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MANAGEMENT VOLUME 16 Q4 2012
SPORTING CHANCE OLYMPIC BOUNCE The success of the 2010 LESSONS LEARNED FIFA World Cup legacy DURING 2012
TAKING PART How important will the 2012 Games effect be for driving up participation?
ON THE COVER: Andy Murray, one of the heroes of 2012 – a great year for British sport
INCLUSIVE TENNIS Dan Maskell Trust – working to promote wheelchair tennis PARTNER
READ SPORTS MANAGEMENT ONLINE: WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK /DIGITAL TWITTER: @SPORTSMAG [email protected] www.granwood.co.uk EDITOR’S LETTER
Gold events
he UK will play to its proven strengths in sports administration and major event manage- T ment to bid for a large number of international events over the next few years. The initiative – called the Gold Event Series – will be delivered by UK Sport in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It’s part of the government’s wider plan to continue the mo- mentum generated by London 2012 and could see up to 70 more events coming to the UK by 2018. The continued hosting of major sporting occasions is part of the UK’s long-term strategy for sport and the aim is to use the catalyst of London 2012 and the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 to attract events that deliver both sporting and economic benefits. Andy Murray: The successes The Gold Event Series is being funded by £27m of National Lottery money as part of its good of 2012 have inspired the causes fund and will aim to attract events to all parts of the UK, including 36 World and European new Gold Event Series Championships. Flagship international events have been identified for eight London 2012 and five Glasgow 2014 venues, helping to spread the value and impact across the UK. e-mail: please use contact’s This is great news for sport in every way. Being regularly exposed to world class sports [email protected] performances will continue to inspire our sports stars of the future, while current champions will have SUBSCRIPTIONS the opportunity to compete in world class events on home soil – with all the at home advantages this Denise Gildea brings – making this cycle of events great preparation for future Olympic and Paralympic Games. +44 (0)1462 471930 EDITOR The UK’s sporting infrastructure has never been better and Liz Terry attracting world class events to the UK will help secure their future +44 (0)1462 431385 funding and maintenance at a time when both are under threat MANAGING EDITOR Tom Walker In addition, the Gold Event Series will continue to engage the public who’ve been so delighted by +44 (0)1462 471920 their exposure to world class sport during London 2012 and have been left with a thirst for more. PUBLISHER Many questions are being asked about how the UK can continue to foster the spirit of volunteering John Challinor which shone so brightly during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Although it’s unlikely we’ll +44 (0)1202 742968 ever see volunteers mobilised on quite such a breathtaking scale again, having opportunities to get NEWS EDITOR involved with world class events on shorter timescales is likely to be attractive to both the Games Tom Walker Makers and those (like me) who weren’t lucky enough to have been chosen to volunteer during 2012. +44 (0)1462 471934 We have a valuable resource in the Games Makers who must be encouraged to take their newly JOURNALISTS learned skills and experiences back into their communities to help the UK raise its game when it Aoife Dowling +44 (0)1462 471938 comes to sports volunteering and this new cycle of events will reinforce this work. On the facilities side, the UK’s sporting infrastructure has never been better and we’re ideally placed PRODUCTS EDITOR to optimise the great sports buildings which have been developed over the last 20 years and to deploy Martin Nash +44 (0)1462 471933 them for this purpose. Doing so will help secure their future funding and maintenance at a time when both are under threat from budget cuts. DISPLAY ADVERTISING Jan Williams The Gold Event Series is expected to attract 250,000 overseas visitors and +44 (0)1462 471909 inject £287m into the host cities and regions where competitions are held. DESIGN Other sectors can also get involved – the UK’s sports scientists, for Ed Gallagher example, are world renowned and can play a part in delivery. +44 (0)1905 20198 I read recently that London 2012 produced such a sense of euphoria Andy Bundy among the population that we’ll be getting a huge baby boom around April +44 (0)1462 471924 time and if being exposed to world class sports events can generate that INTERNET kind of excitement, then arranging more of the same seems a grand idea. Michael Paramore +44 (0)1462 471926 Liz Terry, editor [email protected] twitter: elizterry Dean Fox +44 (0)1462 471900 Tim Nash Check out our other publications and order free samples at www.leisuremedia.com +44 (0)1462 471917 CIRCULATION MANAGER Michael Emmerson +44 (0)1462 471932 FINANCIAL ADMIN Denise Gildea +44 (0)1462 471930
Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 3 IN THIS ISSUE ISSUE 4 2012
34 The Plymouth Life Centre offers new heights in diving facility provision 16 Mark Sesnan interview
26 Learning from the Olympic Games’ success in engaging more interest in sport 52 Wheelchair tennis’ winning ways
3 EDITOR’S LETTER 22 SPORTING CHANCE 34 PLYMOUTH LIFE CENTRE Professor Terry Stevens looks at how Dawn Tuckwell looks at how the newly- 7 THOUGHT LEADERS South Africa has capitalised on playing opened centre is working with NGBs to Industry comment from Hugh Robertson, host to the 2010 FIFA World Cup - the promote fully inclusive participation David Grevemberg and John Goodbody first held in Africa 40 OLYMPIC INTERACTION AT 10 INDUSTRY NEWS 26 OLYMPIC BOUNCE: SHEFFIELD INTERNATIONAL VENUES Industry experts share their 2012 views SIV facility managers used the hosting 16 INTERVIEW: Mark Sesnan with Karen Maxwell and explain how they of Olympic and Paralympic athletes to The MD of GLL talks to us about winning plan to implement the lessons learned inspire the local community. Hannah the contract to operate two of the Lon- during the Olympic year Johnson explains how don 2012 Olympic venues – the Aquatics Centre and the Copper Box – and the 30 BUILDING ON THE LONDON 42 DRIVING UP SPORTS plans to reopen them for community use 2012 MOMENTUM PARTICIPATION Geoff Aucock reports on Drivers Jonas Amanda Lintott reports on Mintel’s 20 THE BEYOND SPORT AWARDS Deloitte’s research into post-Games sports research into the value of the London We profile some of Beyond Sport’s participation and facility access Games as a platform for driving up activity winning projects from Afghanistan, Haiti and the US – and chart how they 32 RAY OF SUNSHINE 46 TOP OF THE PODS actively use sport to achieve positive Renewable Heat Incentive is great news The Pods’ design challenges by social change for sports facilities and operators S&P Architects’ Ron Wallwork
4 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK
ISSUE 4 2012
digital magazine See Sports Management online www.sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital
48 Olympic grassroots inspiration 22 South Africa’s World Cup legacy
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68 A bird’s eye view of imaginative play areas from around the world
48 GRASSROOTS SPORTS 68 BUILDING IMAGINATIONS IN LEGACY MODE Architectural examples of inspiring play Kath Hudson rounds up a selection of spaces from around the world NGB’s ‘legacy in action’ programmes attention buyers! 70 GAME ON: The latest news and fi nd suppliers and innovation updates 52 EVERYONE FOR TENNIS views from the Sport and Play www.sport-kit.net How the Dan Maskell Trust is promoting Construction Association (SAPCA) wheelchair tennis. By Gilly English buyers’ guide: 72 GAME ON: Don Earley looks at the 58 BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR government’s playing field plans For suppliers of products and EFFECTIVE SPORTS PROVISION services, turn to page 80 Chris Cutforth reports on the European 74 GAME ON: Made in Britain: a look at Sports Development Symposium construction issues post-2012 SAPCA Sports Management is a 62 PETER LK DURY 75 GAME ON: SAPCA DIRECTORY partner of the Sports and Karen Maxwell’s Q&A with the Play Construction Association industry’s award-winning groundsman 78 SPORT KIT (SAPCA), the trade body for the UK’s sports facility construction industry. Sports Management and SAPCA 65 SMOOTH OPERATOR 80 SPORT DIRECTORY work in partnership to promote high How software is transforming the way standards in the design, construction and leisure facilities function. By Abigail Harris 82 DIARY DATES AND AD INDEX maintenance of UK sports facilities.
Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 5 THIS IS NOT AN ELLIPTICAL IT’S BETTER THIS IS THE CYBEX ARC TRAINER MACHINES BURN CALORIES 3 BUILD POWER IN ONE GAIN STRENGTH
CYBEX INTERNATIONAL UK GET THERE T: 0845 606 0228 E: [email protected] W: www.cybexintl.com FASTER THOUGHT LEADERS
INDUSTRY EXPERTS SHARE THEIR VIEWS ON THE CURRENT ISSUES AFFECTING SPORT
A SUMMER OF SPORT WE’LL NEVER FORGET HUGH ROBERTSON
he London 2012 Olympic and Para- LOCOG deserves credit for how it built foundations of a lympic Games gave us a summer of in plans to look after athletes every step strong sports legacy T world-class sport that we will never of the way – from food from every corner were in place be- forget. It surpassed expectations – my of the globe in the Athletes Village to the fore the Games own included – and much of its success excellent warm-up and training facilities begun which we can now build on. can be put down to the fact that these used ahead of competition. Sport England’s £135m ‘Places, People, were Games that put the athletes and They had an Athletes Committee from Play’ initiative has already made a big im- sport at its heart from the outset. the start, led by Jonathan Edwards, who pact since it launched in November 2010. The Olympic Delivery Authority built sat on the LOCOG board, which meant Hundreds of facilities up and down the venues that were truly world-class. This they had invaluable input from those country have been improved and it has was reflected by the number of world re- who had competed at the highest level in encouraged hundreds of thousands of cords broken in the Velodrome, Aquatics sport who knew what athletes wanted. people to get involved in sport. Centre and Olympic Stadium. We have also been clear and consis- London 2012 may be over but the The venues were fantastic for the tent about the sports legacy we want to wealth of major sporting events we have spectators too, with good sight lines and leave behind. No one can argue that the secured for the coming decade will also acoustics that helped generate electric Games did not live up to its motto and help inspire people through sport and atmospheres. Team GB and Paralympics ‘Inspired a Generation’ and it is now up consolidate Britain’s status as one of the GB fans were always going to get right to all those involved in sports administra- leading destinations for major sports behind our athletes but the noise in the tion to make sure that we play our part events in the world. Velodrome, for example, made it sound to keep up the momentum. Hugh Robertson like there were 20,000 people in there In the last two years we have been Minister for Sport rather than the 6,000 it held. doing all we can to ensure that the @DCMS
GETTING READY FOR THE GLASGOW GAMES DAVID GREVEMBERG
he London 2012 Olympic and special than London 2012 – we will be Now the chal- Paralympic Games were truly inspira- just the same on those fronts. Yet along- lenge for us is to T tional events and we are beginning side that there must be an awareness capitalise on that to see their positive impact in terms of that the Commonwealth Games is differ- bounce. Ensuring how people are now looking towards the ent with a character of its own. that our Commonwealth Games are in- Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. It is not on the same scale but it has clusive and accessible for people of all Already we have seen an increase in these fantastic, distinctive elements that backgrounds is at the core of what we interest not just on a Scotland-wide ba- we can really capitalise on – such as the are all about. That means having good sis, but UK-wide. The simple fact is that fact the home nations compete individu- policies, good principles and, in terms of people want more of this. London 2012 ally in their own right. ticketing, good pricing methods. has created a buzz. We have a very special sporting event Later this year we will launch our own The baton has been passed and it is our that we will be staging in a great city, volunteering programme and will seek to responsibility to deliver on our promises but it is important for us to be respon- build on the goodwill generated by the and ambitions and put on an outstanding sible with the resources we have and find London 2012 Games Makers as we recruit Commonwealth Games. creative ways to get the most out of the 15,000 of our own. We want people to be excited about budget we have. With less than two years to go, the our event and they should be because We know from our research that London pace is quickening, but we’re up to speed the Commonwealth Games is a fantastic 2012 has made people more excited about and looking forward to sharing the next competition, but at the same time, it is Glasgow 2014. The amount of people who stage of our journey. up to us to manage expectations. said they would definitely or probably buy David Grevemberg, CEO, That is not to say the major sport- tickets for the Commonwealth Games dou- Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games ing event will be any less significant and bled during the Olympics. @Glasgow2014
Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 7 THOUGHT LEADERS PIC: DAVID DAVIES/AFP/GETTYIMAGES
Jessica Ennis shows off her Olympic gold medal to London crowds during TeamGB’s victory parade
2012 GAMES ONLY MID-POINT OF 12-YEAR PLAN JOHN GOODBODY
he legacy from the London Olym- title in August – with his brother Jonny national governing pics and Paralympics is taking in third place; the 2015 World Gymnas- bodies in Britain. T many forms. Not the least sig- tics Championships in Glasgow and the These included nificant will be Britain’s reputation for 2015 European Hockey Championships at feasibility studies, hosting successful international sports the Lee Valley Centre. knowledge transfer and a bidding sup- events, already enviable before the Morton explained: ”Engaging people port service. Games, but now probably the high- with sport is one of our objectives but Probably the most prestigious event it est it has ever been. For UK Sport, the there are also performance benefits will be helping will be the World Athlet- quango funded with public money, the for Britons for some of the competitions ics Championships, which will be staged Games were the mid-point of its 12 year ,which we are supporting and will be in the Olympic Stadium in 2017. How- plan of investment in world and acting for qualification for Rio in 2016. ever, there are still worries about the European Championships, with the long-term use of the venue, the most newest tranche of £27m for the ‘decade favoured scenario being a combination of sport’ being announced in Novem- UK Sport is putting 14 of West Ham using the stadium during ber to help stage what it is terming ‘The the winter and the track available for 20 Gold Events Series’. distinctive support days of athletics during the summer. Simon Morton, the director of Major programmes into action to Negotiations are going on between Events and International Relations at UK the Premiership club and the London Sport, says: ”In the six-year build-up to help NGBs in Britain Legacy Development Corporation but London, we funded 118 world and Eu- it is feared that a reshaped 60,000 seat ropean events with £21m. This included venue will not be opening until 2016, competitions such as the Track Cycling “In addition, there are economic two years later than originally planned. World Cup, the Diving World Series and benefits with visitors bringing in an There are also concerns about where several Olympic test events, which also estimated total of £250m-300m over the money will come from for installing helped competitors and officials prepare the next six years. retractable seating. It is only a pity that for the Games themselves. “Many of these events had already this was not put in when the stadium “Now the emphasis is on fewer but been allocated to Britain even before was originally built, but West Ham, then bigger events. The public has been en- the Olympics but, because of the success under different management, did not thused by seeing Olympic sport and so of London 2012, the International Fed- commit to that scenario and the Olympic should be excited at coming to these erations have been blown away by the organisers had an immovable deadline. future competitions.” enthusiasm of the British public and the There are certainly problems ahead if They include: the 2013 World Triath- smooth running of the events.” this issue is to be resolved. lon Championships Grand Final, with Morton explained that there were 14 John Goodbody has covered 12 successive Alistair Brownlee racing on the Hyde distinctive support programmes that UK Olympic Games for the Sunday Times Park circuit where he took the Olympic Sport was putting into action to help @thesundaytimes
8 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 OFFER EXTENDED! WANTED – REGIONAL SHOW SITES Save up to 50% on a refurbishment sports floor!
