www.sportsmanagement.co.uk @Sportsmag Vol 18 issue 1 2014
OLYMPIC Levi’s Stadium GAINS A tech-filled venue Spending on sport: up 31% fit for Silicon Valley since 2010
Cover image: new series San Francisco 49ers star Tramaine Brock SPORT CSR
David Stalker CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE ukactive’s CEO TO THE PRINT EDITION www.sportsmanagement.co.uk/subs wages war on inactivity
EDITOR’S LETTER
SPORT CSR IS GROWING FAST
As sport and exercise become a bigger part of people’s lives, there are more opportunities for corporations and businesses to get involved via their corporate social responsibility programmes, to the point where CSR is becoming another sector of the sports industry
ith so much focus on the Olympic and Paralympic Runners are under the supervision of running leaders. These Games, Olympic and Paralympic sports, the UK’s are Sweatshop store staff members who take a UK Athletics powerful network of sports governing bodies course which has been specially designed for the company. W and voluntary sports clubs, you’d be forgiven Members build up their proficiency via a programme designed to for thinking that this represents pretty much the full extent of help people with no running ability move towards being able to meaningful sporting activity in the UK. run continuously, at their own pace, for five kilometres. But largely below the radar, sport is finding its way – via CSR Sweatshop values fitting – and not just for shoes – so staff programmes – into other parts of society to the benefit of all. are also trained to fit sports bras and attend a course in bra- In this issue we kick off a new occasional series looking at fitting and breast health at the University of Bedfordshire. In organisations which offer sporting addition, Sweatshop is working with opportunities to the public outside Portsmouth University on a research of the conventional channels. Although sports bras project on breast health and how We start with an organisation may seem a minor matter, sports bras can stop teenage girls that has 25,000 members – 3,000 giving up running. Although sports of which are taking part in weekly their advent has been bras may seem a minor matter when running clubs all over the country. transformational in getting compared with the huge challenge This organisation has set itself the and cost of providing facilities and aim of engaging up to 50,000 women and girls into sport sports infrastructure, their advent people in the next few years – yet has been transformational in getting it has no allegiance to any sports women and girls into sport, and it’s governing body and receives no government subsidies. A secret heartening to see that more mainstream bra manufacturers are society? A breakaway group of some kind? No – it’s a running- now moving into the sports bra market too. focused sport retailer called Sweatshop (page 36). Initiatives like Sweatshop’s Running Communities must be The company was established by London Marathon-founder embraced and supported, encouraged and studied for best practice. Chris Brasher in 1971 and now runs free-of-charge Sweatshop They’re not political and they’re a good model for creating robust, Running Communities across the UK for its customers. effective, much needed opportunities for people to take part in Sweatshop only launched its Running Communities in 2011, but sport in the community. We applaud Sweatshop for establishing there are already 120 in operation, with significant engagement them as a win:win for both the company and its customers. from members. Sweatshop MD Nick Pearson told Sports This is the most effective type of CSR and as Nick Pearson Management: “The groups are for everyone and whereas at says, doing anything less “would appear to be corporate BS”. running clubs, members come together to meet the goals of the organisation – winning a race, or doing well in the league, for example – in a Sweatshop Running Community, people come Liz Terry, editor, twitter: @elizterry together to pursue their own individual goals.” email: [email protected]
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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 3 IN THIS ISSUE SPORTS MANAGEMENT
32 Research: consumer spending on the up 58 Change through sport – the Youth Charter is celebrating its 21st birthday
75 Fitness in sport – how top-level athletes are using resistance training equipment 54 A look at London 2012’s global legacy
3 Editor’s letter 24 Technology news 36 CSR series: Sweating the assets New app to encourage participation in In the first of a new series on corporate 8 People profiles sport; technology becoming increasingly social responsibility, Crispin Andrews speaks Lizzy Yarnold winning Olympic gold; Andy important in Olympic medal success to the people behind the wildly popular Murray on opening a luxury hotel; and Sweatshop running clubs Norman Foster on London’s SkyCycle 26 Talking point Two new high-profile initiatives aim to tackle 40 New opening – Levi’s Stadium 12 Mike Hall column physical inactivity in the UK – but will they Hot tech: San Francisco 49ers’ new home FaulknerBrowns Architects’ sports partner succeed where previous schemes haven’t? in Santa Clara has been touted as the most on the importance of inclusive facilities technologically-advanced in the word – 28 Interview – David Stalker fitting in with its Silicon Valley surroundings 14 Thought leaders CEO of ukactive, the trade association for Ruth Holdaway on the importance of making the active leisure sector, speaks about the 44 Stadium roundup women’s sport more visible; John Goodbody importance of becoming the government’s A look at current UK stadium projects: looks at UK Sport’s ‘no compromise’ approach delivery partner for health and wellbeing including a trio of Belfast venues and the ambitious plans of a non-league club 18 News 32 Research – consumer spending Prince Harry launches Paralympic-style A welcomed legacy of the London 2012 50 Architect profile – FaulknerBrowns games for injured soldiers; Etihad expansion Games has been an increase in consumer Mike Hall, sports partner, talks about approved; sports minister calls for more spending on sport. The Sports Industry FaulknerBrowns’ innovative designs for the opportunities for girls Research Centre presents the figures Aberdeen Aquatics Centre
4 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT ISSUE 1 2014 WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK
50 Architect profile: FaulknerBrowns 40 The world’s most technologically-advanced stadium will open in Santa Clara this year
44 Tottenham’s £400m stadium plans and more – a roundup of the UK’s stadium projects 36 CSR series: Sweatshop running clubs
54 Exporting the legacy 75 Fitness in sport digital magazine The charity International Inspiration (IN) was Having resistance training equipment is still See Sports Management online www.sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital set up to deliver a global legacy from the important if sports facilities and venues London 2012 Games. We speak to Olympic want to accommodate elite athletes news and jobs: champion and IN trustee Katherine Grainger For jobs and news visit 78 GAME ON: A recap of the www.sportsmanagement.co.uk or sign up 58 Coming of age recent SAPCA annual conference; for e-news on www.leisuresubs.com The Youth Charter, which aims to tackle new technical committee launched; anti-social behaviour and inequality through Wheelchair Racing Academy named subscribe: sport, is celebrating its 21st birthday SAPCA’s sponsored charity Sign up for Sports Management at www.leisuresubs.com or 62 Sports structures 85 GAME ON: SAPCA directory call: +44 (0)1462 471915 Clubs and facility operators are increasingly SAPCA looking for flexibility within their venues 86 Sport-kit special Sports Management is a A roundup of the latest from the world partner of the Sports and Play 66 Natural turf improvements of sports equipment, compiled by Sports Construction Association Jason Booth on the push to improve Management product editor Kate Corney (SAPCA), the trade body for standards in the natural turf sector the UK’s sports facility construction industry. Sports Management and SAPCA 88 Sport directory work in partnership to promote high 70 Sport surfaces standards in the design, construction A round-up of recent installations 90 Diary dates and ad index and maintenance of UK sports facilities. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 5 the team
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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 7 PEOPLE
I realised it wasn’t only my medal, it actually belonged to a lot of people
Lizzy Yarnold, Olympic gold medalist PHOTO: PHIL SEARLE o win an Olympic gold medal is an impressive feat. To do that representing a country with T limited facilities even more so. But for an athlete with limited access to facilities and only five years’ worth of experience in the sport to become Olympic champion is something else. And that’s exactly what happened when Lizzy Yarnold raced the skeleton to Olympic gold, following in the footsteps of Amy Williams, who won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The UK’s only provision for training in the skeleton is a 140m concrete push- start facility at the University of Bath, which enables skeleton athletes to hone their starts without ice. “I think – as the medals show – that we know we can perform even though we don’t have our own track,” said Lizzy, speaking to Sports Management. “It is a bit of a disadvantage compared with those nations who have a lot of ice on Games and Amy Williams' gold medal which to test and test their equipment, Lizzy Yarnold became the fourth saw this rise to £3.4m for Sochi, making but what we do is try to focus on those skeleton medallist in as many Winter skeleton the most funded British winter things that we can do well and improve Games, dating back to 2002 sport. Gaining consecutive gold medals on – whether it’s nutrition, physical at Winter Olympics will likely mean training or the training track in Bath. I a further increase in funding for the think that’s what we’ll continue to do “It started from when I was about 13 at Skeleton discipline – something which to get the best athletes from UK Sport, Tonbridge AC, my local club,” she says. Lizzy was very aware of. have the best coaches that we do have “Volunteers and parents would come “Before the Games it was all about and just know what we’re good at and and coach us and it was from there up getting the medal,” she says. “But as just focus on more things.” until when I was at university – and then soon as I got it I realised it wasn’t only Yarnold, who initially trained as a through the Girls4Gold scheme – that the my medal, it belonged to a lot of people heptathlete and was aiming to be picked lottery funding helped me train full-time.” and the real use and benefit of it is that it for the modern pentathlon programme British Skeleton received a total of will help people so they can follow their when she attended the Girls4Gold £2.1m of National Lottery and Exchequer dreams get to the Winter Olympics and selection day in 2009, has been investment from UK Sport in the four hopefully bring back some more medals.” supported in sport from a young age. years leading up to the Vancouver Details: www.britishskeleton.co.uk
8 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 I'm pleased to be able to give something back to the community I grew up in
Andy Murray, Wimbledon champion and owner of the Cromlix
ndy Murray's luxury hotel, community we'll be able to attract new the Cromlix, is due to open visitors to the area, create new jobs on 1 April 2014. Wimbledon and focus on supporting other local A champion Murray bought businesses. I’m pleased to be able to give the hotel in January 2013; it is currently something back to the community.” undergoing extensive renovation to re- Cromlix is being managed on behalf of establish it as a luxury destination. The Murray by Inverlochy Castle Management hotel is situated close to Murray's home International (ICMI), which also manages town of Dunblane and was the venue for Murray bought the £1.8m hotel eight other independent properties in his brother Jamie's wedding in 2010. in January 2013 with the aim of Scotland. The hotel is already fully booked It is set in 34 acres of secluded establishing it as a five-star property for the Ryder Cup in September, which woodlands and will feature 15 rooms, takes place close by at Gleneagles. including five suites, and a Chez Rouz The Cromlix estate dates back to the restaurant offering fine dining using “I’m really looking forward to the hotel 15th century. The house was rebuilt after locally-sourced produce. The estate also getting up and running,” said Murray. a fire in 1880 and was converted from a has its own private chapel, making the “By re-establishing Cromlix as a leading private residence to a luxury hotel in 1981. venue ideal for weddings. luxury hotel at the heart of the Dunblane Details: www.cromlix.com sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 9 PEOPLE
There's never enough money to satisfy demand
Paul Thorogood, CEO of The Football Foundation
Thorogood joined the foundation in 2006
he Football Foundation recently announced that it has now supported more than £1bn-worth T of grassroots sports projects – and the spending is far from over. Grassroots football facilities in England are set to benefit from a further £102m of investment over the next three years. The foundation’s CEO, Paul Thorogood squeeze every possible benefit from our says: “Since the foundation was formed A number of former players act as investment. We don’t just sign a cheque in 2000 we’ve funded 12,000 grassroots ambassadors to the foundation – and walk away, just hoping that the projects worth over £1bn. £490m of such as England star Alan Shearer investment will deliver. We’re helping to that has come directly from our funding stimulate the economy too. partners, the Premier League, The FA “A report from the Centre for and the government (via Sport England), sport. It receives money from the very Economics and Business Research while a further £651m has been secured top of the professional game and also analysed 80 of our facility projects. via partnership funding. from the DCMS through Sport England. Building these contributed £53m to “As well as providing an essential It then uses this money to leverage even UK GDP; supported nearly 5,000 component for developing the game more partnership funding to deliver a pro- jobs, benefitting 1,050 local firms and at the grassroots level and increasing gramme of new and improved community generating £7.73 for the economy from participation levels, we are seeking to sports facilities in towns and cities. every pound invested.” provide the essential link between the Thorogood, who was named the The foundation also delivers the grassroots and the professional game, foundation’s CEO in 2006, led the Barclays Spaces for Sports community which has been missing up until now.” organisation through the years when programme, which has developed more The Football Foundation is the UK’s public spending was under pressure. than 200 multi-sports facilities, and largest sports charity; funded by the Pre- “There is never enough money to satisfy the mayor of London’s Olympic Legacy mier League, The Football Association and demand, and our greatest strength is our programme, which has delivered more the government, the foundation directs ability to identify where investment will than 100 sites across the capital to date. around £30m every year into grassroots have the greatest impact,” he says. “We Details: www.footballfoundation.org.uk
10 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Foster’s vision is to utilise the space above existing urban railways
orman Foster + Partners, alongside Exterior SkyCycle is a lateral Architecture and Space N Syntax, have revealed plans for a 135-mile network of cycle routes approach to finding space in London. That amount of cycling lanes itself would be ambitious, but what makes the plan somewhat outrageous is the intention to construct the lanes above in a congested city existing urban railway lines. The progressive SkyCycle network Norman Foster, Foster + Partners would offer cyclists a dedicated commuter route above the trains and the developers believe that the SkyCycle will provide more than 220km of car-free cycle space, safe. The greatest barrier to segregating which will incorporate over 200 entrance cars and cyclists are London’s streets, points for cyclists. The first four-mile where space is at a premium. stretch of the route would potentially run "SkyCycle is a lateral approach to from east London through to Liverpool finding space in a congested city. By using Street at a cost of £220m, while nine the corridors above the suburban railways, other routes are also proposed along we could create a world-class network of the elevated network. Each route could safe, car free cycle routes that are ideally accommodate 12,000 cyclists each hour, located for commuters." with the network providing easy access to The project’s proposers are also seeking the cycling corridor for 5.8 million people to improve journey times and decrease living within the network’s vicinity. congestion, as London looks to manage “Cycling is one of my great passions population growth of 12 per cent in the – particularly with a group of friends,” next decade. The idea of the network has Foster said. "And I believe that cities also spurred creative thinking about the where you can walk or cycle, rather than space surrounding the potential route, drive, are more congenial places in which which could be used in a similar way to to live. To improve the quality of life for other innovative urban spaces – such as all in London and to encourage a new New York City’s highline project. generation of cyclists, we have to make it Cycling is one of Foster’s “great passions” Details: www.fosterandpartners.com
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 11 ARCHITECT'S NOTEBOOK
ENGAGING BUILDINGS In the first of a series, Mike Hall, sports partner at FaulknerBrowns Architects, explores current trends and themes in sports buildings and design. Here, he looks at how sport facilities design should generate better engagement with younger users
s the economy develops, physical activity Adeclines; that is the disturbing headline finding of MOVE IT, a Young Foundation report on sport participation levels among young people. The report cites a number of issues that adversely affect grassroots sport – such as over emphasis on elite sport, the fragmented delivery of amateur sport, misaligned funding streams and gaps in data/accountability. The report also includes a four-part plan outlining how policy-makers can help bring about behavioural change. Among these is a The National Cycling Centre in Manchester attracts users of all ages call to make sure sports policy not just provides for young people, but puts them at the centre of the process. The report The Young Foundation report Some venues have already been designed states: "Sports policy-makers need to with these principles in mind. Take the better understand the needs, interests is a timely wake up call. As Derby Multi-purpose Arena or the Lee and motivations of young people and architects, we need to continue Valley White Water Centre. At Derby, the structure delivery around these." I believe indoor cycling track has been raised to this excellent advice should also be heeded to innovate in the way in which allow the centre of the area – which usually by those of us involved in the design and we design and deliver sports and is inaccessible while cycling takes place - delivery of sporting facilities. to be in constant use. At Lee Valley, the We should see the report and its findings leisure facilities of the future new home of the highly successful Team as a challenge. It rightly identifies that GB white water squad, training of elite what is needed are facilities that better is the National Cycling Centre (NCC) in canoeists will be undertaken alongside engage with young people – venues Manchester, where the original velodrome young people – many of who come from that reflect social trends. These trends is now nearly 20 years old. Despite it's age underprivileged backgrounds and those include the increasing popularity of more and prestige, it is common to see elite gold with accessibility issues. informal sporting activities (climbing, medal winning cyclists on the track with The Young Report is a timely wake up BMX, skateboarding) which require flexible youngsters waiting their turn in the inner D, call to us all. Inactivity carries with it a access as well as the option to take part in while other members of the community are massive economic burden to the nation. As pay and play activities. There is now a need participating in court sports in the infield. architects, we need to continue to innovate for facilities that will be able to not only Next door, in the new indoor BMX facility, in the way we design the sports facilities provide a place to meet and take part in young riders prepare to hurl themselves of the future. There are challenging yet sport, but ones which will also become a over a series of jumps with cool music exciting times ahead through which we can social hub in an environment where having playing in the background. make a significant contribution. ● a digital platform is crucial. It is precisely these aspects of the NCC This doesn't mean, however, that we – an elite venue that is also a social hub Mike Hall, sports partner, FaulknerBrowns should separate elite and community for casual bikers - that should be taken Tel: +44(0)191 2683007 sporting activities and build separate forward to produce the next generation e: [email protected] facilities for each. A good example of this of innovative, inclusive sporting venues. w: www.faulknerbrowns.co.uk
12 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Cardiff Blues choose FieldTurf synthetic turf for Cardiff Arms Park
The final of the Amlin Challenge Cup will be played on FieldTurf!
What they said... Key points:
RICHARD HOLLAND UÊ Safe and high- Cardiff Blues Chief Executive: performance surface “The new surface will allow games to go ahead no matter the weather UÊ Tested according to all the and hopefully enable us to play a more expansive and attractive game for most stringent IRB criteria supporters to enjoy. There is also the wider community to consider and our aim is to make the pitch available for teams in the Blues region to play and UÊ Excellent conditions train on. We’ve put a great amount of effort into researching the different throughout the year surfaces available and I have no doubt that the new artificial pitch of FieldTurf will be a hit with players and supporters alike.” UÊ Soft and strong fiber with extraordinary SAM WARBURTON resistance and durability. Wales captain and Cardiff Blues player: UÊ The best long term solution “The pitch looks immaculate, so I’m really looking forward to playing on it. for players and supporters The conditions we played on in the Dragons match last year were dreadful, so it’s nice to know now that you’re going to have a good standard of rugby.”
Unit 2, Swanston Steadings, 109 Swanston Road, Edinburgh, EH10 7DS Tel: 0131 629 0437 Email: [email protected] www.fieldturf.eu THOUGHT LEADERS
No compromise approach does work
John Goodbody, journalist, Sunday Times
The basketball Team GB's struggles resulted in funding being suspended
o those who have shall has now been suspended are be given. From those basketball, women’s water polo who haven’t shall and synchronised swimming. be taken away. UK In December 2012, basketball T was given £7m over four years Sport’s recent announcement of its revised £271m funding but since then the British men’s package for the Rio Olympics and women’s teams have failed and Paralympics has caused to reach their targets of a top- delight, satisfaction and also six EuroBasket place. aggrieved fury in almost equal This disappointment did not measure. Not for the first time, stop Roger Moreland, British UK Sport’s “no compromise” Basketball’s performance chair, approach has outraged those from saying: "The basketball the Games. Contrast that, for not receive money from UK sports where financial support community at home and instance, with, say, judo (which Sport, is that they need even a has been cut or even stopped. abroad will be aghast that this has received £7.3m) and where moderately successful national The clear strategy of UK can happen again. What price a a total of 56 can be garnered. team to drive interest among Sport is to deliver the most legacy from 2012?” UK Sport officials insist that, the grassroots and inspire number of medals, not only in David Sparkes, the CEO of despite this imbalance, the youngsters. There is some 2016 but also in 2020. As Liz British Swimming, no doubt organisation will always fund validity in this argument. The Nicholl, its chief executive, mindful of the political capital other team sports where it is problem, however, is that says: "To continue funding to be made out of the fact justified. And I believe them. if these sports were to be sports which cannot win a that culture secretary Maria Of course, sports which supported, it would drastically medal by 2020 would be a high Miller is also the minister for are not currently supported reduce the money available risk strategy that compromises women and equality – and that financially by UK Sport, such for sports where medals seem opportunities elsewhere.” minister for sport is Helen as basketball and table tennis, highly likely to be secured in Notable casualties among Grant – played a predictable still receive backing from 2016 and 2020. those sports where funding card. He said the decision was Sport England for grassroots My only reservation when it “an extremely dark day for activity. Basketball is getting comes to UK Sport’s strategy is women’s sport”. at least £9m between 2013- that sometimes it is influenced Of course funding team 17 and table tennis about in the allocation of money sports such as basketball, £6m for the same period. by the structure of an NGB's volleyball, handball or water- As a comparison with two preparations rather than polo is extremely expensive heavily funded sports at the concentrating exclusively on because of the numbers elite level, rowing receives results. Otherwise, UK Sport involved. Men and women’s £8.2m from Sport England has carried out a difficult task hockey received £16m from and sailing £9.3m. However, with judicious care and its Triathlon was among the sports UK Sport although a maximum the argument of officials in strategy surely remains the to receive an increase in funding of two medals can be won at those activities, which do right one as we approach Rio.
14 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 While the men struggled, the Women's cricket team recorded a famous Ashes victory in Australia
Women's sport taking big strides - but more needs to be done
Ruth Holdaway, CEO, Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation
t was wonderful that Lizzy in sport. The media do not help. media coverage of, women’s Yarnold’s first commitment While interest from television sport. For women’s sport to after winning the skeleton companies in covering women’s make progress, it must secure gold medal was to use sport is undoubtedly increasing, more media coverage, more I women’s sport makes up only 7 commercial investment, and her Olympic success in Sochi to inspire more girls to play per cent of all sports coverage. excite and attract the fan base. sport. But she will face an This contributes to a situation To do this it needs to develop uphill struggle as the odds are which means that sponsorship its own calendar of major stacked against creating the deals for women tend to be events which spectators, role models girls need. smaller and less common. the media, and commercial We all hoped that the A cycle of poor financing partners come to expect, triumphs of Jessica Ennis-Hill, and poor coverage has been anticipate and look forward to. Katherine Grainger, Nicola long way to go. What women’s established which will take It isn’t that there has been Adams and other athletes at sport needs is prominence. some breaking. no progress in the thirty London 2012 would provide a Shockingly, our report Here at WSFF we are clear years that WSFF has existed: legacy of female participation Women’s Sport: Say Yes to on what needs to be done to women’s sport has come a long – and increased coverage of Success shows that since break this cycle. That is why we way and there is a high degree women’s sport. Yet – despite September 2011, women’s sport have launched a new campaign, of political and campaigning new commercial partnerships has accounted for a pitiful 0.4 Say Yes to Success aiming spirit behind the drive to make in women’s cycling, football, per cent of the total value of to secure increases in both further progress. We are going netball and rowing – there's a reported UK sponsorship deals commercial investment for, and to keep fighting for it.
