SPORTSwww.sportsmanagement.co.uk MANAGEMENT VOLUME 13 Q2 £7

GROWING THE CRYSTAL PALACE GRASSROOTS Reopens its doors to international events England Athletics looks towards 2012 and beyond

CCPR’S TIM LAMB ON CHAMPIONING SPORT AND RECREATION THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SAPCA ACTIVE PEOPLE How the Sport England and Lottery programme got more people to take up sport

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE READ SPORTS MANAGEMENT ONLINE OF SAPCA WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK/DIGITAL EDITOR’S LETTER

SPORTSwww.sportsmanagement.co.uk MANAGEMENT Challenging times for sport VOLUME 13 Q2 £7

GROWING THE CRYSTAL PALACE GRASSROOTS Reopens its doors to international events England Athletics looks towards peaking at the recent CCPR national conference in London, chair, Brigid Simmonds, warned 2012 and beyond

CCPR’S TIM LAMB delegates that the recession is hitting sports clubs hard and threatening to undermine the ON CHAMPIONING SPORT AND RECREATION THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SAPCA S sector, with up to 6,000 clubs – 4 per cent of the UK total – threatened with closure. ACTIVE PEOPLE How the Sport England and Lottery programme got more The Deloitte Sports Business Group researched the state of the market by taking a snapshot of sports people to take up sport clubs in April this year. It found that half have been negatively affected by the recession, over 40 per cent had seen a reduction in renewals and 59 per cent expect membership fee income to fall again next year. Up to 60 per cent of clubs told Deloitte that they had already started cutting costs or were planning

READ SPORTS MANAGEMENT ONLINE WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK/DIGITAL to do so soon – 50 per cent from their kit or facilities budgets, 23 per cent from coaching and 23 per Usain Bolt will compete at cent from ‘grassroots or community initiatives’. In sharing these numbers, Simmonds told delegates Crystal Palace later this year (p20) that “the recession could become a full-blown disaster for community sport.” e-mail: please use contact’s While recognising that sport and recreation should ‘do its bit’ to reduce costs to make ends meet, [email protected] she lamented the fact that sport – out in the cold politically for so many years – has just started to SUBSCRIPTIONS make inroads as a result of the 2012 Olympics and government prioritising of wellness, only to find its Julie Albone your +44 (0)1462 471915 sources of funding under threat: “just as we’ve stepped over this threshold, after years of slow prog- EDITOR ress, we’ve met these new financial constraints. The message coming loud and clear from the Treasury Liz Terry is that they are not interested in talking about anything which costs money.” chance +44 (0)1462 431385 Simmonds went on to suggest positive ways forward, presenting BingoLotto as a potential funding MANAGING EDITOR for Karen Maxwell Simmonds called for a ‘can-do attitude’ from government towards +44 (0)1462 471920 sport. “What we want to hear in these straightened times, is ‘How glory PUBLISHER Nadeem Shaikh can we help?’, not ‘How can we put the handbrakes on.’” +44 (0)1462 471902 NEWS EDITOR stream and appealing for a ‘can-do attitude’ from government. “What we want to hear in these straight- We want disabled people to choose athletics Tom Walker and enjoy the opportunities it can bring +44 (0)1462 471934 ened times,” she said, “is ‘How can we help?’ not ‘How can we put the handbrakes on.’” JOURNALISTS One practical way government can support sport, said Simmonds, is to ‘do less’ and she called for a Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE Caroline Wilkinson “moratorium on the introduction of new regulations, licensing systems or charges which affect clubs, un- +44 (0)1462 471911 til the UK economy emerges fully from recession.” Examples given included waiving a new business rate Ambassador of Aviva Parallel Success Pete Hayman +44 (0)1462 471938 supplement, making clubs exempt from the community infrastructure levy, and a successful outcome for PRODUCTS EDITORS the current challenge over music licensing. All these things will directly or indirectly help club finances. Martin Nash/Mark Edmonds The government has made sports governing bodies and clubs the focal point of its delivery strategy +44 (0)1462 471933 and the Deloitte findings raise issues about the future stability of this structure. However, speaking to the DISPLAY ADVERTISING BBC during the CCPR conference, Secretary of State Andy Burnham said: “Sport is in a position of funda- John Challinor +44 (0)1582 607970 mental strength [and] is incredibly well placed to get through [the recession].” • Athletes with Visual Impairments Jan Williams Burnham said he’s aware government funding going forward may be tight, +44 (0)1462 471909 but he’s looking to the richer sports to invest more at grassroots level. “Too Tessa Alexander • Dwarf Athletes • Manual Wheelchair Users +44 (0)1462 471903 much evaporates at the top in payments of wages and to individuals. It DESIGN does need to come down the system. It’s a shared responsibility,” he • Athletes with Learning Disability • Amputees Ed Gallagher said. Whether the ‘richer sports’ will be comfortable knowing the gov- +44 (0)1905 20198 ernment is looking to them for this support is another matter altogether. • Athletes with Cerebral Palsy Andy Bundy +44 (0)1462 471924 In this issue, (page 16) CCPR’s Tim Lamb talks about policy and funding Claire Toplis and says he’s concerned about what will happen post-2012. With public +44 (0)1462 471910 sector funding contracting and clubs feeling the pinch, positive action as INTERNET suggested by Simmonds is likely to be the most successful way forward. Find out more... Dean Fox +44 (0)1462 471900 Liz Terry, editor [email protected] about how to get involved, visit Tim Nash www.uka.org.uk/grassroots/parallel-success +44 (0)1462 471917 CIRCULATION MANAGER the leisure media company publishes or phone Marie Yates on 0121 713 8462 Michael Emmerson +44 (0)1462 471932 spa business uniting the world of spas Attractions SPORTS destination management MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL CONTROL day resort Big Ambitions hotel CRYSTAL PALACE GROWING THE Building an 'indoor city' in Kazakhstan club GRASSROOTS Reopens its doors to medical international events England Athletics thermal James Balfour looks towards Sue Davis curative & Tony Cowen GIANT 2012 and beyond SCREENS Spiegelworld CCPR’S TIM LAMB ON CHAMPIONING +44 (0)1395 519398 SPORT AND RECREATION

ACTIVE PEOPLE How the Sport England and Lottery programme got more FINANCIAL ADMIN people to take up sport Denise Gildea 1IJM
3FENPOE London's Olympic Park +44 (0)1462 471930 UK Athletics, Athletics House, Central Boulevard Blythe Valley Park, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 8AJ Phone: 0121 713 8462 or 07912 070624 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 3 ISSUE 2 2009 NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK IN THIS ISSUE

ISSUE 2 2009

16 Tim Lamb on CCPR services 20 Crystal Palace is ready for action 22 Compulsory sport post 16? 44 How academies are raising the game digital magazine See Sports Management online www.sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital

news and jobs: For jobs and news visit www.sportsmanagement.co.uk or sign up for e-news on 39 Wimbledon goes undercover 61 Cricket’s growing appeal 65 Retractable lighting for sports www.leisuresubs.com

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28 England Athletics is chasing success 34 How to lead the family to water 68 Judo excellence at Medway 59 Natural turf – SAPCA’s keeping it real

6 LETTERS 22 TALKBACK: 34 PLAY PAYS 52 SPORT-KIT FOCUS: 68 MEDWAY PARK JUDO CLUB Should school sports at sixth form be Pool operators are given some ideas SYNTHETIC SPORTS SURFACES Karen Maxwell finds out how this 7 ANALYSIS: JOHN GOODBODY compulsory to avoid the traditional on how to entice families into their We check out the latest installations purpose-built facility is raising the buyers’ guide: Giving girls a sporting chance drop off in activity? Kath Hudson asks facility by Claire Mollett sport’s local and national profile For suppliers of products and 59 MAINTAINING NATURAL services, turn to page 80 8 INDUSTRY NEWS 24 RESEARCH: 39 UNDERCOVER SPORTS TURF PITCHES 72 SPREADING THE WORD ACTIVE ENGLAND Rod Sheard discusses the design issues Colin Young previews SAPCA’s new We look at the latest technology in SAPCA 13 PEOPLE NEWS David Gourlay summarises Hall Aitken’s surrounding Wimbledon’s retractable roof code of practice for natural turf timing and scoreboard equipment Sports Management evaluation of the Sport England/Big used at sports events around the world is the offi cial 14 SAPCA NEWS Lottery Fund activity programme 44 FOOTBALL ACADEMIES 61 CRICKET EMBRACES magazine of the Sports and Play Crispin Andrews looks at the added latest products CONTINUAL GROWTH 75 SPORT-KIT: Construction 16 INTERVIEW: TIM LAMB 28 GRASSROOTS: value that academies can bring to clubs David Carpenter looks at the facility Association (SAPCA), the trade The CEO of CCPR talks to Karen ATHLETICS issues facing the ECB as the game 76 SAPCA DIRECTORY body for the UK’s sports facility Maxwell about influencing change England Athletics looks to success 51 2012 PROFILE: JIM JOHNSON extends its appeal to younger age groups construction industry. Sports beyond the 2012 Olympic Games Advantage West Midlands’ 2012 80 SPORTS DIRECTORY Management and SAPCA work in partnership to promote CRYSTAL PALACE business manager talks to Karen 20 NEW OPENING: 65 RETRACTABLE LIGHTING high standards in the design, Karen Maxwell takes a look at its recent 32 PWTAG POOL CONFERENCE: Maxwell about his role in promoting We look at how this versatile lighting 83 DIARY & ADVERTISERS’ construction and maintenance £17m Olympic-standard makeover Brian Guthrie reviews the event potential 2012 business in the region solution benefits sports venues INDEX of UK sports facilities

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Do you hold a strong opinion about your industry? Where are things going wrong, or right? Sports Management would love to hear from you. Email: [email protected] John Goodbody reports on special olympics raises self esteem Giving girls a sporting chance

t a time when there’s concern that so few females hold signif- icant positions in the national A governing bodies (NGBs) and that too few girls want to be active, it’s odd that there has never been so many talented women in the highest echelons of British sport. Tessa Jowell is the Olympics Minister. Sue Campbell chairs UK Sport, whose PIC: ACTIONPLUS.CO.UK COO is Liz Nicholl. And then there’s Brigid Simmonds, who chairs the Central Coun- cil of Physical Recreation, representing the NGBs. Other leading figures include Kate Hoey, the former Minister for Sport, now overseeing London’s sporting legacy from 2012, while Debbie Jevans is director At the moment we are depriving too many girls of the of sport for the Games. Jennie Price leads Sport England, Sue Tibballs the Women’s chance to develop their social and physical potential Sport and Fitness Foundation and Linda ne of the guiding principles programmes and regional, national More than 2,500 children and adults will Plowright Sports Leaders. significant impact on their organisation. something that needs further research. of the Special Olympics is that and international competitions. These compete at this year’s Special Olympics, UK Sport is building on the presence She says: ”Men and women have differ- Of course, many girls in mixed schools anyone with a learning disabil- athletes are supported by a dedicated which will take place in Leicester in July of these prominent figures through its ent styles of leadership.” don’t want to take part in sport because Oity can, with encouragement, group of more than 2,000 volunteers in International Leadership Programme, One member of the 15, Jane Bateman of embarrassment or even ridicule from support and access to the proper re- providing the coaching and competition physiotherapy, can make a real differ- in which six of the third year intake of the Football Association, has been ap- boys in PE lessons. Certainly in most sources, be provided with a positive programme. Through the programme, ence to people’s wellbeing. Helping of 14 are female. These include Olym- pointed director of campaign operations mixed schools, the emphasis of the PE sporting experience; in turn, raising athletes are also encouraged to take them achieve this will be some 1,200 pic medallists Guin Batten (rowing) and for England 2018, one of six directors staff is on the boys’ performances – their self-esteem and the expectations on leadership roles such as becoming coaches who have worked with them Georgina Harland (modern pentathlon). within the country’s World Cup bid team. something that struck me noticeably of the community around them. Every a sports or athlete ambassador, com- throughout the year, and a further Ben Calveley, UK Sport’s head of inter- Hopefully, as attitudes change, these in the 10 years that I wrote or edited a day, across 20,000 communities around mittee member or coach – allowing 1,500 volunteers – a vast network of national relations, insists there is “no advances at the top will increase the school sports’ column for The Times. the world, more than two million learn- for personal growth and develop- support. Companies, individuals and particular policy” of having women on chances of more women getting more Just as girls do better academically ing disabled children and adults, aged ment, while maintaining physical fitness most recently, Sport England, through this list but accepϖts that ”if women are positions in the national governing bod- in single sex schools (and boys probably 8 to 80, take part in the sports training through participation in sport. a £200,000 grant, have pledged their selected that can only be a good thing.” ies and also in the clubs. This may then do as well), so they have a much better and athletic competition programme When the eighth Special Olympics financial support to help raise the £2.7m It certainly follows the commitment to persuade more females to take part in chance of developing their physical provided year-round by the Special Great Britain National Summer Games needed to run the Games. gender equality by UK Sport, which was sport – an even more important goal, potential if they do sport separately. Olympics Movement. takes place in Leicester this July, more As an organisation, we are commit- cheered recently by the appointment since women know better than men There can then be a concentrated effort Special Olympics Great Britain was than 2,500 children and adults will get ted to the principles of equality and of Clare Connor, the former England what will inspire or interest them. Of on raising the interests and perfor- established as part of this unique sport- to experience the joy of friendship opportunity. Progress is certainly being captain, to the International Cricket course, it helps with some youngsters if mances of girls without the inhibiting ing movement in 1978 and we currently that sport can bring. These partici- made within the UK sports landscape to Council’s Cricket Committee, the first they have role models such as Paula Rad- influence of boys. It may be considered serve 8,000 athletes with a learning pants are a testimony to the fact that open up more sporting opportunities woman to hold such a post. cliffe and Rebecca Adlington. However, too late to turn back the clock, although disability across England, Scotland and sport in its widest sense, by offer- for people with learning disabilities, but In its Women and Leadership Devel- many teenagers are put off taking part it should be done. Wales who participate in local sports ing everything from friendship to there is a long way to go and I would opment Programme, UK Sport has been in such sports, because they believe that As it stands, we have to rely on call on all those involved in running further heartened by advances domes- to succeed they will have to be so com- changing attitudes at the grassroots sport to work with us to ensure that ev- tically, as its initial three-year course mitted to their chosen activity. and hope that this will lead to greater Athletes are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as eryone can benefit from sport’s power comes to an end. Amanda Bennett, head Perhaps, the concentration should be participation. But at the moment, we a sports or athlete ambassador, a committee member or a to transform lives. of policy at UK Sport, says that many of on making sport fun and socially attrac- are depriving too many girls of the Karen Wallin the 15 people on the programme are be- tive. How much improving health and chance to develop their social and coach – allowing for personal growth and development CEO, Special Olympics GB ing promoted, moving jobs or having a fitness actually matter to many girls is physical potential. L

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Green light for £60m Leeds United plans £14m centre for

lans for a major new leisure-led the blind opens development at the Elland Road P stadium in Leeds, West Yorkshire new £14m sports and comple- – home to Leeds United Football Club mentary therapy centre has been (LUFC) – have been given the green light A opened at the Royal National by Leeds City Council (LCC). College for the Blind in Hereford as part The council has passed a resolution to of a £23.5m campus redevelopment. award full planning consent to the £60m The 5,680sq m (61,139sq ft) centre, scheme, which will be linked to the called thePoint4, has been created to venue’s existing East Stand but does improve education and training for not involve increasing the stadium’s people with sight loss. The new facilities 40,000-seat capacity. feature an IFI Stage 2-accredited, Cybex- Designed by London-based architects equipped gym for students training to KSS, the Elland Road scheme includes work in the fitness industry, as well as a Sports provision of the college now includes a fitness club two new hotels and an arcade extension community gym, open to students and incorporating retail facilities, a club shop, members, boasting a total of 75 stations. The centre’s wellness provision onships in August 2010 and has been a restaurant and conference and ban- The new facilities are expected to boost non matchday earnings In addition to fitness facilities, the includes two spa rooms, a fitness pool, accredited as a training camp for the queting space. The project is designed centre offers indoor and outdoor sports massage facilities, conference and meet- British/English Blind Football Team, Eng- to provide increased commercial op- at Elland Road. These revenues will, in development aspirations of the club pitches designed to meet international ing rooms and a licensed restaurant. land Futsal Team and will also be portunities for LUFC, as well as forming turn, support and supplement the club’s with those of Leeds City Council to Futsal standards and a sports hall with The college has been selected to host the venue for both the blind and par- part of LCC’s wider regeneration of the efforts on the pitch. achieve planning approval. The build- retractable seating for 280 people. the 2010 Blind Football World Champi- tially sighted football leagues. Elland Road area. The scheme includes a “It will also play a vital part in the ing massing constraints negotiated with basement nightclub and new offices. regeneration of the area and create the council, an architectural design that Shaun Harvey, LUFC chief executive, opportunities for local people.” responded and contributed positively to said: “The development is designed to James Budd, KSS associate director, the existing stadium and phased delivery Government questioned over Olympic Village loan increase non-matchday income streams added: “We had to closely match the capability were all key components.” lympics minister Tessa Jowell has been approved in principle and will has been asked to disclose de- be split in two, with part of it set to Multi-million pound O tails of a loan application worth help meet the costs of building the new windfall for Devon £225m, which has been lodged with the Olympic Village, while the rest will go Wildcats stadium plans unveiled European Investment Bank (EIB) to help towards social housing. sports facilities pay for the 2012 athletes’ village. Jowell said: “Once a decision has been orkcourt Properties has revealed Devon County Council is expected to The shadow Olympics minister, Hugh taken about how much of that loan facil- plans to build a new 12,000-capac- give final approval for a £10.7m cash Robertson, requested that Jowell reveal ity will be taken up and applied to those Y ity community stadium in a bid to boost aimed at improving sports the terms of the application – which two projects, I will make a statement to secure Wakefield Wildcats Rugby League facilities across the county. was lodged with the EIB in February the House [of Commons].” Football Club’s Super League status. Part of the funds, generated from and approved on 7 April – as well as It was also confirmed that the esti- The proposed new venue will replace the £48m sale of Exeter Airport, are the likely effect it will have on the total mated public expenditure on the 2012 the Wildcats’ current Belle Vue ground, earmarked for the first phase of the cost of hosting the Games in three years’ A loan has been applied for to Olympics remains within a £9.3bn pack- which has been the club’s home since development of a £20m dual-use time. According to Jowell, the EIB loan pay for the athletes’ village age announced by Jowell in March 2007. 1878 but no longer meets the minimum centre for sporting excellence. stadium requirements that form part of The centre is expected to feature the Super League’s licence criteria. a swimming pool, a 12-court sports Plans for the new stadium, which will hall with an adjacent gymnastics £1BN REGENERATION OF KIDBROOKE GETS THE GO-AHEAD be situated to the north of the town by centre, an indoor bowling facility, a junction 30 of the M62, also include the The Wildcats have played at fitness suite and a climbing zone. Plans for the £1bn transformation of dojo, a floodlit all-weather sports pitch mercial and retail space. There are also possibility of a local college and univer- the Belle Vue ground since 1878 There will also be coaching and the former Ferrier Estate and neigh- and a six-court sports hall, designed for plans for healthcare facilities and eight sity establishing a sports science depart- meeting rooms. Outdoor facilities bouring Kidbrooke area in south-east county and regional level basketball hectares of public open space, designed ment at the venue. Walker said: “We’ve been working include an athletics track, a cricket London, have been approved by Green- competitions. Theatre and performing by landscape architects Gillespies. Sir Rodney Walker, former chair of extremely hard with all relevant parties pitch, a velodrome and BMX track as wich Council and will include an array arts spaces as well as music facilities The scheme will be centred around a Sport England and the Rugby Football to find a solution to benefit the whole well as an artificial turf football and of leisure facilities. and classrooms for adult education new 130m-wide park for dedicated use League, has been appointed to head a community and a new site for the pro- hockey pitch. As part of the Kidbrooke Vision are also included. such as sport, playing fields, cultural new community trust stadium group, posal. We’re delighted to have found A further £500,000 could be masterplan, Thomas Tallis secondary The development has been designed activities, bio-diverse planting and which has been established to help deliv- an opportunity with great access and allocated to help fund the construc- school will be redeveloped to include a by architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandi- wildlife. It will be linked with green er the scheme and take on the owner- great potential to move sport onto tion of an outdoor velodrome. dual-use gymnastics centre, martial arts lands to comprise 300,000sq ft of com- spaces which are currently underused. ship and operation of the venue. another level in the district.”