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The club includes studios and a 60-station gym 9Xie\k=:fg\ej ;feËknXjk\Fcpdg`Zc\^XZp#jXpjNJ== Zfddle`kp_\Xck_ZclY Major changes are needed in Barnet Football Club (BFC) has launched sport in order to maximise a new £1m health club which will be used the Olympic legacy oppor- by both professional footballers and local tunity for women. That was residents. Facilities at The Hive Fitness the message the Women’s Centre include a 60-station gym equipped Sport and Fitness Foundation by Pulse Fitness, two group exercise classes, (WSFF) gave MPs at the All- an indoor group cycling space with 30 bikes Party Parliamentary Group on and wet areas including a sauna. Personal Women’s Sport and Fitness, training services will also be on offer. which met last month for The club will be open to the pub- the first time since the 2012 lic seven days a week and will offer London Olympics. memberships from £29.99 per month. British women had their Details: http://lei.sr?a=C7I7k best ever Games, with 11 gold, eight silver and six bronze medals, however, the WSFF )'dc\`jli\Z\eki\]fi claims there needs to be a cul- Team GB women won more medals during London 2012 than ever before 10 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK :lckli\j\Zi\kXipD`cc\i1 Il^Ypi\m\Xcj)-dc\^XZpgcXej jZ_ffcjgfik`jÈm`kXcÉ The Rugby Football Union Culture secretary Maria Miller has under- (RFU) will invest £26m in lined the government’s support for school developing the sport’s grass- sport by describing it as a “vital” part of roots as part of a strategy to efforts to encourage children to get more create a lasting legacy from the involved in sport. Speaking at the School 2015 World Cup in England. Sport Conference in Kettering, Miller said: The RFU predicts an “The people who teach children sport know increase in interest in rugby what a positive influence it can be in a both during the run up to child’s development and how it can stay and after the World Cup and with them throughout their lives. is keen to capitalise on it. “We want to inspire children to partici- Announcing the plans, RFU pate; great school sport is key in achieving chief executive Ian Ritchie this. We’re more determined than ever outlined seven areas of focus to leave a lasting legacy from 2012.” for the RFU in the lead up to Details: http://lei.sr?a=L5Q5A 2015 and beyond. Plans include encouraging young players to return to the sport The seven areas include a £10m facility fund to improve club equipment 15,000 new players to take up touch rugby. and facilities at more than 500 clubs across the There will also be increased efforts to work with country and a new £1m training fund which will colleges, universities and employers to encour- deliver more than 6,500 newly qualified refer- age ‘returning players’ – people aged between ees and coaches. Elsewhere, RFU’s All Schools 16-24 who might have played rugby at school programme will ensure that more schools offer but aren’t currently active – back into the game. rugby while a target has been set to encourage Details: http://lei.sr?a=v0a5t One in six disabled adults take part in sport >Xd\Z_Xe^`e^gcXej]finfd\eËj]ffkYXcc E\n(d`eZclj`m\jgfikj `e`k`Xk`m\cXleZ_\[ The Football Association (FA) has launched plans to trans- Sport England has launched a new £1m form the future of women’s initiative designed to improve access to football in England. community sports facilities for disabled Entitled Game Changer, people. The scheme will fund free training the strategy looks to harness courses to help coaches, leaders, assis- the momentum of the 2012 tants and parents to develop the skills and Olympics and drive the game confidence to include disabled people in forward at every level. sporting activity. The courses will be run by The plans are based on the English Federation of Disability Sport four key elements - creat- and sports coach UK. ing an Elite Performance Clubs across the UK where disabled peo- Unit (EPU); delivering a new ple play sport will also be able to join in the commercial strategy for wom- Sainsbury’s Active Kids scheme, benefit- en’s football; expanding the ing from free equipment and experiences FA Women’s Super League through voucher collection. The number of (WSL); and to grow partici- EPU will be tasked with developing young players via a talent pathway disabled people playing sport at least once a pation at grassroot level. week has increased by 160,000 over the past The EPU will be tasked with developing For the first time in FA history, a distinct com- year and Sport England has been tasked the best young players via the talent develop- mercial programme for women’s football will with increasing participation levels fur- ment pathway of 31 Centres of Excellence, 29 be created to help the game have a clear iden- ther. One in six disabled adults play sport player development centres and elite perfor- tity and become financially more sustainable. regularly, compared with one in three non- mance camps. Details: http://lei.sr?a=D4G1e disabled adults. Culture secretary Maria Miller said: “This is exactly the kind of legacy we want )dcfkk\ip^iXekYi`e^jJZ_ffc>Xd\jkfJ_\]Ô\c[ to see from the 2012 Paralympic Games. “The Paralympics made the UK Sport England has earmarked £2m of National 2013 and will be organised by the Youth Sport think about disability differently and I Lottery funding to bring the Sainsbury’s Trust, which Sport England has commissioned hope that it is the first of many public / School Games finals to the city of Sheffield to provide development support across all private partnerships aimed at develop- in September 2013. The four-day multi-sport elements of the Sainsbury’s School Games. ing disability sport at the grassroots.” event will take place between 12-15 September Details: http://lei.sr?a=v5Q2a Details: http://lei.sr?a=t0O1Y Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 11 NEWS UPDATE JnXej\XËj*-'9\XZ_Xe[ =ffkYXcc^iXekjZ_\d\cXleZ_\j NXk\ijgfikZ\eki\fg\ej A multi-million pound watersport proj- The Football Foundation has ect has opened to the public in Swansea launched a new grant scheme Marina, Wales. The project is made up that will invest in the devel- of the new 360 Beach and Watersports opment of new and enhanced Centre operated in partnership by Swansea local sports facilities across University and Bay Leisure. England and Wales. Olga, Swansea Council’s historic 1911 Funded by the Premier Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter, has also been League and delivered by the refitted as part of the scheme. Football Foundation, The The vessel will provide a classical sailing Premier League Community experience for schoolchildren and commu- Facility Fund (PLCFF) will nity groups in future. The project has been invest £18m into new or refur- funded by the Welsh Government through bished sports facilities over the European Regional Development Fund, the next three years. Visit Wales and the Regeneration Area pro- It is open to all football club gramme. Details: http://lei.sr?a=I2B8R community-led organisations The £18m initiative will offer grants to both existing and new facilities from the Premier League, Football League, Football Conference, and the Located less than a mile from Old Trafford Conference’s North and South divisions. stadium, The Manchester United Foundation The first facility to benefit from the fund is (MUF) is a key partner of the project. MUF will Stretford High School in Lancashire, where a have 10 hours’ free use of the facility each week new, full-size floodlit third-generation artifi- and will see Kickz community project sessions cial grass pitch has been built with the help of being delivered at the site by the end of the first a £350,000 grant. year. Details: http://lei.sr?a=M6K8i The closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games J\YXjk`Xe:f\eXd\[e\n9F8Z_X`i Cfe[fe)'()Ê+''d Lord Sebastian Coe has been le[\iYl[^\kË named the new chair of the British Olympic Association Image: Hardy/National Emma Portrait Gallery The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic (BOA). The former head of Games are set to come in under budget, fig- the London 2012 Olympic ures from the government’s final quarterly and Paralympic Games economic report show. was voted to the role by 43 The overall cost of the Games is fore- members of the National cast at £8.921bn, a saving of £377m on Olympic Committee. A dou- the £9.298bn budget. In addition, £103m ble Olympic gold medallist, of contingency is being held to cover the Lord Coe stood unopposed remaining risks in the programme, such and will serve a four-year as the retrofit of the Olympic Village for term as BOA chair. legacy use and closing out around 2,000 He succeeds Lord Colin Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and Moynihan, who announced in LOCOG contracts. In total, £480m of August this year his decision uncommitted contingency still remains to step down from the posi- Lord Coe, a former Olympic champion, was elected unopposed as chair within the budget. tion following seven years of The anticipated final cost (AFC) of the leadership. As chair, Lord Coe will lead the preparation and support they need to continue ODA’s construction and transport pro- BOA board in mapping out the future direc- to excel in the forthcoming Sochi 2014 Olympic gramme is £6.714bn – a decrease of £47m tion of the organisation and making certain Winter Games and Rio 2016 Olympic Games. on the previous figure. Savings made by the that Team GB athletes have the resources, Details: http://lei.sr?a=B8g7Q ODA on its programme have now reached £1.032bn. Additional finance was released to LOCOG from the funding package, :Xjkc\]fi[K`^\ijjkXccfeil^YpjkX[`ldgcXej including £26m for capital works with leg- acy benefits, £16m for government’s share Rugby team Castleford Tigers may be forced at out of town entertainment and retail of the cost of the Paralympic Games, and to shelve plans for a new stadium and look at centre, Glasshoughton. £14m for Olympic Park venues and infra- redeveloping its current ground. However, at a meeting with fans, Castleford structure. These costs are all contained Last year Castleford signed a deal to sell its chief executive, Steve Ferres, described the within the overall forecast cost of the pro- ground to a supermarket, which would fund team’s financial situation as “precarious”. gramme. Details: http://lei.sr?a=c8Z9k the development of a 13,300 capacity stadium Details: http://lei.sr?a=K1P5u 12 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK )'(+>Xd\jc\^XZp]le[XeefleZ\[ A £10m grant scheme has been launched as part of the Scottish government’s plans to create a lasting sporting legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund will make grants of between £10,000 Manufacturer & Supplier of and £100,000 available for PRODUCTS FOR projects which promise to upgrade local facilities – such as new bike or skate parks, SPORT outdoor adventure facilities, walking routes, or new proj- ects within school estates. The 2014 Games will be Scotland’s biggest ever multi-sports event Minister for Commonwealth 2012/13 Games and sport, Shona Robison, said: “The their facilities and will appeal to Scots young Commonwealth Games will be the biggest and old to get more active. I want as many peo- CATALOGUE multi-sports event Scotland has ever hosted ple as possible to benefit and to be inspired by and provides a unique opportunity to create a the Commonwealth Games to adopt healthier, OUT NOW positive and lasting legacy for Scotland. more active lives.” “The Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund will The fund will be managed by sportscotland. help communities across Scotland improve Details: http://lei.sr?a=K4N3L Pflk_JgfikKiljkXe[PD:8af`e]fiZ\j Youth Sport Trust (YST) and YMCA announced a new partnership in October, designed to enhance both organisations’ reach within schools and communities. The joint venture will see YST being able to access YMCA’s extensive community network of clubs for young people. YMCA will benefit from making its apprenticeship schemes, training courses and its awarding body more avail- able for school leavers. The partnership hopes to reach out into school and community sport Speaking at the School Sport Conference at the Kettering Conference Centre start in life. We want to capitalise on this today, John Steele, chief executive of YST said: remarkable year for sport and reach as many “This new partnership with the YMCA allows young people as possible through our work, us to extend our reach beyond the school gates which is why this partnership is so exciting.” and work with an organisation that is as driven Details: http://lei.sr?a=X2b8G Call our sales team on as us to give every young person a positive =8f]ÔZ`Xccpfg\ejJk>\fi^\ËjGXib 01502 The Football Association (FA) has officially by the Duke of Cambridge, the Duchess of launched its new £100m National Football Cambridge and FA chair David Bernstein. Centre in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. All 24 representative England squads will 710039 Named St. George’s Park, the facility held make use of the 330-acre complex and it will its first full England national team training also be the new HQ for the League Managers markharrod.com Details: http://lei.sr?a=V2k9u session on 9 October, which was attended Association. markharrodltd Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 @markharrodltd 13 NEWS UPDATE JgfikkfgcXpgXik`ed\ekXc ((%.dZ\eki\f]\oZ\cc\eZ\]fi;\iip _\Xck_`eEfik_\ie@i\cXe[ Northern Ireland’s sport minister Carál Ní The Northern Ireland Chuilín has called on sports organisations Executive has given a to play their part in promoting positive £656,000 grant towards the mental health and to help combat suicide. new regional centre of sports Chuilín made her plea during the launch excellence in Londonderry. of the Suicide Awareness Th rough Sport The £11.7m St Columb’s campaign which she has asked Sport Park project is being man- Northern Ireland to take forward. aged by the City Council of She said: “I’m eager to ensure that the Londonderry and will serve as Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure a regional centre of excellence and the agencies with which it works play for judo, wrestling and moun- their full part in supporting wider gov- taineering. Th e campus will ernment initiatives aimed at promoting also feature a swimming pool, mental wellbeing and, in particular, help- fi tness suite, multi-sports hall, ing to combat suicide and self-harm.” offi ce space, changing facili- St Columb’s Park will act as a centre of excellence for judo and wrestling ties and a 3rd Generation synthetic fl oodlit pitch complex. has handed over the contract for funding so Work is scheduled to start in March 2013 that we can progress with the next phase of with an expected completion date of June 2014. the project. Th e campus is a signifi cant cap- Th e Mayor of the City, Kevin Campbell, said: ital project for the city which will not only “Th e North West Regional Sports Campus is see the development of additional outreach one of Derry City Council’s key strategic devel- facilities but enable us to attract high profi le opment projects for delivery. We are delighted events for the benefi t of the city and region.” that the Department of Social Development Details: http://lei.sr?a=d4o3M Th e 25m pool will also feature a viewing gallery .%/djn`dd`e^gffc Cfkk\ip]le[`e^kfZi\Xk\(-,gcXp`e^Ô\c[j fg\ej`eDfekifj\ More than 165 playing fi elds A new £7.8m swimming pool has opened will be created across the UK in Montrose, Scotland. Th e new 25m, six- as Sport England rolls out its lane swimming pool will link to the existing latest round of grants. Montrose Sports Centre and will also fea- The Protecting Playing ture a viewing gallery and a studio pool Fields fund selected 50 which incorporates a moving fl oor to allow areas to share a £2.4m pot variation in pool depth. of National Lottery funding Th e pool will be used both for competi- that will create 165 high-qual- tive and community swimming. ity sports pitches. Th e complex was designed by Angus The fund is part of the Council architect Dave Smith while Ogilvie £150m, Places People Play Construction was responsible for the con- Olympic legacy programme, struction. Details: http://lei.sr?a=g1h8u and the pitches will be pro- Th e funding is part of the £150m Places People Play Olympic initiative tected from developers for at least 25 years. Th e projects that receive the Another £4m will be invested in grassroots :fienXccËjdflekX`eY`b\ funding will carry the London 2012 Inspire facilities over two future funding rounds. Z\eki\j_Xg`e^lg mark, celebrating the link to the Olympic Sport England chair Richard Lewis said: and Paralympic Games. Almost £8m “Th anks to these investments, generations of Mountain biking in Cornwall is set to get a has been invested in playing fi elds to date, with young people all over the country can look for- boost with the launch of a dedicated centre, 504 pitches and nearly 1,900 acres protected ward to playing sport on great sports pitches.” the Cardinham Trail Centre, near Bodmin. and improved. Details: http://lei.sr?a=m7c1C A Forestry Commission initiative, the plan is to create a café, cycle hire centre and easy section at the National Trust’s Lanhydrock Kiffe:fddle`kpJgfik?lYcXleZ_\j`e8pij_`i\ House and a gnarly track in the nearby woods at Cardinham. Th e new Troon Community Sport Hub has launched under sportscotland’s community Th e fi rst trail is set to open in November, been launched at Marr College School Campus sport hub initiative – which forms part of the while others are dependent on funding and in South Ayrshire. Scottish Government’s 2014 legacy plan. sponsorship. Th e Forestry Commission is Designed to support community sport and Th e hub initiative is designed to increase the hoping volunteers will help run the centre. to increase the numbers of sports on off er number of people of all ages participating in Details: http://lei.sr?a=d4K9h locally, the centre is the latest to have been sport in communities across Scotland. 14 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK 9fXi[D\dY\ij]fiJgfik =`ijk$p\XijlZZ\jj]fi?<jZ_\d\ `e`k`Xk`m\XeefleZ\[ More than 46,000 university The Sport and Recreation Alliance has students have got involved in launched its new initiative, Board Members sport in the first year of Sport for Sport (BMS). England’s Active Universities The scheme has been set up to allow busi- campaign. The three-year, ness people – who are looking to become £8m project is part of work independent board directors within the to tackle the issue of drop-off sport sector – to talk to key representa- in sports participation that tives of governing bodies and other sports sees many young people giv- organisations to discuss potential devel- ing up sport in their late teens opment and career opportunities at board and early twenties. level. More than 60 people from sport and The first results from 40 recreational bodies attended the launch of funded projects across 49 Active Universities has attracted more than 46,000 students into sport BMS at Lord’s Cricket Ground in October. universities have now been Details: http://lei.sr?a=N5c7X revealed and show how a range of sports have where korfball was among the sports on offer, benefitted from an increase in people taking said: “Generally the participants in alterna- part. Lacrosse is one of the sports to see a tive sports have been more committed and radical increase in playing numbers - 2,424 attended more regularly. students in 39 universities have taken up the “We feel this is down to more commit- sport through the initiative. ted participants of traditional sports already Paddleboarding and softball were other playing the sport in a more structured envi- less-known sports to benefit. Katherine ronment, such as the university sports clubs.” Clarke from the Coventry University project, Details: http://lei.sr?a=E9M4Y (.d`em\jk\[`e:fcc\^\JgfikDXb\ij Kelly Holmes launched the new elite initiative The new College Sport Makers (CSM) initiative – a five-year programme aimed at improving @jc\f]DXecXleZ_\j sporting opportunities for students in further Xk_c\k\j\oZ\cc\eZ\jZ_\d\ education – has had its official launch. A £17m investment using Lottery money will fund 150 Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly new jobs for full-time sports professionals at Holmes has launched Isle of Man Sporting colleges across the UK. So far, 117 colleges have Excellence programme ahead of the 2014 successfully bid for the funding. Commonwealth games. CSM will help individual sports to mar- Delivered by Kelly Holmes Education, the ket their opportunities to students as well as So far, 117 colleges have been approved for funding