How to care for pitches hit by flooding and weather
Alistair Beggs, head of agronomy and ecology, Sports Turf Research Institute
ver the winter possible to avoid any potential items of debris may have months, much damage to the turf or the soil caused direct turf damage of the UK and which may compromise future and localised repair will be O Ireland have been drainage performance. necessary. Accumulations of subjected to extreme weather. Renovation in the form of sand will require removal to The storms, tidal waves and aeration, overseeding and top avoid smothering damage. flooding have meant that few dressing may be required once If saltwater ingress has areas have escaped unaffected. soil and weather conditions occurred to fine turf areas, it Such extreme weather has a improve or – if the damage is is important to allow rainfall major impact on our landscape particularly severe – returfing to flush the salt from the and many of our sporting may be required. soil profile and this will be facilities. Sports fields, golf Be aware of what operations encouraged via aeration and courses and bowling greens For inland sports facilities, will achieve, as untimely wetting agent application. situated close to rivers and the the most likely source of activities could cause future Salinity tests of affected areas seaside have borne the brunt of problems will be from flooding problems if the soil profile is may be prudent to assess the the storm damage. and tree damage. This may be de-structured or sealed when level of salt in the soil. As the weather finally starts in the form of silt accumulation conditions are still wet. If you do have a problem to quieten down we can now or prolonged soil saturation and For coastal facilities, the following the storm damage, take stock of the damage and water retention, which can lead immediate issue to address is don't hesitate to contact the set about restoring turf and to thinning turf and eventual from debris brought onto the institute – we will support you playing quality in time for the grass loss. It is important to course from the sea. Due to in any restoration work and to 2014 sports season. remove the silt as quickly as the power of the sea, larger improve your facility.
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 15 Chasing that extra second and inspiring a nation. We’ll help you deliver success in sport.
We share your passion for sport. Drawing on technique or collaborating with sports our cutting-edge research and considerable manufacturers to enhance equipment, expertise, we can add value to your business our expertise could be the difference – from grass roots participation through to between winning and losing. elite level. Tap into our brightest minds and Widening participation in sport is also advanced facilities to deliver your whole firmly on our agenda. We can help you sport plan. understand which investments will deliver Our specialist services span athlete and the best returns, determine what actions team support, training and development, will bring about changes in behaviour innovation and research and evaluation. and measure the impact to inform future Together, we can help individuals to decisions. succeed and teams to excel. Whether we’re If you need clear, practical advice, why working with athletes or coaches to improve not set us a challenge? www.shu.ac.uk/sportperformance Sheffield Hallam identified lessons from Everyday Swim, which helped the sport stay top of the leader board.
A team of researchers from Sheffield Hallam University evaluated the Everyday Swim project on behalf of Sport England and the Amateur Swimming Association. Everyday Swim was a pilot scheme designed to increase participation in swimming – and to find out which methods were most effective.
In addition to understanding the impact pilot areas, they identified good practice Most importantly, their insight brought of the programme, the lessons learned that could be shared with swimming to light three key themes that formed from the project were shared with providers across the country on an a blueprint for driving forward the authorities across the country to help ongoing basis. delivery of swimming and increasing increase participation at national level. participation. These were They found that the eight pilot Everyday They began by distilling key market Swim projects had achieved an increase • structured sessions, particularly intelligence about swimming into easily of more than 10,000 new adult swimmers lessons for the 20% of adults who understood and location-specific reports in the relevant authorities, which was cannot swim using Active People Survey data. This counter to the national trend of static • creative marketing beyond the four enabled local coordinators to get their participation in swimming. walls of swimming pools ideas to market as quickly as possible – By bringing together Active People and ensured that interventions designed • a culture change in all aspects of Survey data with Active Places data, they to get more people swimming were based service delivery found strong evidence that the demand on the best available evidence. for swimming is highly dependent upon These themes now underpin the Amateur They then worked closely with the supply. This finding encouraged some Swimming Association’s strategy to project coordinators to evaluate the local coordinators to open up pools on maintain swimming as the nation’s most programme’s success. As well as school sites for public use. popular sport. monitoring levels of participation in the NEWS UPDATE
Emergency relief fund to help damaged pitches
Sport England has earmarked £5m for the repairing of hundreds of sport pitches and facilities damaged by the winter fl ooding and adverse weather conditions. Grants of up to £2,000 for emergency repairs will be made available to sports clubs, local authorities and other community organisations and will cover restorations made to playing pitches, pavilions, changing rooms and fl oodlights. Organisations that think they may need help to restore sports facilities are being asked to provide their details about the extent of the damage via the Sport England website (www.sportengland.org). Read more: http://lei.sr?a=Q7W2Q Prince Harry visiting the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, US, which were held in May 2013 Prince sets up Invictus Games for injured soldiers
A new paralympic-style sporting event will injured and sick servicemen and women in see more than 300 wounded, injured and their journey of recovery. sick servicemen and women compete “The Invictus Games will focus on what across a number of sports in London they can achieve post injury and celebrate later this year. The fi rst ever UK Invictus their fi ghting spirit, through an inclusive Games will take place from 10 to 14 sporting competition that recognises the September and will be fashioned after sacrifi ce they have made. I’m extremely the US-based annual Warrior Games, proud that we are bringing an event like which fi rst took place in 2013. this to the UK.” The concept of the Warrior Games is The vision for the Invictus Games is The legacy fund will run until 2016 being brought to the UK by Prince Harry, to harness the power of sport to inspire who visited the competition last year. recovery, support rehabilitation and £1m fund launched to help The Prince said: “I’ve witnessed generate a wider understanding and Scottish community sport fi rst-hand how the power of sport can respect of those who serve their country. positively impact the lives of wounded, Read more: http://lei.sr?a=B8z7q The Scottish government has launched a new fund to help com- munities operate their sport facilities. The Legacy 2014 Etihad Stadium expansion to make it second largest in EPL Sustainable Sport for Communities Fund will distribute up to £1m Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) has during 2014-16 to support the secured approval for an extension of its sustainability and capacity of aspir- Etihad Stadium, which will see capacity ing and existing social enterprises at the venue increase from 48,000 to delivering sport and physical activity 62,000. The expansion is expected to cost in communities across Scotland. £50m and when complete – in time for the The Sustainable Sport for 2015-16 season – will make the Etihad Communities Fund is made up of an Stadium the second largest in the Premier investment of £500,000 from the League, behind rivals Manchester United’s Scottish Government and £500,000 Old Trafford (capacity 75,811). from The Robertson Trust. The Etihad Stadium was built in 2002 for Read more: http://lei.sr?a=e5r7b the Commonwealth Games. The venue will have a capacity of 62,000 Read more: http://lei.sr?a=t5w3T
18 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 NEWS UPDATE
Lee Valley White Water Centre reopens following £6.3m redevelopment
The Lee Valley White Water Centre in east London has opened for the 2014 season following the completion of a £6.3m development and expansion project. The improvements will have a wide- reaching impact on GB Canoeing’s Slalom athletes’ team, with the facility becoming a permanent base for athletes and their coaching teams, complete with a gym and physiotherapy suite. Following on from the Olympics, the capacity of its upstairs café/restaurant area has been increased from 60 to 180 The improvements will see GB Canoeing’s slalom team being based at the centre permanently covers, with additions made to cater for events and conferencing. Standard Competition course and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, The Zaha Hadid-designed White Water surrounding River Lee Country Park. The British Canoe Union and Sport England centre now has a south-facing cafe centre has improved parking offerings too, funded the development. The facility hosts terrace, with an elevated wooden decking with a new pavilion opening up further the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup this year. area to provide views over the Olympic opportunities for outdoor meetings. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=G2A5y
€25m to be invested in Irish sport for 2014
The Irish Sports Council has provided an overview of its strategy for 2014 by announcing a €25m (£20.4m) investment programme for the year. The core activities of 59 Governing Bodies of Sport will receive €10.6m (£8.7m), while €583,000 (£477,000) will be dedicated to Women in Sport activities The scheme will roll out at schools across the NGBs. The National Network of Local Sports Partnerships will receive Physical literacy €5m (£4m) to support its work in promot- programme for Wales ing participating in sport. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=f8c2q The strategy aims to improve amateur sport The Welsh government has launched a £1.78m Physical Literacy Programme for Schools (PLPS). The initiative is designed Plans for £36m sports centre in Coventry revealed to meet Baroness Tanni Grey- Thompson’s Schools and Physical Plans have been tabled to replace the age- Activity Task and Finish Group’s ing Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre recommendation that all young (CSLC) with a new £36m facility. CSLC is people in Wales should become “haemorrhaging cash” – costing around physically literate. £2,000 per day to keep open. Targeted at delivering a long term The new 6,500sq m (69,965sq ft) facil- improvement in physical literacy – ity is set to include a water park with and an increase in physical activity slides, a health and fitness club, a 25m amongst children in schools in swimming pool, climbing wall, squash Wales – PLPS aims to help get courts and a spa. The new centre is sched- young people hooked on sport for uled to open by 2019 and the existing life and to adopt healthy lifestyles. CSLC will remain open until that time. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=E7s5j The CSLC facility in Coventry was built in 1966 Read more: http://lei.sr?a=t7z3U
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 19 NEWS UPDATE
EU having a ‘positive infl uence’ on UK sport
The European Union (EU) has had a “positive infl uence” on sport in the UK, according to a report by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS). The EU’s impact on UK sport was increased when it was granted a supporting and coordinating role in sports matters by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. Since then it has infl uenced a wide range of sports-related policies and recommendations. The report states that part of the positive infl uence of the EU rulings and recommendations is down to the UK’s active involvement in the EU’s working groups of sport. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=4S3U7 Plans for a new 4,000-capacity Crusaders stadium were fi rst tabled back in 2008 Crusaders FC relaunch plans for new Belfast stadium
Northern Irish football club Crusaders FC Northern Ireland Council for Integrated has drawn up new proposals for a new Education (NICIE). 4,000-capacity sports and educational Plans were initially revealed in 2008 facility, to be shared with Newington Youth to build a shared stadium in the area, FC. The proposed site, close to Crusaders’ although they eventually fell through. But, current home Seaview Stadium, is owned both Crusaders and Newington hope that by Belfast City Council, meaning the building a shared education campus will authority would have to agree to be part of provide stimulus for a new development. any development. January saw the Department of A number of preliminary discussions Education call on interested parties to The grants will aid sport activities about the project are already underway, submit proposals to move into a shared according to Crusaders, involving education campus, with education Primary Spaces funding to the Belfast Education and Library minister John O’Dowd aiming to create a improve school sport Board (BELB), the Council for Catholic further 10 similar campuses. Maintained Schools (CCMS) and the Read more: http://lei.sr?a=h9r7k Sport England has opened its Primary Spaces fund for applications. The funding will look to help more schools create sports West Ham signs deal to sell Upton Park in 2016 spaces and is part of a £18m investment to improve primary West Ham United Football Club (WHU) has school PE and sport activities. agreed to sell its Upton Park stadium to Schools that qualify for grants developer The Galliard Group when the club will receive up to £30,000 to moves to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. spend on a range of specially According to WHU, Galliard won the created packages which can be bidding due to its links to the local tailored to meet their needs. The community and its commitment to “honour fund will primarily aim to help the history of the Hammers” at the Boleyn provide outdoor multi-sport areas, Ground. Galliard’s plans include a mixed- which can be used both within the used project with leisure and new homes curriculum and out of school hours. and there are plans to establish a park Read more: http://lei.sr?a=m3J9r The Boleyn Ground stadium in East London named after WHU legend Bobby Moore. has been West Ham United’s home since 1904 Read more: http://lei.sr?a=p7H4x
20 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
SPORTS FLOOR UPGRADE Eco-Fit Saves 40% in Cost and Down Time!
ournemouth University were refurbishment costs, the new Eco-fit system overjoyed with the planned gave Kier a great message to take back to TARAFLEXTM CASE STUDY : refurbishment of their Sports Bournemouth University. facilities which all parts being Both the University and Kier were Client Name: B TM rejuvenated but the designs and estimates trusting of the Taraflex brand. Used at Bournemouth University showed that their tired sports hall was going every Olympic Games since 1976 and with to have to wait. over 60 Million Square metres installed Project Details: The client asked Kier Construction one globally, TaraflexTM had both the elite Sports Hall Floor Over Lay more time if anything could be done with sporting preference looked for by high level Product Specification: the question passed on to Gerflor whilst University Sport whilst also offering top level TaraflexTM Sport M exhibiting at Ecobuild in 2011. Gerflor had protection needed by players. Performance 9mm Eco-fit decided that the show was going to be the Rick McEvoy, a senior project manager springboard for massive new innovations, for Bournemouth University commented Budget: one being TaraflexTM EcofitTM. Whilst older “We were suitably impressed when visiting £30k sports surfaces had always led to large a neighbouring school which had the same solution one year prior. We set the bar high, challenging the sub-contractor to produce an even better finish than our neighbours, on this they delivered. The Sport M Performance looks immaculate and feedback from users of the facility is excellent. The BU Sport department now have excellent facilities including the sports hall which matches other facilities all around our campus.” TaraflexTM ECO-FITTM can be installed directly over existing sports surfaces, reducing cost, project down-time and Taraflex Ecofit is ideal for multi-sports areas impact of land fill.
The refurbishment of the sports area had to include a new sports hall floor but we questioned if the budget would allow. Anything more than a treating of the old Granwood surface was looking unlikely Rick McEvoy (Senior Project Manager, Bournemouth University)
For more information on TaraflexTM Sports Floors or the Eco-Fit system please contact Darren Wood – Sports Manager on 07836 366579 or [email protected] Visit www.gerflor.co.uk for further information
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 13 NEWS UPDATE
Helen Grant: women should be offered the activities they want
Sports minister Helen Grant has called for women to be offered a wider choice of sports in order to increase the number of females playing sport. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, she expressed her worries that women were being put off by memories of being forced to play football at school. She added there was a need to “step back and actually ask women what they want and give it to them”. “There are wonderful sports which you can do and perform to a very high level.” Grant called for activities such as cheerleading to be offered alongside more traditional sports she said. “I think those participating look absolutely radiant and very feminine such women playing sport has declined since sport ring true. “Our research show that as ballet, gymnastics and cheerleading.” the 2012 Olympics. 51 per cent of girls say that PE and Grant’s comments come after the most Tim Woodhouse, head of policy at the school sport currently puts them off being recent Active People Survey – published Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation, physically active,” he said. last month – showed that the number of said Grant’s comments regarding school Read more: http://lei.sr?a=E5S2w
FA commits £1.5m to disability football
The Football Association (FA) will invest £1.5m in improving opportunities for disability football in England. The Disability Football Development Fund – launched this month – will run until 2017 and is part of the FA’s aim to encourage more than 30,000 new disabled players and create 600 new FA wants to see more artificial pitches disability football teams. Disability football is the seventh most played team sport FA attacks state of local overall, with 35 county disability football council pitches in England leagues and 1,500 disability football Read more: http://lei.sr?a=F4D8w Disability football is increasing its popularity There should be a strong drive towards installing more artificial football pitches across England, a spokesperson for the FA has said. Further £20m earmarked for Inspired Facilities fund Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Peter Ackerby, the FA’s senior Sport England has released an additional national game development £20m worth of funding to be distributed manager, said many pitches run by through its Inspired Facilities fund. local councils were in an “abhorrent” Aimed at helping grassroots sports state and that the future of amateur clubs and local authorities renovate and football was under threat unless modernise their sports facilities, the fund there is a move from grass to has already distributed £71m to fund artificial pitches. A grass pitch can 1,300 projects since 2011. To assist sustain around five hours of football applicants, this year Sport England has each week, while artificial pitches adjusted the applying procedures and clubs can be used by up to 60 teams for and authorities will now be able to apply for training and matches each week. funding all year round. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=m8B2K The fund has so far distributed £71m of grants Read more: http://lei.sr?a=k8g5k
22 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 NEWS UPDATE
All the space you need
The new professional register was launched by Olympic gold medal winner Lizzy Yarnold Specialists in SkillsActive launches register for sport professionals Tension Membrane
SkillsActive has launched its Register of development. It is owned and operated by Structures - cost Personal Development Practitioners in SkillsActive, the sector skills council for Sport (RPDPS). The register is aimed at active leisure, learning and wellbeing. effective solutions professionals who work within professional Steve Mitchell, head of consultancy for a wide range performance environments, lottery-funded at SkillsActive, said: “Sport is becoming programmes and with athletes and players a lucrative industry, which means it of uses. who are part of the NGB talent pathways. sometimes attracts so-called rogue traders Launched on 27 Feburary, the RPDPS is to the sector who offer below-standard set to become a regulatory system aiming advice and services. to ensure that individuals meet agreed “By creating national standards, RPDPS National Occupational Standards assures national governing bodies that the The register will be marketed as professionals working with athletes and exclusive to those who hold “appropriate players are fully qualified and competent in qualifications and experience” and will run what is a very sensitive job role.” a programme of continuing professional Read more: http://lei.sr?a=6x9y3
11 Olympic sports see increase in elite funding
High performance sports agency UK Sport has revealed details of its Annual Investment Review, with 11 Olympic sports and seven Paralympic sports seeing an increase in the amount of funding they receive. In total, 19 Olympic and 17 Paralympic sports will receive £350m of funding annually in the run up to Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Among the winners are taekwondo, triathlon, hockey, judo and 01242 700277 sailing – all of which secured sizeable www.spatialstructures.com increases in their elite funding. Funding for elite taekwondo was increased Read more: http://lei.sr?a=a4b2Z
Spatial Structures is a trading name sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 of Dove Construction Ltd 23 TECH NEWS
App being developed to increase participation
Canadian software company Geosports is developing an app to help encourage participation in sport. The app allows users to “advertise” the sport they would want to take part in, along with the time and date that they are available. Users can also set up games and create sporting events for others to join. The events and game database is searchable and each time an event is created a notifi cation is then sent out to other app users with same interest near their chosen location. Sports clubs will also be able to use the app to fi nd new members and cover for injured players. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=p5c2n Biathlon skiers are among the athletes to benefi t from using technology in their training Technology “increasingly important” in medal success
Scientifi c and technological developments Other tools to help preparation include are becoming an increasingly important the use of lasers adopted by elite biathlon contributor to the success of athletes, as athletes, who are required to proceed recent medal triumphs in the Sochi Winter straight from a ski sprint into a rapid drill Olympics have shown. shooting round. In terms of training, motion capturing Given the pace they ski up to the The new Edge machine at Harlequins tech is now widely used to help train fi gure shooting points, the impact of a thumping skaters when preparing for jumps. Devices heartbeat can be detrimental to accuracy Rugby club benefi ting are used to track the shape of the athlete – as too can the development of muscle from fl exible ultrasound while in the air, as well as measuring all twitches following intense exercise. of their angles and points of impact when Therefore athletes train using lasers A rugby club is using a point-of-care hitting the ice after a jump. This allows in order to learn to get their shots off in ultrasound system from FujiFilm trainers to improve body positioning, while a mere seven seconds to prevent these SonoSite in order to diagnose also providing competitors with a pictorial factors impacting on their performance. and monitor musculoskeletal understanding of how their body is working. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=S8S9C injuries. Harlequin FC is using the Edge system to provide valuable information to help foster the rehabilitation of players by aiding Patent suggests Apple looking at sports monitoring device treatment methods. The piece of equipment will allow A new patent granted to Apple suggests for the team to conduct assess- that the technology giant could be looking ments more fl exibly given the to create a sports monitoring system transportability of the system. that attaches to a pair of earphones or The Edge provides real-time imag- headphones. The patent was awarded to ing to allow experts to accurately Apple in February, though full details on make judgments on the impact of the product remain scarce. injuries, while also relaying the infor- However, what is known is that the mation to players in better detail attachment would couple sensors and to help them better understand the accelerometers in order to kept track of impact of their injuries. physical activity, levels of perspiration and Read more: http://lei.sr?a=P4X8a the user’s heart rate activity. The app will use earphones to transmit data Read more: http://lei.sr?a=b5X6U
24 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 TECH NEWS
Face recognition technology becoming the norm at sports grounds
The use of face recognition technology to monitor sports fans at the gates of stadiums continues to grow in prominence, with Australia the next country to be considering its use across its national grounds. The technology can be used to scan and save the images of people entering grounds, with the data being stored on a country-wide database. The method of security operation has already been adopted in the US, South America and Germany in a bid to eradicate sports-related violence Tech can improve footballl stadium safety and troublesome fans. The current situation in Australia sees the potential eye. However, the introduction of the enforcement of five-year exclusions for recognition technology could help to fans causing trouble, though this relies prevent hooliganism, vandalism and Whatever your vision entirely on security forces spotting general unrest at major sporting events. the perpetrators with the human Read more: http://lei.sr?a=x8v4b for changing rooms and lockers, Craft sman can create it for you. Microsoft launches fitness app for Windows Phone
Microsoft has joined the fitness app market and released the Bing Health & Fitness Windows Phone app. Released through the Windows store, the app offers a combination of fitness, health and nutrition-tracking features There are more than 100,000 foods to track the user’s daily calorie routine,, health indicators, a symptom checker, information on human body in a 3D visualisation, an exercise tracker and video workouts and yoga poses. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=s8m9W The app offers a wealth of features for users
Craft sman’s design expertise has led the way in creating changing spaces Loughborough to research nanotechnology for all who use them, including the provision of: A research team at Loughborough Valuables lockers University has gained funding from the Holdall lockers Institution of Occupational Safety and Clothes lockers Health to investigate the health and safety Bench seating impact of nanotechnology. Vanity mirrors Nanotechnology is been adopted across And now a complete solution for the sporting industry in recent years – treatment room furniture. such as carbon nanotubes used to make bicycle frames and tennis rackets lighter Invest in proven capability. and more durable, while golf clubs and hockey sticks are given a more powerful and accurate drive using the particles. Research will look at nanotechnology in sport Read more: http://lei.sr?a=K9h5Z 01480 405396 Email: [email protected] sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 www.cqlockers.co.uk TALKING POINT
Turning the tide of inactivity
Obesity levels are increasing, despite a plethora of healthy living campaigns. Tom Walker asks industry leaders whether a new campaign, exclusively tackling inactivity, will prove more successful
he trade association for If the initiative reaches its target the active leisure industry, of reducing inactivity by 1 per cent Mike Kelly ukactive, is spearheading a every year for the next five years, it Director of new campaign designed to could save thousands of lives and the the Centre of "turn the tide of inactivity" taxpayer £1.2bn – or £44 per household. Public Health Tand prevent 37,000 needless deaths a To hammer home the point, ukactive at NICE year. The wording is intentional – rather published a report (Turning the Tide of than concentrating on obesity, the focus Inactivity), which showed that local he ukactive report highlights is on getting people to get more active. authorities, on average, only spend 2.4 the growing problem of Launched at the ukactive Summit In per cent of their health budgets on “T physical inactivity and the November, the initiative has got off to a tackling inactivity. fact that resources have not been strong start, with government, business But how is this programme different directed to target this issue in certain and the NHS backing the scheme. There from other, similar ones in the past? Has parts of the country. has even been an acknowledgment from ukactive got the key points – cross-party Inactivity has a huge societal cost. PM David Cameron and in Feburary the support and local authority involvement The fact that local councils spend just government launched its own ‘Moving – right to give the initiative the best 2.4 per cent of their top-tier public More, Living More’ campaign. chance of success? health budgets on programmes aimed to promote physical activity, is disproportionately low compared Lord Coe Chair of the British Olympic Association with other top tier concerns such as substance misuse or smoking. ince London 2012 I welcome the recent report We must prioritise investment into we've set out to from ukactive whose analysis encouraging more people to get “S deliver what no other and recommendations have active. ukactive's evidence-based host nation has done before: a helped to establish the scale recommendations are designed to lasting legacy which benefits of the problem and provide an help local government do just that, future generations. Legacy is important step towards tackling to make the best use of limited funds a long-term programme and the issue. to improve public health. They're we've made an excellent start, That's also why I recently practical, cost-effective measures including more than £11bn of economic helped launch the government and which will improve the health and benefits and 1.5 million more people mayor of London's Moving More, Living wellbeing of their communities and playing sport once a week since we won More initiative to reduce inactivity. It lead to cost savings in the long-term. the bid in 2005. brings together government working We must also ensure that open But one area where there remains work in a joined up way across departments, spaces and built environments to do is securing the physical activity the mayor of London's teams, local are better used to offer effective legacy from the Games. Fourty four government, business and the community programmes and interventions to per cent of adults fail to meet the chief groups who know how to get people active. increase the number of people who medical officers' guideline of 150 minutes Turning the tide of physical inactivity lead an active lifestyle. The findings of physical activity per week, and 29 per must be viewed as a national priority from the report will be embedded cent of adults fail to achieve even 30 and the report makes a persuasive case within the priorities of the medical minutes of activity over seven days. for action. I'm delighted that ukactive is profession's considerations over the Turning the tide of inactivity is a hugely working with us on the Moving More, Living coming years to turn the tide on important outcome for our legacy story. More campaign." physical inactivity ."