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INDUSTRY COMMENT

ne of the great things O about sport is that it’s dynamic – it never stops moving, it never stops changing. We all have to adapt to Sports Minister @Futsal opens first site those changes, to a Gerry Sutcliffe A company planning to roll out a new world with fresh challenges. portfolio of Futsal centres around During the last two decades, we the UK has opened its first site at an have seen huge amounts of money The new facility will replace the existing Victoria Leisure Centre industrial estate in Swindon. coming into sport, its globalisation, @Futsal has converted a former growing foreign influence on the warehouse into the first dedicated field, the big bucks from TV and the New centre for Nottingham futsal arena in the UK. The facil- The centre will run a programme of lessons for children positive impact of the National Lot- ity includes two five-a-side pitches tery. Government has to move with lans for the construction of a new will open by June 2012. Detailed designs and a smaller youth pitch. The two Indoor skiing for Hemel the times too, which is why Andy £9.2m leisure centre in Notting- will now be drawn up for the new centre, larger pitches can be converted into Burnham set out a new strategic focus P ham have been given the green which will include a six-lane swimming a full-sized futsal pitch suitable for new £23m indoor hub for skiing and snowboarding has been constructed on for Sport England last summer, with light by the city council after a feasibility pool with separate children’s pool and international competition. Other the site of the former Hemel Ski Slope in Hemel Hempstead. a clearer responsibility for promoting study ruled that the scheme presented fun splash play area, a fitness and health amenities at the centre include a A The Snow Centre, which was built by UK-based company Sir Robert participation in sport and a fresh the most cost-effective option. suite incorporating sauna and gym facili- penalty simulator, a warming-up McAlpine, incorporates a 160m (525ft) main slope, a 100m (328ft) lesson slope, a relationship with governing bodies. The decision by Nottingham City Coun- ties and a café. area and a physio room. Snow and Rock retail outlet, a café and après ski bar and a snow play area. They are the experts in their fields cil’s (NCC) executive board means that The site’s existing clock tower will be According to @Futsal, the com- It is also the only indoor snow facility in southern Britain that holds Centre of and now have real freedom to tailor the historic Victoria Leisure Centre at retained as part of the proposals, which pany is planning to open 30 arenas Excellence status, which has been awarded by the British Association of Snowsports plans to meet the long-term needs of Sneinton Market is set to be demolished were one of three options presented to within the next two to three years. Instructors (BASI). Links have also been established with the Ötztal region in Austria sport – and the wider population – as to make way for the new facility, which the council by consultants Levitate. to ensure it offers the latest Alpine coaching techniques. we seek to deliver on our ambition to get one million more people playing sport regularly. In this new environment it makes Football clubs sense to make crucial investment deci- Demands for tighter football regulation SSGB to manage Ilfracombe sions centrally, to ensure they fit with cut ticket prices Sports and leisure consultants Sports changing rooms and a Youth Resource what governing bodies are doing cross-party group of MPs has Solutions GB (SSGB) has been appointed Centre. A feasibility study is underway, – but it would be wrong not to rec- amid recession expressed its concern at the level to project manage the development to be followed by site plans and the ognise the huge contribution made A of debt that exists within English PHOTO: DAIJU KITAMURA/AFLO/ACTION PLUS of new community sports facilities in completion of funding bids. by Sport England’s Regional Sports ootball clubs have announced football. The group has published a Ilfracombe, Devon. Chris Bevan, SSGB director, said: “Our Boards (RSB). They played a key role season ticket price freezes in wide-ranging report that calls for tough- Ilfracombe Town FC will be relocated team’s specialist experience in feasibili- in our drive to increase opportunities F a bid to combat the possibility er regulation of the domestic game. to Killicleave Playing Fields to make way ty studies will help to ensure the project for people across the country to get of declining attendance rates during The report – English Football and Its for a new full-size artificial grass pitch, is delivered on time.” into sport, by helping lay the foun- the economic downturn. Governance – was published on 20 April dations of the nation’s exciting new Several Premier League clubs have by the All Party Parliamentary Football sports infrastructure. even applied price cuts to encour- Group and outlines a total of 27 mea- Over the last five years, the Boards age increasingly price savvy fans to sures that should be adopted in order £10M DIVING CENTRE PLAN FOR SOUTHEND have distributed nearly £200m to continue to support their teams and to help ensure the long-term financial grassroots sport by funding creative maintain matchday revenues. stability of clubs. MPs have expressed concerns over clubs using A £10m dive centre and swimming pool is being planned for the Southend projects that will have an impact for Paul Rawnsley, director of Delo- Among the report’s recommenda- profits from borrowing to service debts Leisure & Tennis Centre. generations to come. itte’s sports business group, said: tions is a reform of the Football Associa- Designed by Archial architects, the plans include an eight-lane swimming pool RSBs are made up of volunteers “The key for all clubs is to set prices tion’s (FA) Fit and Proper Persons Test to as well as the incorporation of FIFA’s 6+5 and diving facilities with 3m, 5m, 7.5m and 10m platforms. who give their time, energy and that deliver strong value for money take into account the business plans of rule to help develop domestic talent. Other features at the centre, which is owned and operated by Southend-on- expertise. I know their members will for fans, which will help attendances prospective owners looking to invest in One of the issues which concerned the Sea Borough Council, include a leisure pool with water slide, a dry diving training remain passionate and committed to stay healthy. More than ever, clubs English football clubs. report’s authors most was the practice area with a harness and trampolines and a 276-seat spectator area. ensuring sport makes a difference. need to understand the price percep- The group has also called for the of ‘financial doping’, where the owners Derek Jarvis, the council’s executive councillor for culture, says: “The new swim- We should be grateful for what tions of their fans. introduction of a licensing system for of leading clubs, including Manchester ming pool, due to open in 2010, will be a terrific bonus for the town, especially as they have contributed so far – and I “In the current economic climate, clubs from the Blue Square Premier United and Chelsea, engage in high Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre has already been selected as a potential hope they will continue to champion supporters are looking for value for League upwards. The system would limit levels of borrowing and the use profits Pre-Games training camp for the 2012 Olympics.” the cause of sport. money from their season tickets.” expenditure by the amount of revenue, to service high levels of debt.

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WARNER EXTENDS HIS ROLE AT UKA The UK Athletics (UKA) members council has voted to extend Ed Warner’s con- tract as chair of the national governing body until January 2013. He was appointed to the part-time, non-executive role in January 2007 to lead the UKA board, develop the or- Maze stadium plans ganisation’s vision and help develop the shelved for good international athletics community. Warner says: “We have an increasingly Plans to build a 39,000-capaity sports important role to play in the develop- stadium on the site of the notorious Plans for the new centre include a 25m swimming pool ment of the sport worldwide, not only Maze prison near Lisburn, Northern with the approach of London 2012, but Ireland, have been dumped by the also by working with the IAAF to extend Northern Ireland Assembly. Queens Park plans approved athletics appeal to future generations of In a statement, Northern Ireland athletes and spectators.” CAMPBELL REMAINS first minister Peter Robinson said t Helens Council has approved The new facility will house a five-lane, that although the redevelopment detailed designs, produced by ar- 25m swimming pool with steam and CHAIR OF UK SPORT options for the site will be studied S chitects Pozzoni, for a new leisure sauna facilities attached, a two-storey Baroness Sue Campbell has been further, all existing plans centre in Merseyside. gym, a sports court and a wet and dry reappointed as the chair of UK Sport to build a multi-sport stadium “will The £3.6m project will demolish all changing village. baroness to lead 2012 legacy body for the next four years. not be taken forward”. but the existing sports hall at Queens The existing sports hall, which is She will continue to lend her The stadium was designed by HOK Park Leisure Centre to make way for a relatively modern compared with the Baroness Margaret Ford has been expertise to the World Class Perfor- Sport – which recently rebranded as completely new facility on the same site, Victorian baths, will be refurbished to appointed as chair of the recently mance Programme in the run up Populous – to host rugby, football considered by the council to be more provide new fitness studios and a multi- created Olympic Park special purpose to the London 2012 Olympic and and Gaelic football. cost-effective than a full refurbishment purpose function room, as well as a new vehicle in the run up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games and will help UK of the 118-year-old building. café overlooking the swimming pool. Olympic Games. Sport with its investment in world- Former chair of English Partnerships, class sports events. Ford will take charge of finding tenants Meanwhile, Philip Kimberley has for the Olympic stadium and the £355m become a board member of UK Council secures media centre as well as the funding Sport. He is currently non-executive SUFC reveals stadium expansion plans and building of 10,000 homes in the athletics are among the confirmed after- chair of England Hockey, a direc- funding for east London park. Games uses for the stadium. tor of Great Britain Hockey and has heffield United Football Club A school, a National Skills Academy for There are also suggestions that a been responsible for building the Holt Park centre (SUFC) has submitted its plans to Sport and Leisure, an English Institute university could also be based within the sport over the past six years. S redevelop the Bramall Lane sta- for Sport and a permanent home for Olympic Park. eeds City Council has an- dium to Sheffield City Council. nounced that it has secured The plans divide the redevelopment of L funding for the construction of the ground into two phases, with phase a new leisure and wellbeing centre in one comprising the extension of the WALKER JOINS MAJOR EVENTS PANEL Holt Park, near Cookridge. Frasers Property Kop to increase its ca- The Department of Health has con- pacity by more than 3,200 seats – result- Former high hurdler and Welsh rugby £3.3m of Lottery funding each year to firmed the allocation, in principle, of ing in a total capacity of 37,000. union player Nigel Walker has been ap- support the bidding and staging costs £32m of Private Funding Initiative (PFI) A further planning application for pointed chair of UK Sport’s Major Events of major sports events in the UK. In credits for the new centre, which will phase two of the development is The expansion will increase sta- Panel. He is currently head of change 2009, up to 21 events of World or Eu- combine services provided by Leeds expected in the near future and it is un- dium capacity by more than 3,200 and internal communications at BBC ropean level are likely to be supported City Council’s adult social care, youth derstood that the proposals will include Wales and has been a member of the UK through the programme. and sports services, NHS Leeds and the extension of the Valad Stand and Stand and Kop and additional commu- Sport Board since 2006. The WCEP has expanded hugely in the local community. development of the car park, ultimately nity amenities. New members to the Panel also in- recent years; six events were supported The site will be the third facility be- taking the stadium’s capacity to 40,000. A student residential block will be clude David Collier, CEO at the England in 2006, 19 events in 2007 and six of ing built under the council’s PFI, called The development proposals also developed on the corner of Shoreham and Wales Cricket Board; Tanya Crook, the 17 supported in 2008 were World New Leaf Leisure Centres Project, and include the removal of columns from the Street and John Street. COO at ParalympicsGB and Rob Holt, Championships. The programme’s target follows similar £30m developments in Kop, a new undercover concourse with The proposals are intended to provide CEO Ryder Cup Wales 2010. is to support up to 90 events in the Armley and Morley. modern kiosks and toilet facilities, new the club with the flexibility to increase The Panel makes recommendations to build-up to 2012. The Holt Park facility will include a executive boxes and disabled facilities the capacity of the ground and gener- the UK Sport Board on events supported Walker says he is excited about the 25m swimming pool, a sports hall and in the Evolution Corner Stand, a media/ ate additional revenues which can be by its World Class Events Programme opportunity to make a real difference to a Bodyline gym. business centre between the Valad ploughed back into the first team. (WCEP), which distributes approximately world-class event staging in this country.

12 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 13 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE SAPCA UPDATE ADVANCED COATING SYSTEMS Export Promotion at FSB Trade Fair FOR SPORTS AND PLAY SURFACES

s part of its work as an Accred- ited Trade Organisation with A UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), SAPCA has successfully applied for Key Event status for the biennial Interna- tional Trade Fair for Sports Facilities (FSB) 2009, which will take place in Cologne, Germany on 28-30 October. SAPCA will lead a group of UK exhibi- tors at the event and through the associ- ation, eligible UK companies will receive financial support from UKTI for exhibi- tion space, stand costs and transport. UK companies interested in participat- ing ishould contact SAPCA on +44 (0)24 7641 6316 or [email protected] Thirty SAPCA members made use of the facilities provided by SAPCA at FSB 2007 SPECIALIST HIGH PERFORMANCE COATINGS THAT LAST AND LAST Sports Facility Construction Exhibitions L Outdoor surface coatings in a range of colours L Indoor floor sealants The Sport and Play Construction As- seminars on the design, procurement, participation from both Partnerships L Line paints for both indoor and outdoor applications sociation (SAPCA) has announced the construction and maintenance of for Schools and Sport England. L Off-road marking paints dates for two Sports Facility Construc- sports facilities, together with an Both events will be of interest to all L Tarmac binder tion exhibitions and seminars in 2009. exhibition of specialist contractors, those involved in sports facility projects, UÊ Ricoh Arena, Coventry: manufacturers, consultants and including schools and colleges, local Tuesday 30 June sports organisations. authorities, voluntary and commercial Britannia advanced surface BRITANNIA DECATONE SR60 TENNIS COURT PAINT/ UÊ Twickenham Stadium, West London: The one-day seminar at the Ricoh sports clubs, specifiers and consultants. coating technologies are the SR75 NETBALL PAINT Tuesday 24 November Arena will also highlight a specific Details of the seminar programmes result of years of practical L Water-based acrylic/polyurethane coating The itinerary at both events will consist focus on the provision of sports fa- will be announced on the SAPCA web- experience backed by extensive L Air dry evaporation of a programme of educational cilities in the educational sector, with site, www.sapca.org.uk laboratory research and testing. L Excellent adhesion to porous macadam and concrete Whatever the application, L High resistance to wear (6-8 years) however much the surface L Resistant to ultra violet light is used, our ranges deliver L Slip resistance to current standards The following members have outstanding results, combining L Compatible with Decatone Tarmac Binder exceptional durability with unrivalled depth of colour recently joined SAPCA and the very highest standards of slip resistance. BRITANNIA DECATONE TARMAC BINDER (white spirit based) Cleveland Land Services Applications include: L Tough and durable single pack coating, solvent based (Guisborough) L Tennis courts (tarmac and concrete) L Helps the court to last longer by binding the Specialist tennis court contractor L Sports areas macadam surface (Existing SAPCA member for L Multi use games areas (MUGAS) L Must be over-coated with Decatone SR60 tennis synthetic and natural turf) L Play areas court paint www.cleveland-land-services.co.uk L Sports and recreational halls used for aerobics, line L Clear dancing and other activities Leigh Spinners L 25 litre containers L Cycleways Manufacturers of artificial L Mini kids’ zones OTHER COATINGS AVAILABLE (ACRYLIC WATER BASED) sports surfaces L Netball L Tarmac binder www.leighspinners.com L Textured line marking All coatings are safe and L Playground paint Premier Line Markings easy to apply, non- SAPCA Certificate in Management and Leadership Specialist sports facility line flammable and L Mini kid zones marking contractor environmentally friendly L Multi-used games areas (polyurethane water based) SAPCA’s new Certificate in Manage- The group is pictured outside the www.premierlinemarkings.co.uk ment and Leadership is now underway, Business School at Loughborough Recticel NV CONTACT US with the first intake of 14 candidates University, where the qualification is Britannia Paints Manufacturers of shockpad systems are a member T: 01606 834015 F: 01606 837006 from across the industry. being delivered. of SAPCA, the www.re-bounce.com Sports and Play E: [email protected] Construction Association www.britanniapaints.co.uk

14 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 1 INTERVIEW

tim LAMB Karen Maxwell talks to the CEO of CCPR about fine tuning its services for NGB members

CCPR represents 280 national governing bodies of sport and recreation in the UK

he former county cricketer and Strategic Planning We help NGBs to help themselves by providing them ex CEO of the England and Wales When Lamb and CCPR chair Brigid Sim- Cricket Board is a charismatic and monds joined forces in 2005, the first with the skills and facilities to allow them to make T diplomatic character who admits item on their agenda was to initiate a decisions and grow in the direction they want to to preferring dialogue to confrontation. new strategic plan. “We visited other Which is just as well, because as current sport organisations such as Sport Eng- CEO of Central Council of Physical Rec- land, the British Olympic Association, 37th annual event. Entitled ‘Running on – from insurance and travel arrange- reation (CCPR) – a large part of his work the Youth Sport Trust, UK Sport and also Empty – Sport in a Recession’, delegates ments to match programmes and VAT involves forging sound working rela- the Department for Culture, Media and saw Culture Secretary Andy Burham and advice. “Our aim is to put these com- tionships with both sporting bodies and Sport (DCMS) to discuss what services the new chair of Sport England Richard panies in touch with members to offer government organisations. they offered in order to identify CCPR’s Lewis take centre stage. them extra support in creating a long- Comprising a staff of 19, a board role in the sporting landscape,” Lamb Many of CCPR’s services, such as a free term viable business,” Lamb explains. of 12 and financed with less than £2m explains. “This exercise enabled us to fit business support line, are aimed at small- “This is a revenue raising service, from of subscription-based and contractual around other services and also make our er governing bodies which are often run which we make around £150,000 a year funding each year (CCPR handed over specific responsibilities known, so there by volunteers who don’t have an exten- in fees and commission. We call this our its ownership of national sports centres was less chance of duplication and a important to carry out this exercise to I sat down to discuss what was needed sive knowledge of business management ‘fighting fund’ because it enables us to such as Crystal Palace, Bisham Abbey waste of public funding.” find out from our members what it is as regards staffing structure, the first or the luxury of in-house lawyers, IT or fund extra activities and projects for and Lilleshall to the sports councils Four years on and CCPR is in the mid- that they require,” Lamb says, and adds decision we made was to appoint James human resources personnel. At the other members’ benefit which we might not in exchange for contractual funding), dle of another fact finding mission, but that previously, the temptation was Stibbs as head of communications to end of the spectrum, the more mature, otherwise be able to afford.” CCPR represents 290 national governing this time it’s the members who are being to offer too much by attempting to be spread the word and improve the qual- better resourced members make use bodies (NGB) in the UK. These include quizzed on what services they need, use all things to all people. “It’s important ity of our publications,” Lamb explains. of the organisation’s up-skilling courses, Lobbying for Change organisations that represent activities and value. “We’re a broad church so it’s to pay attention to the issues that really such as the chief executive workshops When it comes to relieving some of the from football to folk dancing and rugby difficult operating in a generic way on matter so as not to spread ourselves too Member Services – designed specifically for NGBs in as- community club volunteers from the to rounders – a network comprising issues that may affect major professional thin,” Lamb explains. “Fine tuning our The list of CCPR’s current member sociation with the CASS business school burden of red tape and the fear some 150,000 clubs with eight million sports bodies at one end of the spec- services will offer a framework for services is impressive. Apart from de- in London – for aspiring CEOs, as well as of litigation, CCPR’s policy department regular participants in the UK. trum and small representative bodies at what we want to achieve over the velopment programmes and training the Women in Leadership course, which boasts five officers whose roles include The key strands of CCPR’s work are to the other,” Lamb says. next four years. Our priorities haven’t workshops, business support and the aims to help move women to move gathering research and evidence to sup- provide member services, to campaign The information gained from this changed, but we’re likely to change CCPR daily news service – a collation of onwards and upwards within the NGB port arguments in policy, advising on and lobby on members’ behalf and to membership survey will help CCPR for- emphasis in some cases.” key sport, recreation, outdoor pursuits management structure. whatever tax concessions may be avail- offer an independent voice for sport. mulate its new strategy, which will come Perhaps the biggest change in CCPR’s and coastal access news stories – the The organisation also has a trading able, dealing with issues that surround “We have an accountability to our mem- into effect on 1 April next year. “As a emphasis in recent years has been better CCPR also hosts an annual European subsidiary called CCPR Enterprises, sports betting and ticket touting and bers, a duty to represent their interests precursor in identifying key member- communication. “We were doing many Summit, a CEOs’ Convention event a partnership scheme with around 20 offering advice on outdoor and adven- and we’re able to do this free from gov- ship services for implementation during good things but we weren’t getting our and the annual CCPR National Confer- companies that provide members with turous activity issues. “We help NGBs to ernment control,” Lamb explains. the period 2010-2014, we felt it was messages out there. So when Brigid and ence. This year was the organisation’s a whole spectrum of goods and services help themselves by providing them

16 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 17 INTERVIEW

Green Generation Lighting® with the skills and knowledge to allow For your budget, for the environment. them to make decisions and grow in the direction they want to,” Lamb says. DljZfC`^_k`e^_Xjgifm`[\[`e[ffiXe[flk[ffiÕff[c`^_k`e^ Dealing with European policy howev- jfclk`fejk_ifl^_`eefmXk`m\k\Z_efcf^pXe[j\im`Z\]fidfi\ er, needs particular scrutiny. “European k_Xe*'p\Xij%Fli\ok\ej`m\i\j\XiZ_Xe[[\m\cfgd\ek_Xj issues can greatly affect sport policy in c\[kfeld\ifljÕff[c`^_k`e^`eefmXk`fej%@e)'',#>i\\e the UK,” Lamb explains. “You have to >\e\iXk`feC`^_k`e^žnXj`ekif[lZ\[#i\mfclk`fe`j`e^k_\ remember that anything from 40-80 jgfikjÕff[c`^_k`e^`e[ljkip% per cent of legislation emanates from Europe, which can affect some of our DljZfËj>i\\e>\e\iXk`feC`^_k`e^ international business – such as facilitat- gifm`[\jj`^e`ÔZXekX[mXekX^\j1 ing successful bids to stage international ×i\[lZ\j\e\i^pZfejldgk`fe events in the UK and identifying sources We are empowered and bolstered by the breadth Yplgkf,' of potential European funding. and strength of our members and that’s why I think “CCPR is the only national repre- ×Zlkjjg`cc$c`^_kYp,' sentative organisation within the people sit up and listen to what we have to say Brussels-based EU sports office. Our ×gifm`[\jZfejkXekc`^_kc\m\cj European policy officer, James McDou- clubs and stadiums. This move would lottery (scratch card) would be capped ×`eZcl[\j('$p\XinXiiXekp gall, and I are part of a DCMS European have meant that people who may only at £750m. Our concern was that if this stakeholder group as this is an increas- work a few days a year, say as a stew- target amount was met early, the gov- ingly important area for CCPR. I’m ard at Twickenham, would have to pay ernment might think it was a convenient greatly encouraged by the fact that an £300 for a year-long licence – at a cost way of raising money. The problem be- Musco Lighting increasing amount of our members of millions of pounds to the UK’s sport- ing that people who spend money on Unit 1005 Great Bank Road look to us to be their eyes and ears ing industry. “You wouldn’t believe the Olympic scratch cards may not necessari- Wingates Industrial Estate in Europe. We need to have our wits amount of work involved in getting in- ly buy ordinary Lottery tickets, on which Westhoughton about us and monitor what comes out house stewards exempted during our so many of our sports depend.” Bolton BL5 3XU of Brussels and Strasbourg in case it six-month campaign. We’d be busy lob- However, Lamb doesn’t want to create www.musco.com UK Freephone: 0800 234 6832 [email protected] might adversely impact on sport in this bying ministers and just as we thought a dependency culture, particularly with ©2008 Musco Lighting · ADSPMA4_UK country. Whether it’s impending UK or we’d made progress, they get switched regard to the recent funding NGBs have European legislation it’s amazing the to different departments and we’d be been given by Sport England to extend number of times that the people bring- back at square one again,” Lamb says. sport participation and by UK Sport to ing it forward give no regard to the CCPR was also able to use its indepen- fund elite performance. “I do worry impact it might have on sport.” dent voice for sport to show its concerns about what will happen after 2012,” he A case in point was the recent move over the diversion of Lottery money says. “A lot of money is sloshing around in this country to make anyone working from grassroots sports to Olympic facili- the system at the moment, against a in licensed premises subject to licence by ties on behalf of concerned members. background of a desperately difficult the security industry. This was principally “Although the necessary empowerment economic environment. One thing we aimed at nightclub bouncers. However, through government went through, we do talk to our members about is the fact it became apparent that it would also at least got the government to under- that in three years’ time, that money is have an impact on people that worked take that there would be no further not necessarily going to be available so in all licensed premises, including sports raids on the Lottery and the Olympic they need to be thinking about being more financially self sufficient. “We are empowered and bolstered Lobbying government for a by the breadth and strength of our change in policies that affect sport members and that’s why I think people can be an upward struggle sit up and listen to what we have to say. I believe we are greater than the sum of our parts. Yes, it is an association which represents the interests of its constituent members but if it harnesses that power and if it operates in an effi- cient and effective way it has the capacity to make a real difference. “We are not an association that shouts from the rooftops, we are a critical friend that tries to find consensus rather than engage in confrontation. We know that in order to make a change in policy we need to sit down and converse through force of argument in a positive and professional manner to keep the door open and keep the policymakers listening to us.” L

18 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 NEW OPENING CRYSTAL PALACE National Sports Centre has a new engine

