚƟnŐ ĞsŝŐn Email: [email protected] sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 89 POWERED BY leisurediary.com

31 JAN - 02 FEB 2016 09 MAR 2016 09-12 MAY 2016

Spatex 2016 Why Sports Annual Conference 16th Conference on Sports: Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, UK Economic, Management, Spatex is an international swimming Participation in sport and physical activity Marketing & Social Aspects pool and spa exhibition which gathers offers a wealth of social, economic and Athens, Greece together – and represents – sectors of health beneﬁts. The Why Sports Annual Organised by the Athens Institute the wet leisure industry from pools, spas, Conference will serve as a platform for Education and Research and the saunas to hydrotherapy, steamrooms to promote professional dialogue via Pan-Hellenic Association of Sport and children’s play equipment, in both presentations, while dissecting and debating Economists & Managers, the aim of the the domestic and commercial arena. current issues and problems faced. conference is to bring together scholars Primarily a trade show, it also The conference will provide opportunities and students of all areas of sports. welcomes members of the public. for leaders from central and local Participants can present on sports topics The show's seminar programme features government, the education sector, within broad streams of research areas. workshops organised by the Institute of sport governance, coaching and elite All conference presentations and Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE), which development share their domestic and discussions are conducted in English. pass on business and technical expertise. international experience. Workshops Tel: +30 210 36 34 210 The show is also the industry’s networking will also evaluate the available funding www.atiner.gr/sports event of the year and social events streams for those looking to drive greater include the annual SPATA and BISHTA participation across all sports in the UK. Industry Awards and Gala Dinner. Tel: +44 (0)843 504 1234 Tel: +44 (0)1264 358 558 www.wsmg.co.uk www.spatex.co.uk 27-28 APR 2016

active-net 2016 imago Burleigh Court and Holywell The next Soccerex will be held in Mexico Park, Loughborough University, UK active-net is a buyer meets supplier event, combining one-to-one meetings with 11-12 MAY 2016 seminar and networking programmes. Now in its third year, active-net is aimed Soccerex Americas Forum at operators and suppliers with a focus Camino Real Polanco Hotel, SAPCA meets in February 2016 on the public sector whether it be trusts, Mexico City, Mexico local authorities or universities/colleges. The Soccerex Americas Forum 08 FEB 2016 Last year, the event attracted a total of 65 will bring together senior decision buyers and 71 suppliers to Burleigh Court. makers from football clubs, leagues, SAPCA Conference and Annual Dinner Tel: +44 (0)1603 814233 governing bodies, brands and suppliers Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, UK www.active-net.org from the Americas for two days of The role of the conference is to help insight, networking and business. members gain the knowledge they need 04-05 MAY 2016 The event combines a conference and to deliver excellence in their products exhibition, with the aim of connecting and service and to support them in Elevate football business in the Americas. building successful businesses. Olympia, London, UK Tel: +44 208 742 7100 The conference programme provides Elevate is a cross-sector event bringing www.soccerex.com a series of sessions and workshops on a together academia, healthcare, variety of key areas, from the government’s government, the physical activity sector 20 JUN 2016 new strategy for sport and the latest and performance experts to focus on an standards and policies of individual sports, increasingly important and complex societal Sports & Leisure Facilities Forum through to subjects such as planning law, challenge: turning the tide on inactivity. Wokeﬁeld Park, Reading, UK skills training, lighting, waste and recycling. Taking place in central location, An event for development and procurement This year's event will carry the theme Elevate will explore the ways in which managers from stadiums, leisure facilities, “Knowledge, Excellence, Success” and will exercise, health and performance connect arenas and local authorities to ﬁnd also include the annual dinner. Registration to attend is free. inspirational ideas. Tel: +44 (0)24 7641 6316 Tel: +44 (0)1737 855012 Tel: +44 (0)1992 374 100 www.sapca.org.uk www.elevatearena.com www.forumevents.co.uk

In 2016 the Soccerex Global Convention, the world’s premier football business event, will be supported by three regional events covering the world’s key football markets.

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