26 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 THERE HAS TO BE A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY TO DRIVE THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AGENDA FORWARD; EVERYBODY CAN PLAY THEIR PART IN IT
Professor Kevin Fenton National Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England
urning the tide of is partnering with national and drawing together evidence and case studies inactivity highlights local organisations to reduce from across the country to help develop “T the complexity and levels of physical inactivity and a tool that can truly delivery this whole breadth of the physical inactivity the associated health, economic system approach. People and organisations challenge and has to be a and social burden on local can input to the Framework and we will also central platform of public health communities. Local government be working with ukactive to deliver a series efforts. It has been followed by can develop and lead the of regional events over May and June to a national cross-government approach across communities to engage with local stakeholders. commitment through Moving More, reduce physical inactivity. I’m passionate about making a Living More to go further and faster on Health clubs and leisure centres can be difference to people’s lives through increasing physical activity. the leaders of the movement to promote making the public healthier. Turning Physical activity is undertaken across active lifestyles and embed activity the tide of inactivity has revealed the communities in a range of ways, from into daily lives. There has to be a shared evidence and allowed us to understand walking and cycling, through fitness, responsibility to drive the active agenda the scale of the problem. To move leisure and play to structured amateur forward; I believe everyone can play their forward, we need to use the case studies and elite sport. We need to embrace and part. PHE is leading the development of within the report – as well as other support this diversity through cross-sector a National Implementation Framework examples of best practise – to implement collaboration. Public Health England (PHE) for Physical Activity in England which is practical ways of making a difference.” sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 27 INTERVIEW
DAVID STALKER The UK is in the middle of an obesity epidemic, driven in part by rising levels of inactivity. Jak Phillips speaks to Dave Stalker, CEO of ukactive – formerly the Fitness Industry Association – which aims to turn the tide of inactivity
espite their similarities, it’s rise. The married father-of-two grew up in fair to say the sport and Kenya, before moving to the UK and taking fitness industries have found up his first instructor role at the Royal fulfilling their collaborative Berkshire Club in 1989. potential fairly hard. The He quickly climbed the ladder and Dfragmented nature of the sectors – with held senior roles at Bladerunner, Leisure tangled combinations of private, public Connection and First Leisure prior to and voluntary operations, plus myriads of joining ukactive. Since becoming the not- associations – has meant meaningful co- for-profit body’s CEO in April 2011, Stalker ordination has often been frustrated. has played a key role in widening ukactive’s But as purse-strings continue to tighten scope for promoting physical activity and and Britain’s waistbands expand further, oversaw the organisation’s name change. the makings of a sea change are starting to take shape. Riding the crest of this REBRANDING FITNESS new wave, ukactive (formerly the Fitness When the FIA announced its rebranding Industry Association) is strategically as ukactive in November 2012, many in placed to co-ordinate the efforts of the the industry saw this as a shrewd move. By health, sport and fitness industries in shifting its focus from the crowded and tackling the UK’s inactivity epidemic. With overstretched Department for Culture, obesity taking a heavy toll on the NHS, the Having joined the UK fitness industry Media and Sport (DCMS), towards the statistics highlight the need for action. in 1989, Stalker witnessed the sector's Department of Health (DoH), ukactive At present, 37,000 deaths in England meteoric rise and rapid expansion was suddenly in the thick of the action. could be prevented each year if everyone The body and its 3,500 members – were sufficiently active, according to which include public and private facility Public Health England. The financial cost (and a healthy chunk of funding) from the operators, local authorities, training of inactivity currently stands at £10bn NHS, by presenting themselves as credible companies and equipment suppliers – we're ($16.7bn, €12.1bn) a year – set to grow public health delivery partners. now well-placed to engage in debates to £50bn ($83.7bn, €60.7bn) by 2050 if Step forward ukactive CEO David surrounding physical inactivity, and by unchecked – while a study in the October Stalker, whose organisation hopes to tap extension, the obesity crisis it had sparked. 2013 edition of the British Medical Journal into the need for a delivery partner for Others also believe that the move meant found that exercise was equally or more physical activity. A rugby player in his ukactive and its members were in a better effective than drugs in treating leading youth, Stalker’s imposing frame is offset position to attract government/public causes of death like heart disease, stroke by a light disposition. funding for physical activity schemes and diabetes. With so much at stake, there Having started out as a part-time fitness promoting healthier lifestyles, although is clearly a golden opportunity for the sport instructor, Stalker has been well-placed Stalker contends that this wouldn’t be a fair and fitness industries to take the burden to observe the fitness industry’s meteoric assessment of ukactive’s motives.
28 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Background to ukactive
Founded as the Fitness Industry Association in 1991, ukactive is a not-for-profit advocate of physical activity. It comprises of more than 3,500 members, including fitness facility operators, local authority leisure centres, leisure trusts, outdoor fitness providers, trainers, sports providers, education and training providers, lifestyle companies, equipment suppliers and charities. With a motto of ‘More people, more active, more often,’ the body exists to serve any organisation with a role to play in, or benefit to be gained from getting more people, more active. ukactive's partners include many sports-related organisations, such as StreetGames
“Funding was irrelevant in the whole their drum harder and be more successful thinking,” he says. “It was a really bold move than be in the foreground on those by ukactive and we talked to a lot of people One way to become particular things.” asking whether it was right to be moving a public health In terms of how the fitness and sport into the whole physical activity fold. industries actually go about working "But through time, we’d gone from delivery partner is to together, Stalker believes jointly investing representing the private sector to in people, through training and developing having members and partners within the stop the hyperbole defined career paths, should be the focus. public and the third sectors and even big and become He says the Chartered Institute for the businesses, such as Asda and Coca-Cola. Management of Sport and Physical Activity All these people have funds and charities, evidence-based (CIMSPA), of which he is a trustee, has a and they were looking to be involved in key role to play in this, although admits the physical activity, so we felt our attention institute has had a “stumbling start.” should lie with the DoH.” The institute, seen as essential for According to Stalker, the DoH WORKING TOGETHER ensuring industry-wide standards of recognises the term ‘physical activity,’ Stalker is also mindful of treading on the professionalism, probably wouldn’t have while ‘fitness’ is a word it tends to shy toes of bodies already working in the received its charter mark if it wasn’t for away from as the focus is simply on getting physical activity arena and says ukactive the London Olympics, Stalker admits. It people more active. “Does it give us the is determined to work with, rather than subsequently failed to hit the membership opportunity to bid for more funding?" asks against them. He says it's important that numbers required to be a sustainable entity, Stalker. "I think it gives us the opportunity it “earns the right” to take part in these prompting a trustee review which sought to position our members and stakeholders discussions. “We have to say we’ve got advice from 300 industry professionals in bids; it gives us reasons to help them be something to bring to the table, some about the best way to proceed. involved in bids, but I don’t think it really knowledge about physical activity, and we The industry was unanimous that having has opened the door – there isn’t exactly a think we can help. But actually we’d rather a chartered institute was the “right thing flurry of money coming through.” be in the background helping them beat to do” according to Stalker, who says that sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 29 INTERVIEW
Working together with Sport England, ukactive launched the digital legacy project SPOGO in July 2012
CIMSPA's transitional management team are in the process of turning things around while the board seeks a new CEO and chair for the institute. “There is lots of enthusiasm and that’s been reflected in the industry, because membership has now started growing again,” Stalker says. “All the big operators of fitness and leisure and sports facilities have made Getting people of all ages he says, needs to be able to make a case commitments, not just more active is a cornerstone for funding through evidence-based commitments in 'yes, Dave, of ukactive's strategy (above). arguments, and show exactly where it can we’ll follow it', they’ve The Turning the Tide of make a difference and by how much. actually put their hands in Inactivity report was published “I see Turning the Tide going on to work their pockets, while Sport in January 2013 (left) with partners like Public Health England, England has agreed to help DoH, Sport England and various others, us in driving that forward.” fulfil its potential until it saying how do we get more data to Another area where is really exposed to the substantiate the situation we’re in and the sport and health and fitness consumer, so we need to do differences that can be made?” have combined with mixed more consumer marketing The report highlights how English local results has been SPOGO, working with key cities. authorities spend, on average, 2,000 which was launched to much fanfare by I think Sport England agrees with that per cent more on sexual health than on Sport England and ukactive in July 2012 as entirely and the team here have been promoting physical activity. It also claims the ‘digital legacy’ of the Olympics. The doing more things like that, but it needs that increasing physical activity levels by customer-facing online service, estimated significant funding to do some really big just 1 per cent a year would save the UK to have cost £2m ($3.3m, €2.4m) in consumer things.” economy £1.2bn ($2bn, €11.5bn) over the lottery funding, was designed to make next five years. searching and finding physical activities THE TURNING TIDE With an eye on the upcoming 2015 simple, with plans for the service to offer One area where ukactive has enjoyed general elections, Stalker adds that digital access and booking processes to resounding success is with its recent the objective was to demonstrate how every sports club, leisure centre, playing Turning the Tide of Inactivity report, which small percentage changes can lead to field and community centre. outlined the extent of England’s inactivity substantial figures. This is essential if they Heralded as the key to boosting physical pandemic in shocking detail. The hard- are to persuade all political parties of the activity, particularly among youths, the hitting report reached an estimated 24 need to tackle inactivity and ensure it service has drawn criticism for its lack of million UK citizens thanks to extensive appears on their election manifestos. visibility and effectiveness. media coverage, combining existing “We’re in touch with the political parties “It has been as successful as I thought figures with freedom of information on an almost daily basis,” he says. "We it would be but I would’ve thought by (FOI) requests to illustrate the extent of have to stop the hyperbole and become now we would hopefully have decided physical inactivity. evidenced-based – here’s the fact, here’s which way we were going in terms of the According to Stalker, the report, the difference, here’s the number; this consumer and funding,” says Stalker, who and particularly the FOI requests, was is the difference it’s going to make and describes it as an "outstanding concept". borne out of the dearth in currently here’s the evidence. And then we can be a “My view is that SPOGO can never really available data. The industry as a whole, public health delivery partner.” Ť
30 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 THE FUTURE OF FITNESS IS HERE THE BENCHMARK HAS BEEN SET – THE LATEST INNOVATIONS FROM GLOBAL FITNESS LEADERS LES MILLS
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MONEY GAMES
A welcomed legacy of the London 2012 Games has been an increase in consumer spending on sport. Themis Kokolakakis from Sheffield Hallam University's Sports Industry Research Centre (SIRC) looks at the figures
very important question TABLE 1 LONG-TERM PATTERNS includes data of growth (or decline), in in the sport economy is its IN SPORT SPENDING GROWTH real terms, that occurred in the overall relationship with economic household spending and its sporting Sport Household growth. Throughout the years Recession element, together with observations spending spending that we've monitored the (GDP) about recessions in the economy. All these growth % growth % sport economy at SIRC (we keep detailed data are methodologically consistent and data going back to 1985) invariably sport 1990 -0.9% +0.8% comparable over time, going back to 1990. spending declines in real terms each time 1991 -1.5% -1.6% x Two clear statements can be established. we face recession. This is not surprising; 1995 -0.03% +1.8% Firstly, each recession in the past 25 years sport follows the general leisure spending 2006 -0.5% +1.8% has been accompanied by a fall in both pattern where people, at times of hardship, 2008 -2.4% -0.9% x total household spending (in real terms) firstly sacrifice aspects of their leisure 2009 -4.1% -3.6% x and its sporting component. Secondly, in all life. For example, an expensive health club 2010 +2.9% +1.0% the pre-2010 data the sport economy did membership can be replaced by a much 2011 +0.6% -0.5% not require a recession to decline. A weak, cheaper involvement in a sports club. To 2012 +3.9% +1.2% sub 2 per cent growth in overall household establish this fundamental behaviour Table 1 2013 +2.2 +1.8% expenditure would bring about a decline in
While overall activity levels in the UK have fallen steadily, spending on sports goods, clothing and equipment has experienced growth
32 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The SIRC figures show that, following London 2012, there has been a 31 per cent increase in spending on participation sport
The total value of the sport market in the UK in 2013 was £25.8bn – representing a growth of 2.2 per cent in real terms. Sport is expected to grow by a further 2 per cent in 2014, reaching £27bn in total value
sport spending. This was clearly the case in TABLE 2 2010-2013 TRENDS This coincided with an acceleration of 1990, in 1995 and in 2006. construction activity and a greater media 2010-2013 trends Real growth Hence, for more than 25 years (prior to presence than before. 2010 was also the 2010) the general principle was that for Sport-related consumer spending 7% first year out of the 2008-9 recession. the sport market to grow in real terms the Household spending 2.5% Hence it's very interesting to explore how overall household expenditure would need GDP 3% the sport market behaved: is it the same to grow by at least 2 per cent year-on-year. story as explained earlier, or have the Sport spending was relatively down the research, we know that major sport Olympics, already from its preparation list of priorities in the household budget. events have a significant impact on the stage, changed the conventional Indirectly it was a question of how much a inspiration of the local population. The character of the market? household valued sport goods and services interpretation of such an ‘inspiration’ is Between 2010 and 2013, changes in relative to other goods and services. unclear, yet it is reasonable to assume overall household spending ranged from This introduces the obvious question that both participation and consumer a decline of -0.5 per cent in 2011, to a of whether the London Olympic Games preferences would be affected. In the growth of 1.8 per cent. Under the pre- had an impact on consumers’ valuation case of the Olympics the most intensive 2010 paradigm, sport spending should have of sport. Already, through recent stage of preparations started in 2010. been in a continuous decline each year sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 33 RESEARCH
TABLE 1 2013 SPORT-RELATED CONSUMER SPENDING
Current Volume value growth % £m 2010-13 Admissions 1,086 23% Sports goods 1,652 12% Bicycles 1,026 Boats 1,546 Participation Sport 1,991 31% Health & Fitness 2,589 Clothing sales 3,633 10% Footwear sales 1,779 27% Travel 1 ,341 Books and magazines 274 Newspapers 408 TV sport 3,222 Skiing holidays 733 Football pools 134 Gambling: off course 2,579 Gambling on course, online 1,454 10% Other 380 TOTAL 25,827 7% throughout this period. Yet the opposite occurred. Consumer spending on sport increased, often at double the rates of growth in overall expenditure. In 2011, a year before the Games, while total household spending declined by -0.5 per cent, the sport economy moved in the opposite direction – increasing in size. The experience of 2010-13 suggests a The London 2012 new sporting landscape where consumers’ Olympic Games have preferences have shifted in favour of resulted in a boost in sporting goods and services. As Table bicycle sales for all ages 2 illustrates, during 2010-13 the sport economy grew by 7 per cent in real terms, compared to a 3 per cent growth in GDP and 2.5 per cent in household spending. The increase in admissions growth (31 per cent) followed by footwear This suggests the possibility of expanding (27 per cent), admissions (23 per cent) and business potential and at the same time was mostly realised within sport goods (12 per cent). The increase in increasing sports participation. The new admissions was mostly realised within a profile of the sport economy, growing a single year and is mostly single year (2011) and is mostly related to substantially during economic slowdown, related to the Olympics the Olympics. The most dynamic category creates new economic opportunities for of participation sport is to a great extend the sector in terms of commercial funding related to the UK’s 151,000 sport clubs. (likely to be undervalued as now sport GDP at 1.5 per cent, validating the post- The latter increased their participating represents a lesser risk), and much greater 2010 shift in the market. Sport is expected adult membership by 21 per cent during returns to the central government in the to grow further by 2 per cent in 2014 the period 2011-13, a trend consistent form of taxes. reaching £27bn in value. with our estimates of participation- A more detailed look of 2013 sport- Table 3 illustrates the detailed related spending (based on Family related spending estimates reveals further distribution of the UK sport market in Spending statistics). Despite the dynamics. The total value of the sport 2013 (estimates). This is combined with disproportionate ‘weight’ of the Games, market in the UK in 2013 was £25.8bn the most dynamic growth rates for the admission spending, in growth terms, representing a growth of 2.2 per cent in period 2010-13 in real terms. Clearly the fell below two important participation- real terms. This is contrasted to a smaller most important markets are participation- related categories, bringing justifiable change in overall household spending (1.8 related. Participation sport itself excluding expectations for sports participation per cent) and an even weaker growth of health and fitness leads the way in terms of growth in the future. ●
34 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 www.physicalcompany.co.uk [email protected] SPORT CSR
new series SWEATING THE ASSETS
e’ve all seen them, running, usually by the side of a busy Sports retailers are investing time and effort in providing road, even in the pouring W rain. Usually they’re head community-based activities in order to strengthen brand down, struggling against the wind. Or else, loyalty and awareness. One of these is Sweatshop, a upright like a clockwork soldier. Face a contorted mask, apparently feeling every specialist provider of running shoes and clothing drop of rain, gust of wind and jarring contact with the pavement. Or, a mask of concentration, seemingly oblivious to like asthmatics down a coal mine. Some Brasher way back in 1971. Sweatshop’s anything other than the next step. walking, others talking. Some even allow managing director, Nick Pearson, a former We give them names: joggers, themselves the occasional smile. Great Britain junior middle distance runner, masochists, nutters. But apart from the explains that the company wanted to give occasional jogging club outing; when ALL TOGETHER NOW local people of all ages and abilities the we see these people, they’re usually This sea of yellow-clad joggers can mean opportunity to run for free, and at their on their own. Unless, that is, you live only one thing – a Sweatshop running own pace. The first running community was in Nottingham, Cambridge, Hyde or community. There are 120 of these groups set up in 2011 in Teddington. Castleford, where every week passers- around the country, with around 25,000 "We want people to run as part of their by will see a procession of bright yellow members, 3,000 of whom run every week. everyday lifestyle not to see running jerseys bobbing up and down by the Sweatshop is the chain of sports as a fitness fad or something only the roadside. Some pushing ever onwards at footwear and clothing shops founded by super fit can do," he says, and adds a lively pace, others huffing and puffing Roger Bannister’s running buddy, Chris that the running communities meet at
36 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 There are now 120 Sweatshop running clubs around the UK
their local Sweatshop store or a nearby six to eight week programme, nutrition pack. After thirty, clubhouse, every week. Members run designed to help people it’s a sweatshop foam roller a pre-determined route around their with no running ability move and after fifty a free pair town or city, before arriving back at base towards being able to run of running shoes up to the for a stretch, a chat and maybe some continuously – at their own value of £100. "Whereas refreshments. The groups run under the pace – for five kilometres. at clubs, members come guidance of running leaders. That’s one of Beginners start off running together to meet the goals the store’s staff members who has taken for a while, then walking for of the organisation – winning a UK Athletics course, especially designed a while, then running again, a race, doing well in the for the company. walking and so on. Each week, Sweatshop’s MD, league ," Nick Pearson says, they run a bit more and walk a Nick Pearson "in a Sweatshop running MAKING FRIENDS bit less. A back marker moves community people come Pearson explains that many people find very slowly along the course to make sure together to pursue individual goals." starting with a running group intimidating. no one gets left behind. "The idea is that This, he says, is what the running com- beginners improve a little bit each time," FIRST STEPS munities were set up to overcome. Nick Pearson says. "The groups are for The very first Sweatshop store opened in "Maybe someone doesn’t know where to everyone," Pearson says. "You can join in Teddington as Chris Brasher’s Sporting look to find a group in the first place, or whether you’re training for a marathon or Emporium. Back then, in 1971, running was believes that the physical challenge will have a problem running to catch the bus." still a niche sport and the 1956 Olympic be beyond them," he says. "They might More experienced runners race their 3,000m steeplechase gold medallist was feel too self-conscious to run around the friends, try to beat their personal bests or annoyed that he and his friends couldn’t streets in Lycra or think that everyone at practice for big races. From fitness freaks easily find the right kit. a gym or a club will be fitter and healthier to fun runners; everyone runs how far and At first, Brasher, who also set the pace than they are." how fast they want. for the first half of Roger Bannister’s 1954 During their first few Sweatshop Members get their yellow Sweatshop four minute mile, sold kit out of the back sessions, beginners learn how to run and jersey after they’ve completed five of his car. Then he imported the stuff and gradually build up their proficiency. It’s a runs. After twenty five, they get a free finally, opened the shop. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 37 SPORT CSR
The runner's view
Katrina Hallett, Plymouth SRC I joined to get fit enough to run a half marathon. I hadn’t run before, but now I go along as much as possible. It has been great for my fitness, as not so long ago, I took a health and safety medical at work and was close to being declared medically unfit (now I can complete the whole fitness test). I’ve made some brilliant friends at the running community and have great fun running, something I didn’t think was possible. I look forward to the Monday and Thursday evening sessions.