After undergoing major refurbishment and renovation works costing £17m, the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace is now ready for action. Karen Maxwell checks out the upgraded facility

ne of the traditional homes of architectural practice Arup Associates. refurbishment, in which Spie Matthew such as automatic control of the building British sporting events has However, while developing the brief for Hall were the main contractors. systems, efficiencies in the new mechani- The NSC interior has been brought up to standard now reopened for business the scope of work required to secure the These works included: cal systems, increased thermal insulation for elite and community sports provision up to O after a major refurbishment NSC’s long-term future, the surprise dis- UÊ Lengthening the 50m pool to add to the roof and to pipework and intelli- and beyond the London 2012 Olympics that highlighted some surprising chal- covery of asbestos totally changed the Swiss Timing electronic touch pads, gent lighting systems,” Hoskins explains. lenges along the way. nature of this refurbishment project. installing a Swiss Timing system and The building opened on schedule to Originally operated on behalf of Sport “Due to the scale and variety of prob- adding Olympic-standard starting host a pentathlon event at the end of England as one of the country’s five lems discovered within the building blocks. (Chisholm and Winch) April and after a couple of days reacting National Sports Centres, the London as works began, the job was split be- UÊ Refurbishing the diving pool and to expected teething issues, it opened its Development Agency (LDA) agreed to tween two separate building contracts: repairing the Grade I Listed diving doors to the public a week later. take control of Crystal Palace NSC as part the buildings works and the asbestos board structure Behind the scenes, phase two works of London’s bid to win the 2012 Olympic strip,” Arup Associates’ architect Lee UÊ Removing asbestos from roof voids, will be carried out over the next six- and Paralympic Games and formally took Hoskins explains. the ceiling, plant rooms and lagging months to upgrade the swimming pool over the lease in March 2006. Regarded as an influential example of UÊ Replacing the sports arena flooring spectator seating, refurbish the outdoor Situated in pleasant parkland, over- 1960s architecture, English Heritage had with Junkers flooring (installed by VA netball courts and complete works to looking the iconic Crystal Palace Stadium, named the facility as a Grade II* Listed Hutchinson Flooring), which meets the dry changing rooms. The LDA will the National Sports Centre (NSC) has ca- Building. Its interconnected internal national governing body technical fund an additional £5.32m of capital tered for more than 100 different sports design offers an impressive visual con- standards to allow for a variety of spend for phase three work which will to host major sporting events and GLL “We are building on a strong club and played host to a variety of sporting nectivity – allowing visitors to experience sports to be played at the venue be focused on safety issues and extend- is working closely with the LDA on this structure in Invicta which we are now events during its 45-year history – from the water, arena and sport court activi- UÊ Replacing the arena seating with ed on-site security. objective,” GLL regional manager Tony aiming to develop towards becoming local swimming galas and annual events ties in a campus-style environment. 1,760 Hussey Seatway seats “The aim of these works is that now all Wallace explains. a European super-club,” Sellwood says, such as the London Youth Games, to the However, according to Hoskins, work- UÊ Upgrading all wet and dry changing future investments into the building can One such programme – the Crystal Pal- adding that there will also be a diving international AVIVA London Grand Prix ing within this design was a major rooms (Chisholm and Winch) be made without compromising the con- ace Aquatics Beacon programme – run coaching scheme at the centre under the – which will see the current world’s fast- challenge as there were many internal UÊ Re-plumbing and re-wiring the whole tinual use of the centre by the general in conjunction with GLL, Sport England Beacon remit. est 100m sprinter, Usain Bolt, compete at environmental issues well outside of the building to comply with modern public,” says the director of LDA delivery, and the Amateur Swimming Associa- To keep the NSC’s regular gym mem- the stadium later this year. normal modern engineering standards. health and safety standards Martin Powell. He adds that any future tion (ASA) London region, will operate bers happy throughout the building “The grand central concourse area had UÊ Renewing or refurbishing the heating, investment in the site can now be made as a one-stop shop to plug the gaps in work, GLL relocated the gym to the Challenging Process to be largely rebuilt following the asbes- power and pool filtration plant on top of a decent foundation. training, education, sports science, phys- lodge accommodation block. “This, In order to bring the building up to stan- tos strip. Safely achieving these works UÊ Replacing thermal and acoustic insula- iotherapy and other support services for along with reducing our membership dard and extend its appeal to the local involved the largest birdcage scaffold- tion material throughout the building Community Links teachers and coaches. Its objective is to prices, allowed us to maintain a strong community as well as elite athletes train- ing design in Europe and necessitated UÊ Repairing roof joints and windows The LDA is spending around £2m a year enable swimmers to progress from les- membership base and lessen the impact ing and competing up to and beyond passing through the window of the UÊ Renewing the lighting and fire alarm on running costs at the NSC, which is sons to success at the highest level. on the business when we reopened,” 2012, the LDA enlisted the expertise of façade to the external areas for stabil- systems, including emergency lighting operated by Greenwich Leisure (GLL) on According to head of ASA talent Wallace explained. “There is further ity – resulting in a large amount of glass According to Hoskins, all public areas the LDA’s behalf. development, Nick Sellwood, the Bea- investment planned at the centre, in- replacement as a consequence.” were also upgraded to enhance the look A not for profit social enterprise, con programme will also host an ASA cluding improvements to the adult and of the building. This included the cir- tasked with reinvesting any financial national water polo academy in part- junior health and fitness product. This Work in Hand culation areas and corridors, while the surpluses into sports services at the cen- nership with Invicta – the national is currently being scoped and will be a The LDA has spent more than £17m floors, ceilings and walls also got a face- tre, GLL’s plan is to build up the NSC’s league club, which is relocating all its ac- GLL-funded initiative. on the extended scope of work lift within the acceptable limits of the community sports aspect for people liv- tivities from Kent to Crystal Palace. “Together GLL and the LDA are on in the phase one period building’s listed building status. ing a five- to 25-mile radius of the club. A full-time water polo head coach will track to provide fantastic elite and com- of the building’s “Many energy-saving measures were “We want to develop activity pro- be appointed to run the academy and munity sports provision at the NSC for three-phase also integrated into the new systems, grammes and increase the NSC’s capacity head the Invicta programme. years to come.” L

20 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 21 TALKBACK

Sport helps develop self esteem, confi- dence and respect Kate Hudson asks: Should sports at for rules – personal qualities which can be applied to every- sixth form be compulsory to avoid day life situations the traditional drop off in activity?

raditional school sports like hockey lessons. Added to this, there are essential Private schools make sport compulsory, and netball never held much al- skills to be taken from sport: the develop- which might, as Brigid Simmonds points lure for me, but once I started sixth ment of self esteem, confidence and respect out, explain why so many of our summer T form and found out there were sail- for rules – all personal qualities which can be Olympians were from private schools. The ing lessons on Wednesday afternoons, I was applied to everyday life situations. networking, bonding and competitive aspects thrilled. However, a few rainy Wednesdays Entering the sixth form coincides with of sport might also have something to do later, after waving goodbye to my friends in a typical drop off in sport for teenagers. with the success of private school students. the refectory, I decided, why bother? No one The combination of making life defining If sport has the ability to hone important BRIGID SIMMONDS CHAIR, CCPR was making me do it and there was the deli- decisions, wanting to achieve a degree of personal skills, major health benefits and cious freedom of opting out. So I chose to financial independence, a fairly heavy edu- enhances life, then why isn’t it put on must admit I had no idea this situa- perfect the art of hanging out. cational workload and the burning need for the same important footing as A level tion existed. My 17-year-old son is at Now I realise how golden these opportuni- socialising means sport gets sidelined. Also, subjects in sixth form colleges? Are 16- I a private school where sport remains ties were. To gain a basic grounding in those it’s the first time in the educational career to 19-year-olds too immature to make a compulsory in the sixth form and all stu- skills while a teenager can be a valuable that something is optional: so it’s just all reasoned decision on whether or not to par- dents have to partake on a Wednesday asset for adult life and will probably stick too tempting not to bother, especially when ticipate in the Wednesday afternoon sports afternoon. This possibly makes sense of for longer than the stuff learned in history your friends aren’t. opportunities? the statistic that so many of our summer Olympians came from private schools. The central issue must be that the government is scoring an ANNETTE MONTAGUE SCHOOLS DIRECTOR, YOUTH SPORT TRUST own goal if it is concerned about school drop-off post 16, but does not require those who remain in full-time education to he Youth Sport Trust works with Young people between the ages of 16-18 have wide and take part in sport. There is no doubt that given the choice, the schools and partners to improve the varied interests and are faced with difficult decisions about majority of 16-year-olds would do no physical activity at all. T quality and quantity of the physi- their priorities. The demands of higher level academic study As the CCPR represents more than 270 Governing Bodies of cal education young people can access. A and paid work commitments can result in them participating Sport and organisations committed to recreation and physi- high quality school sport experience builds in less sport. We know schools and colleges are developing cal activity, we have long been a supporter of children being physical and cognitive skills. It also gives creative solutions with students of this age range to encourage offered a range of sports and recreation at school on the young people the opportunity to develop them to participate in sport at a time that suits them. basis that even if they are not keen on team sports, they will and demonstrate skills in coaching, leader- A solution for some may be to retain PE or sport as a timeta- find something they like and want to keep doing throughout ship, teamwork and officiating. bled option during curriculum time. However, the Youth Sport their life. This could be dance, cycling, swimming or karate. The physical learning environment is different from those Trust does not believe that making sport compulsory would I am all for more choice at a later stage at school, but the in many other areas of learning and provides the chance to be the most successful way to allow young people to enjoy, government really does need to reverse this trend and if demonstrate achievements young people might find difficult in achieve and benefit from the experience and thereby nurture a necessary change the national curriculum, if only to tackle more traditional learning environments. love of sport which results in lifelong participation. the obesity crisis.

JOHN BANGS HEAD OF EDUCATION, NATIONAL UNION OF TEACHERS – EUROPE’S LARGEST TEACHING UNION GERRY SUTCLIFFE MINISTER FOR SPORT

port is vital in enthusing and giving is seen as part of everyday life. For this to occur, children and want sport to be so appealing to young hours of PE and sport every week. We are going even further a sense of direction to youngsters young people need to have the opportunity to participate in people that they will take it up for still, committing to give young people, up to 16, the chance Sespecially those in their teens. It games and sports as early as possible. Ilife, not abandon it when they leave to take part for five hours – and young people aged 16 to 19 should be part of an overall strategy for It is also essential that this country’s youth services are school. Sport should be something young the chance to do three hours. channelling their energy away from bore- given a financial boost, as they have been in catastrophic de- people want to do – the word ‘compulsory’ We have a number of initiatives for older teenagers – dom and excessive hours in front of the TV cline for years. I believe that building networks of community needs to be carefully considered because including offering to put in place a sports co-ordinator for and computers and towards healthy and clubs and ensuring they have a diverse intake and good links sport should never be a chore. every Further Education college, whose job is to get young constructive social lives outside school. with schools, school facilities should be a priority. Achieving Millions of young people love sport and people playing and enjoying more sport. But making sport The Labour government has invested a great deal in sport this will ensure young people are given the opportunity to take take part in traditional games after school and on weekends. compulsory for this group may not be the best way to increase which has had a significant impact on the facilities schools part in school sports. You cannot force young people past the This is what I want to see more of, and continuing to improve their participation. I think it would be wrong to focus too have been able to offer pupils, as well as proposing that schools age of 16 to take part in sport but if they are used to taking the quality of what is offered and adding new alternatives. much just on young people who are in formal education, as offer up to five hours of sport a week to all pupils. This is part in school sporting activity the chances are that many will We have made great strides in school sport. Now, more than the largest group of 16- to 19-year-olds are at work. That is important because there needs to be a culture whereby sport continue to join in games even when it is not obligatory. 90 per cent of children and young people in England do two why our three hour plan encompasses all 16- to 19-year-olds.

22 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 23 RESEARCH

One of Active England’s main Hall Aitken director David Gourlay objectives was to increase summarises the company’s participation among young people aged under 16 evaluation of Sport England’s national grant programme and how it encouraged people from hard to reach communities into sports participation ACTIVE

Through Active England funding, an estimated 33,000 people will have become actively involved in local sports ENGLAND clubs, groups or physical activity by 2010

aunched in 2005, Active Eng- UÊ Increase participation in sport and telephone support, a majority (87 per small percentage of the total project projects were more effective at land was a national grant physical activity among all sections cent) of Active England projects col- revenue. In particular, this included attracting those people who had programme designed to in- of society but particularly those un- lected and reported some data and providing more revenue funding to previously been inactive L crease participation in sports der-represented in participation evidence about their project. large capital builds. This significantly UÊ Sports clubs attracted the lowest and physical activity and funded UÊ Ensure the sports sector and key Most of Active England funding increased the partnership funding proportion of new participants jointly by Sport England and the Big partners adopt new ways of working went to projects that combined capi- available to the programme. UÊ The programme reached a higher Lottery Fund. It followed the pub- The Active England programme fund- tal and revenue elements (total value proportion of BME groups than in lication of the government’s Game ed 241 projects across England. £147.4m). Nearly four times as much Findings the population at large (just over Plan strategy document (2002). Re- These projects were selected to fit went into these projects compared HEADLINE OUTPUTS: 15 per cent) search into the participation levels in with programme goals and regional evaluation. Its role was to help spread with stand-alone capital or revenue UÊ 1.4 million participants UÊ Projects targeting women and England had shown that these were strategies. The main recipients of learning, build capacity and evaluate projects. This was largely a deliberate UÊ Enabling around 803,000 people to those in disadvantaged communi- substantially lower (32 per cent) than funding were local authorities, other the programme. strategy by the regions, reflecting benefit from coaching ties attracted more participants for the most active countries (such as Fin- public sector organisations and volun- priorities in their regional plans. UÊ Supporting 6,600 volunteers to each £10,000 of costs land with 70 per cent). However, a lack tary organisations. Key Performance Indicators There was an awareness among the help increase participation UÊ Projects have engaged some 24,000 of robust evaluative evidence meant One of the main aims for Active The main tool for measuring whether regions that facilities alone would not The number of participants will con- young people at risk that reviews had been unable to show England was to increase participation Active England has met its objectives attract participants and achieve the tinue to grow as capital projects UÊ Projects that have a particular focus what worked to increase participation. among young people aged under 16 is the data from Key Performance programme’s objectives. continue to bring in new people in on BME groups and people with Prior research suggested that and target groups with a lower than Indicators. The KPIs were chosen to the coming years. disabilities produced lower numbers approaches to funding sports activ- average participation rate. Sport Eng- reflect the scope of the programme Partnership Funding Each £10,000 of Active England of participants per £10,000; they ity should change, to encourage new land identified these as: and Hall Aitken encouraged projects Sport England encouraged partner- funding has delivered: work more intensively with a small- people to take up sport and physical UÊ People with disabilities to select a suite of indicators which ship funding to bring extra finance UÊ 165 participants er number of participants activity. It also highlighted that funds UÊ People over 45 would reflect what outcomes the into the programme. Active England UÊ 1,055 visits to a project UÊ Projects targeting disabled people did not impact sufficiently upon UÊ Black and minority ethnic project was hoping to achieve. secured significant partnership fund- UÊ 13 active members attracted a higher number of volun- harder to reach client groups. An in- (BME) groups Projects were advised to select from ing, attracting an extra £132.5m to UÊ 2.1 coaches teers for each £10,000 invested novation fund to test new ideas and UÊ Women and young girls five core KPIs. support sport and physical activity UÊ 1.8 volunteers approaches was suggested. UÊ People from areas of disadvantage Hall Aitken provided all projects projects across the country. Over- Increasing the overall rate of partici- Key learning points Some 56 per cent of projects funded with the opportunity to regular- all, Active England funded 41 per pation was a key objective for the There are 10 Legacy Reports that ac- Main Objectives by Active England specifically target- ly provide monitoring data. They cent of the total project costs and programme and, as well as increasing company the Active England The three main objectives were to: ed one of these groups. could do this through a web-en- secured in 59 per cent through part- overall figures: evaluation report, drawing from UÊ Create sustainable, innovative multi- Sport England engaged the con- abled management information tool nership funding. There are examples UÊ 173,000 participants had been inac- lessons about effective practice. activity environments in areas of sultancy firm Hall Aitken to support called ValueMapping. After sup- from across the programme where tive over the previous 12 months These will be useful for future proj- sport, social and health deprivation projects in monitoring and self- port through workshops, visits and Active England contributed only a UÊ Capital and outdoor-focused ects, planning future programmes

24 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 25 RESEARCH

Providing ongoing support beyond the activity programme is key to establishing an exercise habit

One of the great lessons from the Active England programme is that simply providing activities and a logical argument about why it is a good thing is not enough

and for policy-making. In developing Coaches, instructors and leaders Often people from hard to reach risks faced by continuing their cur- occasionally one person will have all these Hall Aitken concluded that: play a critical role in promoting and groups will find difficulty in staying rent course of behaviour. People are these to some degree. UÊ Radical innovation has not been supporting sport and recreational with an activity for a sustained period. encouraged to picture a better future prevalent in the Active England physical activity. We estimate that Some research suggests that it takes and become motivated to achieve it. Lessons Learned programme although some innova- Active England funding has sup- eight weeks to establish a habit. Even Motivational interviewing focuses on One of the great lessons from the tive approaches were observed ported around 8,400 coaches, each where people have enjoyed their ac- the client and while being semi- Active England programme is that UÊ Most projects are run by ‘expert’ of whom works with a further 96 tivity they find it difficult to stick at it directive, in that it actively encourag- simply providing activities and a logi- types whereas ‘enterprising’ types participants on average. This would for all sorts of reasons. These could be es them to make a change, it creates cal argument about why it is a good are most likely to innovate mean that up to 803,000 participants low self-esteem, no experience of em- an internal motivation for the client. thing is not enough. It is encouraging UÊ If innovation is desirable, future will have benefited from coaching to bedding structure into their chaotic Once a group accepts the pro- that many projects have tried to go projects must be helped to model some extent. Around 36,000 of these lives or cultural pressures. gramme, it becomes a new source for beyond this premise in an attempt to the ‘boundary busters’ – those who coaches (42 per cent) were coach- Providing ongoing support beyond referrals to it. Some Active England uncover some clues and develop tac- are more successful at making con- ing regularly within projects: at least the formal programmes of activity is projects have shown that it is possible tics to engage more people. nections and links once a week over 12 months. of the capital projects. Most of these key to getting hard-to-reach groups to engage with informal groupings if Across the programme we found UÊ Organisations running projects organisations are either trusts or to continue long enough to establish they take the right approach and the projects focusing on specific groups should take account of the drivers Revenue v Capital Projects charities where they are more likely, a habit. It is a way to positively rein- results can be just as effective as with built up a wealth of expertise in tar- to innovation and take steps to re- Across the programme as a whole by the nature of their interests, to be force and reward achievement. formal groups. geting these groups. This includes: move the identified barriers we found that revenue projects were targeting hard to reach groups. Trying to tell people what to do Programmes with a specific focus UÊ Getting the activities right – assess- UÊ People make projects and there are more effective at attracting and doesn’t work very well. People who on target groups have been more suc- ing the needs of the target group three distinct phases to a successful keeping participants than capital Engaging People have been inactive for a long period cessful in securing a greater number of and offering activities that match project, requiring three distinct sets funded projects. Revenue projects Organisation type has an impact on need some encouragement. An ef- volunteers for each £10,000 of funding their needs and aspirations of proficiencies in staff appear to be more effective at en- the proportion of previously inactive fective way is to apply the technique than the programme average. Target- UÊ Packaging activities with more of a UÊ Active England projects have made couraging repeat visits – throughput participants that projects engaged of motivational interviewing. This ing these groups means drawing on fun element for some people good progress in finding clues and for revenue projects is 864 for each with. Local authority-led projects has been shown to be a useful ap- existing networks of people that can UÊ Making the activities accessible – tactics to widen participation £10,000 of project cost compared appeared to be the most effective proach with people who accept that then support recruitment on to the activities must be local, run at the UÊ Active England has shared learning to 585 for capital projects. Revenue with 16 per cent of participants being they need to change their behav- programme. The greater number of right time and be at the right price across regions and projects through projects employing staff can engage new to sport. However, clubs, as- iour, but may be at different states volunteers in projects with a particu- and transport might be included engagement activities such as with more people one-to-one and sociations or trusts have one of the of readiness to do so. The interviews lar focus suggests that these projects UÊ Communication, outreach and themed workshops as well as therefore these projects can be more lowest proportions with just 5 per try to increase a person’s awareness are more successful in also using these marketing must be suitable for the the Legacy Reports effective in bringing disadvantaged cent of participants from this group. of the problems, consequences and networks to attract volunteers. target group people in. However, capital projects Investment in these organisations, The really successful projects are UÊ Being aware of the social and Club Membership may have taken longer to set up and particularly clubs, appears to have led by outstanding people. These are psychological reasons that may mo- The active members of a local club or will bring in more sustained through- benefited existing participants rather people who have something more tivate or put off a target group group are the lifeblood of any com- put over a longer timescale. than brought new people into sport. than simply technical competence or UÊ Choosing the right staff munity-based action. Active members Evaluation data suggests that One reason that some projects are a specialist skill. Special people can The ‘Widening Participation in Sport are important role models in their projects that only received capital successful in engaging the hard to do a lot with very little. But special and Physical Activity’, ‘People and communities and encourage others to funding have been most successful at reach is that they spend time listening people are hard to find and can be Proficiencies’ and ‘Engaging Hard join in. Through Active England fund- attracting new participants. Nearly a to them. They understand the barri- expensive to pay for when you do to Reach Groups’ Legacy Reports ing, an estimated 33,000 people will quarter of participants and through- ers faced and that perceived barriers find them. It may be that a project identify further ways of increasing have become actively involved in local put within projects were identified as which may have no foundation in re- has to call on several people to pull participation. L sports clubs, groups or physical activ- new to sport. However, these figures ality can be just as powerful as more together all the qualities needed David Gourlay can be contacted at ity by 2010. are based on returns from only half tangible barriers such as affordability. to make a project successful. Just [email protected]

26 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 27 GRASSROOTS

WING O TH R E

G GRASSROOTS ATHLETICS England Athletics looks beyond 2012, towards future generations of successful athletes

he year 2012 has become a buzz- word across sport in the UK and any mention of this date or the Young athletes are put through their paces during the McCain Athletics Networks launch T word London is rarely made with- out the mention of legacy. For England Athletics (EA) the chal- the sport in their area. A key focus of to clubs sharing ideas and resources in lenge is to consider life beyond 2012 and the scheme is to improve the provision ways that do not necessarily require what the sport will look like once the and development of high quality coach- much funding. We are seeing increased London Olympic Games have been and ing, in particular implementing the high co-operation in sharing facilities so that gone. Head of marketing and strategy at quality coaching systems and structures they are better utilised, as well as the EA, Chris Jones, explains: “In essence the that will grow and sustain participation sharing of coaching expertise between challenge for us is what happens after in club athletics. clubs and co-operation in promoting the last light is switched off at the end This will underpin many of the other athletics in schools. of the Games. network objectives. Ten networks have “Athletics networks mean we get more “Is what we have built up going to give already been selected and the process to impact for the money spent, which is the sport a vibrant future? Or will it fade choose a further 15 from submitted ap- good news for our sponsors too. We also as the Games becomes a past event? plications is now underway. hope that the effect on the culture with- London 2012 does give sport a great The first wave of projects have goals in our sport will be tangible by 2013. springboard – a talking point, a focal and plans which include bringing more “We want to see innovative clubs point and unifying goal – but the chal- children into the sport, developing road growing the sport, athletes staying with lenge is to build something that will last running, identifying and developing tal- the sport and being given every oppor- beyond 2012.” ent, improving the provision of disability tunity to excel. The effects should also athletics, encouraging participants in be felt in the wider aspects of the sport Athletics Networks mass running events to become more with recruiting, retention and the stan- The twin priorities for EA are clubs and involved in the sport and supporting the dards of coaching and officiating also coaching. Clubs are the environment recruitment and training of officials. The driven upwards.” in which athletes are recruited, in- networks will improve availability and Each of the networks will also be spired, trained and developed. Coaching development of coaching and bring oth- able to call upon the support of their expertise is essential if ambition and er multiple benefits to the sport in their local club and coach support officer, aspiration are to be turned into competi- respective areas. part of the EA team who support clubs tive results. EA has created the McCain The Athletics Network project is being nationwide. Athletics Networks as part of its drive on funded by McCain and Sport England. these two fronts. McCain is putting £300,000 into the first Hertfordshire Network Chris Jones explains the concept: “The wave of schemes which will also look to One of the first McCain Athletics Net- principle is quite simply that by pool- bring in more than £250,000 in addition- works is Hertfordshire. Malcolm Wallace, ing resources, clubs can become more al partnership and match funding. Over Hertfordshire development chair and effective. They don’t have to lose their £3m will be invested by EA into this pro- chair of the network says: “The net- individual identity, but they can achieve gramme in the years leading up to 2012. works are something new and in many far more by sharing expertise or facili- Jones says: “Athletics Networks are respects ground breaking. Our destiny ties, by getting athletes and coaches to part of our strategy of supporting and is in our hands. In the past there have work together, by partnering with other empowering clubs and coaches. We been issues about clubs thinking ‘we agencies and providing a unified front are encouraging them to take a leading can’t do this’ or ‘we can’t do that’. Now when seeking additional funding.” and innovative role in the future of ath- we’ve got the funding, but it is about The athletics networks scheme enables letics in England. While the funding is an more than that, the network has got the funding to be given to groups of clubs important aspect of enabling the clubs clubs together, got the coaches together which are working together to develop to do more, it has also acted as a catalyst and there is a feeling that we can devel- op and achieve. Plans include bringing more children into the sport, “The clubs in Hertfordshire have al- developing road running, identifying and developing talent ways been close, now we are closer than ever. We now have a combined Hert- and improving the provision of disability athletics fordshire Junior team and that’s working