programme brings together the Isle of Man linking colleges with community sports clubs, Sport, the Isle of Man Coaches Association running leagues and sports groups and offer- also invited colleges across the country to and the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games ing coaching for certain sports. Every sports bid for a share of £3m of additional funding Association. A workforce of specialist tutors, professional employed under the scheme will to improve the sport they are able to offer. mentors and speakers will deliver a series of be expected to help hundreds of students to Grants of between £30,000 and £150,000 will educational workshops designed to help ath- make sport a bigger part of their lives. Sport be offered to help colleges to run new sport letes improve their performances at Glasgow England, which will operate the scheme, has projects. Details: http://lei.sr?a=N8v4y 2014. Details: http://lei.sr?a=V9H8r www.ukpoolspa-expo.co.uk INTERVIEW MARK SESNAN The London 2012 Aquatics Centre and Multi-Use Arena saw history being made during the Olympics and Paralympics. GLL's managing director talks to Ian Freeman about the challenges of operating the venues in legacy mode ark Sesnan, the charismatic partnerships and winning the contract in southern England and the Hereford- managing director of GLL, to run two London 2012 venues post- based Halo Leisure Trust. has come a long way since I Olympics, and you can see why it may Sesnan says: “Local authorities outside M first interviewed him in 2005 have been a considerable challenge London were asking us to bid to oper- for Sports Management. GLL (formerly for Sesnan to maintain his deceptively ate their centres. We said that if we could Greenwich Leisure) has grown laid-back persona. find a way of doing it and help other into the UK’s leading operator of local “As a charitable social enterprise, we’re trusts to get business it’d make sense. We authority leisure facilities, with a turno- showing that it isn’t all about profit work with the trusts to win the business, ver of £111m and management of more – we’re on a mission,” Sesnan says. “Cur- but they deliver the services and staff than 100 facilities. rently, about a third of UK leisure centres the centres themselves, which provides a A lot has been happening at GLL’s are still run by the public sector, even in local feel. We give councils security that late-Georgian, Grade II-listed headquar- big cities like Liverpool, Newcastle and they wouldn’t get from a smaller organi- ters in London’s Woolwich Arsenal. As Leeds.” When I ask why, he pauses. “I sation and we can influence what goes well as growing the number of leisure could be provocative and say it’s about on in the centres. centres the team manages in London – self-interest or trade-union influence, “We’re open to discussion with any- the company’s traditional heartland – a but I’m much more generous than that – one once contracts go to market,” he carefully-judged growth plan has taken I think it’s just local choice,” he says. continues. “Because of our reputation, them as far north as York and into the we can get on shortlists, which smaller Chilterns and Surrey. WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP trusts often can’t. We do the bid work Add to this expansion into library and The way forward for GLL’s core leisure for them, which we charge for, but the play-centre management and whol- centre business includes forming op- bigger game – and my vision – is to have ly-owned businesses such as budget erating partnerships with smaller local an affinity community of customers, a gyms, the creation of local operating leisure trusts, such as Freedom Leisure block that has some muscle with sponsors and suppliers. But that’s some years away yet.” With expansion usually comes the thirst to branch out, and Sesnan has his heart set firmly on organic growth. “We need to diversify so we’re not reliant on any one particular income source”, he says. He has a desire to own, as well as operate, leisure facilities, with budget gyms top of the list – their first, at Bex- leyheath, Kent, is, says Sesnan, “flying”. “Our plan is to extend the whol- ly-owned estate and, as a charitable operator rather than a commercial one, we would be looking to see where there are socio-demographic reasons for putting in a gym,” he says. “We can do rich and poor areas so there’s a much wider matrix of sites that we’d consid- er. We want our gyms to be accessible The London 2012 Aquatics Centre will open to the public in 2014 PHOTO: WWW.GETTYIMAGES.COM and have the right look and feel for all 16 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 PHOTO: WWW.GETTYIMAGES.COM The 2012 Aquatics Centre will cater for community and competitive events “To have these venues is coming of age for us and changes us from local to national. sections of the community, including chil- dren.” GLL gyms will be 800 – 1,200sq m, It ups the ante and increases the challenge” with online sign-up only, self-admission and what Sesnan calls “lightly staffed”. winning Olympic gold. The Aquatics The Multi-Use Arena is the size of WINNING OLYMPIC GOLD Centre boasts not one, but two, 50m three sports halls and will be home to the With legacy at the core of the Olympic pools – the one that saw the likes of British Basketball League’s London Lions. mission, Sesnan is justly proud to have Michael Phelps make Olympic history “It can be used to host rock concerts, won the bid, which he spent most of and the hidden practice pool. Both, community sport and corporate events,” 2011 spearheading, to operate two Ol- along with the 25m diving pool, were Sesnan explains. “The bleachers are elec- ympic Park venues – the Aquatics Centre designed with moveable floors to en- tric-powered and can be moved back and and the Multi-Use Arena (better known able the depth to be reconfigured at the forth to adjust spectator capacity. as the Copper Box). “We bid for both”, touch of a button. “Originally we were looking to part- he says, “as we believe you need one to “The legacy brief for the Aquatics Cen- ner with AEG [US-based owner of the O2 subsidise the other.” tre was to provide community use and Arena] for this venue,” he says. “But they After the Paralympic Games, when the cater for schools, clubs and people with got involved in the stadium bidding and London Legacy Development Corpora- kids at the weekends, as well as to be a things got confused. We want to work tion (LLDC) got the keys to the park, tourist attraction and a site for inter- closely with AEG because a 7,000-seat builders began to transform the venues. national sporting events,” says Sesnan. rock venue seems to fit their family. And If it all goes to Sesnan’s plans, the arena “This way, we can make the dive pool it’s newer, shinier and easier to get to will open on 27 July 2013 – a year to the 2ft deep and use it for swimming lessons than Wembley Arena.” day after the Olympics opening ceremo- and have an international event going As operator of the Crystal Palace Na- ny. The Aquatics centre, where seating on in the main pools. tional Sports Centre, Sesnan is interested will be reduced from 17,500 to 2,500, “We’ll be working with British Swim- in the outcome of the Olympic stadium is scheduled to open at Easter in 2014. ming and the synchro-swimming, diving wrangle. “We have a 20,000-seat athlet- Sesnan is naturally enthusiastic about and water-polo bodies.” ics stadium at Crystal Palace, which we Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 17 INTERVIEW The GLL Sport Foundation provides funding for London athletes “My challenge to our marketing people was that we run 110 centres and no one’s heard of us, believe is serviceable. But if you have one in east London, you don’t need both. but they know of David Lloyd” “GLL’s strategy for the Olympic venues is based on what you lose in one venue, you make in the other,” he explains. “The says: “I don’t think we could have wished many more cyclists and runners there are pool has a mass of water which needs for better. It exposed people to a wide now – that’s good for us. We call it ‘the heating and treating and lifeguards. To range of sports, not just the usual Jess effect’.” keep swimming accessible, you have to suspects. To see women’s boxing, for ex- keep the prices down – the real cost of ample, was fantastic. The organisers, the BRANCHING OUT swimming is between £7 and £9 per ses- construction people, the athletes – every- GLL is branching out into other areas of sion, which people won’t pay here. one did us proud.” service provision, most notably library “To have these venues is the coming of He also hails the focus on sport in- management. It currently operates all age for us,” Sesnan says, “and changes spired by the Games. “Because we are in Greenwich libraries, including those at us from local to national. It ups the ante so many London boroughs we’ve noticed Belmarsh prison, hospitals and a mo- and increases the challenge. We’d have things getting done that wouldn’t have bile facility. When I suggest this to be a loved the Velodrome, so eventually may- normally. In Greenwich, for instance, significant diversion, Sesnan disagrees. be we can talk to Lee Valley about that. there are two completely new school “Libraries are a part of the cultural block We’d like to work with Rio 2016, too,” he sports centres, much bigger than any within local authorities,” he says. “We’re adds. “We met with the Brazilians dur- school would previously have had. There open to talk to any council where we ing the Games when they were stabled will now be seven 50m pools in London, already have an interest about integrat- up the road at Crystal Palace. No one’s up from only two 10 years ago. Applica- ing their other cultural operations. You’d yet got legacy rights, so if we deliver it tions for everything for the under-14s is want your library to be open seven days a would be interesting to get involved.” up, especially gymnastics. And you only week, to be accessible, to have a crèche, As to the Games themselves, Sesnan have to go out on the street to see how a café, a car park and to be friendly and bright – which is the same specification as for a leisure centre. A SELECTION OF GLL’S CORE LEGACY COMMITMENTS FOR 2012-2016 “Apart from a few shining examples, libraries tend not to be like that,” he con- ■ To support 52 community qualifi cation skills training to 2,000 