It was twenty years before Sweatshop opened shops two and three. By then, Brasher had conceived of, and co- organised, the first London Marathon. Two years after he competed in the 1979 New York marathon alongside fun runners, for the first time. When Nick Pearson joined the company in 1994, Sweatshop had just opened its fifth store, all of them in south- east London. By 2000, Sweatshop had fourteen stores around the UK. The 120 Sweatshop clubs have a total of 25,000 members – of which 3,000 run every week Then came the running boom, in the early 2000s, and with increasing demand when no more than twenty or so people Nick Pearson says and adds that Sweatshop for running, among all ages, including would show up. Now, 500,000 take part staff do a bespoke course in biomechanics teenagers, Sweatshop spread out, and annually. Sweatshop also provides free at the University of Roehampton. "Its now has 120 stores. kit for thirty six elite junior athletes every important that our staff know how people’s Running has become one of Britain’s year, and has Olympic Gold medallist, bodies move while we’re running. That way most popular physical activities, and the Christine Ohuruogu mentoring them. With they can give customers informed advice." running communities helped Sweatshop Portsmouth University, the company is Staff also attend a course in bra-fitting and build brand loyalty with a rapidly increasing involved in a research project on breast breast health at the University of Bedford. group of people. But like Chris Brasher, health and how sports bras can help stop Pearson hopes that as existing running who died in 2003, Nick Pearson wanted teenage girls from giving up on running. communities grow and with more shops the company to do something tangible "We knew we actually had to do opening, membership will rise to more than for running and runners. Sweatshop something, or all the talk of helping runners 50,000 in the next few years. The company started supporting Parkrun, back in 2004, would just come across as corporate BS," is currently creating a digital platform to keep running community members informed about upcoming events and their The runner's view SRC religiously and had individual progress. worked out when I was off Last year, six hundred runners, all kitted Graham Clark, duty, booked baby-sitters out in Sweatshop yellow jersey’s turned Edinburgh SRC and begged lifts so that I out for the annual Westminster mile. I felt very proud the wouldn’t miss a week. Individual stores as far away as Manchester day I got my Sweatshop Add to this the fact that and Yorkshire put on buses to get their club running shirt and my general level of fitness community members to the event. Pearson the tangible sense of was rising rapidly and I was hopes to take 1,000 runners to this year's achievement from losing weight constantly event. "We want those people who come having my card stamped meant that I was becoming along to our running communities to each week was a real fitter than I had ever been feel part of something bigger," he says. encouragement. I went to in my adult life. "Something that has both a local and a national identity." ●
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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 39 NEW OPENING
The venue has been designed as an "open stadium" and will have a max capacity of 75,000 FIELD OF JEANS
The opening of the Levi’s Stadium this August is being heralded as the dawn of a new era for stadium design. The venue, the new home of the famed San Francisco 49ers, has been described as the most technologically advanced building in sports
hen the San Francisco the use of space (the 49ers weren’t happy 49ers move to their with a planned housing estate as part of new stadium later this the deal) – saw the plans stall again. year, it will mark the To avoid another long delay and to ensure end of a long journey. the team would finally be able to move out WThe franchise, one of the most successful of its ageing Candlestick Park, the 49ers’ in the history of the National Football owners – the York family, led by CEO Jed League (NFL), first tabled plans to build a York – made a radical decision; to tear up new stadium back in 1996. Despite the city all existing plans and explore relocation of San Francisco supporting the plans and to Santa Clara, a city 40 miles away from offering a US$100m grant to help build the Stadium stats San Francisco. While the 49ers moving new venue in 1997, the project, however, away from San Francisco – removing the ran into trouble due to changes in the Designer/architect: HNTB need for a large-scale stadium – ended team’s ownership and differences of view Project manager: Hathaway Consulting the city’s Olympic ambitions and angered over the way the project should be handled. Structural engineer: Magnusson state officials, the city council in Santa The plans then spent a decade in a Klemencic Associates Clara pounced on the opportunity to bring state of flux, until San Francisco major Opening date: August 2014 a big-name sports franchise into town. Gavin Newsom launched a bid, in early Cost to build: US$1.2bn Negotiations over potential locations 2006, to bring the 2016 Olympic Games Total footprint: 176,515sq m begun in 2008 and a final approval was to the city – rekindling the plans for a (1.9 million sq ft) given in June 2010. Construction work new flagship stadium. The new proposals, Capacity: 68,500 (standard, began later that year – 13 years after the announced in late 2006, were based can be expanded to 75,000) first plans for a new stadium were tabled. on the construction of a new stadium Total sq ft of scoreboards: 13,600 at the site of the 49ers’ current home, Retail points of sale: 370 KEEPING IT GREEN the 69,700-capacity Candlestick Park. Restroom fixtures: 1,135 Designed by architects HNTB, the Another disagreement – this time over 68,500-capacity Santa Clara stadium will
40 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Construction work will be completed in July and the stadium will officially open in August
Five fascinating facts... 3 The 20,000sq ft 49ers Museum will be sponsored by Sony and will host sports 1 The stadium’s lower bowl will education programmes for youths have 35 rows of seats; the first 4 American footballers are big men - row will only be about 10 feet the 49ers locker room will feature away from the playing surface 10ft-tall walnut-wood lockers. 2 The stadium’s natural grass has been 5 At 48ft tall and 200ft wide, the growing for more than a year at West stadium’s two video scoreboards are the Coast Turf in Livingston, California largest of their kind in outdoor arenas.
be an open stadium with a natural grass be used to generate power all year round, field. It will feature landscaped pedestrian offsetting the electricity that is used during plazas, commercial community space, the 49ers home games. For the power it a 49ers superstore and a Hall of Fame needs to buy in from electricity suppliers, and museum dedicated to the history of the 49ers have signed an agreement the team. The 49ers have secured a 20- with energy giant NRG Energy to ensure year, US$220m stadium naming deal with sustainable power is being used. Through clothing giant Levi Strauss & Co, which will the unique partnership, NRG will help the see the venue called “Levi’s Stadium”. new facility become the first professional The stadium’s design allows it to cater football stadium to open with LEED for wide range of events – from football certification, the recognized standard for and motocross to concerts and civic measuring building sustainability. events. To add to its versatility, capacity Further green initiatives and solutions will be expendable to 75,000 for major include a high-efficiency geothermal events that require a smaller playing field. water system and a unique “green The stadium is also designed to meet the roof”, which will include a waterproof FIFA requirements for international-level membrane covered with plants. The association football, which will allow the roof will absorb rainwater, provide eco- stadium to host international friendly friendly insulation and help lower urban air matches and major tournaments. temperatures and mitigate the heat island What makes the Levi's stadium special, effect. The greywater within the stadium however, is the level of environmental will be recycled and reused throughout sustainability and technology built into it. venue. There will also be public transit The venue is currently one of the largest access and convenient bicycle parking to buildings registered with the US Green cut down the use of cars. Building Council and the first stadium that San Francisco 49ers project executive will have both a green roof and solar panels. Jack Hill says sustainability is at the centre It has already been widely touted as the of the design. “We’ve incorporated a lot of greenest stadium in the US. energy saving measures within the stadium In total the stadium will boast 20,000sq itself and we’re incorporated green ft of solar photovoltaic panels, supplied by thinking into everything we do – such as local company SunPower. The panels will recycling most of the construction debris.” sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 41 NEW OPENING
The 49ers' chief of technology Kunal Malik – one of Silicon Valley's leading tech experts
THE VISION FOR LEVI'S STADIUM HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE FAN EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE USE OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION access to high-speed internet experience. We wanted to Not only will Levi’s Stadium be one of the simultaneously. Until now, the make sure fans would be able most eco-friendly in the world, but it will limits of large-scale bandwidth to move around the stadium also be one of the most technologically have meant that stadium without missing any of the advanced. According to CEO Jed York, operators have found it play – but couldn’t find anyone the aim is to have a ticketless, cashless impossible to build a network who was doing it in real- building by enabling visitors to present that would let every single fan time so we had to design and their passes, order food and purchase connect at once. To solve the produce it ourself.” goods by using nothing but their mobile issue, The 49ers utilised the Those who prefer a devices. Fans' tablets and smart phones will stadium’s closeness to Silicon traditional scoreboard won’t also act as personal entertainment centres, Valley and recruited two top be disappointed either. information points and scoreboards thanks class IT professionals. Daktronics have supplied two to the 49ers mobile app. The club’s chief technology gigantic, 48ft tall HD-quality The app, custom designed to be used officer is Kunal Malik, screens which will be placed in the stadium, will feature a “real- regarded as one of Silicon at either end of the stadium. time dashboard” for game-day fan tech Valley’s leading tech experts There is also a 3.6ft-tall features and a data analytics suite for use and the man who led the The app has a range of “ribbon” border display that by the team’s executives. The idea is to creation of the IT department in-game features will wrap around the length of allow fans to step away from their seats at Facebook. He is partnered the 1,650ft inner bowl. – to visit bathrooms or to make purchase by senior IT director, Dan Williams, who Club president Gideon Yu said: “The at retail and F&B points – without missing spent four years at Facebook. The pair vision for Levi’s Stadium is to create the any action. The app will feature a live feed have announced plans to have a terabit of ultimate fan experience through the use of the game, replays, stats and even a capacity within the stadium. That means of innovative technology. The partnership function displaying queuing times at the that even if every single fan would bring an between Sony and Daktronics will outfit stadium’s various points of sale. internet device to use at the game, each the stadium with ground-breaking visual For the app to work, though, fans must smart phone and tablet would still have elements, setting its in-stadium experience have reliable access to the internet – and a around 15mb to use. apart from all other outdoor sports venues lot of bandwith. This in mind, the stadium Speaking at the SVForum sports and rivaling the home viewing option.” is set to have the best publicly accessible technology conference in Palo Alto in The stadium hosts its first event on 2 Wi-Fi network of a sports facility anywhere December 2013, Malik said: “Working on August when the San Jose Earthquakes and in the US. What makes it so special is that the Levi’s Stadium is like taking a blank Seattle Sounders take on each other at a it should allow all 68,500 fans to have piece of paper and redefining the fan one-off Major League Soccer game. ●
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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 43 STADIA ROUNDUP
STADIUM TOUR
Tom Anstey takes a look at the stadium projects currently underway in the UK and Ireland – from a Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Belfast to a £100m non-league venue
QMaking the case for GAA for the development which will comprise replace the existing Casement stadium. The new Casement Park stadium in Ireland’s sports minister Carál Ní Chuilín Additional facilities will include a new Belfast will be home to Antrim GAA – has reached an agreement with the Gaelic playing surface to established GAA the only Ulster county to appear in an Athletic Association (GAA) on a funding standards, creation of conference/ All-Ireland hurling final agreement of more than £62m for the corporate and community facilities, player £76m redevelopment of Casement facilities, press centre and upgrading of Park in West Belfast. the stadium lighting. planning approval as a key milestone for Work on the 38,000 all-seater stadium The project was green-lighted by the city of Belfast. is due to start in early 2014 with a view to environment minister Mark H Durkan “Stadium and major venue development hosting GAA Games in 2016. in December 2013 and is part of the is not just about sport and the benefits Heron Buckingham’s JV – a consortium government's policy to upgrade the associated with sport," she said. "It is also led by County Derry-based developer’s three major sports grounds in Belfast – about maximising social opportunities Heron Bros and supported by stadium association football's Windsor Park (see p. around major capital investments. development specialist the Buckingham 46) and Ulster's rugby ground at Ravenhill. "This is a hugely important development Group – has been appointed as contractor Sports minister Ní Chuilín described the for the people of West Belfast."
44 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The design of the stadium will feature flowing lines of external cladding and an undulating roof
QTottenham plans 20-acre stadium project
Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur flowing lines of external cladding, an has received planning permission for a undulating roof and the club colours to 56,250 capacity, all-seater stadium in Tottenham chair Daniel create a visually striking building. north London. Designed by the KSS Group, Spurs has not announced the projected the venue will form part of the larger Levy sees the new stadium cost of the stadium, although it is Northumberland Development Project – as a crucial factor in its estimated at around £400m. comprising 275 homes, a primary school, a Harringey Council has granted planning university technical college specialising in plans to become a regular permission for the project and also pledged sports, a supermarket and a public square to invest £9m towards improvements for community events. Champions League team of the area, while London mayor Boris The entire project will cover 20 acres Johnson has also pledged £18m of public (80,000sq m) and the design will feature money towards the scheme.
QTalks for Aberdeen's Loirston stadium back on
Scottish Premier League the Loirston site and believe it side Aberdeen FC has re- is the best option." entered talks to build a new The club intends to fund £50m stadium to replace its the venture partly by selling Pittodrie stadium. its current Pittodrie Stadium The new venue is to be for a housing development. located near the city's Cover The housing project received Bay and Loirston Loch. Plans outline planning approval originally put forward by the from the council in April 2011. club to build a 21,000-seat Barr Construction has stadium at Loirston were Aberdeen FC remains confident of securing the Loirston site been named the preferred put on hold in August 2012 contractor for the proposed when Aberdeen City Council that talks are now back on and in recent months have stadium. It is expected that rejected the plans. and advancing well. reopened discussions with training facilities for the club However, Aberdeen FC's "We still see Loirston as the the Council," he said. "We've will be in place before the chair Stewart Milne has said best location for the stadium invested a lot of money into stadium relocation.
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 45 STADIA ROUNDUP
The ambitious plans include the construction of 910 new homes adjacent to the stadium
QBrentford looks to break into the big time
League One football club Brentford the club’s Griffin stadium following its has moved forward plans to build a new demolition. The surrounding area will also 20,000-seat stadium in west London. The stadium will provide be regenerated with improvements to the The club has named Willmott Dixon as environment and infrastructure. its preferred development partner for the club with a sustainable The stadium is expected to be the project, which also includes 910 new completed in time for the 2016-17 homes. The plans will see Brentford move future as well as create new football season, while the homes will be from Griffin Park stadium, its home since homes by regenerating built over a six-year period. 1904 – and move to the new location on The project was master planned by Lionel Road South. a brownfield site FaulknerBrowns architects, while AFLS+P The new homes will be built adjacent designed the stadium. Planning consent to the new stadium – on the site of was given in December 2013.
QWait is over for Belfast's Windsor Park
The Northern Ireland construction of both new Executive has allocated £28m conferencing facilities and a towards the redevelopment new headquarters facility for of Windsor Park stadium in the Irish FA. Field dimensions Belfast. The works will see will remain at 110 x 75 yards Windsor Park become an and the stadium will be used 18,000 all-seater stadium with as the home for Northern a series of phased works. Ireland’s national team and The stadium is scheduled to open in 2016 Plans include the demolition the home ground of Linfield of both the Railway and FC. Planning permission In December 2013, three to begin during 2014 and be South Stand structures to for the redevelopment has months after the work was completed in 2016. be replaced by new stands already been granted, with the originally scheduled to begin. The revamp will be part that will partially enclose estimated cost of the project Ireland's sports minister Carál of the executive's £138m the stadium, the complete around £29.2m. Ní Chuilín has signed off on programme of stadium renovation of the existing The redevelopment was £31m of funding to complete redevelopment throughout North and West Stands, and finally given the green light the project. Work is scheduled the region (see page 44).
46 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The plans were unveiled by QPR in December 2013
QRangers looking to write new chapter at Old Oak
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is London mayor Boris Johnson recently club progresses and grows over the years planning a new 40,000-seat stadium as announced that turning Old Oak into a ahead, but we're very excited about being part of a major regeneration project of the new world-class city quarter is to be one the driving force behind creating one of Old Oak area in west London. of his main regeneration priorities for the best new urban places in the world,” Provisionally called New Queens Park, the city and that a Mayoral Development said QPR chair Tony Fernandes. “It will the scheme will see the stadium built Corporation (MDC) – only the second create a vibrant new destination, boost- alongside a new residential area with after the Olympic Park development – is ing local businesses, attracting visitors and 24,000 homes and commercial space to be set up to promote it. creating a thriving community.” to include a 350-bedroom luxury hotel, “Not only will this give us a top quality The club is working with Stadium Capital studios, offices, cinemas and restaurants. stadium to cater for QPR's needs as the Developments on the project.
QIron Arena for Scunthorpe
Scunthorpe United Football Arena’ is set to be developed Club (SUFC) has revealed as part of a mixed-use project ambitious plans for a new including a 120-bedroom 12,000-capacity stadium. hotel, a multi-use indoor arena, SUFC chair, millionaire community sports pitches and businessman Peter Swann, has a new transport hub. been keen to provide the club The initial designs and with a new home and move master plan have been from the 9,000-capacity created by the Frank Whittle Glanford Park to increase Partnership and include a the club's commercial sweeping curve on the main opportunities. To be located stand and a striking truss which close to the club's current pays homage to Scunthorpe’s The masterplan was created by the Frank Whittle Partnership Glanford Park ground, the ‘Iron steelwork history. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 47 STADIA ROUNDUP
QGrimsby Town FC
Officials from Grimsby Town Football Club are currently conducting a search for a location to house a new 14,000-capacity stadium and retail facility for the non-league side. North East Lincolnshire Council approved a 12-month period of exclusivity in November 2013 which the club will look at how land between Peaks Parkway and Weelsby Avenue could be redeveloped. The club has sought a new stadium site for some time and, after losing Rovers' new 21,000-capacity home will meet all FIFA and IRU standards a bid to use land in Great Coates, is focusing on the Peaks Parkway site, currently home to allotments and a QBristol Rovers to move north of the city former council depot. Bristol Rovers FC’s plans for a new stadium land next to the University of the West of have been given the green light after England's Frenchay campus. The Arturus a legal challenge against the club and Architects-designed project will centre QDon Valley, Sheffield supermarket chain Sainsbury's was thrown on the 21,700-seat stadium to provide a out by the High Court. new home for the club. Gleeds, Pegasus Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield has The club needs funding from selling Planning Consultants and TPA have also been demolished to make way for a its existing ground to Sainsbury’s to help been involved with the plans. new £40m sports and wellbeing park – pay for the new £40m stadium on the The new venue will feature a bowl design described as the most comprehensive northern edge of the city. Rovers have and will meet all FIFA and International Olympic legacy project outside London. already been given planning permission by Rugby Union standards. Facilities will The plans include a complete South Gloucestershire Council to proceed include a 1,280sq m gym, a 784sq m redevelopment of the site with a new with its new stadium development on premium bar and conferencing space. stadium at the heart if the development – providing a new home for the Sheffield Eagles (Rugby League) and Titans (Rugby Union) teams – as well as QConcrete plans tabled for Cornwall's rugby stadium new venues for basketball, gymnastics and snooker. A high performance centre Development company The additional space included. It will also include linked to Sheffield Hallam University and Inox has tabled proposals would be used for a physiotherapy suites. a National Centre for Sport and Exercise for the long awaited commercial development Though no team has as Medicine will also be created. Stadium of Cornwall to be which, in turn, would fund yet been confirmed to be built at Threemilestone the £15m, 10,000-seat moving into the stadium, near Truro. Inox, which stadium project. a trio of clubs – Cornish has already gained outline Included within its Pirates rugby team, Truro QBasingstoke Town FC planning permission to structure, full training City Football Club and build the stadium, has now facilities for able-bodied Truro Fencing Club – have Basingstoke Town FC has set its sights secured an option on an and disabled athletes, and all expressed their interest on a 5,000-seat football ground which additional 35 acres of land both professional and in relocating to the would meet League One standards. adjoining Langarth Farm. amateur athletes will be planned stadium. The scheme would be funded by re- placing the existing Camrose stadium with a 90,000 sq ft (27,432 sq m) retail development. The £10m stadium de- velopment has received the backing of Basingstoke and Deane Council (BDC) and is to be located west of the Hilton Basingstoke hotel. BTFC hope to begin the 2014-15 season in the new development. Alongside the stadium, the club is also planning to establish a £500,000 all-weather training pitch. The stadium would be the first-ever professional-standard sports venue to be built in Cornwall
48 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 www.tigerturf.com FaulknerBrowns are involved in the Swansea Tidal Lagoon project and have designed the water sports centre and oyster hatchery
ARCHITECT FOCUS FaulknerBrowns
Newcastle-based architects FaulknerBrowns have made their name as specialists in providing complex sports venues. We talk to senior partner Mike Hall about the practice, his career and the Aberdeen Aquatics Centre, which opens at Aberdeen Sports Village later this year
How did you get involved with the As Aberdeen will not be used as a major MIKE HALL ON Aberdeen Aquatics Centre project? diving competition venue, we felt the We won the Aberdeen project back in 2010 advantages of separate halls for diving THE ABERDEEN following an international competition and swimming outweighed them being AQUATICS CENTRE under OJEU (Official Journal of the combined. It allows for a completely European Union) regulations. The project separate warm up/warm down pool for was to provide much needed modern swimming competitions and flexibility swimming and diving facilities in the north- of programming generally when there east of Scotland. are different activities taking place. This decision, made on operational grounds, What does the project consist of? allowed us to express the two separate A 10-lane Olympic standard, 50m pool with forms architecturally: one a simple elegant seating for 500 spectators and a diving black box for swimming and the other, a complex comprising of a full complement taller sculptural curving form for diving. of boards and platforms up to 10m. Both tanks contain moveable floors providing What is your favourite part of the project? flexibility to meet the requirements of all I think the simple understated box for ages and abilities. The associated support swimming with careful consideration of accommodation includes steam and sauna natural light has worked particularly well. suites, offices and multifunctional spaces. If I was a diver, however, I couldn’t wait to be poised on the 10m platform so close Why did you separate the 50m pool from to the spectators in such a dramatic inti- the 25m pool with diving facilities? mate environment. We looked very carefully at the functional and operational issues behind this decision. How was sustainability taken into account? The typical configuration is to align these in There were a couple of key opportunities a single pool hall such as the configuration that we have taken full advantage off. at the London Aquatics Centre. Firstly, we worked with a local combined
50 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 heat and power company to provide what is effectively considered off-site renewables. In addition to carbon reduction, this also allowed us to make some savings on plant space. The secondary opportunity was afforded by natural light in both pool halls. We undertook a number of studies to get the best balance between top lit roof lights and window wall lights whilst managing to keep pool water glare within acceptable limits. The quality of natural light in the space feels absolutely superb.