28 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 29 GRASSROOTS ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

WHITE LINE SERVICES The athletic networks will strengthen co-ordinated school’s competition programmes well and helping to keep youngsters CALDERDALE – This network will deliver MANCHESTER – proposed activities for INTERNATIONAL LTD interested in the sport. taster sessions in schools, deliver athlet- this network include improving club and “It is good to get together and get ics coaching sessions in socially deprived school links, providing a street athlet- Keeping our valued customers updated with our busy coaches working together. We now have areas and establish pathways for new ics programme, deploying coaches and 2009 schedule, while preparing top UK venues for coaches passing their knowledge on to participants into clubs. Pathways for co-ordinators into targeted areas, estab- other coaches.” local disabled athletes will also be estab- lishing university and college support the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. lished to aid progression to higher level programmes and creating coach educa- The first 10 Athletics Networks squads. It will also increase the number tion opportunities. It will also carry out AVON – The proposed activities of this of coaches and develop their skills. work with gifted and talented athletes WHAT WE DO BEST
Surface cleaning, repairs and relining network include increasing the num- COUNTY DURHAM – Proposed activities from schools and colleges and hold White Line Services International – a small the track at the Birmingham Alexandria ber of school children active in athletics, include strengthening links with local event specific workshops for athletes. family-run business – has been in involved Stadium in time for the GB Selection trials supporting the work done in South schools, increasing the number of cur- NEWHAM – This network will run dis- with sports projects since 1978. for the 2008 Olympics Gloucestershire and North Somerset riculum time and after school coaching ability athletics sessions, provide taster Our services include:
Cleaned, repaired, red texture-sprayed, Sports hall markings at Trinity School, Croydon in talent identification and develop- sessions and establishing a disability ath- sessions, increase opportunities for
Pressure washing and marking tracks surveyed and painted track lines at South ment, encouraging novice participants letics section within Chester le Street and young people to get involved in athlet-
Repairing track surfaces Leeds Stadium for 2008 track events in mass participation events to sustain District Athletics Club. It will also fund ics, implement talent identification and
Red texture spraying
Washed and remarked the track at Stoke their involvement in distance running the purchase of a pool of equipment to development schemes and hold Olym-
Lining sports courts Mandeville Stadium – the official training and ensure regular coach and officials’ improve the quality of athlete develop- pic and Paralympic open days. It will also
Surveying and painting running tracks. venue for athletes preparing for the 2012 development courses and seminars are ment, provide opportunities for senior recruit young officials and increase the Olympic and Paralympic Games held within the county. It will also hold athletes from member clubs to compete number of female coaches. OUR NEW BABY MACHINE
Washed, red texture sprayed, surveyed regular days to bring athletes and their in higher level competition, hold joint SUSSEX – In Sussex the proposed work We now have a new indoor track washing and line painted Kirkwell Athletic coaches from the county together. training sessions involving athletes from includes the creation of a Run England machine, which has already shown Stadium in the Orkney Islands, Scotland ARMADA (based in the Plymouth area) – all network member clubs and increase Race series and 5K time trials, as well amazing results and recently used this
Remarked the tarmaced tennis courts at The activities proposed by this network the number of young volunteers. as expanding its Fun Run and Fun XC machine to wash and dry the track at Roedean School in Sussex Half-way through cleaning the track at include the introduction of a park- DERBYSHIRE – The Derbyshire network Leagues. An officials recruitment, coach Sutton Arena in London. the Paralympics headquarters at Stoke based series of road races, the delivery proposal included activities such as development and support programme RECENT NEWS Mandeville Stadium of taster recreational sessions at commu- developing and strengthening a co-ordi- (including bursaries) will be created and ON THE HOME FRONT These are some of the recent projects we nity events and town centre sites nated schools competition programme a Flying Coach scheme will assist athletes White Line Services has been involved have been or are currently involved in: and coaching/officials courses as well for children up to the age of 16, estab- at clubs and schools. in many interesting and varied sports
Installing, surveying and marking the as coach mentoring. It will also work lishing Focus Clubs for disability athletics projects, including: Victoria Stadium track in Gibralter in 1989, with the women’s running network to and developing disability athletics com- Wider Impact
Pressure cleaning the track at Crystal replacing the track for The Island Games develop ladies from jogging to compe- petitions. It will also work with event The impact of the template for Athletics Palace Stadium to ensure a safe, new- in 2000 and relining the track in 2008 tition level and encourage cross club specific groups in all clubs to enhance Networks is set to widen as UKA – the look for the 2008 London Grand Prix
Painting an eight-lane athletics track to coaching with the Flying Coach pro- coaching standards and establish county- governing body for the sport in the IAAF Class 2 certification in Mexico in gramme to help provide mentoring wide workshops for coach development. UK – will work with other home coun- December 2008 and support. HERTFORDSHIRE – The proposed activi- try associations in Scotland, Wales and
In early 2009 we completed work on BLACK COUNTRY – This network aims ties include building on the existing work Northern Ireland to implement a similar two nine-court sports halls in HMYOI A cleaned, resurfaced, surveyed and painted to improve collaboration between clubs between clubs and schools, providing strategy to develop club infrastructure. Feltham Young Offenders Prison track at Kirkwell in the Orkney Islands and schools and support the training of disability athletics equipment in athletics The new model will be rolled out across
Currently cleaning, partly-resurfacing teachers through the Elevating Athletics clubs, a shared coaching scheme, talent the Celtic regions over the course of and line painting an athletics track at CONTACT: scheme. It will increase coach recruit- identification events, holding county the next 12 months. Spenborough Pool and Sports Complex White Line Services International Ltd ment and development and will link up performance squad training sessions spe- The sport has recognised a clear need in North Yorkshire. 205 Holtye Road, East Grinstead with the University of Wolverhampton cifically for athletes with disabilities and for change in order to provide the legacy
West Sussex RH19 3ER to provide sports science support for top providing extensive coach development of a healthy future. UKA also recognises Tel: 44 (0)1342 311155 Track clean athletes within the network. and mentoring opportunities. that such change can be hard to take Fax: 44 (0)1342 311156 in progress at times but with clear lines of support Email: [email protected] The network has got the clubs together, got the coaches from a professional staffing network, together and there’s a feeling that we can develop and clubs will be able to move forward con- fident that they will better prepared for WHITE LINE SERVICES INTERNATIONAL LTD WHERE WE PUT YOUR TRACK FIRST www.white-line-services.com achieve – our destiny is in our hands life post-2012. L

30 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 31 SWIMMING

The PWTAG Swimming Pool and Spa International Conference 2009

Brian Guthrie, technical secretary for the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group, reviews the conference highlights

he third International Pool and Spa In addition to addressing urgent issues and Prevention underlined the importance Dutch water scientists reported on their analysis of differ- Conference, organised by the Pool of the day – such as cryptosporidium and of acting quickly when Cryptosporidium ent disinfection systems as an alternative to chlorine – the Water Treatment Advisory Group asthma – there were many technical papers cases appear and anticipating problems in best involved sodium hydrochlorite with UV or ozone T (PWTAG), attracted 200 internation- on disinfection by-products and pool man- the outbreak season by taking preventive al delegates to London in March this year. agement, as well as a sneak preview of the measures. These measures include warning The first of these biennial conferences future of international co-operation in pool the public and stepping up water treatment. there might be a financial price to pay – times as much pollution into the water as was held in Budapest, Hungary in 2005; in water research and standards. Although it was clear from other confer- both upfront and in running costs – some the cleanest. On the positive side, shower- 2007 delegates gathered in Munich, Germa- ence papers that Cryptosporidium can be delegates envisage these membranes might ing removed 80 per cent of the pollution. ny and this year the conference was based Conference Content readily found in a proportion of pools and eventually replace sand. Interestingly, this echoed work done less at the Royal College of Physicians’ head- The conference was divided into six sections; that swim diapers do not keep it out of the As for alternatives to chlorine, Dutch wa- formally by PWTAG more than 10 years ago. quarters in Regent’s Park. infections, water treatment, risk manage- pool, work done on behalf of PWTAG rein- ter scientists reported on their multi-criteria Another interesting session was when Noted for its international importance in ment, technical management of hygiene, forces confidence that it can be removed by analysis of 12 different disinfection systems. Representatives of the Federation of Tour FM Schets of the Dutch National Institute the pool water treatment sector, delegates health impact of disinfection by-products good filtration and coagulation. Some – copper/silver ions for example – fell Operators described how they co-operat- for Public Health and the Environment and came from Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, and the open forum. Thirty-five papers Infection problems from mycobacteria at the first hurdle because they didn’t pass ed with the Spanish government after a PWTAG chair Howard Gosling Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, were delivered – representing the work of and fungi in pools were also discussed. the microbiological effectiveness test. Tak- series of major cryptosporidiosis outbreaks Germany, Greece, The Netherlands, Hong more than 100 researchers. ing every available factor into account associated with hotel pools in 2000 and school-age children was unable to find any Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ma- Water Treatment however, the best systems all involved sodi- 2002. This highlighted the need for some association between swimming and asthma. laysia, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Infections There has been considerable interest around um hydrochlorite, mostly with UV or ozone. unified guidance on how to operate the On the other hand, toxicological work from Sweden, the UK and the US – all of whom Cryptosporidium, the number one cause the world in both improving conventional This section of the conference also in- pools, especially in the event of an apparent Germany did suggest a link. There was also enjoyed three days of papers from interna- of gastrointestinal illness from water, was water treatment and finding an alterna- cluded an informative talk from the Olympic outbreak. Incidentally, and apparently by interesting data from an Italian study com- tional academics, public health professionals one of the main topics. This protozoa is tive to chlorine disinfection. This conference Delivery Authority and water treatment de- coincidence, there have been no major out- paring the lifetime exposure to disinfection and consultants. a gastrointestinal parasite that survives in seemed to encourage the first aspiration signers, regarding the challenges involved in breaks since, to test the new guidelines. by-products in competitive, frequent and chlorinated water, so can be spread in drink- but not the second. Speakers from Ger- building the aquatic centre for the London occasional swimmers. The delegates addressed international ing water and pool water. A contribution many and Denmark spoke of the application 2012 Olympic Games. Some of the chal- Technical Management pool management issues in an open forum from the US Centers for Disease Control of membrane filtration to pools: although lenges include the logistics of getting a big The section of the conference on technical Open Forum pool into a tight space, on a contaminated management opened with a brave at- The conference closed with a challenging site with a river running through it, how to tempt by Gordon Nichols of the UK Health open forum on how to build on the com- deal with the tens of thousands of remov- Protection Agency (HPA) to start assess- mon purpose that manifests in this type of able seats and supplying high-quality water ing quantitatively the disease burden from international conference. It was agreed that to the two 50m pools and diving pool. swimming. This difficult work is still some there was a need to share knowledge and way short of suggesting intervention strate- develop some common parameters that Risk Management gies. An HPA colleague spoke of the more would be applied to the necessary research. Risk management was also the theme for immediate problems raised by the prolifera- There were many volunteers from all the an interesting series of papers. The da- tion of interactive water features. Unless countries represented to develop an inter- tabase of pool performance results that they include decent water treatment, he net-based forum for this work. Hungarian authorities are currently setting said, there is a very real risk of infection. The conference also marked the launch up was viewed as ‘too authoritative’ for of the new edition of PWTAGs guidelines, some in the audience, but a systematic Disinfection By-products Swimming Pool Water: treatment and qual- approach to bathing loads pioneered by Asthma was the cloud hanging over the ity standards for pools and spas. This offers Dutch researchers was intriguing. section of the conference that dealt with 200 pages of updated and new material cov- Using a controlled shower cabin they disinfection by-products. Two separate pa- ering subjects critical to healthy swimming. were able to measure the effects of dirty pers from CREAL in Barcelona suggested There are also new chapters on swimming bodies on the pollution load entering the first, that lung damage was by no means pool basics and dealing with outbreaks in pool – and the beneficial effects of show- as clear-cut as Belgian studies had suggest- spas to interactive water features. ering. The dirtiest bathers could carry 26 ed. Secondly, a survey of more than 3,000 For more information visit www.pwtag.org

32 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 33 WET PLAY Interactive Water Fun!

Claire Mollet discusses the power of the family pound when visiting wet play facilities as the Free Swimming initiative is rolled out at pools across the country AU PIC: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SHELLY

New Floatables hildren have long been able to after a good week of school work where through initiatives like the Kelloggs and influence what their parents have they can race down the flumes, ride the Schweppes free swim vouchers. bought on their behalf, extend- waves and play safely and happily under the With this positive momentum it’s down  Non-chewable skin C ing way beyond demands for toys, interactive water features. It always amazes to the leisure managers to be creative and  Anti-bacterial coating clothes and food to hobbies, days out, holi- me how the children never tire of doing this increase their appeal to the crucial fam- days and family entertainment. three or four times a month and I am often ily market by providing solid entertainment  Lightweight EXCLUSIVE OFFER Like any parent, I am frequently the victim instructed as to which leisure centre we visit. and family fun sessions to of my children’s choices and am more than Water slides, wave machines, mushroom attract, draw and keep this revenue. FOR ISRM MEMBERS familiar with their ‘pester power’. With the showers, multi-level play structures, tip- So how can this be achieved when com- New Fun, 5% OFF BRAND NEW increased pressure on parents to juggle the ping buckets, pipe falls, spray rails, throw peting with other local activities and leisure FLOATABLES SET. work/life balance, fuelled by the ubiquitous in floats – a multitude of features are avail- centres? What compels and excites children Fill & Splash press coverage on achieving a more active able from simple pool toys to more complex of different ages What investment can be Quote: HLPREC01 family lifestyle, parents are more likely to structures. The presence of even the sim- made to offer a long term appeal and how  Interactive water play take the demands of their children more se- plest of water features at a pool facility can a leisure centre become a phoenix? riously to help achieve this balance. will hold the imagination and interest of  Replace old water features Choice of their local leisure centre is one this powerful age group. Spectrum Success such example. As a mother of two, I know A prime example of continued rejuvenation  Customised theming that getting children ex- Family Swimming is Guildford Spectrum, one of the UK’s most cited about swimming and Free swimming has created many opportu- successful leisure centres. Manager Simon  Design-in future taking part in physical activ- nities for leisure centres and their public this Tomlins attributes a £1m per annum income expansion plans ity is made so much easier year. The increased press coverage, together to the variety of equipment the centre has when there is an exciting with the might of the 2012 Olympics, have installed, together with bright and colour-  Create revenue carrot to dangle. I often use pushed swimming back into the eye of the ful theming. Continued investment in the a trip to our local leisure general public. Corporate promotions are regeneration of its existing features sustains through play pool as a reward also encouraging us back into the pool good attendance. Their Whizz and Surf flume rides are ex- citing and crowd pleasing for the eight years plus age group, offering both a tyre ride and a competitive three-lane slide. Togeth- er with the wave machine and multi-slide, there is constant activity and things to do. The little ones are catered for by specialist toddler-friendly slides, a single-level pirate ship and gentle water features. Future consideration is being given to Water flumes can be configured to suit the addition of interactive features for the the building design and water source flume rides such as sound, light and a rac- ing scoreboard to encourage competitive Tel: +44 (0) 1752 313075 E: [email protected] W: www.hippoleisure.com

34 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Hippo Leisure… Revitalise, Rejuvenate, Reinvent WET PLAY An earth-friendly solution There has never been a for pristine pool water. more opportune time for managers to stamp their s3AVESMILLIONSOFGALLONSOFWATERANDWASTE personality on their jobs s$ELIVERSPOOLWATERQUALITYTHATSSECONDTONONE s3AVESCOSTLYMECHANICALROOMSPACE and communities as more families head to the pools

Installations use and thrill. However, as much as Tom- Worldwide lins would love to see a big signature ride installed at the centre, for now at least, he is turning his attention towards the young family market and will continue to build on their existing comprehensive water play equipment to retain appeal to this audience. given towards a water source and the most Guildford Spectrum has enhanced its INDUSTRY By teaming up with his suppliers, Tomlins suitable route for supply pipework,” ex- £1m per annum income by offering BEST NEW PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARD is able to plan future phases of toddler play plains Clark.“There are numerous types of imaginative water play equipment by reusing existing water supplies, building waterslides, including fully enclosed tubes, on their theme and keeping the equipment open slides – which are more appealing Additional cover prices can be charged well-maintained. to the younger children – multi-lanes for for flume entry and some flumes have even Call 800-832-8002 for a FREE Savings Audit. competitive family riding or adrenaline rides been sponsored by local businesses. Visit www.defenderfilter.com to see a Defender in action. Flume fun such as kamikaze drop slides, space bowls Never has there been a more opportune It is important not to overlook the potential and black holes. time for leisure managers to stamp their a flume slide could bring to any swimming “The average life span of a well main- personality on their jobs and local commu- by pool. Matt Clark, technical sales manager of tained flume is approximately 15 years, nities. More and more families are going Since1956 flume expert Loyal Grove Leisure, has been although we still service some that are sev- back to swimming. It doesn’t break the retro fitting flumes for several years. eral years older. The longevity of the slide bank and it’s a great day out. Swimming is As a leading company in its field with gives each centre the chance to maximise part of the Great British culture, no other possibly the largest waterslide mould store potential income streams by maintaining country is quite like it when it comes to the in Europe, Loyal Grove Leisure has installed both the internal and external surface. Not quality or locality of our leisure amenities. L many flume slides in the UK and continues to mention the addition of interactive fea- The power of experience to support and maintain them. tures such as sensor operated traffic lights, Create the perfect “Flumes can be configured to suit most water sprays, lighting, sound, smoke and swimming pool or building designs with careful consideration even moving images,” Clark explains. sports centre for your members. CASE STUDY SERCO LEISURE, TENTERDEN LEISURE CENTRE Pellikaan is a specialist hen Donna Kavangh joined Serco Leisure as manager of By installing a wet design and build leisure Tenterden Leisure Centre, she quickly saw that pour safety surface contractor. Wshe could build and improve on her existing leisure around the equip- pool set up. Armed with a mushroom shower, flume slide, ment, the pool has a We can deliver from design wave machine and some squirting penguins, she invited new clean edge to it to handover, partnering companies to come up with ideas for adding more interactivity and finishes off the with you and your team. aimed at young families yet still providing compelling action area properly. for the eight- to 12-year-olds. After only a few As the only contractor Unable to take advantage of any funding streams, Donna months, Kavangh with operating experience, worked with her Trust to create a budget of £30,000 with the has seen a tangible we offer unique input to objectives of increasing casual swimming patronage and provid- increase in revenue. your development. ing a fun environment for families. Her weekend and Donna’s investment gave her a revitalised mushroom shower holiday programmes incorporate an immense range of activities Tap in to our experience with four interactive arms housing tipping buckets, water all carefully targeted and regularly fully booked. The party spir- of over 900 centres and open your new building wheels and a themed shower, all of which can be changed and it is evident throughout the centre and her team of lifeguards on time and in budget. swapped around in the future. A new water arch stretches are critical to the success of their Wave Rave events – spraying across the pool creating a natural entrance to the features and the children with water and creating the perfect disco atmo- spraying visitors from a waterwheel and spray rails but also pro- sphere for the eight- to 12-year-olds. This is in direct parallel to viding a water feed to an area which can be utilised at a later the Relax and Unwind sessions held once a week for the adults date. The toddlers can play safely on the double lane, pirate to enjoy classical music and mood lighting. themed, foam constructed water slide and even the over 60s sit Kavangh will continue to building on her theming ideas to Pellikaan under the squirting treasure chest relaxing after a casual swim. incorporate the flume slide and other areas of the pool. www.pellikaan.com - [email protected] - 020 8392 9355 Design & Build

36 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 TENNIS

TENNIS & SPORTS FENCING

Right Angle Specialists Tennis Court

Finial Tennis Court

UNDER COVER Rod Sheard, Rod Sheard, senior principal of Populous (formerly HOK Sport), discusses the design challenges associated with the retractable roof at Wimbledon’s Centre Court and highlights Corrie Power Play Tennis Ball Retention Rebound System Tuba Tennis Court 45mm Chainlink a similar development in Queensland, Australia

f it rains in southern England from First and foremost we needed to pre- creating a world-class venue by improv- 22 June to 5 July this year, it won’t serve the identity and history of the ing bar and dining facilities in both stop play at one of the world’s world’s most iconic tennis stadium, yet Centre Court and within the grounds as I most famous international tennis redefine a coherent building. Other a whole. This meant creating a series of tournaments. At this year’s event, Wim- briefs within the stadium included the terraced balconies to house restaurants bledon officials will be able to close the fact that Centre Court had to be larger and bars in the new east wing. However, recently installed retractable roof to the and more comfortable, which meant in- the most defining element of the whole Corrie Image elements in under 10 minutes. No mean creasing the seat widths and adding seat redevelopment was the retractable roof. Rebound System feat, but designing a sustainable clos- padding while increasing the capacity This was the most exciting part of ing roof over a grass tennis court with from 13,800 to 15,000. the design for me, as it was technically 15,000 spectators around it on a very Improved spectator experience and complicated and involved many years tight site, has required the use of all entertainment was also essential to of research and experiments – including our design skills. the success of the project, which meant two years of light studies. A key element was to allow natural light to reach the grass, so it would develop in a healthy manner. These exhaustive light studies showed the fixed roof had to be as large Corrie Premier ServeAce Tennis Rebound System Practice Fence as possible and the retractable roof as small as possible to allow sufficient light levels to maintain grass growth, not only for centre court, but the grass to the www.jbcorrie.co.uk courts north of centre court. New Brochure Roof Design Issues OUT NOW We had to use all of our ingenuity The Fencing Specialists and approach the issues in some very Head Office: Frenchmans Road, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3AP A key element of the roof was to allow Tel: 01730 237100 Fax: 01730 264915 AELTC PIC: natural light to reach the grass Email: [email protected] Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 39 TENNIS

The folding fabric concertina roof was an ambitious solution, the scale of the roof needed was huge and a project of this size had not been undertaken before