tinues. “They’re suffering from cutbacks sports events across GLL’s 27 students per annum through GLL’s and the people who run them aren’t partner regions per annum vocational training college building managers. We need between ■ To increase the number of young ■ To have support agreements two and five library contracts in London athletes supported by the GLL Sport in place to promote and sponsor to get the savings in the back office in Foundation by 5 per cent per annum key disability sports clubs book purchasing and so on. ■ To offer the GLL ‘Kids For A ■ To invest an average of £4m per “About 80 per cent of book purchasing Quid’ initiative to promote young annum into GLL-managed services can be centralised, which is in the local people’s participation in swimming to improve service and standards authorities’ interest.” ■ To hold the GLL Senior Games each ■ To reduce gas and electricity Sesnan views early-age customers as so year as a dedicated sports and activity consumption for each venue annually vital – both to his business and in the war tournament for over 55 year olds to reduce GLL’s carbon footprint by on child obesity – that children over 11 ■ To provide a GP referral/health an annual average of 2 per cent can use GLL centres’ adult facilities from programme in all GLL partner regions ■ To trial and review two alternative 3.30pm until 6pm for free. “Getting kids ■ To deliver professional forms of energy generation to enjoy activity will deal with obesity – they’ll do it because they want to, not 18 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 because they’ve been told to,” he says, says. “Our compliance level is much GLL has won the bid to operate the though he admits that “no one has yet higher as we seek to converge with tra- Multi Use Arena, or Copper Box got their head around pricing for kids.” ditional charities.” By virtue of operating more swim- Of the issues facing GLL going for- ming pools in the UK than anyone else, but they know of David Lloyd. Better is ward, Sesnan immediately refers to the Sesnan finds that getting the balance different, striking and positive. We want management of expansion while retain- between safety and fun is difficult. “Kids it to be recognisable.” ing GLL’s core values. “The challenge all want to enjoy swimming, but the insur- With rebranding costing tens of thou- the way through for us,” he says, “has ers and health and safety people tell sands per venue, Sesnan has invested in been to remind people all the way up us not to let them run, shout or dive,” changing the interiors of just two as a and down the chain that we have values he says. “But if they’re not having fun, try-out – Hackney’s Clissold Centre and they have to live up to. There’s a mass they’ll go back to playing computer the Waterfront in Woolwich (which, of people out there, particularly in the games.” coincidentally, he used to manage). The health and safety field, who are empow- process will be gradual says Sesnan – ered to batter businesses and make our A CHANGE OF IMAGE “we’ve got 10,000 staff polo shirts, for job as difficult as possible, so the true GLL has recently undergone a major re- example. We won’t be throwing those challenge is about our people’s skill-sets. branding The public face of the business out overnight!” We have run graduate trainee schemes now operates under the Better brand. Anxious to ensure, at a time when for 15 years, without which we would “Our advertising and publicity material transparency and compliance has never never have been able to expand. had become a big logo-fest,” says Ses- been more important, that GLL is doing “As for the sector, we still have much nan. “There was a need for something all it can to meet expectations, Ses- to do, such as sorting out the qualifica- distinct and recognisable – we wanted nan has brought in some autonomous tions structure. We’re on the cusp of to brighten it up. My challenge to our assistance. “Salaries, for example, are change and I’m one of many people marketing people was that we run 110 overseen by an independent sub-com- working on that – and I’ve got the centres and yet no one has heard of us, mittee of non-executive directors”, he LÀÕÃiÃÊÌÊ«ÀÛiÊÌt»U Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 19 LEGACY THE BEYOND SPORT AWARDS A major element of Beyond his year, more than 350 entries for meeting the specific criteria for their Sport’s work is the Beyond Sport were submitted from social category as well as meeting Beyond Awards, which recognise projects enterprises, federations, cor- Sport’s four main principles: model, im- T porations, professional sports pact, sustainability and replicatability. around the world that are teams and grassroots initiatives that The winning projects received reach 135 territories and countries. US$2m (£1.6m) of annual funding and actively using sport for positive Shortlisted through an intensive se- specialist business support. social change. We highlight four lection process by the Beyond Sport Highlighted below are some of this Advisory Panel, projects were selected year’s stand out projects. of the winners for 2012 Engaging youngsters via skateboarding SKATEISTAN INNOVATION THROUGH SPORT AWARD, SUPPORTED BY STUBHUB! Skateistan uses sport as a tool for em- powerment in Afghanistan and, more recently, Cambodia: countries that are The Grizzlies Read to Achieve project rocked by conflict and poverty. The project uses skateboarding to en- MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES gage young people facing major issues SPORT TEAM OF THE YEAR such as sex tourism, gender-based vio- lence or homelessness. However, this is only the initial hook, as the programme The Memphis Grizzlies Charitable led to disengagement in school while also provides access to education and of- Foundation and the Grizzlies Commu- Grizzlies TEAM UP Youth Mentoring fers the opportunity to develop tangible nity Investment department, in the gives at-risk youths access to adult skills and platforms for self-expression. USA, provide tools for young people mentors and helps young people Working with more than 600 partici- to succeed in school, value their build social connections and life-skills. pants on a weekly basis, Skateistan seeks health and prepare for their future, Combating the obesity epidemic in to develop self-respect and an identity through a number of programmes Memphis, the Grizzlies Healthy Home beyond the young participants’ socio- centered around mentoring. Court provides resources to empower economic status. Grizzlies Read to Achieve challeng- families to stay active, with Grizzlies For many Afghan girls especially, es elementary school students to read players, coaches and corporate Skateistan has offered their first oppor- books and offers rewards to students partners investing time, talent and re- tunity into education – as well as a rare whose former struggles to read have sources to expand the initiative’s reach. chance for girls and boys to play together. 20 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 STREET LEAGUE THE P&G UK IMPACT AWARD, IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE DAILY TELEGRAPH Street League uses football to reach By combining soft-skills training with graduates go on to make a positive and improve the lives of 16-25 year-old accredited courses – including CV writ- change in their lives by getting a job NEET (Not Employed, in Education or ing, interview training and Football or going back into education – all be- Training) young people across the UK. Association (FA) coaching – Street cause of the power of football! The programme has impacted on League has been providing participants Street League is currently Number more than 20,000 hard-to-reach young with routes to employment, training 10 Downing Street’s volunteering part- people, many of whom have offending or schooling since its inception in 2001. ner and has been a charity partner of and/or substance-misuse backgrounds. Currently, 72 per cent of academy The FA since 2010. CHILDREN IN HAITI CONTINUED TO PLAY SOCCER SURROUNDED BY THE RUBBLE OF DESTROYED BUILDINGS AND SHATTERED LIVES. DESPITE EVERYTHING THEY HAD LOST THEY FOUND HAPPINESS THROUGH THEIR LOVE OF THE GAME Following the January 2010 earthquake, to clean up litter in public areas, plant GOALS HAITI GOALS Haiti founder Kona Shen was sur- trees and recycle old materials by reus- prised that children in Haiti continued to ing them for new projects. Secondly, BEST NEW PROJECT, play soccer surrounded by the rubble of the kids need strong, healthy bodies; SUPPORTED BY PWC destroyed buildings and shattered lives. GOALS helps kids plant vegetable gar- Despite everything they had lost, people dens, provides a daily meal and clean managed to find happiness through drinking water for families, hosts mobile their love of the game. clinics and health seminars and works Shen launched GOALS with the aim with communities to construct public of harnessing the love of the sport to sanitation facilities. Thirdly, kids need advance positive youth development communities with good leaders. GOALS with three simple philosophies. Firstly, mobilises communities, empowering in order to play soccer, kids need a safe, young people and adults to organise clean and healthy environment; GOALS and develop projects that improve shel- Community development through football responds by encouraging youngsters ter, leadership and infrastructure. Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 21 SPORTING LEGACY SPORTING CHANCE Despite the doubters, the 2010 FIFA World Cup was a massive success for South Africa. Two years on, Professor Terry Stevens looks at the World Cup legacy and fi nds out how the country is capitalising on its success efore 2010, South Africa Since the early 1990s, South Africa has already had a good track used its sporting credentials to attract B record in hosting major major sporting events as a strategy for sporting events, including developing tourism. the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the The 1995 Rugby World Cup was fol- African Cup of Nations in 1996. The suc- lowed by the hosting of the African Cup cessful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World of Nations a year later. 