What were the biggest The facility will provide training facilities for the Commonwealth Games this summer challenges of the project? There were a number of design challenges. simply providing a link between the two, bottling industry which stitches together The site for the aquatics centre is quite we wanted to celebrate the connection imagery from a series of underwater tight but also sits near the University, and have made it a central feature of the cameras. We have the containment in place adjacent to a recently completed major design with an expressed bridge morphing and, hopefully, fundraising will cover the dry sport facility which forms part of the into a dynamic central top lit circulation costs of the cameras and software wider Aberdeen Sports Village. This has route between the two pool halls its own separate entrance at the other What reactions have you had end of the site and we were required Was there anything you would have to the designs so far? to link the two buildings in order to liked to have done that you couldn't? The design has created a huge amount of reduce some of the staffing costs. This We did a lot of work with a Dutch company interest. The facility will provide some of was further complicated by a significant to provide the latest technology for the support and training facilities for the change of levels and a culvert running underwater video playback for coaching forthcoming Commonwealth Games to be between the two buildings. Rather than purposes. This uses software from the held in Glasgow. The GB diving coaches are sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 51 ARCHITECT FOCUS
I still get a great buzz from seeing those initial scribbles turned into buildings – and being able to improve peoples' opportunities to take part in sport
What drew you to a career in architecture Where do you get your inspiration from? I always liked making things as a child and I have a diverse range of Interests outside I enjoyed the usual construction toys like THROUGH THE architecture which I find helpful in creating Lego, even contemplating engineering as the right mind set for solving problems and a career and, hence, the decision to go to TRACING PAPER the creation of new ideas. Bath University in the days of the great These include cycling, kayaking and late Sir Ted Happold. Bath’s architectural Mike Hall, sports partner Nordic skiing as well as bee-keeping and course had a common first year with the at FaulknerBrowns Cuban Salsa. I find they all have a contem- engineers all learning together in one plative dimension even if finding a ready environment. I thought I could switch at place for the Moleskine notebook is a the end of the first year if need be, but little challenging! realised my calling was as an architect . How would you describe your philosophy Which architects do you admire? How did you start your career? when it comes to architecture? I was brought up on a diet of Le Corbusier, My first proper job was at Aldington Craig As architects we have a unique respon- Louis Khan and Alvar Aalto. I travelled and Collinge, working initially in their sibility to influence and shape our built widely on the trail of Corb buildings in newly established Bath office where my environment. Our training empowers us to Europe and India. My most memorable main project was one of the Hampshire think laterally when solving problems. architectural experience last year was a schools. Peter Aldington and my mentor, This begins with understanding clients’ visit to Peter Zumpthor’s Kolumba Museum Donald Wilson, had both been tutors at needs and those of society in general. In in Cologne, a truly masterful combination Bath University and we shared an office the sports sector, we need a detailed ap- of light and detailing. with Mark Whitby’s fledgling engineering preciation of functional sporting user and practice. The recession of the early 90s operational requirements. Only then can What do you love about your job? was, however, a great opportunity to we contemplate sporting innovation and I have a great job and wouldn’t swap it. I travel. I cycled around the world,ending up fine architecture resulting from this. The work with some excellent people here in in Hong Kong where I worked on the new musician must first practice his scales be- our Newcastle based office and lead the airport with Sir Norman Foster & Partners fore composing new pieces. designs for some great sports projects
52 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The Toronto Velodrome project is one of many the practice is working on oversees
The £65m dry sport facility in Den Background to FaulknerBrowns Haag will include a 3,000-seat elite arena and a sports academy aulknerBrowns specialises in creating a wide range sport- both nationally and internationally. I ing facilities and infrastructure relish the range of challenges, whether F for training, competition and it’s working on a new standard for a community use. It has designed major, swimming pool design or an innovative high performance centres in Sheffield, way in which building types can create Gateshead, Manchester and Loughbor- stronger opportunities for participation ough in the UK and at Apeldoorn and and engaging with communities. Den Haag in The Netherlands. During These buildings might have a three to the run up to London 2012, more than Lee Valley White Water Centre in London five year start to completion, but it is truly ten of the overseas teams held their inspirational seeing them take shape and training camps at FaulknerBrowns- a body of water that can harness tidal then being well used. Even just having designed venues. Two of the London currents to provide renewable energy turned 50, I still get a great buzz seeing Olympic venues (White Water Centre for 120,000 homes. The body of water those initial scribbles turned into buildings at Lee Valley and the sailing complex at will be protected by the lagoon walls and and positively changing peoples’ opportu- Weymouth) were designed by the firm provides a safe location for water sports nities to take part in sport. – as were four of the venues for Man- including sailing and kite surfing. chester’s 2002 Commonwealth Games. Outside the UK, FaulknerBrowns is And what do you enjoy the least? In 2010, the firm was invited by ARUP working on two velodromes in Canada, There isn’t much I don’t like really, to audit a master plan for an Olympic one for next year’s Pan Am Games in although we all have the odd bad day at the sporting complex in Ashgabat, Turkmen- the town of Milton, Toronto, and a com- office. Architecture is a broad church but, istan comprising a stadium, two arenas, munity velodrome in Edmonton. It is as a Partner, we have to manage design, velodrome and aquatics centre. also working on a £65m dry sport facil- finance and people. As well as the Olympic pool in Aber- ity in Den Haag, Holland, which includes Even though we have completed many deen, the company is currently involved a 3,000 seat arena that integrates elite sports buildings and have an excellent in the Derby Sports Park project and the sport with academic training and learn- team, each building is still a prototype massive Tidal Lagoon project at Swan- ing. The project is a partnership between and invariably something goes wrong, to a sea Bay. The Tidal Lagoon will capture two schools and the local authority. greater or lesser extent, at some point. ● sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 53 MAJOR EVENT LEGACY
Inspiring nations
The charity International Inspiration (IN) uses the power of sport to positively impact upon the lives of children and marginalised groups around the world. London 2012 Gold Medallist and IN trustee, Katherine Grainger, and IN’s Robert Morini, discuss the past, present and future of IN
TOM WALKER, SPORTS MANAGEMENT
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 We’re involved in a charity that’s able to go out there and create opportunities. The programme really does make a difference to people’s lives and I don’t think we should ever stop trying to make that difference. IN has reached more than 15 million children globally
nternational Inspiration’s foundations barriers – be it social, economic or physical. are firmly planted in a promise, one With the programme coming to an end in made by Lord Coe to the world in 2014, and having far surpassed its original Singapore in 2005 as part of the UK’s ambition, IN enters the second phase of bid to host the 2012 Olympic and its work on the crest of another promise: Paralympic Games. The promise was to capture the inspirational power of I‘to reach young people all around the world the Games in London by “keeping its and connect them to the inspirational flame alight and carrying the torch even power of the Games so they are inspired to further”, engaging and empowering more choose sport’. This led to the International generations through quality sport and Inspiration Programme, IN’s flagship physical activity. international sport legacy initiative, the IN aims to be inclusive, involving and largest ever associated with an Olympic is designed to inspire young people and Games. At the heart of the International those most excluded from basic rights and Inspiration Programme lay an ambitious opportunities around the world. aim, that of ‘enriching the lives of 12 million children in 20 countries through the power Why, and how, did you decide Katherine Grainger of high quality and inclusive sport, physical to get involved with IN? education and play’. KG: “I was always aware of IN’s projects The end result has been something so, when I was asked to be a part of it and extraordinary – more than 15 million come on board, I was massively flattered. children and young people have been It’s an incredible charity and to be able to reached globally; 230,000 teachers, be on the board, to help influence, guide, coaches and young leaders have been support and advise, is a privilege. Knowing trained in quality, inclusive sport; and that you could help change the life of one more than 40 national policies have been person out there is an honour. I have to say adopted, changed or implemented to that as a sportsperson who loves sports, promote better, safer physical education it’s wonderful to see the impact that sport and activity in schools and communities has made globally. It’s not projects that around the world. are trying to find the next superstar; it’s London 2012 was therefore more than not about inspiring the next Olympic or just medals. Through the International Paralympic champion – although that could Inspiration Programme, It inspired entire be a by-product – it’s about people learning generations, individuals and communities about themselves and enhancing their lives around the world through sport. It through sport. As an athlete, as much as demonstrated like no other Games that we all chase medals, titles and success, Robert Morini sport has the unique power to overcome what we love about sport is the reach sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 55 MAJOR EVENT LEGACY
it has and the difference and impact it makes in people’s lives.”
Can you tell us about IN’s history and its heritage? RM: “The charity was borne out of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, particularly from the Singapore Promise made by Seb Coe in 2005 that led to the development of the International Inspiration Programme. The programme had reached more than 12 million children in 20 countries around the world by the time of London 2012. Following the games, there was a rec- ognition of the incredible work that had been achieved and a promise to continue this work was made. This is where the charity was formed. It The legacy of London 2012 will live on far outside the borders of the UK brings together an expert board of trust- ees that come from the world of sport and international development, as well as There are always people to reach out to, and unless a team of professionals with more than a decade of knowledge, practice, and we feel that every single young person around expertise of working with sport on an in- the world is in a great place we can’t rest ternational scale.”
IN has reached more than 15 million people now – what is the next target? reach out to, and unless we feel that every What is it about sport that’s so KG: “It has actually reached more than 15 single young person around the world is in engaging and inspirational? million people now. I think that the key a great place we can’t rest. KG: “The simple thing with sport is that thing is, as much as we should celebrate it, Every successful project is a springboard to anyone can take part, anyone can try it, it that’s not the end point, it’s the beginning. the next project. It’s like elite sport - you’re doesn’t matter what your background is, IN is making things better for young people constantly looking for improvements, how what age you are, it doesn’t matter what around the world – that’s how and why to do it better and that’s exactly what IN culture, religion or race. There are no it was set up. There are always people to should be doing.” barriers in sport. Most people start because it’s fun, it’s playing, ultimately sport is playing and then it is whatever you want it to be beyond that. People can genuinely try to be the best that they can be, that’s quite an amazing thing to do. If you just want to do it to be a part of something special, to have friendships, to learn about yourself and other people, then that’s open to everyone as well. Nelson Mandela said it too, as a politician, that sport has the power to change the world. It’s just universal in its simplicity and it’s for everyone.”
IN is still in its adolescence, how can it ensure it continues to inspire people? KG: “As with any new project it’ll have a natural enthusiasm behind it, it’s the excitement of starting something new and something fresh. A successful organisation needs to keep that energy and positivity, it needs to know where it’s going, what it’s about, why it exists, those really sort of simple – but fundamental - things that The scheme targets young people in developing nations are the lifeblood. Everyone should be able
41 The IN programme works on three levels; with policymakers, practitioners and young people
to see what we’re doing, say why they’re a culture – but the level of engagement, “I look back at my life and I’m incredibly part of it and why it’s special.” energy and enthusiasm we got from lucky. I see great support, great family, everybody was simply extraordinary.” great friends, live in a great city with all Can you describe the moment when you these incredible opportunities given to first saw a programme on the ground? How does IN – through its partnerships me. I’ve worked hard for all the success RM: “My first experience of seeing – deliver on its ambitions? I’ve achieved but I’ve also taken any a programme on the ground was in RM: “The answer is in the question, it’s opportunity coming my way and it’s about Bangladesh. The biggest cause of death for through its partnerships. Everything is done seizing it when it comes. The difference is children up to the age of five in Bangladesh through local partners because we utilise that most people in most countries don’t isn’t malaria or malnutrition but drowning, local knowledge and we find solutions from have those opportunities. It’s not that they due to the high and differing levels of within our local partners. don’t take them, it’s that they don’t even water in flooding seasons. What we add is our knowledge and get them. We’re involved in a charity that’s The programme aimed at reducing experience in designing and delivering a able to go out there and give opportunities, drowning by teaching children how to programme that is centred around sport and then you really do make a difference swim in their local ponds, using very basic but that can achieve so much more. We to people’s lives and I don’t think we should equipment but learning a skill which was help to understand the bigger picture, to ever stop trying to make that difference.” truly lifesaving. Around the swimming evaluate it and make sure we are reaching activity, you’ve also got crèches being the right people. Fundamentally, the key How can people and built to keep those same children safe to success is that partnership working, organisations get involved? when the parents are busy with house making sure we find the right people to KG: “The easiest thing to do is to check out duties or working in the field. Watching implement that shared objective.” the internationalinspiration.org website, the community leaders and parents joining which they’re probably already doing if in and seeing those activities often being What would you say IN stands for? they’re listening, reading or watching led by young women, just summed up what KG: “I think International Inspiration things like this. Come and find out more you can do through sport. is fundamentally about making a information from us. A few months later there was a national difference to people’s lives and providing Knowledge is power, so get in touch via competition bringing together all the kids, opportunities where there weren’t any email, social media, the telephone, let- for the first time ever, in a swimming pool. before. It’s also about engagement, ters, whatever suits you! There’s always Watching the reaction on the faces of working with and for people here in the something to be done within every char- these children, their parents and the local UK and globally to link up, establish and ity. If you feel that’s important then it’s an elders was mesmerizing. You also had girls keep those partnerships. easy charity to get involved with and play and kids with disabilities taking part, in a What it stands for, on the moral side, is a part in to make a difference to people’s supposedly traditional and conservative really about making a positive difference. lives all around the world.” O sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 57 YOUTH SPORT
CHARTING THE LEGACY
This year marks the 21st year of the Youth Charter - a charity set up in 1993 to tackle educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime. Headed by a former karate world champion, it uses sport as a vehicle to obtain its goals.
well. The Youth Charter marked its 21st THE YOUTH CHARTER: birthday on 23 March 2014, by publishing Local dreams to Global reality… its full legacy report. Among the key recommendations for future programmes, the agency proposes the development of n 1993, Benji Stanley, a 14 year-old ten Social Centres of Excellence. schoolboy, was gunned down on the “The idea is to train ten thousand social streets of Moss Side in Manchester. coaches in the UK,” says Geoff. That same year, five-time world karate Through cultural activities, the Youth champion Geoff Thompson moved Charter will also deliver an international I to stop the senseless violence. girls’ empowerment programme in Drawing on his upbringing in collaboration with the Muhammad Ali London’s East End, and having Center for Peace. With the Youth Charter’s been part of Manchester's “coming of age”, Thompson hopes that bid team to host the 2000 the 200 page report will offer today’s Olympic Games, he created youngsters, as well as future generations, the Youth Charter, with a tangible and achievable goals. "mission to provide young people with opportunities IN THE BEGINNING in life through sport and The charter's launch in 1993 saw Britain’s cultural activity. most successful martial arts competitor Thompson lived near swap the dojo for a desk and a PC. “We’ve Moss Side, long an area had huge help from volunteers and support of deprivation, where from businesses," Thompson says. "One of the social and cultural them, Muse Developments, has provided hopes of young people our office in Manchester for the past 16 were low. Despite millions years.” being spent on regeneration Although Manchester missed out on initiatives after the riots of the the Olympic Games, the city hosted the 1980s, youth employment 2002 Commonwealth Games. Thompson prospects were low, the future was determined that British youngsters looked bleak. joined in by launching Connecting He describes the founding of Communities. Obtaining 1,000 tickets, the Youth Charter as a struggle his organization distributed 100 to young for truth. "It was – and is – the people in ten communities. Other steps greatest fight of my life, and a include the Charter’s 12-year legacy vocation that I could not turn initiative Citizenship in Action, which links away from, or ignore”, he says. 10 communities in the UK with 10 in the It's a fight that has gone rather Commonwealth with a series of projects to help disaffected youth.
Geoff Thompson, founder THROWING DOWN THE GAUNTLET of Youth Charter, is a five- When London was awarded the 2012 time world karate champion Olympic and Paralympic Games back in 2005, the Youth Charter threw down
58 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Founded in 1993, the Youth Charter aims to provide young people with opportunities in life through sport PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ DIEGO CERVO ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ PIC: the gauntlet with a call to action at coordinated and collaborative approach.” HOME AND AWAY Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall. “We The Youth Charter may have been Back home, the Youth Charter youth insisted that the Games should also inspire born on a Manchester street, but its culture programme was integrated into kids living on the streets of Britain, as well aims apply equally to youth around the Liverpool’s reign as European Capital as TV viewers,” Thompson says. Totally world. In 2007, Namibia hosted the of Culture in 2008. Two years later, apolitical, Thompson says he has enjoyed Southern Africa Social Coach Leadership the Muhammad Ali Scholars Tour of the being a thorn in the side of all political programme, with surrounding countries UK brought together British Council parties, reminding them that the often- participating in a unique workshop to scholars from the USA, who toured Britain mentioned Olympic legacy is still a major establish coaches, who could develop comparing and contrasting the shared priority: “We have to fulfill the Games the social, cultural and human potential issues that affect their everyday lives. pledge of delivering a legacy of ‘inspiring of young people and communities. At the Roehampton Legacy Summit, the a generation’,” he says. “By working with No wonder the Youth Charter is now scholars were joined by 200 delegates young people and communities, we can recognised as a United Nations Non- who debated the Olympic legacy, realize this legacy, by using a properly Governmental Organisation! then presented their thoughts to Lord Sebastian Coe’s bid team. That summit kicked off a five-year Youth Charter ambassador consultation at all levels of British society, Dame Sarah Storey including an e-petition in 2011 on the Access for All campaign. This asked the "I first became involved with Youth House of Commons to vote in favour of all Charter as a teenager because I felt pas- young people up to the age of 18 having sionately that everyone should have a free access to all community sports and chance in sport like I had, regardless of leisure facilities. Another milestone was their background. Seeing Geoff’s passion the Youth Charter’s Legacy Debate at for nurturing youngsters through sport, Salford’s Media City in 2012. Chaired by the arts and other structured activity Sarah Storey John Bercow, the speaker of the House was very inspiring. Since I first became of Commons, the forum followed up on involved, the charity has gone global, us- worlds “I call upon the youth of the world the 2010 legacy summit, with delegates ing sport as a bridge to bringing even the to pledge to gather again in four years- from schools and colleges highlighting the most socially-challenged youngsters back time…” I always think of YC because the Olympic Games legacy. onto a positive path. young people the charity reaches out to When an Olympic and Paralympic are always far more talented than their WALKING THE WALK Games comes to an end and you hear the communities have often admitted to.” The Youth Charter has a track record of achieving success. Take Adesuwa McCalla. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 59 YOUTH SPORT
Thompson describes the Youth Charter and its work as the "greatest fight of his life"
Developed over the past 10 years, the legacy bond has been designed to attract public, private, donor, institution and individual conributions
Back in 1994, she was on the Youth Then, there are the Southwark Tigers. BOUND TO A LEGACY Charter’s exchange from Moss Side to The Youth Charter worked to get Rugby In a busy 20th year, the Charter’s Los Angeles, exploring the legacy of the Union into inner cities. “That’s all about remarkable journey saw the launch of LA Olympics. Fired with enthusiasm, she social inclusion, “Geoff points out. its 2012 Games Legacy Report at the studied at university in the US, went in “In south-east London, Southwark is Palace of Westminster. After five years the film business in Hollywood and is now the first inner city rugby club, run by of nationwide consultation – which a highly-rated literary agent. How did she volunteers and the local community. involved all levels of British society and get funding? “We got money by running Now an increasing nunmber of kids want was supported by the public, private and a car park for away fans visiting Man to play rugby as they see it as a genuine third sector – the report calls for a truly United,” says Geoff. alternative to football.” integrated legacy opportunity for all. The report also provides the delivery of the current government’s big society Youth Charter Ambassadors and localism agendas. More importantly, it gives the locally developed multi- Britain’s sporting community has provided stakeholder networks real and sustainable significant moral support for the Youth potential with the local authority Charter. Over the past 20 years, 263 commissioning to communities through sporting ambassadors have signed Youth youth and sport facilities. Charter Scrolls, the symbols of opportu- The short, mid and long-term viability nity for young people and communities of legacy access for all will be the “legacy throughout the world. These include the bond”. Developed over the past ten late Nelson Mandela, David Beckham, Sir years, the bond has been designed to Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir attract public, private, donor, institution Stephen Redgrave, Dame Tanni Grey- and individual contributions to provide a Thompson, Dame Kelly Holmes, Dame central fund that ensures that money is Mary Peters and Dame Sarah Storey. Nelson Mandela with Youth Charter Scroll used, flexibly yet efficiently. It will form the next episode in the charter's story. ●
60 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Increase revenue Revive all pool types Replace tired water features Versatile innovative designs Products to suit all budgets
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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 61 SPORTS STRUCTURES
BUILDING UP A SPORT
A look at the flexible sports structure projects which are designed to help venues and clubs maximise the space available to them
Spartak goes for Stechert Due to open in July 2014, the new Otkrytie Arena will be the new home of Spartak Moscow as well as one of the stadiums hosting games at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Funded by Spartak owner, billionaire Leonid Fedun, the venue is being developed by AECOM at a cost of 14bn RUB (US$402, €294m, £244m). German seat manufacturer Stechert secured the contract to supply the seating for the 45,000-capacity stadium. Installation of the seats began in January 2014 and will be completed the following May. To maximise flexibility and utilise the space, all of the seats will be fixed on crossbars, allowing the space between the seats to be extended or reduced as needed. A total of 4,000 of the seats will be Stechert’s premium Copacabana seats, which will be installed The new Spartak stadium in Moscow, Russia across the VIP and business areas.
Spatial secures Brighton contract Spatial Structures has been constantly changing nature awarded the contract to build of the British weather we are a covered training pitch for seeing a growing demand in Championship football team sports clubs wanting to cover Brighton and Hove Albion. existing facilities. Covering The new pitch is part pitches means that bad of a £20m development weather no longer needs to led by Buckingham Group stop play or training. The new Contracting which will include building will give the club a 13 outdoor pitches at New fantastic all year round, all A steel framed membrane covers the structure Monks Farm, Lancing, West weather training facility.“ Sussex. The steel framed Mike Jeffreys of membrane facility will cover Buckingham Group said: “We an area 78 x 60sq m and will have found Spatial Structures provide a half-sized pitch to be co-operative and enabling training to carry on positive in the way in which whatever the weather. they have sought to integrate Terry Young, managing the design and delivery of the director of Spatial Structures, covered pitch facility within commented on the project: the overall training ground “Given the unpredictable and development." The new facility will ensure training can take place in any weather
62 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The project cost £16m to complete
Rubb comes up with the goods at Ipswich Academy sports hall Rubb Buildings joined forces with spaces for teaching and a sports block, long multi-sports playing area, based on a construction giant Balfour Beatty to which will be a custom-made part four-court badminton hall. deliver a custom-made sports structure fabric structure and a main sports hall. This area, situated at the rear of the containing a mix of spaces as well as a Alongside the sports building is a new building, can also be converted to one main sports hall as part of a new £16m all-weather sports pitch built to FIFA basketball court, one netball court, one academy in Ipswich. competition standards. tennis court or one 5-aside football The new campus is made up of two The split level 20m span x 70m long pitch. A 4m high x 37 long amenities buildings, a main block which houses sports complex boasts a 7m high x 33m block completes the front of the facility and includes an entrance lobby, a dance studio, executive studio, changing facilities, four store rooms and a seminar and educational room. Visitors to the building enter via the main aluminium, glass-panelled entrance which is operated electrically. Steve Hawley, estates and facilities manager for the Learning Schools Trust – which operates the academy – said: “Rubb provided an ingenious solution and was able to offer a design for a sports hall that met our requirements and those of the planning authorities. “The sports hall offers light, airy spaces that inspire great physical activities and learning about health, sports and PE. The facility is widely used by the The sports complex boasts a 33m-long playing area community and is creating a real impact.”