Sussex Downs College, Eastbourne Campus, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne, UK • 131' w x 160' l (39.9m x 48.7m) different ways – from the actual folding over the court. The eventual solution divided into two sections, with a total of mechanism of the roof covering, to the was a folding fabric concertina roof, nine bays of structural fabric – four bays cooling and humidity control systems. four times smaller than the area of in one section and five in the other. The traditional approach for mov- the roof opening itself. In preparation for closing the roof, ing roofs on stadia is for one or – more The roof fabric had to be translucent one section is parked in its folded state Practice Made Perfect often – two sliding panels, which cover enough to allow large amounts of day- at the north end of the court, while the opening in the fixed roof. But if we light to pass through so it would feel the other is parked at the south end. A did this at Wimbledon’s Centre Court, open even when it was closed, to retain combination of hydraulic jacks and arms With the design of the structure, the reason we went for Summit in the first place, was it would have meant the sliding panels the feel of an outdoors event, and be form the mechanism for closing the roof. it gave us a great deal of flexibility - we could have it any way that we wanted - with the would over-hang the fixed roof, out- crack resistant. A fabric became avail- One bay, or field of fabric, is opened at a shape or size, and exterior or interior. It also allowed us to add additional facilities. side the footprint of the building, which able during our research period which time, from the north and south simul- David Williams, Sussex Downs College, Sports & Recreation Manager would have looked inappropriate and was made from 100 per cent PTFE (bet- taneously. The bay is forced open by would also affect the grass growth in the ter known as Teflon), which does not electro mechanical actuators which act courts north of Centre Court. crack when folded and unfolded. It’s like hydraulic jacks opening up the end The folding fabric concertina roof also waterproof, strong, highly flexible arms, which are like giant hinges link- was an ambitious solution; the scale and translucent. It offers protection to ing the trusses together. When the first of the roof needed was huge and a the grass in all weather conditions and bay is fully open, the end arms lock the project of this size had not been under- actually improves growing conditions trusses apart and the next field begins to taken before. But what it meant was throughout the year, particularly at the open, and so on, until the two sections that the roof could be folded into a southern end of the stadium, which has meet in an overlapping seam above the very compressed area when not in use the benefit of extra light. middle of the court. The whole process The structure and folding mecha- takes only a few minutes. Sussex Downs College Berlin Voorhees Tennis Center West Worthing Squash and Tennis Club 131' w x 160' l (39.9m x 48.7m) 120' w x 180' l (36.5m x 54.8m) 119' w x 161' l (36.2m x 49.0m) The folding fabric concertina roof is four nism for the fabric was also technically times smaller than the roof area – allowing complicated as the trusses had to span Controlling the Environment it to be folded into a compressed area 75m. The solution was a retractable roof The final design aspect was the environ- mental control. When the roof is shut, it Custom designed pre-engineered structure • Leading steel-framed, membrane technology • Fast construction encloses up to 15,000 spectators, which Spans up to 300' widths, by any length • Reduced operating expenses • Perfect practice and training environment creates moisture in the air and a dew ef- fect on the court – making it unplayable. To dry the air sufficiently for play to For More Information: resume, large air handling units and North America: 1.800.615.4777 ducts were incorporated into the fixed UK: 0800 3891490 roof structure. These blow cool, dry Outside NA & UK: +44 (0)1283 554120 air over the spectators and dry out the Web: www.summitstructures.com court surface. There are approximately

SUMMIT STRUCTURES IS A TRADEMARK OF COVER-ALL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. 40 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 TENNIS

INDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES CASE STUDY QUEENSLAND TENNIS CENTRE Up to 100m clear span, any length

ompleted in December last year, the Queensland Tennis Cen- tre in Brisbane can comfortably host tennis tournaments in Australia’s hot and balmy summer. With court temperatures C that can soar above 50 degrees, its Centre Court fixed roof solution permanently shelters the 5,500 spectators from the elements, while maintaining the atmosphere of an outdoor event. The AUD$82m (£40m) centre, owned by the Queensland govern- ment and managed by Stadiums Queensland, is linked to a residential Brisbane’s Queensland Tennis Centre is under cover and parklands riverfront development, which provides an ideal training ground for Queensland’s future world tennis champions, as well as an including pedestrian access along the riverfront and connectivity to ‘play and train all year round – whatever the weather!’ international standard tennis facility. the existing Brisbane City Council bikeway network for cyclists, as well Situated on the site of the decommissioned Tennyson Power as improved local access to the Yeerongpilly Railway Station. Parking Station, the centre held its first international tournament in January has also been improved with the construction of an internal road and Low project costs 2009, the Brisbane International, a major new tournament associated on-site parking to minimise traffic on local streets. >> Fast efficient build with the Australian Open Grand Slam. During events, the main thoroughfare is closed to traffic, creating a >> Minimum Foundations pedestrian boulevard, which can be dressed with pageantry and lined Elite Facilities with food and beverage stalls and merchandising outlets. As part of Low Running Costs Populous (formerly HOK Sport Architecture) formed a part of the the community facility there is also an interactive museum, with >> Natural daylight design team to ensure the tennis centre was benchmarked against the memorabilia celebrating the rich history of tennis in Queensland. - without costly glazing best tennis facility designs in the world. The result is a purpose built - without glare facility that features 22 match and training courts on three Grand Under Cover Slam surfaces – grass, clay and cushioned acrylic hard court, as part of The roof is designed to maintain an outdoor atmosphere and tourna- For more information telephone Collinson 0800 840 6458 a 12 hectare residential, recreational and parklands hub, includ river- ment classification while providing permanent shade cover. Players or visit our website at www.collinson.co.uk facing frontage, with public access to the Brisbane riverfront. and spectators need protection from the heat and sub tropical storms Collinson plc, Riverside Industrial so the roof solution acts as both a parasol and an umbrella. Park, Tan Yard Road, Catterall, Corporate boxes can be dismantled for The fixed roof is partially solid (metal sheet panels) and partially Preston, Lancashire, PR3 0HP fabric (PTFE fabric). Insulation within the metal sheet panels keeps larger function spaces and media facilities the arena cooler and drier in summer and cuts down the noise from converted into internal coaching spaces outside. The open umbrella design allows for the best possible use of natural light as the essence of the sport is all about being outdoors. The key to this centre is its flexibility and connection to its local community. In event mode, the tiered centre court is capable of Long-term Sustainability THE FENCING SPECIALISTS hosting state, national and international standard tennis events on all Environmentally sustainable elements include underground water surfaces and the everyday cushioned acrylic hard court surface can tanks to capture and store up to one million litres of water, essential be easily adapted. The new centre is also the headquarters for Tennis in the everyday maintenance of high quality tennis surfaces. Many of Queensland’s administration and development programmes. Ten- the specific function spaces for major events are adaptable for nis administrators and advocates believe the game has to be more everyday living. Corporate boxes have demountable walls and can be accessible, particularly to children, so the nursery is a vital element, dismantled to make larger banqueting or function spaces and facilities Welcome to JB Corrie... providing an academy that draws in children from across the state. used by the media can be converted into internal coaching spaces. Quality fencing manufacturers, expert fencing The long-term vision is to develop the space around the stadium, contractors, complete solutions and superb customer Community Tennis such as a community square, for weekend markets etc. The museum service make us The secure choice! When not in event mode, the facility operates as a leisure tennis will help create this area, as will the public work of art, which provides centre. Improvements have been made to the local infrastructure a signature point for the stadium.

600 air conditioning nozzles in the roof, of excessive moisture – unlike a rugby pumping air at high velocity. union or football stadium where the JB Corrie, Your fencing Choice Although we have designed a num- condition of the grass surface is less JB Corrie can help you achieve the reality to your concept. ber of moving roofs at various sports crucial. At Wimbledon, if the roof was Examples of JB Corrie’s services can be viewed on their facilities – such as the Etihad Stadium in closed, we needed an air conditioning recently launched website which is designed to be user Melbourne, Australia; the Millennium system which would be able to remove friendly, helpful and informative. Stadium in Cardiff and the Reliant stadi- the condensation from the ball, the um in Houston, Texas – Wimbledon now grass, the air, the players and even the www.jbcorrie.co.uk operates one of the most technologically spectators, before play would resume. JB Corrie & Co Ltd. Frenchmans Road, Petersfield, advanced roof structures in the world. Wimbledon has become the bench- Hampshire GU32 3AP This project differed because not mark for owners of sports facilities Tel: 01730 237100 Fax: 01730 264915 email: [email protected] only did we have to solve the problem around the world – who now recognise of the roof design itself, but we had to that if Wimbledon can roof its grass Cen- develop an air conditioning system that Wimbledon officials can close the retract- tre Court, then how can they maintain would provide a perfect surface, free able roof in less than 10 minutes the unique aspect of their venue. L

42 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 NON-TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES

setting the standard - leading the field Wembley The Home of Great Goals We are Official Suppliers of Football Goals and Nets, Rugby Posts and American

PIC: FAULKVALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY PIC: FAULKVALLEY Football Goals to the new Wembley Stadium

Telephone 01502 583515 www.harrod.uk.com FOOTBALL ACADEMIES

Crispin Andrews takes a close look at the value football academies bring to From gymnastics to soccer, tennis, hockey both the club and the player and looks at how these facilities are kept secure or basketball, RUBB Buildings can get you under cover quickly and cost effectively. RUBB buildings provide bright, clear span lan Hansen once said that you Jonny Evans and Danny Wellbeck are space with materials and engineering that never win anything with kids. the latest academy starlets to break into ensure a long trouble free structure life... Famously, the former Liverpool the Old Trafford first team and their has the A FC captain turned BBC pundit coach, Dave Bushell, explains that good innovative Fabric RUBB Buildings ideal solution was proven wrong and even though staff working with good players in a 2 *'.&
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and Darren Fletcher who have gone itself has become known as ‘the academy RUBB BUILDINGS LTD. Dukesway, TVTE, Gateshead, on to play elsewhere; and it becomes NE11 0QE, England. Tel: 0191 482 2211. Fax: 0191 482 2516 clear that even for the richest and most Right: Tony Carr believes an academy E-mail - uk: [email protected] usa: [email protected] successful clubs, an academy can make should offer an enjoyable experience norway: [email protected] excellent business sense. Above: Wolverhampton academy players

44 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 NON-TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES

CopriSystems tough durable canopies are ideal for providing year round sporting facilities with total protection from the elements. Up to 40m spans available with unlimited length in either fixed or telescopic models. Translucent covers allow maximum natural light and full length sliding curtains provide complete ventilation. GET UNDERCOVER With a CopriSystems sports dome - for year round protection from the weather Since 2002, the academy at Middlesborough FC has produced the most graduates of all Premiership clubs ! Structural, lightweight galvanised CopriSystems steel frame of football’. England captain John Terry Academies are central to the FA’s Charter for Quality pro- also spent five years under Carr’s tute- ! Translucent cover gramme. They bring together the best young players for top lage during his formative years. ! Natural ventilation “Pressure is always on us to produce quality coaching, development, education and medical care COVERING TECHNOLOGY but we mustn’t relay that to the play- ! Cost efficient 
 

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 and, above all, don’t play the game for be to give local lads the chance to be- are even more reliant on unearthing ! Year round weather protection 
01794 301 000  
01794 301 342 them. Don’t coach the player on the come professional sportsmen,” he says. local talent. This season, Peterborough ! Suitable for a wide range of sports www.coprisystems.com ball or shout instructions from the side- Thirteen local youngsters have United has held eight open trials for lines because we want players to make appeared for Middlesbrough in the Pre- nine- to 14-year-olds and opened eight their own decisions. mier League in the last 12 months. Since player development centres. Many come “We want to see good basic skills, a the 2002–03 seasons, the club has pro- through into the club’s Centre of Excel- talent for the game, enthusiasm and duced the most academy graduates of lence; just before the end of the season intelligence,” he adds, stressing the im- all Premiership clubs to play in at least two youngsters signed up – one on the portance of not pigeon-holing players five first team games and 19 current pitch before match day. too early. “For example, Glen Johnson Middlesbrough youngsters have played Over the years, Brentford FC’s Centre arrived here aged nine as a centre for- for England age-group teams. of Excellence for nine- to 16-year-olds ward and ended up playing for England Most clubs have community outreach at right back.” programmes to support local football, provide opportunities for local young- Local Support sters and of course, to cherry pick the Academies are central to the Football area’s top talent. Association’s (FA) Charter for Quality pro- When more than gramme. Introduced by then FA technical one club is com- director Howard Wilkinson in 1998, they peting for players bring together the best young players within the same for top quality coaching, development, area it is even education and medical care. There are more important to get this right. currently 39 academies – one in all top- Keen to stay one step ahead flight clubs for which it is mandatory and of local rivals, West Brom and 19 in Football League clubs. The charter Wolverhampton Wanderers work exten- requires all other Football League clubs sively with nearby grassroots clubs, the to run Centres of Excellence. local authority and schools. Academy Strict new rules have been brought in manager Kevin Thelwell explains that to prevent clubs signing young players these are informal relationships rather who live outside their catchment area. than formal partnerships which help Children under the age of 12 must live the club build a reputation as a fam- within one hour’s travelling distance ily club. “We’re currently running some from the club, or 90 minutes for players free training sessions for those involved aged 13-16. in running recreational football where Former PE teacher Dave Parnaby over- they can come to our training facilities sees the Middlesbrough Academy and and learn from experienced academy the recruitment of players. “Both the coaches,” he says.

46 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 NON-TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES

has produced the likes of Marcus Gayle, ACADEMY ACCESS CONTROL Marcus Bent and Michael Dobson. The club also runs a scholarship scheme for Reading FC is surrounded by a Beta 16- to 18-year-olds and its under nine- Pro Mesh security system to 14-year-olds play friendly matches against other Football League clubs. “Individual player development is more important than results at schoolboy lev- el,” says centre manager Barry Quin.

Football Facilities All Chelsea players from football in the community through to Didier Drogba Coaches should be positive and allow use the club’s Cobham training ground. players to think for themselves One hundred and forty acres of prime Stockbroker belt make up a campus fa- tennis courts, floodlit netball courts, cility – built not long after the arrival of lthough Chelsea FC’s Cobham training ground backs onto Cobham and natural turf football pitches, an athletics Abramovich and his billions. Stoke D’Abernon railway station, it is a 10-minute hike through leafy track and cycle velodrome. There is also Thirty playing areas including three Asuburbia to get into the ground. The gate, through which you can – with an aerobics dance studio, Pickens bar phase one pitches, covered in a blan- permission from security – leave the ground, remains securely locked making and conference and training facilities. ket heating system and a fibre sand sure that all visitors to the ground enter through the access control point at the The flooring of the indoor gym construction to mimic conditions at front of the facility. is padded and sprung to withstand Stamford Bridge, are supplemented by a Public and press have separate entrances and the media has its own area – ad- free-weight training and the gym is host of support facilities. These include jacent to but out of sight of the first team’s training pitch. Players have their own equipped for all age groups to work can study for A-level qualifications. Eng- the Conference Junior League. a swimming area complete with steam- entrance with biometric access – allowing them to open the door with a thumb print. on their strength, speed, flexibility and lish speaking courses are also available “It’s ideal preparation for a career in room, hot and cold plunge pools and a After thieves broke into their Springfields training ground last October, Preston stamina. A 6ft x 6ft hydro pool is also for overseas players who need to brush coaching, sports development or PE sauna, as well as a sizeable pool with a North End FC installed a remote, monitored CCTV system that records to a Vista featured within the rehabilitation area. up on their language skills. teaching,” says Mandeville’s director of moveable floor – allowing the depth of Smartdisc and transmits images to a monitoring station. Facilities manager Vincent “Courses are modular to enable players specialism Kevin Ford. the pool to be altered according to play- George has access from his desk at the stadium and at home so he can instantly Further Education to catch up after international duty and For all clubs, academies are first ers’ exercise requirements. check the site if an alarm is activated. Stories about callous football clubs let- fit in alongside training and fitness rou- and foremost about long-term player An additional hydrotherapy pool has The perimeter of the Springfields site is protected by a Redwall system to detect ting go heartbroken youngsters with tines,” explains Bushell. “It’s about giving development.“We want good all-round a variable speed underwater treadmill intruders before they reach the training complex and a Paxton access control sys- dashed aspirations and no alternative the youngster some back-up should they players who can pass, move, go forward, which allows players to ‘run’ without tem is installed at both the training complex and stadium, linked to a central FM career path, mean clubs are now more not make the grade as a player.” who want the ball and have the capa- their full body weight bearing down server. “This provides control over which staff can enter the complex and at what inclined to cater for the holistic needs Other clubs extend the academy bility to play in a number of positions,” on them. The HydroWorx pool also times, it also links into the CCTV and alarm systems,” says George. Email or SMS/ of their young players. “There can be principle into their surrounding com- says Bushell. features directional resistance jets and text messages are sent to advise when the building is opened, closed or if an alarm so many reasons why a player doesn’t munities. League Two side Wycombe For Dave Parnaby it’s about providing a video monitoring system. The entire is activated. make it – injury, reaching a growth pla- Wanderers has developed a football an enjoyable educational experience. floor doubles as an 8ft x 12ft variable Two years ago, Reading FC installed a Betta Pro Mesh system to completely en- teau or just a dip in form,” says Bushell. scholarship with the nearby Mandeville “It might sound like common sense,” speed treadmill that smoothly increases close its training ground in fully welded panels (pictured above). The fence panels “It’s up to the club to help prepare the School Speciaist Sports College. Local he says. “But it’s certainly worked at from nought to 8.5mph in safe 0.2mph have a mesh size of 200 x 50 mm, formed from 5mm and 6 mm diameter wires, fully youngsters for later life whether that is youngsters can now use their interest in Middlesborough.” increments. Underwater cameras allow welded at every intersection. The horizontal ‘V’ profiles add to the rigidity of the inside or outside of football.” football to continue in education post Manager Gareth Southgate, like Bry- trainers to observe movements and panels and create an attractive feature to the system once installed. Manchester United has joined up with 16. As well as the BTEC sport, Wycombe an Robson and Steve MacClaren before diagnose gait irregularities. local school Ashton Upon Mersey to scholars take coaching, first aid and ref- him, must agree. Fourteen of this year’s Chelsea FC’s academy building is adja- offer its young scholars a complete edu- ereeing qualifications, while developing first team squad at Middlesborough are cent to the first team base and contains eat with the first team in the club’s can- Outdoors are two field-turf floodlit cational package. Some take BTEC sport their skills under the guidance of quali- academy graduates. How much would 12 changing rooms as well as relaxation teen. Former Chelsea star Graeme Le pitches and 10 grass pitches. A sports or business qualifications, while others fied coaches and playing for the club in they cost to replace? L and pool areas. The treatment rooms, Saux says: “There’s a huge difference science area and a medical and physi- gyms and rehabilitation rooms are all from when I was playing. Those wind- cal development unit support the work designed with the younger generation swept training days near Heathrow are done on the field of play. in mind. It is important, apparently, that a thing of the past.” Wolves academy players train along- lower teams aren’t too pampered. Even Dave Parnaby agrees that when acad- side first teamers at the club’s Compton Frank Lampard has expressed concern emy players brush shoulders daily with Park facility and also at the nearby Al- NEW CATALOGUE that any young person seeing Cobham’s first teamers, a club’s sense of commu- dersley Sports Village, which contains an fantastic facilities might think they’ve nity remains strong. At Middlesborough, indoor dome with six sets of goals on a made it and lose their hunger. youngsters train indoors in a sports third generation indoor turf. NOW AVAILABLE Academy players do however get to hall with a synthetic field-turf surface. The redeveloped leisure village in- cludes arena indoor facilities for BUY ON-LINE AT www.markharrod.com There can be so many reasons why a player doesn’t make badminton, five-a-side football, basket- PRODUCTS FOR SPORT ball, table tennis, indoor bowls and a the grade. It’s up to the club to help prepare the youngsters Fitness Junction fitness suite. Outdoor CALL 01502 710039 FAX: 01502 471721 EMAIL: [email protected] for later life, whether that is inside or outside of football facilities include floodlit synthetic turf MARK HARROD LTD IS A SUITABLE GOALPOST SUPPLIER TO THE FOOTBALL FOUNDATION GOALPOST SAFETY SCHEME pitches for football and hockey, floodlit

48 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 49 2012 PROFILE Jim Johnston Advantage West Midlands (AWM) is one of the nine regional development agencies (RDA) in England charged with encouraging sustainable econom- ic development. Karen Maxwell talks to AWM business manager – 2012 Games Jim Johnston about his role in promoting 2012 business in the region

What does your role entail? The government is anxious to spread the benefits of the London 2012 Games across the country and one of the easiest ways to do this is by firms in the provinces winning tenders to supply London 2012 with goods and services. Compared with countries like China (Beijing Summer Games) and Canada (Vancouver Winter Games), Britain is a tiny country, so it is easier for companies outside London to win business from the 2102 Games. Advantage West Midlands has around 300 employees. I am based in the Tour- ism and Leisure Unit, but I am the only person working on maximising eco- Birmingham will be an Olympic venue in 2012, with Villa Boost your business nomic benefits for the West Midlands, by encouraging firms to bid for and win Park hosting matches in the soccer tournaments Harness the power of our total marketing package tenders from London 2012. My job is to: specific e-zines, printed materials, web certain to use Birmingham as an ad- Sports Management leads the industry in offering you a comprehensive range of marketing UÊ Identify economic opportunities aris- campaigns and radio advertising. We vance training and preparation camp, services which enable you to generate sales leads, develop awareness of your company's brand ing from the London 2012 Games actively follow up every business that ahead of the 2012 Games. and create innovative and effective campaigns using all the latest techniques - online and in print UÊ Communicate opportunity informa- expresses interest or attends the oppor- We are aware of around 40 firms tion to West Midlands’companies tunity awareness workshops. in the West Midlands which have al- Book your marketing campaign with Sports Management and your advertisement will appear UÊ Work with firms, largely through in- The chair of the Olympic Delivery Au- ready won direct and indirect contracts termediaries, such as the Chambers of thority, John Armitt, is also visiting the from London 2012. Three examples Commerce and Business Link, to try to West Midlands this month to host a se- include: Zaun Fencing of Wolverhamp- ensure this region wins at least its fair ries of meetings with key business and ton – which will design, manufacture, share of business from London 2012 political leaders in the region. supply and install a new high security In addition, we also offer to West fence and gates around the 17 kilo- ++ How do you update local Midlands businesses a range of free meter perimeter of the Olympic Park businesses on 2012 opportunities? 2012 Opportunities Sector Reports. site in Stratford, east London. Barhale We run workshops, seminars and con- These are available to download from Construction of Walsall has won a multi- ferences for businesses, alerting them the “London 2012 Games” page at million pound contract to design and Magazine Digital magazine Online search engine to the range of opportunities arising www.advantagewm.co.uk. Plus we install the sewage system and pump- In the market-leading Sports In the online, digital version of On your company's home page from the London 2012 Games and promote the London 2012 CompeteFor ing station on the Olympic Park; and Management magazine Sports Management magazine on sport-kit.net the search how to access these. system – a free service where companies JCB earth-moving equipment, based in engine for sports buyers We have just agreed a three-year can access opportunities. Staffordshire, will be used on the Olym- contract with Business Link West pic Park. JCB is also helping the Olympic ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Midlands, to organise and deliver Is the West Midlands already Delivery Authority with use of their ma- Call us now to find out more about the great advertising opportunities we offer you online the following services: opportunity benefiting from the 2012 Games? chines in the Plant Training Centre on Advertorials, banner and directory advertising, home page and email dominator packages, SPORTS awareness workshops; procurement Yes, in as much as Birmingham will be the Olympic Park and has signed a £23m animated adverts and a wide range of search marketing packages. MANAGEMENT With over 14,000 monthly visitors to our website - can you afford not to be on there? readiness workshops; one-to-one spe- an Olympic venue in 2012. Villa Park deal to provide hundreds of their ma- cialist surgeries; supply chain events; will host matches in the men’s and chines to help build the infrastructure Call now on +44 (0)1462 471902 or email: [email protected] www.sportsmanagement.co.uk sponsorship support for smaller meet- women’s soccer tournament and the needed for the 2014 Winter Olympics in ings; direct podcasts or e-shots; sector USA track and field team is virtually Sochi, Russia. L

Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 51 PRODUCT FOCUS

sport-kit .net PRODUCT synthetic surfaces FOCUS

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3G SURFACE INSTALLED BY AMB

Seven Kings High School in Ilford, Essex has recently purchased a 3G synthetic pitch (pictured) for use by the school’s PE department, its pupils and other schools in the local area. Installed by AMB Sports, the school selected a Tiger Turf 65mm 3G synthetic grass surface to provide a football and multi-sports surface that is suitable for all general sports training. SMASHCOURT TENNIS One of the key objectives for this COURTS FOR ETON installation was to encourage every pupil to use the facility during school in February this year. AMB Sports has Trevor May has recently completed work breaks and encourage sports participa- also been involved with installations on converting 10 ageing tennis courts at tion by pupils at other local schools. at other prestigeous sports facilities Eton College to the Smashcourt surface. With a project cost of £318,000, the including Loughborough University, the A porous macadam surface, the courts six-month pitch installation started in Roehampton Club and Crystal Palace were built on a porous stone foundation October 2008 and was completed Athletics Stadium. to provide a stable, free-draining base. Designed to play like a natural clay court sport-kit keywords: amb sports with slow and high bounce, the sur- face enables play all-year round and its fast-draining properties allow play imme- CHARLES LAWRENCE RESURFACES diately following rainfall. The Smashcourt surface requires no Charles Lawrence Surfaces has recently tively. With regard to the resurfacing, all irrigation, so there is less capital out- undertaken resurfacing projects at three three sites have had the Grasshopper lay to begin with and water bills are pitches that were originally laid well HF23P sand-fi lled surface (pictured) reduced. Maintenance is intended to be over a decade ago. installed, which is designed to be long- simple through the use of drag brushes Situated at the University of York, St lasting as well as being suitable for a – designed to keep the surface fl at and Neots Leisure Centre and Framlingham range of different sports. true – and these come as part of the College in Suffolk, the surfaces had been The company has also been selected Smashcourt package. in place for 12, 14 and 18 years respec- as the preferred contractor for the con- The work was the second stage of struction of both an outdoor and an a contract that Trevor May had agreed indoor pitch at Aston Villa’s newly rebuilt with the college, which also consisted Bodymoor Health site. of the conversion of fi ve courts into an The two pitches included engineered impervious acrylic surface. bases, shockpads and a 3G playing sur- Since the work has been carried out, face. The full-size outdoor pitch has the number of pupils playing tennis at also been independently tested and Eton College on a regular basis is said to approved to FIFA’s two-star standard for have increased signifi cantly. synthetic playing areas.

sport-kit keywords: trevor may sport-kit keywords: charles lawrence

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52 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 PRODUCT FOCUS POWERED BY sport-kit.net

sport-kit .net For more information, or to contact PRODUCT any of these companies, log on to synthetic surfaces www.sport-kit.net and type the FOCUS company name under ‘keyword search’

LOW MAINTENANCE, NOT NO MAINTENANCE LINKING CHILDREN’S SPORT, PLAY AND FITNESS Although it is important to select the right synthetic surface, it is arguably At Appleton Primary School in even more crucial to maintain the sur- Oxfordshire, S & C Slatter has helped face throughout its lifespan. achieve a positive link for sport, play According to turf consultant David and fi tness through the provision of a Rhodes, synthetic pitches that are multi-functional area. fi tted and then forgotten about could This small village primary school has lead to a shorter life of an expensive limited dry play space, so maximising facility, and even worse, injuries to every square metre was an important EIS GOES WITH NEW players. Although a study has shown LINING UP IN LIVERSEDGE consideration for the school. that 2G synthetics cost facility manag- West Sussex-based company White The facility installed by S & C Slatter MONDO TRACK ers more per annum to maintain than Line Services has recently completed a comprises an open multi-functional The English Institute of Sport at Bisham grass, it is also pointed out that synthetic surfaces are often used up to 10 refurbishment projectat the Spenborough sports area which is linked to a trail of Abbey and Newham Indoor Athletics times more than natural turf pitches. Athletics Stadium in Liversedge, climbing and balancing equipment. The Centre have both chosen the new To help maintain a synthetic surface, Charterhouse offers a range of equipment. West Yorkshire. playing area is not fenced off, which Mondotrack surface to be installed within The Verti-Brush and Verti-Broom level and redistribute the infi ll as well as sweep- Work at the stadium included cleaning allows for a natural link onto the sur- their training facilities. ing the turf, while the Verti-Top (pictured) lifts the top layer of infi ll and fi lters it the entire track surface with a high pres- rounding playing fi eld when conditions The Mondo surface has been LANO PROVIDES A TWO before returning the clean sand or rubber to the pitch and brushing in. sure Aquavac machine, which clears the allow, which encourages a variety of chosen for its reliable performance and The company recommends brushing the surface around twice a week, with the track of grime and dirt one lane at a time. playground and fi eld games. was seen as the ideal surface to carry out SPORT SURFACE infi ll being recycled, brushed and fi ltered approximately four to six times a year. Sections of the track were also repaired Using the porous VHAF® various biometric studies. Football and hockey players at Holyport as part of the project, which included the NottsSward® surface, which is said to The new Mondotrack surface was used Manor School and Cox Green School in starting area for sprint events (pictured). be more child-friendly than concrete, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was sport-kit keyword: charterhouse Maidenhead, Berkshire are now enjoying In addition, the pole vault area – which asphalt or rubber, the schoolchildren praised due to the results it produced as their recently installed synthetic pitch and had been unusable for the previous now use the area as the schools’ main well as the soft elastic feeling the athletes the benefi ts of Lano Sports latest two years – was also resurfaced, allow- playground, for organised PE lessons gained from the new hexagon backing. product, The Interplay System. ing a full programme of athletic events and other activities. This backing has been modifi ed by Interplay has passed both the 2008 to take place. The contrasting colours of the surface increasing its length and decreasing its FA Performance Standard and the Established 30 years ago, White Line also allows the formation of a net- width – resulting in a track surface which International Hockey Federation (FIH) Services performs a variety of tasks, ball court as well as creating zones for returns its energy in a more focused, standard. Manufactured using a unique including track cleaning, as well as games of tag and an array of ball games. directional manner. This then leads to blend of two-tone crimped monofi lament athletics tracks and sports surfacing the Mondotrack being more elastic and fi bres, the 3G pitch is able to satisfy the repair and line marking. more responsive, which improves athletic needs of both sports. Recent projects include cleaning the performance. Football and hockey are typically Crystal Palace track before the 2008 The track was also chosen by the diffi cult to combine as these sports London Grand Prix meeting and cleaning sports centres because of its suitability for require very different surfaces – a for- and lining the 400m indoor Olympic Oval indoor use in terms of its ability to with- giving, longer and more open pile is in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. stand hours of year-round training. preferred for football, while a fi rm, shorter and denser pile is best for hockey. CLS WINS STOCKTON PITCH CONTRACT sport-kit keywords: white line services sport-kit keywords: s & c slatter sport-kit keyword: mondo Interplay brings these two sports together on one surface through a blend Cleveland Land Services (CLS) has shock absorption. The decision to use of curled fi bres that form a covering on recently been awarded the contract to the Desso Ambition pitch was based We have the best range of equipment which the hockey ball can roll smoothly, install a synthetic pitch at the Bede Sixth on the previous success of the surface on the market to keep your Synthetic while also allowing enough in-built fl ex- Form College in Stockton, Teesside. at sports facilities throughout Europe surface in tip top condition. Whether it’s routine maintenance ibility to make the surface forgiving The company is installing the fi rst – including a pitch example t a sports or full scale rejuvenation, our underfoot for footballers. Desso Ambition pitch in the UK. This 3G facility in The Netherlands. technical experts can advise you on the most suitable machine and help pitch is designed to allow football play- Apart from Desso Ambition, Cleveland you devise a maintenance regime. ers to perform sliding tackles without Land Services also supplies Notts sport-kit keywords: lano sports Call 01428 661222 today fear of friction burns. Sport’s range of sand-fi lled 3G surfaces. for information and a demonstration. Said to provide optimal grip and trac- As well as installing and laying syn- tion, the monofi lament surface has a tuft thetic pitches, the company can provide height of 30mm and is claimed to give fencing around the area in addition to both a natural appearance and high- pitch maintenance and line marking.

Artificial sport-kit.net sport-kit keywords: cleveland land services www.charterhouseturfmachinery.co.uk

54 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 55 PRODUCT FOCUS

Maintenance for Synthetic Surfaces? sport-kit .net PRODUCT Problem solved. synthetic surfaces FOCUS

There’s service and then there’s Replay service. To our maintenance teams, each project is special. We are passionate about providing a level of service that is second-to-none. It’s a philosophy that is reflected throughout Replay. Every synthetic sports surface that we maintain is treated with Technical Surfaces care and respect, and we are committed to only using the best machines, processes and techniques. are the largest specialist maintenance company for The final result for you is a sports facility that always looks great. synthetic sports surfaces in the UK. Please contact us for a FREE site visit or for further information. We’d love to help!

MCARDLE’S SIX-WEEK TURNAROUND With a fleet of over 30 maintenance Call 01636 640506 Email [email protected] vehicles, we routinely carry out over 5,000 site visits per year. SOLVING THE SYNTHETIC Wallingford Hockey Club in Oxfordshire has had its existing synthetic pitch re-sur- REPLAY REJUVENATION® AQUATRAX® faced by McArdle Sport-tec, after playing on the previous surface for over 13 years. Our aim is to help our clients achieve PITCH PUZZLE maximum life from an existing surface, Repairs Service Agreements The club chose an 18mm sand-dressed polyethylene surface. The overall project thereby helping to delay the inevitable www.replaymaintenance.co.uk Interlock, a synthetic lawn consist- took six weeks from design to completion at an approximate cost of £125,000. high costs of re-surfacing. ing of puzzle-shaped pieces that lock McArdle’s surface has National FIH (International Hockey Federation) accreditation together, has been launched by Replay – offering a quality surface for both club and international hockey matches. For more details please call 08 702 400 700 Maintaining Synthetic Sports Surfaces Maintenance under the Quickturf The surface has allowed the club to train and play all year round and provides an or visit www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk brand and is claimed to form the per- additional revenue stream by enabling the club to hire out the pitch to local fi ve-a- fect alternative to natural turf. side teams for weekly training sessions. Designed to be simple and easy to The company, which in addition to hockey, supplies synthetic surfaces for ath- lay, the only requirement prior to laying letics, rugby and football, has recently completed pitch installations at Manchester indoors is having a fl at surface. United Football Club’s Training Academy and sports facilities at the University of The pieces are then connected Kent and the University of Worcester. together to form what is described as, a ‘stable, anti-slip surface’ that can sport-kit keyword: mcardle also be used outside. Additionally, with deep cushioning layers, Interlock is intended to be a PLAYRITE SURFACES MEADOWBANK ARENA safe surface for children to play on. For outdoor installations, all that is The new Meadowbank Sport Arena, required is the removal of any existing currently the largest of its kind in Europe, turf, the application of sand to ensure has seen the installation of more than the surface is level, the laying of a 9,000sq m of Playrite’s multi-sport sys- weed membrane to prevent weed pen- tem Match-Winner with a Match Pad etration and then the Quickturf shockpad surface. is laid on top. Situated in Mid-Ulster, the arena is The Quickturf collection consists of said to provide the widest range of pre- fi ve artifi cial grass carpets, with pile mium indoor and outdoor facilities for depths ranging from 7mm–30mm. community sports and events. These have been manufactured to suit Installed in partnership with local all requirements and budgets. sports surfaces supplier Laydex, the total surface measures 137m x 70m on which a large variety of sporting activities can sport-kit keywords: replay maintenance take place simultaneously. turer to offer customers a choice of In a single session, a full size hockey / needlepunch, tufted or woven sports football pitch, plus four mini-pitches (all surfaces, allowing the supply of indoor badminton court-sized) can be used. tennis surfaces, children’s play areas or Playrite is the only UK manufac- full-size outdoor football pitches.

sport-kit.net sport-kit keyword: playrite

56 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 NATURAL TURF
  

  Maintaining Natural
    Sports Turf Pitches

After consultation with SAPCA members, groundsmen, NGBs and Sport England, a new code of practice for natural turf will set the standard for the industry. Colin Young reviews the document and provides insight into its production, technical content and future benefits

    atural turf sports pitches are levels of use and national audits have may not be the primary factor relating an important and essential highlighted that a large majority to pitch usage levels.

   resource for many of the most of natural turf school pitches would The key factor in maximising durability N popular sports in the UK and need improvement in order to accom- and the level of use relates to the rate at can therefore significantly help promote modate such levels of use. which water can be removed from the
  a more active lifestyle. The amount of use the pitch will be playing surface through the pitch profile,  There are many competing pres- able to withstand relates to a number of which in the majority of cases will be re- sures which impact on the funding that variables. These are mainly: lated to a pitch drainage system.



  is available for natural turf facilities UÊ Weather conditions before A playing surface which remains for schools and local authorities. The and during use saturated during use will – over a very   !"" !#$%&& !&!'(  ( Sport and Play Construction Associa- UÊ Turf density and rooting depth short period of time – lose turf cover tion (SAPCA) believes it is essential that UÊ Grass species and varieties and result in a muddied, smeared and well-constructed and well-maintained UÊ If weather dependent play is required – uneven surface which in turn will be facilities are provided; consequently it whether it is it possible to restrict pitch susceptible to compaction. If an ad- Ground modelling, design and construction of commissioned a review of the existing use during poor weather conditions equate drainage system has been documentations and subsequent draft- UÊ Pitch usage pattern installed, the rate of movement of water all natural turf & synthetic sports surfaces ing of a new code of practice for the UÊ Pitch maintenance from the pitch surface to the drainage Design, Construction and Maintenance Although a good standard of con- system will, in the long-term, be re- of Natural Sports Turf Pitches. struction is required to enable seven lated to pitch maintenance practices. If These minimum design and construc- hours per week of use to be attainable, thatch is allowed to accumulate on the tion standards will help to provide it must be noted that an adequate and surface, the topsoil remains compacted, natural turf pitches, cricket and tennis appropriate standard of construction slit or band drains are not top-dressed facilities of the right quality that are sus- tainable, affordable and responsive to good quality maintenance. The imple- mentation of the minimum standard will help ensure funding for facility im- provement and construction work isn’t The key factor in maximising the unnecessarily wasted. durability and the level of use relates Natural Turf Durability to the rate at which water can be Playing fields can only accommodate a removed from the playing surface restricted amount of use while still main- taining adequate playing quality. Winter games pitches, which are well construct- ed, drained and maintained should be able to accommodate approximately Manor Cottage seven hours a week of the varied type Church Lane, Cubbington of use expected. Leamington Spa, CV32 7JT Tel: (01926) 423918 It should be noted that this is depen- Fax: (01926) 883767 dent on the pitch being of the requisite The Total Solution ... E-mail: [email protected] quality and receiving an appropriate lev- www.obriencontractors.co.uk el of routine maintenance. Pitches which From Concept to Construction do not meet such a standard cannot be expected to accommodate such high

Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 59 NATURAL TURF CRICKET

and become capped over, then the sur- face drainage rates will become greatly reduced, resulting in the rapid deteriora- tion of the playing surface. CRICKET EMBRACES

Improving Standards SAPCA considers that it is now time for the industry to improve standards and CONTINUOUS GROWTH embrace recent and future innovations, which will ultimately lead to greater Brit- ish sporting facilities and success. Past David Carpenter highlights some of the facility issues being tackled problems often encountered in the de- by the England and Wales Cricket Board in relation to the delivery sign and construction of natural sports of individual county cricket board facility strategies turf facilities include: UÊ Insufficient site assessment The guide is primarily applicable to grassroots sports natural turf facilities UÊ Poor and inappropriate specifications UÊ Poor and inadequate construction and contains recommendations for s the England team gears up The brunt of this welcome increase has monitoring A combination of factors general briefing requirements and for another Ashes confronta- been felt by the 1,364 ECB-accredited focus UÊ Poor site management could result in the failure guidance on current best practice tion with Australia, cricket clubs clubs – the network of clubs minded to- UÊ The use of inexperienced contractors and minimum specifications. throughout England and Wales wards further development and expansion of newly constructed A UÊ The use of inappropriate and/or The code has been led by the are bracing themselves for a further and on which the ECB has largely focused its potentially hazardous construction or improved facilities Natural Sports Turf Division of surge in participation and increased available resources. materials SAPCA with Jon Smith of GeoTurf pressure on available facilities. Alongside this surge has come a UÊ The construction of facilities at the and the long-lasting as the lead author. It is currently The Ashes series in 2005 was the series of issues for both existing facilities and wrong time of year impact on a community undergoing a comprehensive peer start of a remarkable increase in activ- future provision. Increased participation by UÊ The overuse and poor maintenance of review from experts within the industry, ity – particularly among the young. young people has resulted in a greater de- new or upgraded facilities can be disruptive from key governing bodies (including Chance to Shine, the project spon- mand for matches requiring increased use A combination of the above factors Sport England, The Football Association, sored by the Cricket Foundation, of pitches. More participants also means normally results in the failure of newly The design and construction of the Rugby Football Union and targeting schools in conjunction with more practice, placing pressure on available constructed or improved facilities and natural sports turf facilities require the England and Wales Cricket Board) clubs, and programmes generated by nets and indoor training time in the winter. the long lasting impact on a local com- specialist skills and expertise. Due to and from leading groundsmen to ensure the England and Wales Cricket Board The ECB plans to considerably expand the munity can be very disruptive. the site-specific nature of natural turf the document is robust and appropri- (ECB) and the 39 county cricket boards, women’s and girls’ game, not least building SAPCA has begun producing the new pitches the new code recommends that ate. It is anticipated this review will be have sustained the initial impetus. Since on the very recent success of the England code of practice in response to these a specialist natural sports turf consultant finished shortly and the code published 2005, participation at local level has risen by Women’s team winning the World Cup in common problems to provide industry is employed to assist with the feasibility, well before the end of 2009. more than 30 per cent, with club membership Australia. This will result in further demands professionals with up-to-date guidance design, construction management and Once published the code will be avail- also up 16 per cent. In 2008 alone, Chance on playing facilities but also highlights the on the basic requirements and specifica- aftercare of new or upgraded facilities. able for download from the SAPCA to Shine coached 226,000 young people, of need in most cases to improve clubhouse tions to be employed in the construction The code is prepared as a benchmark website (www.sapca.org.uk). L which 102,000 were girls, with and changing facilities which, traditionally, of more sustainable and easier to main- standard for the sports turf industry SAPCA has published many technical the objective of sustaining inter- tend to be male orientated. tain natural turf sports facilities. and the marketplace. It aims to enhance publications and codes of practice to est through local clubs. It is recognised that future developments the quality of natural turf sports facilities improve the quality of sport and play Facility Strategy and innovations will improve standards by making information relating to sports infrastructure across the UK. For more Building on its National Facilities Strategy, further and it is the intention to update turf facility construction more accessible. information contact Dr Colin Young of the ECB has recently been working with the and improve the code of practice so It is a guide which is primarily applicable SAPCA on +44 (0)24 7641 6316 or email- County Cricket Boards to produce individual that it remains relevant and useful. to grassroots sports natural turf facilities [email protected] county facility strategies for the five-year period from 2009 to 2014. Working to ECB minimum quality standards, each county has We have the best range of equipment on undertaken a detailed audit of existing pro- the market to keep your Natural surface vision to determine quality and identify gaps in tip top condition. Whether it’s routine maintenance or full scale rejuvenation, our in provision. technical experts can advise you on the Bruce Cruse, ECB funding and facilities most suitable machine and help you devise manager, says: “We’ve always worked close- a maintenance regime. ly to the priorities identified in the Call 01428 661222 today for National Facilities Plan. There’s some information and a demonstration. further work to do before all counties have fully comprehensive plans but we can now speak locally on an authoritative basis – having clearly identified need across the focus club network.” Natural Cruse is keen to see the standard and www.charterhouseturfmachinery.co.uk quality of facilities steadily improve: “We

60 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 61 CRICKET

Last year, Chance to Shine coached 226,000 young people in England and Wales, of which 102,000 were girls

want the best facilities in place to help players achieve their potential,” he explains. His funding and facilities team has been Main: Ryan Sidebottom at Abbeyfield Park very busy over the past five years, steering Sheffield npower urban cricket arena more than £36m of ECB investment into Right: Shepperton CC Surrey new projects. The team has developed new Right lower: Truro College Indoor Cricket quality and performance standards and Centre under construction technical specifications to assist in project briefings, as well as offering hands-on project management and design support clubs, however, at present, only approxi- A Force for Cricket Sustaining the Sport Building new partnerships to clubs and organisations. mately 50 per cent have any Institute of One of the most innovative programmes One area of the audit that attracted a good The ECB is steadily guiding the county The facility audit revealed a number of Groundsmanship [IOG] or other recognised introduced by the ECB is NatWest Cricket deal of interest relates to the future security boards towards new partnerships where interesting trends, which are pretty much re- qualification. Traditionally the ‘tlc’ required Force; an annual programme that takes and sustainability of clubs. Just over one-third facility provision is involved. peated in each individual county with some to tend the ground has been handed down place during the first weekend in April. This appear to own the freehold to their ground, a In some urban areas, such as Nottingham, subtle variations. but as products, machinery, technology and is effectively a co-ordinated club spring further third have leases in excess of 10 years, Leicester and inner London, there is a lack of health and safety issues advance rapidly in clean, with associated benefits such as ECB the final third appear far less focus clubs, so the opportunity to play crick- High quality fine turf the grounds management industry, the and sponsor support, services and supplier secure – having leases to renegotiate in the et is not currently at its full potential, and The quality of fine turf for the cricket square ECB will ensure that training and education discounts and allows the clubhouse a make- near future or only being on annual these are areas where demand is potentially and outfield is generally high although some features more prominently in future. over with improvements and alterations. licence. For the latter cases, it makes future high. Only through closer engagement with counties, particularly those in the west of Clubhouses have generally been reported investment almost impossible and raises ques- partners, such as local authorities and other England, complain that their wickets play Poor Practice Culture as being adequate but there are still tions about whether those clubs will have a development and ‘low and slow’. Every county has made it Somewhat surprisingly, the average English challenges ahead. In almost every county, long-term future in the focus club network. regeneration agencies, will potential known that they would still like to see con- club cricketer does not seem to pay suffi- four or five clubhouses have been deemed Some clubs are reliant on local author- schemes come to fruition. tinuous improvement of fine turf. cient attention to practice and this attitude is to need replacing, with an individual ity facilities where fine turf management is Similarly, indoor training provision is Led by a network of ECB-appointed coun- perhaps reflected in the fact that practice fa- estimated cost of £350,000 upwards – a under increasing budgetary pressure and largely provided through educational or lo- ty and regional pitch advisors, most counties cilities are considered poor at more than 40 considerable bill just on its own. There are where innovative solutions, such as Adopt cal authority facilities. The pattern varies have introduced a systematic per cent of focus clubs. Poor or non-existent many fine examples of new provision where a Wicket, which is being trialled by Notting- from county to county and there are some “The ECB has recently further strength- assessment of focus club grounds, against non-turf wickets and netting are common the club has raised funds for its existing site hamshire Cricket Board, may become the excellent new examples of ECB-supported ened its funding and facilities team,” Cruse rising performance quality standards devel- throughout all clubs. or indeed, until recently, taken advantage order of the day. In Nottinghamshire, after specialist facilities, including those at Truro explains. “So we are now better placed to oped by the facilities and funding team. In For many county boards, this is a key area of market conditions, sold up and moved to the local education authority was forced to College and Exeter University. Equally, many take advantage of opportunities that arise addition they are also strengthening their for attention and investment over the next a new, improved and often expanded site reduce its grounds maintenance budget, lo- facilities used by clubs require improved and provide a more involved service to coun- County Grounds Association. five years, but to achieve both a cricket re- with money in the bank. cal focus clubs took over the responsibility at lighting and matting, as well as new nets. ty boards and individual projects.” Literally thousands of dedicated volun- turn and investment value, a change in Perhaps the more pressing issue is that six schools in an effort to preserve and main- Given that many of the indoor training Rapid expansion has put pressure on the teers still largely manage the fine turf at culture is required. many existing clubhouses are outdated and tain cricket activity. facilities are based at secondary schools, focus club network, but the ECB, the county most need some modernisation to meet The positive side is that with the rapid Building Schools for the Future (BSF) is be- boards and the individual clubs have risen to the minimum quality standards for changing expansion of the sport, many focus clubs coming an important programme for cricket. the challenge. L The funding and facilities team has steered £36m of ECB and showering facilities. The rapid develop- have either had to find second or even third Some county boards such as Shropshire David Carpenter is a director of TrioPlus, investment into new projects and developed new quality ment in the women’s and girls’ game grounds, or are seeking out other local ECB- and Staffordshire are already active at the which was recently appointed by the ECB to means the clubhouse amenities will need affiliated clubs, to see if some sharing of planning stage. As the waves of BSF roll out, assist county cricket boards with their facility and performance standards and technical specifications to adapt and improve. facilities and expertise is possible. other counties need to positively engage. strategies. www.trioplusonline.co.uk