2004, the year Cup really strengthened its reputation as South Africa won the right to host the a global destination for sporting events 2010 FIFA World Cup, was the year Cape though, and added momentum to the Town had hoped to be the host city for development of tourism, especially the Olympics. Providing the temporary The vuvuzela became the sports tourism, across the country. ‘home’ for the Indian Premier League soundtrack to the 2010 FIFA The first World Cup to be held in Af- (IPL) during the domestic crisis in the World Cup in South Africa rica was widely seen as a huge success Indian Sub-Continent was a particularly and ambitions and aspirations are now interesting and innovative move. high. Will an African nation bid to host The 2010 FIFA World Cup and the IPL the 2020 or 2024 Olympics? Will South cricket highlighted the ability of sport to Africa be the first on the African conti- capture new tourism markets. The appeal for growing sports tourism in a proactive nent to attract Formula 1? And what of of soccer to consumers in Brazil, Russia, and sustainable way for the next 20 years. the legacy? How will the country build India, and China was clear from the analy- on the success of the event and use it to sis of the 32 billion television audiences The effects of the World Cup boost tourism and attract further major for the World Cup, while the IPL finals The incentive to take this bold, focused international sporting events? perfectly targeted the Indian and – to a approach is fuelled by the measured suc- lesser extent – the Australasian markets. cess of the 2010 FIFA World Cup; an event Using the power of sport The country is now re-organising that changed the country in many ways. to boost tourism its sports federations to maximise the After the World Cup, South African tour- The Tourism Strategy for South Africa for potential to bid for a whole raft of in- ism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk 2012-2020 predicts double digit annual ternational events. Professor Paul Singh, said: “2010 was never about just host- growth, more than doubling the value chief director of Client Services at Sport ing a tournament but about building a of tourism from R190bn (£14.25bn) today and Recreation South Africa – the nation- legacy for our country and our continent. to some R500bn (£37.5bn) in eight years al government department responsible We, as South Africans, believed, and the time. At the heart of this strategy resides for sport in South Africa – is overseeing world came to believe with us.” the continued use of bidding for, and the closer collaboration between sport The boost to tourism was clearly evi- hosting, major sporting events. and tourism within a national framework dent. The World Cup attracted 310,000 22 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 international tourists, who spent “Africa proved to the world that we can deliver excellence a total of R3.64bn (£273m) in the on time and in budget. Western Cape did its bit for country. Tourists visiting specifical- ly for the event stayed longer (an sustaining the vision of what we can be as a country” average of 10.3 days) and spent more than other tourists. The average spend per person during their stay was R11,800 (£885) with 30 per of tourists from near neighbour African Research by national tourism organi- cent of this being spent on shopping, 20 countries. Over one third of all inter- sation South African Tourism has shown per cent on accommodation, 19 per cent national tourists were from African that the majority of the 310,000 inter- on food and drink, 16 per cent on leisure countries (especially Mozambique, Swa- national tourists whose primary reason and 11 per cent on transportation. ziland and Botswana), while 24 per cent for visiting was the World Cup had very The origins of the international tourists were from European countries, notably positive experiences. Almost 70 per cent visiting South Africa during the World England (24,000), Netherlands (9,000) thought that South Africa was a great Cup closely reflected the geography of and Germany (8,500) with 13 per cent host country, and over a half of those the 32 participating teams; there was, from Central/South America and 12 per who had attended previous World Cups however, a significant representation cent from North America. said that South Africa was a better host Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 23 SPORTING LEGACY than the other host nations they had visited. Ninety per cent of internation- al tourists visiting the country for the World Cup said that they planned to re- turn to South Africa. The 2010 World Cup took place in nine cities with Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town being the most popular with international tourists. For Durban and Cape Town, already major centres of leisure tourism, the event has further bolstered their market awareness, stimu- lated investment in major infrastructure projects and encouraged the develop- ment of new tourism products including hotels, restaurants, entertainment facili- ties and stadia. The World Cup attracted 310,000 The total investment in stadia by the international visitors. They spent South African government and the pro- £273m in the country vincial governments totalled R8.4bn (£630m), more than half of the R17.4bn (£1.3bn) total investment necessary to host the World Cup. Five new stadia were constructed for the event (at Cape The legacies behind Town, eThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay, the headlines Mbombela and Pokowane) while five In July 2011, the Western Cape provin- existing stadia were upgraded (two in cial government hosted the Sports and Johannesberg, at Tshwane, Rustenberg Events Tourism Exchange Conference in and at Mangaung). Cape Town with the main theme being In the words of Helen Zille, premier an examination of the legacy and the les- of the Western Cape province whose sons learned from the 2010 FIFA World government invested more than R13bn Cup. The aim of the conference was to (£975m) in making Cape Town – one of look at ways of building on the success of Members of the public in the host cities –and constructed the new the event in order to attract more global Johannesburg take part in the Green Point Stadium: “Africa proved to sporting events and grow international ‘diski dance’ – the offi cial dance the world that we can deliver excellence, sports tourism. The aim was also to en- for the 2010 FIFA World Cup on time and in budget. Our province did sure that the tangible and intangible its bit for nation-building and sustaining benefits of the World Cup were under- the vision of what we can be as a coun- stood and critically evaluated. try,” she said. For some at the conference, the jury – did well, while the suburbs and rural ar- Cape Town attracted more than 500,000 was still out on whether the World Cup eas secured little real uplift. Also, while spectators to the 25 matches at Green was truly a success for South Africa. FIFA global sponsors and corporate activity Point, 580,000 people undertook the ‘Fans’ estimates that the event generated more took place around the event, much of Walk’ – which included six points of inter- than US$4.2bn (£2.59bn) in revenues yet the real benefits for these organisations est en-route – and 560,000 took part in the host country reaped just US$520m were gained outside Africa. the fans fests. The city saw 19,000 volun- (£320m); internal reports suggest that For the majority of speakers, however, teers recruited and trained for the World middle classes (both white and black) did there was an overriding sense of collec- Cup, with 1,600 media members encamp- well from the event yet poorer commu- tive positive achievements. ed in the city. There were unprecedented nities gained little. In addition, the event Marketeers, for example, spoke of the levels of cooperation across all aspects of was city-focused; urban South Africa – changing perceptions and relationships city life and governance. specifically downtown commercial areas between tourists and the destinations they visited. World Cup tourists and the media become emotionally connected to the country and the host cities. Initial “Perhaps we should refl ect on how much fears associated with fragile security and safety issues were disabused. The media can be achieved when skilled and dedicated focused on the sense of place, the conviv- iality, and the passion of South Africans. teams of people are prepared to overcome Plaudits and praise flowed. The press re- ported on the seamless cooperation and all obstacles to achieve a goal” genuine hospitality of the host nation. 24 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Sports development and community public art and the stimulation of business of Provincial Strategic Management. “Ar- specialists referred to the success ‘beyond start-ups and entrepreneurial activity. guments that the billions spent on the the stadia’ especially seen in strategies Stories and successes abound (for more World Cup could and should have been using the World Cup to invest in rural details read Capeability by the Western better spent on schools, houses and clin- and township sports facilities. These in- Cape provincial government – an excellent ics are valid,” says Platzky. “But without cluded the creation of new soccer pitches account of the Western Cape’s experi- the focus of a mega event, would the through the Dreamfields programme, ence of the 2010 FIFA World Cup). Equally, money have been used to educate our the development of grassroots soc- there will always be dissenting voices. children, feed the hungry or restruc- cer, the establishment of 20 Football for Entering this competitive environment, ture our city? Perhaps it would be more Hope Centres in highly disadvantaged successfully delivering on promises made profitable to reflect on how much can areas and the innovative ‘whisper balls’ and managing the legacies are always go- be achieved when skilled and dedicated created especially for deaf footballers. ing to be challenging for any host nation. teams of people, driven by intense po- Health specialists referenced improved South Africa did deliver. The world litical will, are prepared to overcome all facilities and skills of medical teams. changed its perspective on the country. obstacles to achieve a goal.” ● Safety and security services were also im- International tourist arrivals continue proved and effective policing and traffic to grow. New global events will be at- Professor Terry Stevens is MD of Stevens management systems introduced. tracted to this