Viable Alternative To Seat Replacement Faded seats are a problem cost to the facility and the cancellations. The Seat for stadium owners and environment - so what about Renew System works by deep clubs – especially if installing repairing them? cleaning the seats to remove a new system would mean One of the systems the chalky layer and return changing existing set ups and offering refurbished seats seats to the original colour. losing space. Unfortunately, is New Zealand-based Seat A thin coating is then faded old seats leave a Renew’s Fade Management laminated to the surface lasting impression on fans Plan. Work is carried out on to act as a barrier from the which adversely affects their site without removing the weather – similar to how sun impression of the facility and seats from the grandstand – a block works on skin. by default, its sponsors. typical 40,000 seat stadium A maintenance programme An example of how the Until now the remedy for can be totally restored in is then tailored to keep seats Seat Renew system can weathered seats has been to about two weeks. in the restored condition. The breath new life to even replace them with new ones. Work can be carried life expectancy of renewed the most faded seats This comes at enormous out after hours to avoid seats is between 10-15 years.
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 63 SPORTS STRUCTURES
Triple decker for ATP tournament Arena Group introduced its new triple decker hospitality structure as part of the Sponsor Hospitality Village at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in November. In total, the company provided 9,000sq ft of temporary overlay at the tournament, which was held at The O2 in London. It is the fifth year that Arena has been involved with the ATP World Tour Finals as part of its long-term relationship with organisers ATP & AEG. In line with the organiser’s ambitions to create a warmer practice environment for players – and a more exclusive viewing environment for sponsors – Arena worked closely with the ATP’s production and sponsor hospitality To maximise the space available at the O2, Arena combined the training and corporate areas teams to design and install a bespoke 15m x 35m triple deck hospitality structure and the open front enabled fans to public, with 500 tiered seats supplied by overlooking the players’ practice court. view the ATP’s top players practising at Arena Seating. Within The O2’s main arena, The structure was carefully engineered the venue. Elsewhere in The O2, Arena custom broadcast studios and camera to fit seamlessly against a 40m x 20m Group supplied extensive temporary platforms were installed, to be used by Tensioned Fabric Structure (TFS) housing event overlay including structures for international broadcasters, across The O2’s the court, therefore giving guests of the the Racquet Club Hospitality Lounge, permanent tiered seating. event’s portfolio of sponsors exclusive Media Centre, Tennis Family and Player Daniel Bluff, project manager, Arena views of the action. Restaurants, Offices and VIP accreditation. Group, explained: “This year’s new practice The TFS featured a new white lining An additional 40m x 50m TFS located court and hospitality structure showed to create a brighter environment for within the event’s Fan Zone incorporated what can be achieved with our extensive the players while maintaining the heat, two further practice courts, open to the stock inventory and skilled design teams.”
Audience Systems' stands at the venue
Flexible seating for tennis and boxing. It also When not in use, the closed rear access steps used in hosts exhibitions and music seating units are tucked some of the configurations. Barnsley Metrodome events. The flexibility of the beneath a balcony. BPL chose Richard Bailey, events Audience Systems has seating has a large part to to fit the new retractable and catering manager at installed new retractable play in allowing the venue to platforms with individual The Metrodome said: “The seating structures at Barnsley attract such a diverse range upholstered seats, replacing newly installed telescopic Metrodome as part of venue of events. The newly installed the previous benches which seating system looks great. operator Barnsley Premier retractable platforms seat had been in service for 24 The advice throughout the Leisure’s (BPL) strategy to 500 people in five banks. years – and were also installed sales process coupled with cater for a wide variety of Each retractable unit is by Audience Systems. the expertise of the project events. The Metrodome mobile – once closed, the Metrodome’s 500-seat management and installation plays host to the Weber units can be hydraulically installation took eight team has given us a fantastic Cup for ten pin bowling, jacked onto trolleys and ma- days to complete on site. addition to our facility, world championship pool, noeuvred to create different The installation proved taking the Metrodome into and a range of other sports seating layouts, including the- straightforward, with the the premier league of UK including taekwondo, table atre style and catwalk. units aligning well with the sporting venues.”
64 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Old Trafford Ashes benefits from Olympic fencing Old Trafford venue managers turned to technology developed for the London 2012 Olympic Games when they were looking to increase capacity for the 2013 Ashes series in England. Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC), whose home is at Emirates Old Trafford, approached event overlay and perimeter fencing specialist Zaun to provide a high security temporary perimeter protection system at the ground. Specifiers and safety officials wanted The Heineken House structure at the Sochi 2014 village took a week to build to create an extra three metres of space around the ground’s perimeter to remove ‘pinch points’ and enable better spectator Neptunus provides Sochi 2014 with Heineken House flow within the venue, without affecting Having provided a number of facilities A covered walkway connects the pedestrian and traffic flow around the at the London 2012 Olympics, main structure to the Olympic Club stadium, so needed fencing with a small temporary structures specialist where athletes, sponsors and VIPs can footprint. LCCC used Zaun’s MultiFence Neptunus worked in partnership with gather for the duration of the Games. temporary fencing solution to expand Heineken and the Dutch Olympic Neptunus also built a Heineken ice bar the perimeter and increase capacity for Committee (DOC) to supply additional on the rooftop. the third Investec 2013 Ashes Test while structures for the Holland Heineken On the same site Neptunus erected ensuring the asthetic appeal of House at Sochi 2014. As an official several temporary storage facilities as the ground was not altered, as the supplier to the DOC and a partner to well as a TV studio, which was similar MultiFence system was branded with Heineken, Neptunus was selected to to the one it built at London 2012. event and advertising messages. build Holland Heineken House in the Temperatures at Sochi, however, meant Zaun has been granted a patent for its grounds of the AZIMUT Hotel Sochi just that the studio had to be completely MultiFence security fence assembly that 500m from the Olympic Park. closed with walls and windows. it created especially for the London 2012 The installation of a double deck April Trasler, Neptunus’ managing Olympic Games. The mounting of the temporary structure took Neptunus director, said: “We partnered with fencing on concrete blocks means that a technicians a week to build. Inside there Heineken on the project on the back of considerable amount of space is saved. was a large entrance lobby and a radio London 2012. We also have experience In recent years, Old Trafford has under- studio on the top floor for a Dutch of working in Russia, which meant that gone a £40m redevelopment designed to station to broadcast sports programmes we were able to deliver a high quality attract more international cricket and ma- live from the Games. venue suitable for world-class athletes.” jor music and entertainment events. Effective sport and leisure facility operations lead to high performance levels and customer retention
SPORTS LEISURE The Sports & Leisure Facilities Forum will provide an FACILITIES FORUM insight into the latest technology, innovations and & developments across all aspects of the sports & leisure facilities business and is designed to help advance 26th June 2014 your projects and increase ROI, regardless of where Madejski Stadium, Berkshire you are in the buying cycle. For supplier companies, you have the opportunity to meet, network and create future business relationships with potential clients who have a genuine need for your company’s products & services.
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A new Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme has been launched as part of a strategy to improve standards in the natural turf sector. We speak to Jason Booth, who's leading the scheme, about the challenges faced by the industry. GROUND CONTROL
he new Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GNTIP) is a joint initiative between the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG), the TEngland & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), The Football Association (FA), The Football Foundation and Sport England. It has been designed to raise the standards of sports surfaces by providing grassroots and volunteer groundsmen with guidance and advice to increase the understanding of sports turf management practices for football, cricket and rugby. Weather conditions The programme, which co-ordinates and tight budgets can industry, funding providers and NGBs, place pressures on aims to provide a strong infrastructure of playing pitch operators support to the public and voluntary sectors during a time of financial austerity, while
also providing links to Sport England’s pitch advisors across England. Booth’s Protecting Playing Fields award recipients role will be to lead and manage the – via the provision of post-contract advisors, and he will be a key conduit support, advice and guidance. between the sports bodies and the IOG, The programme is headed up by leading the programme’s strategy and Jason Booth, who will have a team of its local delivery. eight regional pitch advisors covering the English regions. They will liaise with MUCH NEEDED HELP the national governing bodies and will Booth is the head groundsman at Leeds report directly to Booth and to the IOG’s Rugby and has also undertaken consultancy regional advisory panel. work for the likes of RFL, the FA and The programme builds on the work of the IOG. “I love a challenge and GNTIP the IOG’s network of regional advisors certainly offers that in terms of upgrading established five years ago with a grant grassroots pitches throughout the country from the ECB, whose number – with the and up-skilling the people responsible for additional funding now available – will be their care and maintenance,” Booth said. Jason Booth expanded to eight full-time regional “The sector is simply lacking suitable and sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 67 NATURAL TURF
Booth joined IOG after a long career as head groundsman at Headingley Carnegie
sufficient groundscare knowledge The aims of the Grounds and Natural respective sports county networks and understanding, and by aiming Turf Improvement Programme within each region, engaging clubs to boost the level of much-needed and leagues across each sport. awareness the new programme will, Q Enable players to access the best possible “The message will cascade down in turn, allow me and the regional facilities in their local community into grassroots clubs far quicker if pitch advisors to demonstrate not Q Reduce the likelihood of cancelled matches we meet these groups,” says Booth, only the practical benefits – in and training, thus helping economic viability “than it would if we’d try sending a terms of improved playability – Q Maximise potential opportunities for growth locally regional pitch advisor to visit every of high-class yet cost-effective Q Build sustainable relationships at a local, sports pitch in the country. That sports turf management but also regional and national level across sport. said, the regional pitch advisors our passion for the groundscare will be available to make site visits industry and the desire to up-skill and draw up recommendations the people within it.” hands of volunteers - and this is an area for improvements to playing “The framework for the programme’s where the art of groundscare has often surface(s) as well as suggesting appropriate success has already been laid down – been ‘lost in translation’.” education/training routes to the many the blueprint was devised and has been Booth is convinced that one strategic club volunteers and those involved in successfully applied in recent years by aspect of the programme will depend on groundsmanship locally.” the IOG/ECB regional advisor network backing for the project from high-profile Booth is convinced that the project and, more recently, also by the RFL Pitch groundstaff together with the elite sports will be successful, mainly due to it being Improvement Programme. clubs and stadia. “Their support will be run by a team of passionate groundscare Booth adds that the first task he faces crucial,” he argues. “With the support of experts. The team will be able to offer is to broadcast the message and the famous venues and their recognised head independent advice that many grassroots resultant benefits to a wide audience in groundsmen, the programme’s concept clubs are simply unaware of – advice which order to reach sports grounds, club and will be easier to ‘sell’ into the grassroots could drastically improve the playing volunteers who persevere with limited sector. I will be using my full network of performance of natural turf surfaces. and outdated equipment. friends and contacts to encourage full “It’s a process that the whole turf care “Another major target area are local involvement in this respect.” industry should champion, Booth says. authority sites that have been negotiated “This includes suppliers and manufacturers. locally with local community groups WORKING THE NETWORK Never before have we as an industry had and clubs as asset transfers,” Booth Another major aspect of Booth’s role will such an opportunity to make significant continues. “Following the transfers any be to communicate the programme’s improvements throughout sports and right problem of maintenance is left in the benefits ‘downwards’ via meetings with the down to grassroots level.” ●
68 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES DESIGN + SALES + SERVICE + INSTALLATION The Total Solution… from “Concept to Construction”
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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 69 SPORT SURFACES PITCHING UP A look at sports surfacing projects - from training pitches to specialist surfaces for the disabled
Powerleague expands sports offering
Five-a-side football Lucozade an opportunity to engage Powerleague is looking to with other user profiles within expand its reach in Manchester our communities and engage by offering sports other them in a positive way by than football. The company offering a wider range of has replaced two indoor 3G sports such as badminton, football pitches at its Trafford netball and basketball. We’ve Manchester site with a Taraflex worked in partnership with Sport M synthetic sports floor Badminton England to ensure – supplied by Gerflor – in a bid that the facility is suitable as a The operator is looking to attract a wider range of users at the centre to get more members of the badminton performance centre local community playing a wider and took specification and fit requirements. "Firstly, we had with the client on cost plans range of sports. The venue out advice from Gerflor. to provide a sports surface to reduce expenditure. Finally, will be know as Powerleague "The refurbishment that would satisfy national or the look had to be bespoke to Multisport Arena @ Trafford. programme was completed international sport federation Powerleague. Over a dozen James Price, director of on time and on budget largely requirements for badminton, CAD plans were provided marketing at Powerleague, down to the preparation and netball, basketball, volleyball together with samples to get said: “Lucozade Powerleague planning of the parties involved and encompass a full size futsal the look and feel just right.” has tremendous community in the early stages.” court,” he said. “Secondly, Lucozade Powerleague reach. We have thousands Darren Wood, Taraflex programme time and budget currently operates 46 football of teams playing within our Sport manager said there had to be hit. Down time centres and attracts 1.2m visits facilities every week. We saw were three key specification costs money and we worked per year in the UK.
Chelsea invests in Cobham training site
White Horse Contractors' association with Barclays Premier League side Chelsea FC has seen renovation works undertaken at the club’s Cobham training ground. Building on the relationship that the company has enjoyed with the club for more than 15 years, White Horse Contractors were chosen as the contrac- tor of choice for the initial construction of the first team pitches in 2003. “White Horse built phase one and two and then continued to build the whole training facility,” explained Jason Griffin, Head Groundsman at Chelsea FC. “Each phase gets upgraded every year, and cur- rently, White Horse is in the process of renovating the ‘phase five’ pitches. This involves ten full-size pitches being Work in progress at Chelsea's Cobham training centre re-graded, levelled and re-seeded.
70 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The new facility at the Damilola centre
Damilola Taylor Leisure Centre treated to Tigerturf Polytan|STI installed a circular track at Dalian
A Peckham leisure centre has been Chinese Games contested on Polytan surface equipped with a new sports zone as part of efforts to encourage more local adults and children to The Chinese province of Liaoning held participate in outdoor activities. the 12th National Games of the People’s With the previous surface at Republic of China from 31 August to 12 the Damilola Taylor Centre having September. The largest national sporting reached the end of its natural life, event in China saw athletes compete in a the London Borough of Southwark, total of 350 events across 31 disciplines. which oversees the day-to-day Polytan|STI and its longstanding partner management of the leisure centre, company, C. Melchers & Co, had already decided to invest in a new system begun work back in May on two sports to rejuvenate its sports offering in facilities in the port city of Dalian that the local community. were used for the National Games. At One of the new hockey pitches at Liaoning Following a tender issued by Bailey the Liaoning Maritime Sports School the Garner Architects, TigerTurf UK was Polytan|STI team installed two MegaTurf employed for training. The running tracks selected to produce a replacement Cool Plus hockey pitches, one of which is were also supplied by Polytan|STI. At the surface, primarily for football use. certified to FIH Global standards – a first Dalian Sports Center a circular track, a The result was the installation of for Polytan|STI in China. warm-up track and two indoor areas were a TigerTurf Soccer Real 60XQ 3G The facility was extended by two Poligras installed – resulting in nearly 30,000sq m surface, completed by sports surface hockey pitches by STI. The FIH Global- of the Polytan M system being used. The contractors, Agripower. Boasting certified pitch was used for a variety circular track in the main stadium is IAAF FIFA 1 and 2 star accreditation; of events, while the other fields were Class I-certified. TigerTurf’s Soccer Real 60XQ is Following the Games, the new a premier football product which installations have continued to be in meets the needs of professionals and regular use: while the hockey pitches are the community alike. being used by national and international The third generation synthetic turf hockey teams for training purposes, the system has a 60mm pile height and Dalian Sports Center has had a busy comprises two unique profiled fibres; schedule of sports events of a wide range. part-filled with rubber and sand The installation of both projects had which enhance the overall playing to be completed in just 40 days – a real characteristics Thanks to the blend challenge, given that the Polytan team was of two profiled fibres, the system is faced with adverse weather conditions. durable while maintaining the look of Heavy rainfalls and cool temperatures at a healthy playing surface throughout the start and severe heat waves towards its entire lifespan. The refurbishment the end of the project meant that the contract also included the installation individual steps had to be coordinated of replacement fencing and as much as possible with the weather pavements, to ensure the centre can forecasts. Another challenge faced by handle a greater number of local the project management team was the residents of the facilities. logistics: the two projects were installed The project was completed in just 40 days simultaneously, but were 50 km apart. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 71 SPORT SURFACES
Tennis courts receive new lease of life
The tennis courts at Old Albanian Tennis Club in St Albans in Hertfordshire have received a new lease of life following a Replay Rejuvenation and will now be fit for play for a number of years. The courts at OA Tennis Club had not been maintained properly since they were laid and were in a state of disrepair. Following a full site survey, Replay Maintenance was confident that by implementing the correct maintenance The surfaces were restored to an 'as new' level programme, even the most heavily affected areas of moss and algae on the surface Dark patches were evident right across drain. The surface had also become could be restored to an ‘as new’ condition. the courts, highlighting the contamination slippery under foot. At 10 years' old, the tennis courts were that was present within the surface The club expected that resurfacing suffering the consequences of age, with infill, while areas of standing water were would be the only solution, and were contaminated material affecting both the commonplace after heavy spells of rain, relieved to discover this wasn’t the case aesthetics and the playing properties. demonstrating the inability to adequately after contacting Replay.
School athletics
British Olympic Heptathlete Denise Lewis has officially opened the new athletics facilities at St Mary’s School, Ascot, Berkshire. Smith Construction was awarded the £1.4m contract to provide the The academy has invested £25m in upgrading its sports facilities school with a six-lane, 400m athlet- ics track, complete with associated athletics facilities; an eight-lane Multisports for an academy 100m sprint straight; pole vault; hammer and discus facility; water jump; shot put and long jump. A full Fulwood Academy in Preston, Lancashire, on the pitch. For the MUGA, Thornton sized hockey pitch to comply with recently invested £25m in new sports chose a porous Polyflex 950/4 polymeric FIH specifications was built within facilities. As part of that, the academy surface – ideal to use for schools and the track, complete with fencing. appointed Thornton Sports to provide amateur clubs due to its softer surface a full-size artifical football/hockey pitch which helps prevent and reduce injuries. and a MUGA on site. A SudsPorts conduit system was also Thornton supplied the football pitch installed within the sub-base layer of the with its its SoccerTurf 40M product – a MUGA to provide a sustainable, cost- 3rd generation surface that complies with effective combined sports surface and IATS (FIFA I*) and International Hockey drainage solution. Painted line markings Federation (FIH) performance criteria. The provide opportunities for tennis, netball surface was chosen due to its adaptability, and basketball while fencing was installed Denise Lewis at the track's launch event which allows a range of sports to be played around the perimeter.
72 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Gloucestershire FA invests in artificial turf at Oakland Park
The recent £650,000 upgrade of Gloucestershire FA’s Oakland Park Stadium is already making a difference by allowing tournaments and games to go ahead despite the recent extremely wet weather. A new synthetic pitch (Soccer Pro 60), manufactured and installed by SIS Pitches, has replaced the previous natural pitch, ensuring the surface can be used throughout The pitch will allow club to cater for children with impaired vision the year, whatever the weather. The Soccer Pro 60 surface is made guide lines on the surface and white bat- from a Polyethylene monofilament Frimley CC aims to ting curtains to help players pick out the and the surface is tested to 50,000 become centre for ball. Having already won backing from the Lisport cycles and to FIFA star Surrey Cricket Board, funding for the proj- Quality Concept Performance. visually impaired cricket ect was secured from a range of sources The project took SIS 14 weeks to including Surrey Heath Borough Coun- complete and was undertaken with cil, Surrey County Council Councillors, a number of partners, including One of Surrey’s oldest cricket clubs has The ECB, Lords Taverners, Surrey Cricket Pitchbase, Murfitts, Garside Sands, invested in a new practice facility that Board and Frimley Fuel Allotments Charity; Stauf, J Halliday and Citadel Security. will mark a key step toward it becoming alongside a variety of fundraising efforts David Neale, CEO of Surrey’s centre for Visually Impaired (VI) within the club. Gloucestershire FA, said: “The cricket. Established in 1820, Frimley CC Frimley CC has been awarded ECB new surface has enabled coaching is based on a public recreation ground in Focus Club status and was named the new sessions and matches to be played West Surrey, close to the Berkshire and home of Surrey’s VI squad, having worked out in all winds and weathers without Hampshire borders. with the Surrey Cricket Board to instigate the traditional mud-bath effects. Supplied by total-play, the two-lane, VI cricket in the county. During January 2014, when nearly all 33m fully-enclosed facility is based on a Club chair, Gary Dunford, said the club grass pitches were unfit, the football ECB-approved tp365 system. A 2.4m high wanted to establish itself as a centre for centre hosted up to 10 football security fence and pedestrian access gate disability cricket. “It was absolutely vital matches each weekend, including completes the basic specification, with that we created a safe, secure and flat multiple adult 11v11 league games." bespoke elements including a brightly co- net facility at Frimley if we were going to loured two-tone carpet, the use of white develop VI Cricket at the site,” he said. Challenge the expected, deliver the unexpected
www.matrixfitness.co.uk FITNESS IN SPORT
The physical demands of a racing driver requires specialist training programmes
SPORTING STRENGTH
Lauren Applegarth looks at how fixed resistance equipment still plays a key role in assisting athletes achieve success
he latest fitness trends suggest that functional RESISTING THE FORCE training areas and rigs are increasingly being added eing a racing driver is extremely to accompany traditional challenging both physically and Sport: Formula 1 Tresistance equipment on the gym floor. mentally; you need to be in B Client: Lotus Formula 1 Fixed strength equipment, however, the best condition possible to cope still plays a key role in many facilities – with the demands,” explains Marlon Junior Team, UK and it’s powering some of the world’s Stöckinger, Lotus F1 Junior Team driver. Supplier: Matrix top professional sports people to Consequently, physical fitness is one success, from tennis stars to Premier of the eight key areas of development League football teams. identified by the Lotus F1 Junior speed to the brake; and accelerator Incorporating fixed strength Team, which has been established and grip strength to maintain maximum equipment into sport-specific by Gravity Sports Management and control of the car at all times. training programmes isn’t exclusive the Lotus F1 team to uncover motor Based at the Lotus F1 Team factory to professional athletes either; it’s sport’s stars of the future. in Enstone, Oxfordshire, the team’s accessible to players of all ages and Aside from a resilient cardiovascular Human Performance Centre is abilities. Rob Thurston, commercial system required to maintain an equipped by Matrix Fitness. Products director at fitness equipment average heart rate of 140–160bpm, from its commercial strength series, manufacturer Cybex, says: “Fixed strength training is essential to combat Ultra and Aura, are incorporated into strength equipment is still central to the physical demands of the sport. the bespoke training programmes of many sports gym floor layouts. Drivers must focus on building the drivers to focus on key muscle “There are many examples of neck strength to withstand groups. Specifically, drivers use sports people at all levels using cornering at speed and high the rotary torso, seated leg strength equipment in their training G-forces; core strength to curl, leg press, leg extension programmes – it’s all about using the manage tight movements at and Matrix’s functional trainer. right kit to develop the attributes extremely high speeds; strong “The equipment helps me applicable to your sport.” and reactive glutes and legs train the specific muscle groups We look at ways in which resistance to apply correct pressure and that are crucial for racing at kit is being used by elite athletes, and a high level,” concludes how amateur sports enthusiasts can Marlon Stöckinger Stöckinger. benefit from similar techniques. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 75 FITNESS IN SPORT
Tottenham Hotspur’s new training centre in Enfield opened in 2012
FUNCTIONAL POWER development, creating a greater spectrum Sport: Football to progress exercises.” Strength equipment from Keiser’s Air Client: Tottenham Hotspur he physical wellbeing of professional range is incorporated into the football- footballers can be the difference Football Club, UK specific strength and conditioning T between a trophy-winning season Supplier: Keiser programmes used by the players. Unlike or one to forget; with 38 Premier most fixed resistance equipment with League fixtures, FA Cup and League weight stacks, Keiser’s range uses air Cup competitions and spells in the UEFA “We used Keiser equipment at our old pressure to provide resistance. Champions League and Europa League training centre and our players were The range targets upper body, for the last four seasons, fitness levels of extremely satisfied with it,” says lower body and core strength, the players at Tottenham Hotspur FC are Wayne Diesel, head of medical as well as offering a detailed crucial to the club’s success. services at Tottenham. “As part information display. “Keiser’s Air In September 2012, the Premier League of our commitment to research resistance equipment delivers side opened its new training centre in into football-specific training, we ease of regulation of power Bulls Cross, Enfield. A 77-acre facility, needed equipment that would output as a percentage of the training centre comprises 15 grass allow functional power the player’s maximum; pitches, a covered artificial pitch, pool the ability to spot and hydrotherapy complex, altitude room, Wayne Diesel, head asymmetries between sports rehabilitation suites and a large- of medical services at opposite limbs,” scale gym equipped by Keiser. Tottenham Hotspur explains Diesel.
gym at Edgbaston Stadium, home to Sport: Cricket Warwickshire County Cricket Club. “The equipment we chose allows for Client: Warwickshire County a wide variety of exercises, uses and Cricket Club, UK loads, and its flexibility meets the needs Supplier: Technogym of the players’ unique specialisms,” adds Armstrong. The gym incorporates Technogym’s Multipower, a lifting rack REHAB & that allows for assisted lower and upper limb exercises. This was used as part of a PERFORMANCE comprehensive rehabilitation programme for three of the club’s bowlers who he physical demands of cricketers suffered back stress fractures last year. are unique to each player’s Products from Technogym’s Selection T specialism: from tall, strong and Strength and conditioning coach MED line were also installed, including powerful fast bowlers to shorter wicket Chris Armstrong on the kit the leg extension and leg press, which keepers who place a large amount of are designed specifically to support pressure on their hamstrings during long explains Armstrong: “Resistance training rehabilitation and users with various days in the field. Building and maintaining takes priority pre-season, throughout physical conditions during exercise. peak physical fitness enables batsmen to November and December, as the players The equipment also allows the team score more runs, bowlers to maintain their focus on building up their baseline to quickly bring new players up to the desired pace and accuracy for longer, strength; in January the programme required strength and fitness levels. and fielders to sustain high levels of switches to developing power and speed; “The adjustable head rest and handles of concentration and faster reaction speeds. and then, when the season starts in April, the leg press ensure players are seated While teams train year-round, the strength training is again incorporated to in a safe and uncompromised position, intended outcome of their strength and maintain high performance levels.” allowing them to put significant loads on conditioning programmes will also change In 2013, Technogym installed their legs without compromising their depending on where they are in a season, resistance equipment in the on-site back,” explains Armstrong.