62 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 63 LIGHTING www.cuphosco.com SPORTS LIGHTING SPECIALISTS RETRACTABLE Karen Maxwell looks at telescopic lighting at sporting venues and highlights the advantages

Case Study 1: Abacus lights up cricket

Client: Two of England’s historic cricket grounds, Lord’s Cricket Ground in North London and the Brit Oval in Vauxhall, London, have semi-permanent telescopic floodlights to enable the ven- ues to host one-day cricket matches late into the evening. International Cricket Council rules stipulate that a ground hosting a Twenty20 match needs floodlights that meet both England and Wales Cricket Board standards and the require- ments of broadcasters. Both venues will host games during the World Twenty20 tournament, which begins on 5 June when England meets the Netherlands at Lord’s. Design: Previously, the use of temporary floodlights caused problems for residents with lighting overspill and excess glare. These were fitted with 15 floodlights on each structure and the elevated floodlights led to high vertical overspill, which could not be adequately controlled. The £3.7m contract will see Abacus manufacture and install four of its telescopic masts at each ground. Unique to cricket, the masts will telescope up to a height of 45m and have the ability to retract down to less than 30m when not in use to re- duce their visual impact. At the end of the cricket season the 8m by 6m head frames can be removed and stored. Email: [email protected] Equipment: The updated telescopic mast head frames have been designed to hold up to 110 2kW Challenger 3 floodlights, Telephone: 01920 860600 which incorporate precision reflector systems to ensure tight Fax: 01920 485915 beam control, reduce overspill and direct light only where it’s needed. The telescopic mid assembly is supplied complete with The floodlights the multi-core electric cables so the floodlights can be man- incorporate a reflector aged internally using an energy chain system. This system is system to ensure plug and play, to reduce the on-site wiring time. The masts are tight beam control, operated using a double acting hydraulic ram and can tele- reducing overspill scope up to full height in 10 minutes.

Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 65 LIGHTING

Case Study 2: The Retractable Lighting Company allows for night time netball

Client: Lavant House School, a girls’ day and boarding school near Chichester, wanted unobtrusive lights for its tennis and netball courts. Used primarily during evening practice and match play by school boarders and local league netball clubs, the lights are attached to the surrounding fence posts and are virtually invisible when not in use. Equipment: Each unit has twin 500w QT-DE 12 lamps mount- ed on top. These compact Thorn floodlights are made from SC1 class back die-cast aluminium body with a flat glass enclosure. The luminaire is adjustable on a stirrup fixed by a single bolt through an 8mm hole. It weighs approximately 1.32kg. Control and Maintenance: The process of raising and low- ering each pole is quick and easy via a winch method. When fully extended these directional lights reach up to a height of approximately 5m and offer virtually no light spillage into the night sky or surrounding area. On court night lights The bulbs are easy to replace, the aluminium light handles allow for year-round won’t rust, the wiring is simple and the power is supplied from sports provision the school building.

Case Study 3: Luminance Pro Lighting Systems’ coin-operated lighting control

Client: Thorpe Bay Tennis Club in Southend-on-Sea had strug- minutes to allow for another player’s token. This reduces the gled to get planning permission for a four-court floodlit tennis need for the column to move up and down unnecessarily. After project for 15 years, until Luminance Pro Lighting Systems engi- this 30 minute period has elapsed the columns lower automati- neered a design that satisfied planning requirements. cally. Working on compressed air makes the system almost Design: The system is supported via the company’s own HiLux silent in operation. . Controller. This is a mini computer (or PLC – Programmable Log- Equipment: The telescopic columns ic Controller), which operates the column and lighting system can support Thorn and HiLux sports and collects system usage information. When a token (coins lights and provide solutions for 400 may also be used) is inserted, the air-driven telescopic column lux or 500 lux, which are designed to automatically rises from 3.3m up to a height of 10m and the meet the Lawn Tennis Association’s lights switch on for a set period of time. When the token time lighting requirements. runs out, two out of each of the court’s four lights switch off, Maintenance: The recommendation leaving the other two lights on for a limited period to enable is that the columns have a simple ser- players to leave the court safely. The columns stay up for 30 vice three times a year.

Case Study 4: Kingfisher illuminates Alexander Stadium

Client: Kingfisher Lighting recently designed, supplied and in- a maximum intensity of 65 degrees, the sport floodlight bal- stalled a £150,000 lighting system at Birmingham’s Alexander ances performance with control over glare, overspill and Stadium – home to the Birchfield Harriers. The system allows upward light. for evening practice and adds versatility and accessibility to Maintenance: The mid-hinged mast system can the venue for athletics training and competitions such as the be lowered to ground level by means of a Midland’s Masters and the Aviva World Trials and UK Champi- manually operated winch. onships, which will be hosted in July this year. Design: The scheme involved designing two switching levels to accommodate the lighting levels for training (100 lux) and competitions (200 lux), with consideration to the individual re- quirements of specific areas such as track and field, the 100m finishing straight, the 100m back straight and jumping areas. Equipment: Although not necessary retractable, the 18m- high mid-hinged mast system, is located around the perimeter of the track to minimise intrusion and a canopy lighting system is situated off the main grandstand to illuminate the 100m Lighting is located to suit track finishing straight. and field, 100m finishing straight A Sport asymmetric floodlight was fitted with a 2KW long and jumping area requirements arc metal halide lamp, specified with either a narrow or a wide beam distribution. With a near flat glass working elevation and

66 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 SPORTS FLOORING

We are a specialist flooring company offering a wide range of services Sports Halls, Gym floors, Granwood Floors, Wooden Floors, Squash Courts, Dining Halls etc. Installation & Refurbishment Sanding & Sealing Repair Cleaning MEDWAY Maintenance Programs Line Marking General Cleaning & Maintenance Products Our Specialist Team Will Provide a Friendly No Nonsense Personal Service Contact us for a Free PARK JUDO CLUB Assessment & Quotation CONTACT DETAILS: Francis Coatings Ltd, 23 Chestnut Drive, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, CW4 7QE Karen Maxwell takes a look Tel: 01477 544 149 at this new purpose-built Email: [email protected] facility – the first phase of the www.franciscoatings.co.uk £11m Medway Park regional centre of sporting excellence – and finds out why the club has already achieved Gold Clubmark accreditation

s Birmingham NIA prepares to Medway Judo Club has always offered that little bit play host to the GB World Cup for Men and Women – the big- extra – that’s what’s so special about it and why the A gest judo World Cup ever held Gold Clubmark accreditation was much deserved In partnership with in Britain – a purpose-built judo club at Medway Park has opened its doors to judo enthusiasts in North Kent – prov- The park has also been earmarked as a technical coach for the British Judo ing the sport’s steady rise in popularity an Olympic training site and will host Association (BJA), the club officials will at both the elite and community levels major sporting events such as the Mod- continue to provide a safe, friendly at- since its inclusion in the 1964 Tokyo ern Pentathlon World Cup in 2010 and mosphere for local judo enthusiasts, Olympic Games. the national Butterfly Grand Prix table from the clubs’ new home. The club The newly-opened judo facility – the tennis tournament. coaches will ensure that every partici- first phase of the ambitious £11m Med- pant has the chance to take the sport as way Park development – encapsulates Purpose Built far as they can. For some, including Med- the ethos of the project as a sporting Rainham Judo Club, renamed Medway way elite athlete Sam Malkinson and centre of excellence with the needs of Park Judo Club after taking residency at Medway Project 2016 athlete Chelsey The premier sports the community at its heart. the new facility, brings a long history of Edwards, this is to the national champi- Once completed in the spring of 2010, sporting accolades and coaching exper- onships and to national squad selection. floor solution the full Medway Park development – tise to its new home. Founded in 1964 which is currently under construction by current chair and head coach Terry Clubmark Status on the site of the Black Lion Leisure Malkinson, the club has attracted The club’s work, spanning more than Centre – will feature a 12-court sports a cross section of members over the 40 years, has recently been rewarded hall, an eight-lane athletics track, a years; some of whom have gone on to with Clubmark’s Gold award – the Sport www.4runnerltd.co.uk gymnastics centre, specialist sports sci- represent the club, the county and England accreditation system for recog- ence and sports therapy centres and Great Britain – helping to raise the nising sports clubs that provide a safe, www.mondosport.co.uk other upgraded facilities to benefit local profile of the club and the sport at a lo- friendly environment, particularly for www.altro.com T: 01454 773 666 residents and elite athletes up to and cal and national level. junior members. It shares this status with beyond the London 2012 Olympics. According to Malkinson, who is also just four other judo clubs in the country.

68 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 SPORTS FLOORING

Dry-TexTM System

The complete solution for high moisture subfloors

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 tion was much deserved.” updated and securely stored, dedicated shoes on.” 111" ,!&),)/% According to club manager Wen- changing rooms and toilets and plenty dy Malkinson, the club’s 12 volunteer of storage. “Adequate storage facilities Looking Ahead coaches and helpers worked hard makes life much easier for the club vol- In response to the government’s Physi- towards achieving this status. “The unteers so that when they enter cal Education, School Sport and Young Clubmark is a series of quality stan- the facility to prepare for a judo session People (PESSYP) strategy to encourage dards within the club’s organisation that they are not having to dismantle multi- more young people to become physical- proves to parents that their children are purpose equipment and activity areas,” ly active, the BJA has launched a School in safe hands,” she explains. “We have French explains. 2 Dojo programme. staff that are CRB checked, qualified in A viewing gallery also allows for a Designed around three strands of this first aid, offered quality coaching and small number of spectators. Although strategy, the programme offers intra/ had the ability to work with vulnerable this isn’t big enough for major events, inter school competition and junior adults. To reach Gold standard we also French believes that there will be scope volunteering through strong links with had to have female coaches and a child for large judo competitions and displays accredited judo clubs. welfare officer,” Malkinson explained. to be hosted in the larger Medway Park According to Malkinson, the 150- development, once this is completed. member Medway Judo Club is already Regarding the flooring specification, working towards strong links with local an Awards for All £10,000 grant fund- primary and secondary schools by of- ed the mat area, while the club and fering school-based, curriculum-related its 150 members raised the £12,000 lessons, taster days, breakfast clubs, needed for the sprung floor, which lunch clubs and after school activities. was installed by United Flooring. “We are now building relationships The two permanent G-MAT mats with the schools local to our new prem- cover the whole DoJo area – leav- ises at Medway Park to encourage ing a metre of carpeted area around children to visit the club. We’ve identi- the edges for walking on. They meet fied funding to offer free taster lessons the BJA’s mat requirement of 40mm to children who already come to the thickness with a density of 230kg-m3 Black Lion Leisure Centre to swim, so for specific judo use and are of inter- we can extend their sport activity to Daktronics UK, specialists in scoreboards, timing systems and LED Displays national standard, which allows for the recommended target of five hours integration into the BJA’s elite per- a week. In addition, we are also aiming Daktronics UK Ltd. formance structure. to get adults back into activity by tying +44 (0) 1454 413606 The Mayor of Medway joined BJA chair Karen French says: “Judo mats have to up with the local army barracks and the www.daktronics.co.uk Densign White (right) and Olympian Peter be the right density in order to take the University of Kent to offer combined ex- Cousins (left) at the opening ceremony impact out of falls, to prevent stress to ercise programmes,” Malkinson says. L

70 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 TIMING SYSTEMS Champion

Karen Maxwell looks at how the latest technology in timing and scoreboard equipment will measure this year’s sporting performances and share the experience with audiences around the world Innovative optics for the best on-pitch performance plus the best off-pitch Seiko and the IAAF control of obtrusive light

eiko is the main partner of this year’s IAAF athletics events, which include the World Youth Championships in Bressanone, Italy; the World Athletics Championships in Thorn Lighting Limited S Tel: 020 8732 9800 Berlin, Germany; the World Athletics Tour Final in Thessaloniki, Email: [email protected] Greece as well as the World Half Marathon Championships Event spectators and home www.thornlighting.co.uk Lighting people and places in Birmingham, UK on 11 October this year. viewers can see real time action The Seiko Timing Computer is central to the total athletics op- erating system (TAOS). It connects track timing and measuring are also available to allow all participants at the venue or at systems, manages the data and controls what is being displayed home to know what is happening in real-time. on the track-side clocks and wind-speed displays. Developments in scoreboard and display technology include Two times are provided by Seiko; the unofficial time which using colour in different areas to allow for a more dynamic is displayed on the TV screen and on the track-side clocks and presentation and more data to be displayed. the official time which comes from the Seiko Photo-finish sys- The ability to track every athlete electronically via transpon- tem a few seconds later. ders is the big revolution in event timing. Active transponders Recent technological advances include electronically con- now have their own power source, they are front bib mount- trolled systems linked together in one secure network to allow ed and time and positions are generated for athletes at more the flow of data between all parts of the Seiko operation and points on the course, which are transferred to TV and results set-up. Online links to results, TV, scoreboards and the internet in real-time via moving tickers.

Synchronised support from Daktronics

aktronics UK supported the 21st LEN European Junior Amber Monochrome Alphanumeric screen is perfect for use Synchronised Swimming Championships 2009 at GL1 within a 25m swimming pool environment as it can display the D Leisure Centre in Gloucester in April this year, where 20 competitors’ names, sequence, country and judges’ scores. teams from across Europe battled it out for the honours. Daktronics’ Venus 7000 software controlled the PT10 while These championships are critical in the development of the broadcaster connected directly through a V-Link 4500. the junior athletes and are an important opportunity to ex- All information is controlled from the OmniSport 2000 – pose British officials and volunteers to Daktronic’s timing console – along with international competition as the nation the Pro 2000 Interface and V1500 edit- prepares to host the Olympics in just over ing software. The V1500 controlled the three years’ time. display, allowing the operator to show Supplying the PT10, this mobile and animation, graphics, programme se- modular video wall, measuring 4m wide quences and schedule live results. by 3m high, displayed instant video re- Judges used the Daktronics JC-100 play and live coverage of the event. J-pad, which is capable of either wire- Constructed on a purpose-built frame, less or wired communication back to the the video screen was located behind the OmniSport 2000, so the points from each winners’ rostrum. Suspended above the judge where calculated to show results video screen is the AE3140 display, This Instant video reply at the venue and totals on the AE3140 scoreboard.

72 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 PRODUCT FOCUS TIMING SYSTEMS

sport-kit Panasonic displays for indoor athletics .net PRODUCT anasonic was the official screen supplier at the Italian sport-kit FOCUS Indoor Athletics Championships and the European P Indoor Athletics Championships at the Oval Lingotto in Turin, Italy earlier this year. Approximately 550 athletes from 45 countries competed Wherever you are in the world, fi nd the right products and services 24/7 by at the European Indoor Athletic Championships, which were broadcast by 33 European broadcasters and by three non-Eu- LED technology delivers clear logging on to Sports Management’s free search engine, www.sport-kit.net ropean TV stations – allowing for the promotion of athletics to visibility to stadium spectators If you’re a supplier, sign up for your free listing now on www.sport-kit.net young people and enhancing the sport’s popularity overall. Providing its Astrovision LED screen technology, which was spectators with wide-angled, 5,000cdsq m of brightness and a also used at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games and the Univer- dust- and waterproof performance. sity Olympics in 2007, three screens were installed at the Oval Panasonic’s large screen displays employ pure red, green Lingotto Stadium, enabling thousands of spectators to share and blue SMD/LEDs in unique pixel arrangements that can SLAZENGER S1 SERVES UP A HIT WITH SPORTS in the athletes’ emotional experiences. be configured in any shape or size display. Advanced image Featuring variable dimensions from 12 to 28sq m and with processing capabilities can generate 1.6 trillion brilliantly illu- Slazenger S1 has expanded its hypo- LED technology, the screen delivered clear visibility to stadium minated colours. tonic sports drinks range with the introduction of a powdered format stick. Available through Aimia Foods, Hawk-Eye on tennis it is available in 31g stick sachets in raspberry and orange fl avours. hree Hawk-Eye officiating systems will be in force at this within the stadium. The data from the cameras is sent via LLANELLI’S GOT SOUND These new portion-controlled sticks year’s Wimbledon tennis tournament – one in Centre several computers to create a 3D position of where the ball are quick and easy to use by simply T Court, another in Court No 1 and the third in Court No 2. landed, this is then converted into the virtual world to display adding 500ml of water – avoiding the Each tennis system has 10 cameras positioned around the an output on the big screen. Vaughan Sound Installations (VSI), in need for measuring scoops, shakers court, usually located high up in the stadium seating area. The system can add an exciting dimension to TV coverage conjunction with Whitehead Building and blenders. The sticks are a light- Hawk-Eye then operates the system from a control room by converting tracked data into statistical patterns to demon- Services, has completed the weight alternative to ready to drink strate trends, comparisons and speeds. supply and installation of a full sports drinks and a convenient hydra- Working alongside TV broadcasters, Hawk-Eye provides public address and voice evacuation tion boost on the go. calls that are not challenged (or close calls if the official system system at the recently opened home Slazenger S1 is also fast becom- is not in place) and statistics to improve the overall viewing of Llanelli RFU, Parc y Scarlets. ing a regular sports drink on the experience. The software has recently been expanded to im- A total of 39 R series loudspeak- major sporting event scene, following ers have been fi xed to the underside the announcement of a sponsor- prove the virtual image to allow a bank of graphics to assist TV of the grandstand roof structure. The ship deal with the England Basketball commentators and producers in expressing different ideas and main amplifi cation racks are located League. It was the offi cial sports feedback on the game. in the stadium’s IT room. The audio drink at last month’s national Final This ball-tracking system passed stringent International offers clarity for speech and a wide Fours Championship at Manchester’s Tennis Federation (ITF) testing in accuracy, reliability and prac- range of music for a variety of events. Amaechi Basketball Centre. ticality. During ITF testing in 2006 – both indoor and outdoor, on all surfaces and in variable weather and light conditions – it Hawk-Eye operators have a birds eye view of the game scored 100 per cent accuracy. sport-kit keyword: vaughan sound sport-kit keywords: aimia foods

Creative Technology highlights the PGA European Tour NEW JUNGLE CLIMBER FROM PLAYDALE

ince the company was founded in 1986, Creative Technol- format video screens, tem- Developed specifi cally for the eight-plus age group, Playdale’s new Jungle Climber ogy (CT) has worked with sports federations, promoters porary televisions installed range allows children to encounter risk and challenge in a natural play environment. S and production managers on major events such as Wim- around the course and the The design was inspired by the traditional activity of climbing trees, which helps bledon, the Ryder Cup, the Tour de France, the Olympic Games, clubhouse and the on- a child’s physical and mental progression. It also promotes unstructured play as it the Rugby World Cup and many world championships. course hotel televisions. allows children to explore different routes throughout the frame. The company con- CT believes its technology and expertise improves the visual The set-up includes the ducted extensive market research which confi rmed a requirement for this type of experience of sports presentation, enhancing communication installation of up to 100 product in the marketplace. There are fi ve different confi gurations of the climbing with the audience by allowing different aspects of the event on-site televisions, while Full-screen HD LED screens are unit to suit varying budgets and requirements. to be viewed on the same screen. 5km of military specifica- ideal for outdoor sports events One of the company’s current contracts is a four-year agree- tion fibre network runs the sport-kit keywords: playdale ment to run Tournament Television, an integrated scoring and signal through an IPTV network in a closed ring around the information package for the PGA European Golf Tour, which entire site, with network switches at each of the key points includes 42 events in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. where there is a hospitality cluster. This contract will see the company provide a real-time pro- Whatever the display used – from CT’s fully branded LED duction system that takes in live information from a scoring trailer screens to packaged televisions – full screen high-defini- and results database (provided by Unisys) and combines it with tion images dramatically improve the quality of the image and For more information, or to contact any of these real time graphics and images for broadcasting onto large allow more information to be provided on screen. sport-kit.net companies, log on to www.sport-kit.net and type the company name under ‘keyword search’