76 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Novak Djokovic successfully defended his ATP World Tour Finals title at London’s O2
ACEING IT Sport: Tennis Client: ATP World Tour Finals, UK ower, strength, agility, Supplier: Cybex International UK P endurance, flexibility and speed are all vital abilities for Alongside CV equipment, the gym tennis players at any housed the Bravo Pull and Bravo Press, level of the sport and, two pieces from Cybex’s cable-based while time spent on- Bravo Functional Training system. court is essential, time Clay Sniteman “Cable-based training is perfect for spent in the gym is tennis players, as it allows for the multi- often where a competitive edge is gained. directional movement required for the In November 2013, as the climax to sport,” explains Sniteman. “By using the the men’s professional tennis season, the Cybex Bravo, players benefit hugely from Barclays ATP World Tour Finals returned the range of motion, angles and stability to London’s O2 arena. Continuing a work, being able to isolate parts of the partnership that dates back to 2009, body during their workouts and target the Cybex International UK was chosen to weaker areas from abdominals to core, equip the tournament’s on-site gym. back to shoulders and even lower body.” “Having a gym within the venue opens up The Bravo functional training system is a lot of opportunities,” says ATP World one of Cybex’s key strength pieces and is Tour medical director Clay Sniteman. used at a number of elite training centres. “Players can run their own functional “The Bravo system combines the warm-up sessions, cool down after features of selectorised and cable-based matches or even rehabilitate injuries they strength training equipment to deliver pick up during the tournament.” endless possibilities,” says Thurston.
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The latest news from SAPCA and its members
Sports Facility Show dates announced for 2014
The next SAPCA show on sports facility funding, design, development and manage- ment is to be held at Warwickshire County Cricket Club on May 20th 2014. The Sports Facility Show is a one-day event aimed at anyone involved in the development Members of the Wheelchair Racing Academy at the SAPCA AGM in January of sports facilities – from sports clubs and schools to leisure operators and local au- thorities. Its aim is to broaden the experience Wheelchair Racing Academy appointed and skill base of UK sports providers in an effort to refine construction standards and as SAPCA sponsored charity facilitate exceptional sports and play. The event will be delivered in close co- The University of Warwick Wheelchair Racing to represent local athletics club Coventry Godiva operation with the Birmingham Sport & Academy has become The Sports and Play Harriers both in the UK and on the global stage. Physical Activity Partnership, whose role is Construction Association’s (SAPCA) sponsored SAPCA hopes to use its unique position to get more people, more active, more often. charity for 2014. Following the sporting success within the sports and play construction industry A new feature for all three events will be a of London 2012 and The 2012 Paralympic Games, to generate further support for this deserving dedicated “Advice Centre”, manned through- the charity has seen an unprecedented demand charity and raise much needed funds to purchase out the day, which will provide support and from differently able athletes who want to take new equipment and help in the cultivating of information to delegates on different aspects part in wheelchair racing. future paralympians. of sports facility development. Since being established in 2011, it has offered The academy is recognised by British Athletics The event will give those attending the training, coaching, support and real sporting as one of four national hubs for wheelchair latest insights into a range of topics. These opportunities for athletes of any ability or racing and is a member of Sported, a charity include funding sources for sports facilities, impairment, with 59 disabled athletes training transforming the lives of disadvantaged young how to make a funding application, designing with the academy since its launch and going on people through sport. multi-use games areas and how to cost-effec- tively renovate existing sports facilities. There will also be sessions on design, lighting, sports surface maintenance and procurement. Technical Committee to raise standards “We put on these invaluable shows to en- rich the industry and ensure that UK facility SAPCA has launched a new and information for those who are owners, developers and managers are armed specialist committee responsible involved in the development of with the latest knowledge, skills and tech- for developing and overseeing the sports and play facilities projects nology of the sports and play construction delivery of a technical programme. across the marketplace. industry,” says SAPCA CEO Chris Trickey. Composed of experts from The committee will also address “Why? To ensure that sports and play facili- a variety of fields and a range of important technical issues that are ties are built to the highest standards and disciplines, the SAPCA Technical often central to the association’s to promote a culture of ongoing interest in Committee will also be responsible relationships with sports governing improving the industry.” for agreeing the association’s Commitee chair bodies and will oversee the delivery The first of three Sports Facility Shows in policies on technical issues pivotal Bill Pomfret of the regular technical meetings. 2014 takes place on May 20th at Edgbaston to the industry, such as the The first meeting of the cricket ground. Two more events will follow construction standards embodied in SAPCA’s committee was held on 25 November 2013 later this year – 17 June (Elland Road, Leeds) various codes of practice and coordinating the under the chairmanship of Bill Pomfret, managing and 28 October (Ravenscraig Regional Sports industry’s input into the development of relevant director of Thornton Sports’ synthetic grass Facility, Motherwell). British and European standards. manufacturing division, Nordon. Those interested are advised to book early The role of the Technical Committee will Pomfret said: “SAPCA’s technical programme by calling the dedicated booking line 024 7776 include the on-going development of SAPCA’s plays a vital role in the association’s work to raise 7226 or visiting www.sapca.org.uk. technical guidance, which provides valuable advice standards of sports and play facilities.”
78 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Looking for a supplier? Interested in becoming a SAPCA member? Tel: +44 (0)24 7641 6316 • www.sapca.org.uk
The London 2012 Olympic Games were successful in visibly supporting sport in the UK Beyond the legacy of London 2012: Why participation is up, people are more engaged and sporting standards are higher
At SAPCA’s recent Annual Conference a host of citizens of London and Great Britain will benefit industry experts gave their views on the lasting from the Games for a long time to come. ‘ legacy of The 2012 Games. “The Games have sparked countless initiatives, such as Get Set, aimed at encouraging sports Decades ahead participation in schools. There are monetary Emma Boggis, head of the Cabinet Office’s Olym- benefits too. The GREAT Campaign aims to pic and Paralympic Legacy Unit, offered a number secure £11bn of economic benefit from trade of encouraging statistics to SAPCA members. and investment by 2016 and a further £2bn from “The Games succeeded in creating an ongoing increased tourism by 2015.” legacy in four key areas,” she explained. “They visibly supported sport and healthy living, boosted World-class athletes and expertise Emma Boggis at the conference economic growth in the UK, added an emphasis Andrew Bacchus, head of Global Sports Projects on the importance of community engagement for UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) built on Em- and aided in the regeneration of East London.” ma’s insights with a special presentation on The “The UK economy has already seen a £11.06bn “In the Inspired by 2012 report July 2013 Export Legacy for Global Sports Projects. trade and investment boost from the London Jacques Rogge said: ‘The London 2012 Games “London 2012 showed that Britain not only Olympic and Paralympic Games, one year into have definitively served as a catalyst for has world-class athletes but also the world-class a four-year programme of activity and events.” development and improvements, both tangible expertise, knowledge and innovation to deliver and intangible, which would otherwise have taken the most high profile event in the world on time Maintaining momentum decades to achieve. There is no doubt that the and on budget,” he enthused. While the UK is so far reaping the benefits of The Games insofar as an increase in sports participa- tion, funding, investment and community interest, Forthcoming Presentations Chris Trickey, CEO of SAPCA, stresses that the race is far from over. The following presentations can be found on Education Sector. Speaker: Karen Wol- “We’ve taken huge strides towards achieving the SAPCA website: www.sapca.org.uk: land, wctd limited sporting greatness through the 2012 Games, The Legacy of London 2012. Speaker: How to Accelerate The Growth of but we need to think of this triumph in terms Emma Boggis, Cabinet Office Your Business. Speakers: Nigel, Knapp, of running a marathon, not a sprint. While the Commonwealth Games Legacy. Francis Christie Ltd Games undoubtedly caused a huge surge in Speaker: Graham Finnie, sportscotland Developing Standards for the Per- interest in sports, it’s up to key decision makers The Export Legacy for Global formance of Shockpads. Speaker: in the industry to ensure that momentum is Sports Projects. Speaker: Andrew Bac- Martin Laidler, Trocellen GmbH maintained. We need to be doing all we can to chus, UKTI Football Facility Strategy and Fund- increase participation, maximize funding and Funding for Sports Facilities in the ing. Speaker: Mark Pover, The FA reinvigorate interest. For the legacy of the 2012 Games to be ongoing, so must our efforts.” sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 79 The latest news and views from SAPCA
The crucial choice: which contractor do you choose?
How SAPCA membership ensures “absolute quality”
APCA membership is a safeguard Building or adding to a sports or play facility can be a for facility owners against poor construction standards and inferior daunting prospect, especially with tales of contractors installations. “Investing in a new Ssporting facility or refurbishment is exactly finishing installations to sub-par standards and going over that: an investment, so some element of risk deadlines and budgets. But how do you ensure quality? is unavoidable,” explains SAPCA CEO Chris Trickey. “Whether it’s a football pitch, a MUGA or an athletics track, as the key decision maker experience in their trade; the financial stability to contractor from SAPCA’s extensive list of over for your facility, it is up to you to ensure that the support contracts; and a commitment to deliver 200 members across a variety of disciplines, you build is right for you and fit for purpose. Very outstanding quality of workmanship. are making a commitment to your facility, and early on in the planning stages of your project “SAPCA membership is a seal of approval,” we in turn are making a commitment to you by you’ll face one crucial choice: which contractor, explains Tony Hession, SAPCA project manager. enforcing strict quality guidelines to ensure the supplier or consultant do you choose? “It signifies that a contractor is committed build is fit for purpose.” “To minimise the substantial investment risk to to meeting the very highest standards and facility owners, SAPCA has a system in place to furthering the provision of sport and play Strict quality guidelines ensure contractors meet the highest standards. through excellence, so we take it very seriously. How does SAPCA ensure excellence? To We would urge anybody commissioning a sports “To make sure each member is commendable, maintain high standards and ensure its stringent or play facility to only use a SAPCA member. we undertake random site inspections to ensure membership criteria is being met by every “All our members are carefully vetted to that projects are being constructed to the individual member, SAPCA has an annual Technical ensure they are financially stable,” he adds. “They standards required by the association’s codes Audit Programme through which it monitors undergo rigorous and random inspections to of practice. We also take post-project feedback the standards of members’ workmanship and monitor quality and, to maintain membership, from each installation to establish satisfaction their continued compliance with the relevant they must meet a set of strict quality guidelines.” levels with contractors’ performance. membership criteria. SAPCA vets members by measuring them “The last thing facility owners want is a Each year a number of member companies against three key criteria. To gain membership, costly installation that is unfit for play or needs are selected for the audit, with inspections each prospective associate must have practical further work,” he emphasises. “By selecting your of completed projects being undertaken by an independent assessor. Feedback on the companies’ performance is also sought from a wide range of people, including clients, sports governing bodies and the wider industry. As a whole, the feedback process is designed to be constructive - providing valuable, informed feedback and encouraging companies to consider possible improvements, however there are potentially serious consequences should a company be seen to have performed below the expected standards. The benefit for clients is the reassurance that SAPCA members undergo quality assurance testing and, if an issue does arise, that SAPCA can undertake a mediation role in any dispute and guide negotiations to achieve a mutually favorable outcome.
Financial stability SAPCA has always included financial strength as an important membership criterion, but The Each year, SAPCA carries out a number of inspections on completed projects Association has now introduced a new system to
80 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 THE SPORTS AND PLAY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION
THE SPORTS FACILITY SHOW STUMPED?Edgbaston Park, Birmingham - Tuesday 20 May 2014. IF YOU FIND THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF SPORTS FACILITY DEVELOPMENT MORE THAN A LITTLE DAUNTING, THIS EVENT COULD BE FOR YOU. FREE SEMINAR, EXHIBITION AND EXPERT ADVICE FOR ANYONE INVOLVED IN SPORTS FACILITY FUNDING, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT.
REGISTER NOW - Call the dedicated booking line – 024 7776 7226 email [email protected], scan the QR code or visit www.sapca.org.uk/edgbaston
For the full programme details, visit - www.sapca.org.uk/edgbaston www.sapca.org.uk Tel: 024 7641 6316 [email protected] The Sports and Play Construction Association Federation House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2RF BUILDING BETTER SPORTS AND PLAY The latest news and views from SAPCA
Core benefits for customers
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now has more than 200 members across a number of sectors )\LMFMXMSRWERHWIQMREVW6IKMSREPIZIRXW JIEXYVMRKXLIPIEHMRKGSRWXVYGXSVWSJ WTSVXWJEGMPMXMIWERHWYTTPMIVWSJVIPEXIH “SAPCA now Monitors the financial TVSHYGXWXSKIXLIV[MXLETVSKVEQQISJ WLSVXTETIVWSROI]EWTIGXWSJWTSVXW stability of its members on an annual basis” JEGMPMX]HIWMKRERHGSRWXVYGXMSR
WXVIRKXLIRMXWVIUYMVIQIRXW-RSVHIVXSIRWYVI [SYPH[SVO[LIRMX[EWTIVLETWTVSQMWIHSR XLEXXLIEWWIWWQIRXSJEGSQTER]´WJMRERGMEP ERYRVIEPMWXMGXMQIJVEQI[IHSWIIMX What are the different WXEFMPMX]MWMQTEVXMEP7%4'%[SVOWGPSWIP] ±3FZMSYWP]RSXEPPGSRXVEGXSVW[LSPEGO types of SAPCA members? [MXLXLIGVIHMXVIJIVIRGIWTIGMEPMWX)\TIVMER 7%4'%QIQFIVWLMT[MPPFIKYMPX]SJXLMW²LI ERHFEWIWMXWQIQFIVWLMTVIUYMVIQIRXWSRXLI EHHW±&YXEW7%4'%QIQFIVWLMTMWIJJIGXMZIP] 7%4'%´WQIQFIVWLMTWXVYGXYVIGSQTVMW- 'SQQIVGMEP(IPTLM7GSVMRK7]WXIQYWIH[MXLMR EWIEPSJETTVSZEPJVSQXLIVIGSKRMWIHXVEHI IWWM\HMWXMRGXKVSYTWSJQIQFIVW XLI)\TIVMER6MWO6ITSVXW EWWSGMEXMSRJSVXLIWTSVXWERHTPE]GSRWXVYGXMSR Group 1: Principal contractors 7%4'%HIQERHWXLEXEPPGSRXVEGXSVERH MRHYWXV]MXGPEVMJMIWXSXLIGYWXSQIVXLEXXLIMV 7TIGMEPMWXGSRXVEGXSVWXLEXHIWMKRERHGSR- WYTTPMIVETTPMGERXWQYWXLEZIEQMRMQYQ [SVOMWSJXLILMKLIWXUYEPMX]ERHWYTTSVXWXLIQ WXVYGXWTSVXWERHTPE]JEGMPMXMIWMRGPYHMRK 'SQQIVGMEP(IPTLMWGSVISJSYXSJ MRXLIMVFMHXSJSWXIVI\GIPPIRGIERHMQTVSZI XIRRMWGSYVXWTMXGLIWEXLPIXMGWXVEGOWGVMGO- [LMGLIJJIGXMZIP]QIERWXLEXEWEWXEVXMRK WXERHEVHWEGVSWWXLIFSEVH² IX[MGOIXWFS[PMRKKVIIRWERHQYPXMYWI TSMRXETTPMGERXWQYWXFIMRXLIXST SJ 0MOIQER]GSRXVEGXSVW[MXLXLIFIRIJMX KEQIWEVIEWEGXMRKEWXLIQEMRGSRXVEG- 9/FYWMRIWWIWJSVJMRERGMEPWXEFMPMX]&YXEW[IPP 7%4'%QIQFIVWLMT1EVOMWEHEQERXXLEXMX XSVWJSVTVSNIGXW EWETTP]MRKXLMWVIUYMVIQIRXEWETVIVIUYMWMXI FVMRKWGPIEVEHZERXEKIW ±;ILEZIJSYRHXLEX Group 2: Surfacing contractors JSVEHQMWWMSR7%4'%RS[EPWSQSRMXSVWXLI QIQFIVWLMTFVMRKWEHHIHZEPYIXSTYVGLEWIVW -RWXEPPIVWSJWTSVXWWYVJEGIWXLEXLEZIMR JMRERGMEPWXEFMPMX]SJMXWQIQFIVWSRERERRYEP EWEREWWYVERGIXLEXXLIGSRXVEGX[MPPFIGEVVMIH LSYWII\TIVXMWIMRWYVJEGMRKHMWGMTPMRIW FEWMWERHVIUYMVIWXLEXGSRXVEGXSVWERHWYTTPMIVW SYXXSXLIVIUYMVIHWXERHEVH² Group 3: Ancillary contractors GSQTP][MXLVIUYMVIQIRXWJSVJMRERGMEPWXEFMPMX]MR 'SRXVEGXSVWIRKEKIHMRVIPEXIHXVEHIW SVHIVXSVIRI[XLIMV7%4'%QIQFIVWLMTEXXLI Raising industry standards [MXLMRXLIMRHYWXV]WYGLEWJPSSHPMKLXMRK WXEVXSJIEGLRI[QIQFIVWLMT]IEVMR.ERYEV] 7%4'%´WGSVIVIQMXMWXSJSWXIVI\GIPPIRGI JIRGMRKPMRIQEVOMRKERHQEMRXIRERGI TVSJIWWMSREPMWQERHGSRXMRYSYWMQTVSZIQIRX Group 4: Manufacturers & suppliers “The benefits are simple” XLVSYKLSYXXLIMRHYWXV]MRSVHIVXSTVSZMHI 1ERYJEGXYVIVWERHWYTTPMIVWSJTVSHYGXW 1EVO3EOPI]SJ7%4'%ETTVSZIHGSRXVEGXSVW XLILMKLUYEPMX]JEGMPMXMIWRIIHIHEXEPPPIZIPW YWIHMRXLIMRHYWXV] ,YRXIV'SRWXVYGXMSRI\TPEMRWXLEX7%4'% SJWTSVXTL]WMGEPEGXMZMX]VIGVIEXMSRERHTPE] Group 5: Professional services QIQFIVWLMTMWXLIVIWTIGMJMGEPP]XSWEJIKYEVH %GSVIGSRWXMXYIRXSJXLMWMWHIPMZIVIHXLVSYKL 4VSZMHIVWSJTVSJIWWMSREPWIVZMGIWMRGPYHMRK JEGMPMX]S[RIVW,ISYXPMRIWWSQISJXLIOI] GEVIJYPP]WIPIGXMRKSRP]XLIFIWX9/GSRXVEGXSVW GSRWYPXERXWERHPEFSVEXSVMIW FIRIJMXWXSXLIIRHYWIV WYTTPMIVWERHGSRWYPXERXWERHIRWYVMRKXLI] Group 6: Affiliate members ±8LIVIEVIMWWYIW[MXLMVVIWTSRWMFPI[SVOMRK WXMGOXSHIJMRMXMZIGSRWXVYGXMSRJVEQI[SVOWXS 3VKERMWEXMSRWXLEXLEZIEHMVIGXMRXIVIWXMR QIXLSHWKSMRKSRMRXLIMRHYWXV]EWXLIVIEVIMR MQTVSZIMRHYWXV]WXERHEVHWSREREXMSREPWGEPI XLIHIZIPSTQIRXSJWTSVXWJEGMPMXMIWMRXLI ER]ZSGEXMSR;LIXLIVMX´WXLVSYKLHIWMKRWXLEX ERHWYTTPIQIRXXLITVSZMWMSRSJWTSVXF]EGXMZIP] 9/ERHEGPSWI[SVOMRKVIPEXMSRWLMT[MXL EVIR´XJMXJSVTYVTSWIFIMRKEGGITXIHSVWMQTP] IRWYVMRKEPPMRWXEPPEXMSRWEVIJMXJSVTYVTSWIERH 7%4'%WYGLEWREXMSREPKSZIVRMRKFSHMIW FIGEYWIXLIGSRXVEGXSVLEWWEMHETVSTSWEP [SVXLXLIVMWOSJMRZIWXQIRX
82 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 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 A Tennis Courts Courts To book your 4 Rupert Law Close, Quorn, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 8PE advertisement in the B Synthetic Pitches SAPCA DIRECTORY Tel: 0800 294 8066 C Athletics Tracks Fax: 01509 558691 call John on email: [email protected] +44 (0)1202 742968 D Multi Sports A D A D I J K P E Natural Sportsturf F Play Surfaces Honours Yard, Specialist Installer of Synthetic Surfacing Lodge Lane, for Sport & Play Throughout the UK Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP84AJ T. 0116 2813200 To book your advertisement E. [email protected] T: 01494 766673 F: 01494 766674 www.dura-sport.co.uk in the SAPCA directory call tel: +44(0)1636 615866 E: [email protected] John on www.charleslawrencesurfaces.co.uk www.thechilterngroup.co.uk +44 (0)1202 742968 A B C D O Q A D I J K O Q S A B D F
Hunter Construction (Aberdeen) Ltd, Centaur House, Natural & artificial Thainstone sports pitch specialist Business Park, Design, Build & Maintain the Finest Ten- Inverurie nis Courts & Sports Surfaces Tel: (0116) 246 0500 Fax: (0116) 246 1561 AB51 5GT Tel: +44 (0)1256 880488 01621 85 86 86 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01467 627290 Fax: 01467 625791 Email: [email protected] www.etcsports.co.uk www.fossecontracts.co.uk E-mail:[email protected] Web: www.kestrelcontractors.co.uk
A B D A D I J K O P S B D B E
McArdle Sport-Tec is one of the UK’s Unit 32, Clwyd Close, longest standing artificial pitch and track Hawarden Industrial Est, contractors. In the past our 3G installations Manor Lane, Hawarden, CH5 3PZ, have included: Manchester United FC, Stoke City FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, West T: 01244 533184 Cosgrove Road, Old Stratford, Milton Keynes MK19 6AF Bromwich Albion FC, Swansea City FC & F: 01244 533184 POLYTAN SPORTS SURFACES LIMITED Tel: 01908 260217 Fax: 01908 261659 Reading FC. Phone: 0845 224 1416 Fax: 0845 224 1617 T: 01491 827810 E: [email protected] Email: [email protected] McArdle Sport-Tec Ltd Email: [email protected] 1-2 Thames Park, Lester Way, E: [email protected] www.landunitconstruction.co.uk Wallingford, Oxon OX10 9TA. www.mcardlesport.co.uk www.plattconstruction.co.uk www.polytansports.co.uk
E B C D A D J K P Q B C D O
Newbury Berkshire t: 01635 34521 LOOKING FOR A SUPPLIER? www.sandcslatter.com SIS Pitches ...sports surfaces for all [email protected] Experts in the manufacture, design and construction of sports fields and training complexes INTERESTED IN BECOMING SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SURFACES AND Tel: 01900 817837 Fax: 01900 817605 EQUIPMENT FOR: ● Multi-Sport Facilities Email: [email protected] A SAPCA MEMBER? ● Cricket Facilities ● Play and Educational Facilities www.sispitches.com D F B D E J K O P Q R 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
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 83 ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS KEY
G Adhesives B&L Fencing Services Ltd Phone: 01527 882101 H Aggregate Producers Fax: 01527 882123 I Equipment Suppliers T: 0161 214 8722 E: [email protected] www.blfencing.co.uk www.athleticsdirect.co.uk Fencing Specialists to the Sports Industry J Fencing Systems K S I J K Floodlighting L Indoor Structures ADVANCED COATING Sports flooring · Sports surfaces BRITANNIA SYSTEMS FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION SURFACES M Paint Manufacturers 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 e. [email protected] www.bridome.co.uk www.britanniapaints.co.uk Email: [email protected] O Sports Surface Suppliers
L M P O P Surface painting/Line Marking Q Civil Engineers & Sports Lighting Specialists www.cuphosco.com Groundworks
LEADING AIR DOME MANUFACTURERS R Irrigation & Pumping Design . Manufacture . Install . Maintain T: 01883 743988 F: 01883 744076 E: [email protected] Tel: 01920 860600 S Fax: 01920 485915 Maintenance Tel: 0800 9886370 www.collinson.co.uk www.covairdomes.co.uk Email: [email protected]
L L K
Leading in Artificial Suppliers of Adhesives for all applications in To book your Turf Systems the sports surface industry advertisement in the Phone: +31 (0) 384250050 SAPCA DIRECTORY Tel: 01889 271751 Tel: +44 (0) 131 629 0437 E-mail : [email protected] call John on www.edelgrass.com www.envirostik.comwww.envirostik.com www.fieldturf.com +44 (0)1202 742968 O G O
MULTI-USE SPORTS The UK’s No.1 provider of FLOORING FOR ALL Materials Recovery & Recycling ROUND PERFORMANCE TARAFLEXTM floors for sport COMMUNITY tel: +44 (0)114 262 6580 Call: +44 01926 622600 Granwood Flooring Limited, Alfreton DE55 4ZX UK Email: contractuk@gerflor.com T: +44 (0)1773 606060 F: +44 (0)1773 606030 email: [email protected] Visit: www.gerflor.co.uk E: [email protected] www.granwood.co.uk www.hsgplc.co.uk/recovery
O O I O P O
High quality sports posts, nets and tennis court equipment T: 0121 783 0312 T: +44 (0)1276 855 666 F: +44 (0)1276 855 999 F: 0121 786 2472 www.markharrod.comwwwwww.mamarkharrod.com E: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.hexasports.co.uk www.luminancepro.co.uk Products for Sport
I I K I
Murfi tts Industries Ltd THE SPORTS AND PLAY Station Road, Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9AD Tel: 01842 860220 CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION Fax: 01842 863300 CAN BE CONTACTED ON: www.mri-polytech.com Email: [email protected]
Tel: 024 7641 6316 O O Email: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk To subscribe to Sports Management, log on to www.leisuresubs.com email [email protected] tel +44 1462 471913 fax +441462 433909. Annual subscription rates are UK £27, Europe £37 rest of world £58, students UK £13 Sports Management is published each quarter by The Leisure Media Company Limited, Portmill House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1DJ, UK and is distributed in the USA by SPP, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. Periodicals postage paid @ Manchester, PA. POSTMASTER. Send US address changes to Sports Management, c/o PO Box 437, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. The views expressed in print are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher The Leisure Media Company Limited. 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. Printed by Manson Group Printers. © Cybertrek Ltd 2014 ISSN 1479/9146
84 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS CONTINUED
SPORTS PITCH www.playrite.co.uk Temporary CONCEPT TO buildings CONSTRUCTION Tel: 01926 423918 www.neptunus.co.uk www.obriencontractors.co.uk
L O Q O
To book your advertisement in the Complete lighting solutions for all sports venues www.progame-shockpads.com www.philips.com/lighting Contact: Martin Laidler – Sales Manager SAPCA DIRECTORY E. [email protected] Tel: 07831 178690 T. 01773 838000 t: +44 (0)7920 711442 e: [email protected] call John on Email: [email protected] www.re-bounce.com +44 (0)1202 742968 K O O
9,73(@4HPU[LUHUJL3[K >LZSL`/V\ZL>OP[[SL*SVZL Manufacturing Ltd 5L^HYR5.+@ Manufacturing high-quality All the space you need artificial sports turf for you Specialists in Tension PUMV'YLWSH`THPU[LUHUJLJV\R we will never stop innovating Membrane Structures. ;HRPUN*HYLVM)YP[HPU»Z Tel: 01900 812796 Fax: 01900 815509 01242 700277 :WVY[Z:\YMHJLZ www.rubb.co.uk Email: [email protected] www.spatialstructures.com
I P S L O L
Surfaces and Celebrating 20 years providing durable, equipment for sport, resilient & quality To book your play and leisure. multi use sports floors Synthetics sports pitch mainenance experts Tel: 01858 545789 01244 321200 tel:// 08702 400 700 fax:// 08702 400 701 advertisement Fax: 01858 545890 [email protected] email:// [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] www.sportssurfacesuk.com web:// www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk in the SAPCA I O O S directory call John on The future TM Sports of fencing +44 (0)1202 Buildings Cleaning, marking and lining of sports surfaces tel: 01902 796699 +44 1724 710 681 | [email protected] Tel: 0845 058 0644 or +44 1342 851172 email: [email protected] 742968 www.veldemangroup.com www.white-line-services.com www.zaun.co.uk
L I P S 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 shows: · Tuesday 20 May: Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham · Tuesday 17 June: Elland Road, Leeds FC, Yorkshire · Tuesday 28 October: Ravenscraig Sports Facility, Nr Motherwell, Scotland
MORE INFORMATION: SUPPORTED BY Tel: 024 7641 6316 Email: [email protected]
www.sapca.org.uk GREATNESS IN THE DETAIL
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 85 Product round-up sport-kit.net the search engine for leisure buyers
Wherever you are in WKHZRUOG¿QGWKHULJKW products and services 24 / 7 UK Premier League club by logging on to Sport trials Q App food orders Management’s free search
Through the Q App mobile ordering engine www.sport-kit.net platform, West Bromwich Albion FC fans can use their mobile phones to place food and drink orders at the Polytan surfaces club’s Hawthorns stadium. As well as for ISTAF Berlin removing the need to carry cash, Q App is designed to let supporters avoid Polytan installed its modern Polytan queuing to place their orders, while M athletics surface at the O2 World also enabling staff to process more at Ostbahnhof, Berlin, for the first orders and promote special offers. indoor Internationale Stadionfest Fans can order food from their mobile Berlin (ISTAF). Top international phone before and during the game. athletes, including discus Olympic and world champion Robert Harting, sport-kit.net KEYWORD pole-vaulters Björn Otto and Raphael qapp Holzdeppe as well as shot-put world champion David Storl, competed at the indoor venue on 1 March. As a partner of the ISTAF Indoor event, Polytan is also installing a mobile sport-kit.net KEYWORD Hertha Blue 85-metre sprint track. polytan
DLF lays down new Brighton and Hove FC seed mixture for Brazil books Spatial Structures Seed from DLF’s Johnsons Sports Seeds range has been chosen for Manufacturer and builder of steel all World Cup stadiums and training framed membrane-covered buildings pitches for Brazil 2014. DLF’s new Spatial Structures will build a covered 4turf cultivar in the mixture chosen training pitch for UK championship foot- has been trialled in the UK at the ball team Brighton and Hove Albion. The STRI and the final seed mixture has contract is part of a £20m development been tested in Brazil by both interna- that will include 13 outdoor pitches at tional advisors and local sports grass the club’s new training site New Monks specialists. Football pitches in Brazil Farm, Lancing, West Sussex. The Spa- are generally Bermuda-grass based, tial Structures facility will cover 78 by so the pitches need to be reinforced 60sq m, providing a half-sized pitch for with temperate sports turfgrass to indoor training during bad weather. provide the perfect playing surface. To meet this requirement, the pitches sport-kit.net KEYWORD sport-kit.net KEYWORD have been overseeded with DLF’s pe- spatial structures dlf rennial ryegrasses including 4turf.
86 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 log on to www.sport-kit.net and type the company name under ‘keyword search’
Jupiter Play buys Park
Edinburgh-based Jupiter Play and Leisure has acquired outdoor play equipment manufacturer Park Leisure Ltd. With 30 years of experience in the play industry, Kent-based Park Leisure’s steel play and sports equipment will add to the natural timber product that Jupiter Play and Leisure currently supply, expanding its equipment offering.
sport-kit.net KEYWORD Gunnell becomes CNP brand ambassador jupiter play
First Milk has revealed that Sally Gunnell OBE will be its brand ambassador to showcase, develop and promote its new products for both of its key brands, sport nutrition experts CNP, and dairy brand, Lake District Dairy Co. First Milk says the two-year agreement with the British sporting hero, who holds World Record and Olympic Gold winning experience, will help it secure its reputation with its range of dairy foods. sport-kit.net KEYWORD cnp
Versapulley reaches European One World Futbol premiership clubs Project goes worldwide
European football clubs have been The US-based One World Futbol Project getting to grips with the Versaclimb- has agreed a European distribution er’s Versapulley strength and deal with German company Rhiem conditioning machine. group, making its “indestructible” Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Futbol available for European clubs. Real Betis and Athletic de Bilbao The Futbol is designed to endure have been using the machine as part punctures and rough surfaces. For of their fitness regimes. Juventus and every purchase, another Futbol ball is Monaco have also been using the donated to organisations working with Versapulley, which has user-controlled youth in refugee camps, disaster areas, resistance to work muscle groups. conflict zones and harsh environments. The kit is available through Europe- sport-kit.net KEYWORD an distributors Iberian Sportech and sport-kit.net KEYWORD versaclimber Spanish fitness specialist VF Sport. futbol
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 87 SPORTS MANAGEMENT DIRECTORY
AV/Lighting/Sound Indoor sports halls/temporary to book your advert in the or non - traditional structures SPORTS innovative Fabric MANAGEMENT Engineered structures DIRECTORY
Call John now on [email protected] www.lightmasters.co.uk +44 (0)1202 742968 we will never stop innovating Tel: 0191 482 2211 construction & surfacing exercise equipment www.rubb.co.uk of sports facilities
RUBBER BSI SOLID END APPROVED DUMBELL Practice Made Perfect Tel: 0800 3891490
The best in sports GIVING YOU THE EDGE IN FUNCTIONAL FITNESS EQUIPMENT. facilities & surfaces Call 0844 448 4370 +44 (0)1553 763285 www.ambsports.com www.jordanfitness.co.uk www.norsemanstructures.com [email protected] or find us here All the space you need exercise equipment Steel framed fabric fencing manufacturers and supplier covered structures Temporary buildings ULTIMATE POTENTIAL Call us today 01242 700277 www.spatialstructures.com www.neptunus.co.uk consultants Contact us for a FREE technical design and specification service or a FREE brochure. Interior to book your advert in the Solutions Tel: 01902 796699 life@lifefitness.com SPORTS MANAGEMENT 01353 666017 [email protected] www.hammerstrength.com www.zaun.co.uk DIRECTORY INTERIOR DESIGN & PROJECT MANAGEMENT Quote SM2013 Call John now on RECEPTIONS LOUNGES CAFES BARS +44 (0)1202 742968
CAINE GROVE FIVE OAK LANE STAPLEHURST KENT TN12 0HT TEL; 01580 890123 FAX: 01580 893626 indoor/outdoor surface line www.interior-solutions.co.uk [email protected] CONTACT: ROY ROBERTS marking & maintenance lockers/changing rooms indoor flooring
READY FOR A NEW UÊÃÌ>>ÌÊEÊ,ivÕÀLÃ iÌ EXPERIENCE? Cleaning, lining UÊ->`}ÊEÊ-i>}Ê UÊ,i«>ÀÊÊUÊ i>}Ê and resurfacing UÊ >Ìi>ViÊ*À}À>ÃÊ of sports surfaces UÊ iÊ >À} EQUIPMENT I ENTERTAINMENT FITLOCKERS TECHNOLOGY I SERVICES Quality Affordable Timber Lockers UÊiiÀ>Ê i>}ÊEÊÊ Tel: 0845 058 0644 ÊÊ >Ìi>ViÊ*À`ÕVÌÃ Fax: 0845 862 2640 T: 01923 770435 Tel: 01477 544 149 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] sales@fi tlockers.co.uk 08448 480101 · [email protected] · www.precor.com www.franciscoatings.co.uk www.white-line-services.com www.fi tlockers.co.uk
88 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 BE SEEN BY OVER 5,500 ACTIVE BUYERS IN EACH ISSUE
Call the Sports Management team now on +44 (0)1462 431385 Email: [email protected]
lockers/changing rooms sports lighting
Sports Lighting Specialists RIDGEWAY FURNITURE www.cuphosco.com CHANGING SOLUTIONS TO SUIT EVERY BUDGET Tel: 01623 511111 Fax: 01623 552133 Email: [email protected] Design . Manufacture . Install . Maintain Picture courtesy of Cheshire County Sports Club Contact us now for your Free Lighting Design
Tel: 01920 860600 Fax: 01920 485915 www.abacuslighting.com Email: [email protected]
sports surface maintenance
Tel: 0870 4207818 Email: [email protected] www.ridgewayfm.com
Book your advert on our sports equipment suppliers website and be seen by over & manufacturers 33,000 buyers every month. The leading manufacturer of netting, posts & sports ground equipment ;HRPUN*HYLVM)YP[HPU»Z Call the Sales Team Today :WVY[Z:\YMHJLZ to Discuss Your Booking 9,73(@4HPU[LUHUJL3[K +44 (0)1202 742968 Tel 01502 583515 >LZSL`/V\ZL>OP[[SL*SVZL 5L^HYR5.+@ PUMV'YLWSH`THPU[LUHUJLJV\R www.sportsmanagement.co.uk www.harrod.uk.com ^^^YLWSH`THPU[LUHUJLJV\R sports flooring
to book your advert in the wet leisure play products Products for Sport SPORTS MANAGEMENT DIRECTORY www.markharrod.com Sports Floor Markings, Call John now on Floor Sanding, Squash +44 (0)1202 742968 Court Refurbishment 01502 710039 Tel: (01684) 567504 Fax: (01684) 563101 Email: [email protected] www.peterdorrell.co.uk sports ground construction surface coatings
BRITANNIA Interactive TARAFLEXTM COMMUNITY Water Play ADVANCED COATING Flume Slides SYSTEMS FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION SURFACES Safety Solutions MULTI-USE SPORTS FLOORING FOR ALL ROUND PERFORMANCE Filtration Service Britannia Paints Limited Unit 7 and 8, King Street Trading Estate & Maintenance Call: +44 01926 622600 Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 9LF Email: contractuk@gerflor.com T: 01606 834015 F: 01606 837006 T: +44 (0) 1752 771740 Visit: www.gerflor.co.uk E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Innovation HippoLeisure W: www.hippoleisure.com Quality Value www.whitehorsecontractors.co.uk www.britanniapaints.co.uk Part of the Manuplas Group
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 89 POWERED BY leisurediary.com
3-6 APR 2014 17-19 JUN 2014 2-4 SEP 2014
FIBO 2014 IFSEC International IOG Saltex Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany ExCeL, London, UK The Royal Windsor Racecourse FIBO is the biggest trade show for fitness, IFSEC International has been at the heart Windsor, Berkshire, UK wellness and health. Every year around 600 of the security market for more than 40 The UK’s national event for grounds care, exhibitors from 38 countries present their years. Connecting the global buying chain sports, amenities, estates and green space products and services in 13 halls to 58,000 under one roof, the event aims to help management. From turf care and specialist visitors from more than 100 countries. operators meet suppliers and clients, learn machinery to landscaping and playgrounds, Tel: +49 211 90191 300 about the latest technology and industry over 250 SALTEX exhibitors bring the lat- www.fibo.de trends and discover the best solutions est products, equipment and expertise to to keep businesses and clients secure. Windsor Racecourse for three days. Exhibi- 6-11 APR 2014 Tel: +44 20 7921 5000 tors cover the complete range of grounds www.ifsec.co.uk care services, to show their products. SportAccord Tel: +44 20 7973 6401 Belek/Antalya, Turkey 17 JUN 2014 www.iog-saltex.com The SportAccord Convention is a six-day annual gathering of more than 2,500 lead- The Sports Facility Show 6-10 SEP 2014 ing representatives from the international Elland Road Stadium, Leeds, UK sport sector. It encompasses the congress Organised by SAPCA, the Leeds event is the Soccerex Global Convention and general assemblies of three associations second in a series of one-day events offering Windmill Street, Manchester, whose members consist of 109 international educational seminars alongside an exhibition Lancashire, UK sports federations and associate members. featuring specialists in the design, construc- The Soccerex Global Convention is the The convention provides the global sports tion and maintenance of sports facilities. World’s largest football business event, community with an opportunity to gather Tel: +44 24 7641 6316 seeing the global leaders in the business of in an exclusive networking environment, www.sapca.org.uk/events-exhibitions football come together to debate, network to build relationships, expand horizons and and do business. Lasting five days includ- broaden sport’s collective endeavours. 26 JUN 2014 ing a two day Football Festival, the 2014 Tel: +41 21 601 75 87 edition will take place in Manchester – the www.sportaccordconvention.com Sports and Leisure Facilities Forum home of the National Football Museum. Royal Berkshire Conference Centre, Tel: +44 20 8987 5522 20 MAY 2014 Madejski Stadium, Reading, Berkshire, UK www.soccerex.com The Sports and Leisure Facilities Forum is The Sports Facility Show specifically designed for development and 30 SEP - 2 OCT 2014 Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, UK procurement managers from stadia, leisure A one-day event that comprises a series facilities, arenas and local authorities all over Leisure Industry Week (LIW) of informative and educational seminars the UK. At the event they will find inspira- NEC, Birmingham, UK together with an exhibition featuring tional ideas and gain up to date knowledge The annual meeting place for profes- specialists in the design, construction from leading solution and service providers. sionals from all areas of leisure - in- and maintenance of sports facilities. The event will combine an ideas forum and an cluding sport and fitness. Tel: +44 24 7641 6316 exhibition and is designed to deliver content Tel: +44 (0)20 7955 3990 www.sapca.org.uk/events-exhibitions that is informative and opportunity-driven. www.liw.co.uk Tel: +44 1992 374 100 28 MAY – 1 JUN 2014 www.forumevents.co.uk 28 OCT 2014
CIFTIS-Sports 2-5 JUL 2014 Sports Facility Show China National Convention Center, Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facil- Beijing, China 19th Annual Congress of the Euro- ity, Motherwell, United Kingdom CIFTIS-Sports focuses on creating op- pean College of Sport Science The Sports Facility Show is an event for portunities for the sports service industry Amsterdam, The Netherlands sport professionals working in the design- by building a communication network Dating back to he inauguration of the ECSS ing, managing and maintain of sports and platform for government departments in in 1995, the annual congresses rank among play facilities. The one-day event includes charge of sports and leisure facilities. It is the leading sport scientific congresses sessions on key topics, expert speakers, hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce. worldwide and feature a range of lectures. dedicated networking time and an exhibition. Tel: +86 10 8507 2205 Tel: +31 20 444 8444 Tel: +44 24 7641 6316 www.intsst.org/htlhe_com www.ecss-congress.eu/2014 www.sapca.org.uk
90 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 1 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 18 SPORTS CONFERENCES 1 COMBINED EXHIBITION ALL AT 1 VENUE ALL AT 1 TIME
THE WORLD’S LARGEST SPORTS CONFERENCES, EXHIBITION AND NETWORKING EVENT IN 2014
December 10-11, 2014 Event Organiser Palexpo, Geneva www.geneva2014.com [email protected] www.internationalsportsconvention.com NEPTUNUS RELOCATABLE BUILDINGSS
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