74 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Principal contractors PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS A Tennis Courts B Synthetic Pitches SAPCA C Athletics Tracks The ERDC Group Limited, Head Office: D Multi Sports The ERDC Group Limited, Southern office: Tennis courts, Basket ball courts, Netball, 20 Harvest Road, Newbridge, Midlothian, Hockey, Five-a-Side Football pitches and Tel: (0116) 246 0500 Fax: (0116) 246 1561 4 Crossford Court, Dane Road, Sale M33 7BZ Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) E Natural Sportsturf Scotland, EH28 8LW, Email: [email protected] Tel: 0161 905 1060 Fax: 0161 905 1070 Tel: 0131 333 1100 Fax: 0131 333 4300 Call 01621 858686 F Play Surfaces www.erdc.co.uk www.erdc.co.uk email [email protected] www.fossecontracts.co.uk DIRECTORY A B C D F O Q A B C D F O Q A D I J K N O P A D J K P Ancillary Contractors, Manufacturers & suppliers The Sports and Play Construction SAPCA represents a wide range of G Adhesives H Aggregate Producers Tel: (01282) 777345 Association, SAPCA, is the specialist constructors of natural and Fax: (01282) 777654 I Equipment Suppliers recognised trade organisation synthetic sports surfaces, including Email: info@ Hanslope, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK19 7BX, J Fencing Systems thorntonsports.co.uk St. Peter’s Works, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham GL51 9AL Tel: 01908 510414 / 511155 Fax: 01908 511056 for the sports and play facility both outdoor and indoor facilities, www.thorntonsports.co.uk Tel: 01242 513251 Fax: 01242 226396 Email: [email protected], K Floodlighting construction industry in the from tennis courts and sports pitches METCALF DRIVE L ALTHAM INDUSTRIAL ESTATE LLANCASHIRE BB5 5TU www.grimshawgroup.co.uk www.landunitconstruction.co.uk L Indoor Structures UK. SAPCA fosters excellence, to playgrounds and sports halls. A B C D A D E F I J K O Q B D E Q E M Paint Manufacturers professionalism and continuous SAPCA also represents manufacturers N Screening/Windbreaks improvement throughout the and suppliers of related products, O Sports Surface Suppliers industry, in order to provide the and independent consultants that QConstruction of Outdoor Sports Facilities P Surface painting/Line Marking SAPCA can be contacted on: QNew Build and Refurbishment Q QMaintenance high quality facilities necessary for offer professional advice on the Civil Engineers & Groundworks QGeneral Civil Engineering MIDLAND CSB R Irrigation & Pumping Tel: 01926 484530 the success of British sport. development of projects. 024 7641 6316 Fax: 01926 485101 S Maintenance Email: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk Tel: 01491 827810 Fax: 01491 827830 Web: www.midlandcsb.co.uk D PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS B C D O

SPORTSTURF CONSTRUCTION Construction, Design & Braithwaites Yard, Unit 32, Clwyd Close, Newbury Berkshire NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC SURFACES Surfacing of all Sports Facilities. Hallow, Hawarden Industrial Est, t: 01635 34521 DRAINAGE AND MAINTENANCE Manor Lane, Hawarden, CH5 3PZ, Telephone: 08700 624370 Worcester, WR2 6PW www.sandcslatter.com TEL: 01494 866776 T: 01244 533184 Fax: 08700 624371 11 Enterprise Way, Jubilee Business Park, Derby, DE21 4BB POLYTAN SPORTS SURFACES LIMITED [email protected] FAX: 01494 866779 F: 01244 533184 email: [email protected] T: 01905 640671 F: 01905 640621 Tel: (01332) 292202 Fax: (01332) 383546 Phone: +44 1509 282899 Fax: +44 1509 283099 SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SURFACES AND [email protected] email: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.agripower.co.uk Web: www.ambsports.com E: [email protected] email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] EQUIPMENT FOR: L Multi-Sport Facilities website: www.novasport.co.uk www.plattconstruction.co.uk www.polytansportssurfaces.co.uk LCricket Facilities LPlay and Educational Facilities

A D E Q R S A D K P A B C D I J K N O P D F O A D J K P Q B C D O D F

Charles Lawrence Surfaces Ltd 280 Watford Road, 8DXcZfcd>iflg:fdgXep St Albans, Herts, 9ile\c?flj\#A\jjfgNXp#E\nXib AL2 3DN EfkkjE>)+)

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Charles Lawrence Tennis Courts Honours Yard, +8cc\e8m\el\#Hlfie# Lodge Lane, $-&7&-"/%
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Cfl^_Yfifl^_#C\`Z\jk\iC<()/KI Chalfont St Giles, -"/%
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.BJOUFOBODF ATHLETICS AND SPORTS CONSULTANTS =Xo1'(,'0,-(*), E: [email protected] 5FM




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27 The Water Gardens, \dX`c1XccZflikj7Yk`ek\ie\k%Zfd www.thechilterngroup.co.uk XXXDMFWFMBOEMBOETFSWJDFTDPVL
De Havilland Drive, Hazelmere, Wycombe, Bucks HP15 7FN SPORTS FACILITY DESIGN GLDM, 12 Castle St. Hereford HR1 2NL A D I J K P A D J K O P S B D E J K N O P Q S A D J K P Tel: 01494 440227 Fax: 01494 440227 SPORTS SURFACING CONSULTANCY E-mail: [email protected] part of the C.M.P.B Group T: 01432 358031 E: [email protected] www.as-consultants.co.uk Tel: 01206 273676 Fax: 01206 271537 www.gldm.co.uk

Sports Facility Construction: Sports Tel: (01376) 572555 Construction Consultancy Fax: (01376) 572666 Exhibitions & Seminars Email: [email protected] Tel: 01403 259400 Fax: 01403 261250 www.doesport.co.uk email: [email protected] Tel: 0870 2403927 Fax: 0870 2403928 SAPCA regional exhibitions featuring the leading constructors of sports TENNIS & MULTI-USE GAMES AREAS – DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE Email: [email protected] Tracks - Pitches - Courts & MUGA’S www.surfacingstandards.co.uk facilities and suppliers of related products and services, together with A D seminars on key aspects of sports facility design and construction. To book your advertisement in the SAPCA directory call FOR FUTURE EXHIBITIONS AND SEMINARS Tel: (01333) 422205 Nadeem +44 (0)1462 471902 Fax: (01333) 424340 Tel: 024 7641 6316 or Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.doesport.co.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 TENNIS & MULTI-USE GAMES AREAS – DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE 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 www.sapca.org.uk @ Manchester, PA. POSTMASTER. Send US address changes to Sports Management, c/o PO Box 437, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437.

A B D 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 2009 ISSN 1479/9146

76 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 77 SAPCA DIRECTORY

ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS

G Adhesives L Indoor Structures Q Civil Engineers & Groundworks For All Your H Aggregate Producers M Paint Manufacturers R Irrigation & Pumping High quality sports posts, Sports Lighting nets and tennis court equipment I Equipment Suppliers N Screening/Windbreaks S Maintenance T: 0121 772 0724 Needs F: 0121 771 2597 J Fencing Systems O Sports Surface Suppliers E: [email protected] www.kingfisherlighting.com www.hexasports.co.uk K Floodlighting P Surface painting/Line Marking Sales: 01623 415900 I I K J

Abacus Lighting Limited B&L Fencing Services Ltd Sutton in Ashfield To book your advertisement in the SAPCA Nottinghamshire, NG17 5FT Phone: 01527 882101 www.abacuslighting.com BASF Construction Chemicals (UK) Ltd Fax: 01527 882123 directory call Email: [email protected] Tel: 01623 511111 Tel: 0161 727 2864 Fax: 01527 503576 Tel: +44 7980 876652 Fax: 01623 552133 Email: [email protected] www.blfencing.co.uk Nadeem +44 (0)1462 471902 Email: [email protected] www.conica.basf.com Fencing Specialists to the Sports Industry www.mondoworldwide.com K O K G O P J O

           CHRISTY LIGHTING LTD SPORTS Musco Lighting Europe Tel: (01282) 779666  Electrical & Lighting Engineering
 HALLS Tel: 0800 234 6832 Fax: (01282) 776999
   8 Northumberland Court, Dukes Park Industrial Email: Estate, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6UW www.musco.com [email protected]  )  ** 
        Tel (01245)-451212 Tel 01995 606451 E: [email protected]           www.thorntonsports.co.uk    +,          ™ Fax (01245)-451818 www.collinson.co.uk GREEN GENERATION FLOODLIGHTING NORDON LTD LMETCALF DRIVE L ALTHAM INDUSTRIAL ESTATE LLANCASHIRE BB5 5TU -'# ./
     !"#$% &&'($(

G O M P K L K O O Q

GET UNDERCOVER MANUFACTURING RUBB BUILDINGS LTD QUALITY SPORTS With a CopriSystems Tel: 01920 860600 To book your advertisement Dukesway, Gateshead Tel: 01889 569569 sports dome - PRODUCTS SINCE 1884 Tyne & Wear NE11OQE for year round protection Fax: 01920 485915 in the SAPCA directory call Fax: 01889 569555 from the weather EDWARDS SPORTS, PO Box 7, Wellington Mills, Liversedge, W Yorks WF15 7FH UK Email: North Mills, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3BE Tel: 01914822211 Tel: 01794 301 000 Fax: 01794 301 342 [email protected] Tel: 01308 424111 Fax 01308 455800 Tel: +44 (0)1924 412488 Fax: 01914822516 Dovefi elds, Dovefi elds Industrial Estate, Uttoxeter, ST14 8HY. Nadeem e-mail: [email protected] www.coprisystems.com www.cuphosco.com Email: [email protected] Emial: [email protected] www.edsports.co.uk +44 (0)1462 471902 www.play-rite.co.uk www.rubb.com www.spaciotempo.com

L K I O I P S L L

Surfaces and  * *
* Exclusive Leisure Ltd equipment for sport, * 28 Cannock Street -278%00)673*8,);360(7*-2)78 play and leisure. SPORTS SURFACES (UK) LTD ADVANTAGE Leicester LE4 9HR   SUPPLIERS OF ADHESIVES FOR ALL APPLICATIONS LOW PROFILE P O Box 1010, CHESTER, CH1 3WN S T EELWAY LIGHTING Tel: 0116 233 2255 World Class Cushioned Acrylic Surfaces 743687796*%')7 IN THE SPORTS SURFACE INDUSTRY Tel: 01858 545789   *   Fax: 0116 246 1561 9RMX*SVIWX4EVO&YWMRIWW'IRXVI4EVOIV(VMZI0IMGIWXIV0).4 Tel: 01244 321200 Fax: 01244 347735 Fensecure Tel: +44(0)1883 723908 Fax: 01858 545890   *   Tel: 01889 271751 Fax: 01889 271161 8IP*E\ E Mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] )¦QEMPJS\WTSVXW$FXGSRRIGXGSQ e-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.sportssurfacesuk.com www.envirostik.com Email: [email protected] web: www.exclusiveleisure.co.uk www.poraflex.com %!% "%'$#' (((%&!()#'

G K O P O I O O P J L

Thorn Lighting, UNIVERSAL SERVICES Elstree Way, Beckingham Business Park, Borehamwood SAPCA can be contacted on: 2, rue de l'Egalité, 92748 Nanterre Cedex, France Tolleshunt Major, Maldon, Hertfordshire WD6 1FE Essex CM9 8LZ Quality British floors for every location Tel: +33 (0) 1 41 20 45 05 Tel: 01477 544 149 Granwood Flooring Limited Fax: +33 (0) 1 41 20 47 66 Tel: 0208 732 9800 Fax: 0208 732 1911 Tel: 01773 606060 Fax: 01773 606030 024 7641 6316 Tel: 01621 868700 Fax: 01621 860697 Email: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.franciscoatings.co.uk www.granwood.co.uk www.sapca.org.uk www.tarkett-sports.com www.thornlighting.co.uk www.universalservicesuk.co.uk M P O O K O I

Guaranteed sport Innovative, Durable, Tel: (01282) 777678 Wright & Maclennan Ltd SPORTS, SECURITY, pleasure throughout Camps Industrial Estate Strong – vinyl floors the year. LEISURE, PERIMETER: Fax: (01282) 778014 Kirknewton, Midlothian, EH27 8DF FENCING TAILORED TO for creative minds Contact us for your Email: [email protected] free consultation T: 01506 881486 F: 01506 883669 MEET ALL YOUR NEEDS T +44 1204 384483 F +44 1204 384487 Cleaning, marking and lining of sports surfaces Telephone: 01926 401500 www.thorntonsports.co.uk E: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 01342 311155 Fax: 01342 311156 Tel: 01902 796696 Fax: 01902 796698 Web: www.gerflor.co.uk METCALF DRIVE L ALTHAM INDUSTRIAL ESTATE LLANCASHIRE BB5 5TU www.greenfi elds.eu www.veldemangroup.be www.white-line-services.com www.wrightandmaclennan.co.uk [email protected] www.zaun.co.uk

O I O P O I L I P S J J

The Sports and Play Construction Association can be contacted on: 024 7641 6316 Email: [email protected] To book your advertisement in the SAPCA directory call Nadeem +44 (0)1462 471902 www.sapca.org.uk

78 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 79 DIRECTORY sports management directory Be seen by over 5,500 active buyers in the most exciting full colour buyer’s guide in the sports industry. service & maintenance sports equipment suppliers sports flooring Call the Sports Management team now on +44 (0)1462 471902 or email [email protected] & manufacturers

The Nationwide Sports Hall floor refurbishment specialists adhesives & sealants consultants Tel: (01684) 567504 Fax: (01684) 563101 Email: [email protected] www.peterdorrell.co.uk www.strategicleisure.co.uk Making your vision For expert advice or a free ... Reality brochure: Tel: 01902 796 696 [email protected] Advanced Adhesives & Binders All round Sports Hall Fully compliant for Sport & Play Surfaces with EN14904. flooring solutions T: 01785 272727 F: 01785 257236 0845 4022 456 0845 4022 456 E-mail: [email protected] Services include: www.bostik.com • Strategic Planning t: +44(0)1926 401500 • Feasibility Studies indoor flooring The leading manufacturer e: [email protected] Contact us to discuss your • Greenspace/PPG17 of netting, posts & sports www.gerflor.co.uk • Facility Strategies construction & surfacing needs and requirements: indoor sports halls/temporary ground equipment t: 01925 855 550 • Procurement scoreboards & timing of sports facilities or prefabricated structures systems f: 01925 858 769 • Funding Bids RYAN LEISURE ACTIVITIES LTD e: [email protected] • Interim Management Specialists in sports & leisure facilities maintenance CONTACT US: UʘÃÌ>>̈œ˜ÊEÊ,ivÕÀLˆÃ “i˜Ì 01483 771777 UÊ->˜`ˆ˜}ÊEÊ-i>ˆ˜}Ê [email protected] UÊ,i«>ˆÀÊÊUÊ i>˜ˆ˜}Ê Tel 01502 583515 www.ryanleisure.co.uk consultants exercise equipment UÊ >ˆ˜Ìi˜>˜ViÊ*Àœ}À>“ÃÊ Uʈ˜iÊ >ÀŽˆ˜} www.harrod.uk.com UÊi˜iÀ>Ê i>˜ˆ˜}ÊEÊÊ GET UNDERCOVER ÊÊ >ˆ˜Ìi˜>˜ViÊ*Àœ`ÕVÌà With a CopriSystems sports dome - Tel: 01477 544 149 for year round protection from the weather Interior Email: [email protected] Tel: 01794 301 000 Fax: 01794 301 342 www.franciscoatings.co.uk Solutions Daktronics UK, specialists in scoreboards, timing systems and LED Displays Daktronics UK Ltd. Book your advert +44 (0) 1454 413606 www.daktronics.co.uk INTERIOR DESIGN & PROJECT MANAGEMENT Indoor/Outdoor Surface Line on our website RECEPTIONS LOUNGES CAFES BARS Marking & Maintenance www.coprisystems.com and be seen by computer membership CAINE GROVE FIVE OAK LANE STAPLEHURST KENT TN12 0HT over 14,000 buyers software TEL; 01580 890123 FAX: 01580 893626 www.interior-solutions.co.uk [email protected] CONTACT: ROY ROBERTS LED Monochrome and Video Displays every month. For a complete Member Experience Sports Scoreboards Equipment · Entertainment · Technology · Services Timing Systems Cleaning, lining Photofinish and resurfacing Consultancy sports ground construction of sports surfaces Practice Made Perfect Tel: 0845 337 2474 Tel: 01276 404900, Email: [email protected] Tel: 44 (0)1342 311155 Fax: 02380 274521 www.precor.com Tel: 0800 3891490 Fax: 44 (0)1342 311156 email: [email protected] Natural & Synthetic www.swisstiming.co.uk Sports Pitch Design - Construction     Email: [email protected] Renovation - Drainage - Maintenance www.white-line-services.com        fencing manufacturers www.summitstructures.com and supplier    indoor sports flooring sports buildings      Call the Sales Team No matter what the size or shape! to book your SPORTS HALLS Today to Discuss computer software to book your advert in the Your Booking advert in the sports management The premier sports directory 01462 SOFTWARE SPECIALISTS FOR THE sports management HEALTH AND FITNESS INDUSTRY directory fl oor solution Call Nadeem 431385 7EBSITEDESIGNs% COMMERCESOLUTIONSs#2-SYSTEMS Made to measure sports and security T: 01454 773 666 the brighter choice! $ESKTOPSOFTWAREs"USINESSSOLUTIONSs"ESPOKESOLUTIONS fences by JB Corrie & Co Ltd. www.4runnerltd.co.uk +44 (0)1462 Tel: 01256 880488 Call Nadeem In partnership with www.optimumfitness.biz Tel 01995 606451 T: 01730 237100 F: 01730 264915 www.mondosport.co.uk www.sportsmanagement.co.uk Email: [email protected] info@optimumfitness.biz +44 (0)1462 471902 471902 www.collinson.co.uk 01634 883 444 www.jbcorrie.co.uk www.altro.com www.kestrelcontractors.co.uk

80 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Issue 2 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 81 DIRECTORY DIARY DATES

10 JUNE 2009 1-2 AUGUST 2009 sports surface maintenance tennis Court Construction & Asics Running Conference The Mazda Triathlon Expo Maintenance Kettering Conference Centre ExCeL, London Docklands This event draws together the different This exhibition is at the hub of the UÊHigh quality sports turf systems disciplines associated with running to triathlon itself, surrounded by the reg- UÊStandard products to unique engineered systems facilitate the sharing of current istration, swim assembly and transition ADVERTISERS INDEX UÊExtensive research and development program evidence and innovative ideas. areas and bisected by the fi nish line. It UÊTechnology protected by patents and trademarks Abacus Lighting 67 UÊReal innovations Tel +44 (0)1625 521 239 is now run by race operator IMG with Agripower 58 T +44 1204 384483 F +44 1204 384487 Specialists in Tennis Court Email [email protected] exhibition stands supporting a variety of Construction & Maintenance www.pemanagement.com interactive zones – many of which offer AMB Sports 53 www.greenfi elds.eu for Local authorities, Councils, partnership or sponsorship possibilities. Schools, Tennis Clubs & the Private Audience Systems 50 Sector 12-14 JUNE 2009 Tel +44 (0)208 233 5962/5827 01727 730707 Britannia Paints 15 www.sportscourts.co.uk Grassroots Football LIVE Email [email protected] surface coatings The NEC, Birmingham Charles Lawrence 53 Offering something for everyone 8-10 SEPTEMBER 2009 Charterhouse 55/60 involved in football – including players, IOG Saltex Collinson 43 managers, coaches, referees and volun- Windsor Racecourse Copri Systems 47 teers – this event offers a programme of The UK’s main event for the grounds coaching sessions, discussions, debates, care, sports amenities, landscaping and CU Phosco 64 BRITANNIA PAINTS Daktronics 71 t conferences and challenge matches. estate management sectors. t wet leisure play products THE No.1 RANGE OF COATINGS Tel +44 (0)1727 742977 Tel +44 (0)1962 736989 Francis Coatings 69 FOR SPORTS SURFACES Email [email protected] www.iogsaltex.org Gerfl or 71 Tel: 01606 834015 Fax: 01606 837006 www.grassrootsfootball.co.uk Unit 7/8 King Street Trading Estate, Middlwich, Cheshire CW10 9LF Greenfi elds 43 sports lighting Sports Surfaces www.britanniapaints.co.uk 22-24 SEPTEMBER 2009 The Ball is in Your Court! 23-24 JUNE 2009 The Sports Show (part of LIW) Harrod UK 45 PlayFair 2009 NEC Birmingham Hippo Leisure 35 TOP DRESSING Stoneleigh Park, Coventry LIW is introducing 21 initiatives this OVER SEEDING HS Sports 73 DE-COMPACTION Now in its second year, PlayFair aims to year to celebrate its 21st birthday. The VERTIDRAINING synthetic sports surfaces JB Corrie 38/43 GROUND BREAKING illustrate, advise and assist the public fi rst is a fresh look with the launch of AGRIPOWER LANDSCAPING sector through commercial play provid- seven sub brands to cater for the sectors McArdles 57 Interactive Play SPECIALISTS IN ALL ASPECTS OF Flume Slides ers on the balance of natural play and serviced within the leisure industry. The Mark Harrod 49 SPORTSTURF CONSTRUCTION Safety Solutions fi xed equipment. Parties of school chil- Sport Show will incorporate the second Mondo Sport/4Runner 69 NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC Plant Equipment SURFACES and Maintenance dren will also be on hand to offer their National Sports Conference and the cen- Musco 19 DRAINAGE AND MAINTENANCE Specialist Services invaluable comments. trepiece will be a unique Beach Sports Neptune Benson 37 TEL: 01494 866776 Seamless Tel +44 (0)207 973 4695 Arena – offering an excellent vantage FAX: 01494 866779 Coatings O’Brien Contractors 58 www.agripower.co.uk Email: [email protected] point to view daily demonstrations. [email protected] Hippo Leisure Products Ltd, Unit 18, Estover www.playfairuk.com Tel +44 (0)20 7955 3972 Pellikaan Construction 37 Road, Estover, Plymouth PL6 7PY Tel: 01491 827810 Email [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1752 313075 Playdale Playgrounds 37 Fax: 01491 827830 E: [email protected] 24 JUNE 2009 www.liw.co.uk W: www.hippoleisure.com Replay Maintenance 57 A good grounding in sport www.mcardle-astroturf.co.uk SAPCA Golf Day Rubb Buildings 45 Staverton Park Golf Club, Daventry 15 OCTOBER 2009 This year SAPCA’s annual golf competi- IOG Sports Turf Conference Sports Courts 43 Tel: 01623 511111 tion will be held on Staverton Park’s Emirates Stadium, Finsbury Park Sports Surfaces UK 69 Fax: 01623 552133 health & fitness Email: [email protected] PGA-standard 18-hole golf course. This event will combine papers from Sport Systems 73 Tel +44 (0)2476 416 316 the industry’s leading lights and will rec- Picture courtesy of leisure-kit.net Cheshire County Sports Club leisure Summit Structures 41 Now over www.sapca.org.uk ognise the best people in the industry. The website, email and search engine for leisure buyers Swiss Timing BC sport 5,000 Tel +44 (0)1908 312 511 www.abacuslighting.com leisure suppliers 30 JUNE 2009 www.iog.org Technical Surfaces 57 listed on our Visit leisure-kit.net for the latest news SAPCA Regional Exhibition Thorn Lighting 73 spa NEW improved search about products and services for the Ricoh Arena, Coventry 28-30 OCTOBER 2009 Trioplus 58 leisure industry and subscribe to the Hosted in the Eon Lounge, overlook- FSB hospitality UK Athletics IFC FREE fortnightly product report ing Coventry City FC’s pitch, this event Cologne Exhibition Centre, Germany will be supported by Sport England and This international trade fair for amenity White Line Services 31 attractions Partnerships for Schools. The seminar areas, sports and pool facilities incor- Zaun Fencing 19/47 To advertise your product and reach programme will focus strongly on the porates the International Association theme parks over 20,000 leisure buyers call now provision of sports facilities across the for Sport and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) Tel: 01920 860600 on +44 (0)1462 431385 or email education sector, with particular empha- Congress and the Cologne Swimming sport-kit.net museums [email protected] sis on Building Schools for the Future. Pool and Wellness Forum. Fax: 01920 485915 For more inforamtion on our advertisers’ Tel +44 (0)2476 416 316 Tel +49 (0)221 821 2495 Email: [email protected] products log on to www.sport-kit.net www.sapca.org.uk www.fsb-cologne.com www.cuphosco.com subscribe online at www.leisuresubs.com or call +44 (0)1462 431385

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