tip of Africa – Cape Town and Associates www.stevensassoc.co.uk Others celebrated the creation of more has already secured the right to be the than 2,000 new jobs in road construction, World Capital of Design in 2014. This feature was recently published the improvements made to Cape Town’s Let’s leave the last word to Dr Laurine in Sport Management’s sister International Airport by Airports Compa- Platzky, editor of Capeability and the magazine – Leisure Management ny South Africa, enhanced city design and Western Cape deputy director general Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 25 INDUSTRY VIEWS Karen Maxwell asks key sports administrators to share their London 2012 Games experiences and how they plan to use the lessons learned in a positive way OLYMPIC ANDY REED, CHAIR, SPORT AND RECREATION ALLIANCE he success of the London Olympic Games – or about sport in general – and get them engaged with and Paralympic Games was even help them make sport a way of life. No sport. Our welcome and T greater than I had expected. Not Olympics has managed to turn the inspi- the offer are vital to only was it a sporting triumph but so- ration into a participation legacy but our growing our clubs. cially too there was an effect across the sport bodies have been planning for this However, of the 150,000 sports clubs in nation that sport needs to capture. How surge in interest. We get one shot at this! the UK, more than a quarter report that many times did we hear people say: “I’m If the Olympics taught us just one they are running at a loss. We know just not into sport but this has inspired me?” thing, it was the importance of plan- how much this massive network does for The challenge now is to draw in those ning. The planning by LOCOG and the society – in keeping kids off the street, people that have been inspired by the construction by the Olympic Delivery improving health and building communi- Authority (ODA) have given us renewed ties. No government programme could confidence in our ability to deliver. The invent that network. So the question UK Sport system now in place proves we politicians must ask themselves is: what can deliver medals. We have to drive this are we doing to support them? level of professionalism throughout our We can harness the ‘Olympic bounce’ network on participation too. through the lessons we’ve learned and If we can be half as welcoming to new with the support of politicians – if they members as the Games Makers were genuinely listen to what helps our sport at all the venues, we can capture those system through school, community and Games Makers were key to Games success fans who became armchair experts and elite levels and joining up their delivery. SALLY MUNDAY, COO, GB HOCKEY he Riverside Arena was a triumph Eton Manor for increased playing oppor- people up and down the at this year’s Games. The famous tunities in East London. country are turning up T pink and blue ‘smurf turf’, as it be- Public interest throughout the Games to try the sport; 600 dif- came known, boasted a stunning view of confirmed that hockey is a fantastic ferent sites across the UK the entire Olympic Park. spectator sport for all ages and sporting are offering 20,000 opportunities to get The noise that emanated from the interests; 630,000 ticket holders enjoyed involved in the likes of Back to Hockey, stands of the open-air venue was phe- Rush Hockey and In2Hockey. nomenal – attracting an explosion of The sport has also engaged with a new interest in the sport. Not only could the generation of spectator; a 600 per cent public watch the fortnight of hockey Six hundred sites across the UK increase in traffic to www.greatbritain- action, we also provided an interactive are offering 20,000 opportunities hockey.co.uk was tracked, along with a zone neighbouring the stands, where 61 per cent increase in Twitter followers more than 30,000 people picked up a to get involved in hockey and 40 per cent growth in Facebook fans. stick and gave hockey a go on the two With the spotlight moving from Lon- mini inflatable hockey pitches. the live hockey action, 75 per cent of don to Rio, both Team GB squads will Hockey’s presence on the park was whom were new to the sport. The sport now act as important role models to critical to both the success of our teams was also televised every day of the Games future generations. They are passionate and the lasting legacy of the sport itself. sparking huge consumer demand. Imme- about using their success and sporting As a temporary construction, the pitch diate results through our Hockey Nation experiences to drive the sport forward will now be relocated permanently to Give it a Go programme have shown that and create a lasting legacy. 26 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 BOUNCE British players celebrate after winning the women’s field hockey bronze medal match against New Zealand at London 2012 PIC: ©AAP PHOTO/ERANGA JAYAWARDENA Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 27 INDUSTRY VIEWS KEVIN YATES, HEAD OF MARKETING AND RETENTION, LEISURE CONNECTION here’s no doubt in my mind that of resource into training our teams up and with disabilities are still the Olympic and Paralympic Games down the country in providing activities overlooked. We need T have had a positive impact on that disabled and able-bodied people can to work in partnership people’s attitudes towards sport. Having enjoy together. In the future we are think- with disabled organisa- attended the Games myself, I was im- ing less about gym-focused fitness and tions such as WheelPower, the national pressed by the focus on inclusivity. It has integrating more games-orientated ses- charity for wheelchair sport, to address been a long time coming and something sions into our programming. ignorance among operators. It’s impor- we now need to embrace as a nation, I believe that public access operators tant that service providers train their both on a professional and personal level. are best placed to deliver these activities, staff to understand and work with their For this to be effective, operators need as they have bespoke spaces which pro- disabled users. We need to identify what to stop thinking that inclusive fitness vide the perfect place for disabled people our users want and develop our pro- means big yellow lines around their gym to try new activities. This is something we grammes and facilities accordingly. floor and that they only need to invest have learnt through working closely with As part of our disability manifesto, in equipment and IFI accreditation. This more than 2,500 disabled people at Stoke Harpers Inclusive, Leisure Connection is is the wrong approach – disabled people Mandeville Stadium and through taking changing its marketing to be focused don’t want to be treated differently, they note of the interest the Olympic and Par- more around sport as whole and not want to feel included. alympic Games have generated around just gym sessions. It’s about listening to Fortunately, this has been emphasised different and diverse sports. our customers and providing them with by the Paralympic Games and that’s why Although there’s a rise in aware- inclusive programmes that generate in- we have invested a considerable amount ness for adult disability in sport, people volvement, engagement and enjoyment. GB’s Nicola Adams wins first ever women’s Olympic Boxing event GB’s David Weir wins gold in the men’s 800m – T54 Final 2012 SUE TIBBALLS, CEO, WOMEN’S SPORT AND FITNESS FOUNDATION 012 was a fantastic summer for cent agreed that the Games showed that adult women currently women’s sport. Not only did the women’s sport is exciting to watch. doing enough physical 2 Games have more female competi- Crucially, 81 per cent of respondents activity to maintain their tors, more events and more medals for thought that the female athletes at Lon- health it is essential that women than ever before, but what really don 2012 are better role models for young we do not let the 2012 legacy fade away. marked out 2012 was the long overdue girls than other media celebrities. Having We were pleased to hear the new Cul- recognition that women’s sport is more positive, active role models is crucial if ture Secretary calling on broadcasters than equal to men’s in terms of excite- girls and young women are to be inspired to cover more women’s sport. Increased ment, quality and sheer passion. Team to lead physically active, healthy lifestyles. media profile is crucial in order to drive GB’s female Olympic and Paralympic Since the Games, we have spoken to public interest and commercial sponsor- competitors have inspired not just the women on our social media networks ship and the 5 per cent of sport’s media next generation of female athletes but who have been inspired to get active, coverage that women’s sport is given (in young sports stars of both genders. and who tell us that their daughters now non-Olympic years) is simply not enough. We carried out some post-Games poll- want to be the next Jessica Ennis or Ellie However, in addition to boosting in- ing, which showed that the Olympics had Simmonds. We’ve also heard from boxing vestment and media coverage at the elite a significant impact on attitudes towards clubs that have seen a huge spike in in- end, much more needs to be done to re- women’s sport. Sixty six per cent said they terest from women following the success move the barriers that exist for women in watched more women’s sport than usual, of Nicola Adams. maintaining active lifestyles. This includes 74 per cent were impressed by the quality This is really encouraging but with just better school sports and women-friendly of women’s sporting events and 68 per one in 10 teenage girls and one in five facilities at gyms and sports clubs. 28 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Fireworks illuminate the sky above the Olympic Park following the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games ALL PICS: WWW.LONDON2012.COM GB’s Ellie Simmonds focuses for her 100m freestyle – S6 heat GB’s Mo Farah celebrates his 10,000m gold with Wenlock SIMON JOHNSON, CEO, BUSINESS IN SPORT & LEISURE (BISL) ondon did our country proud. Local authorities are cutting back on held back by Byzantine, The staging of the Olympic and leisure spend and this has resulted in a expensive and opaque L Paralympic Games was superb, the slowdown in sports facility development. procurement rules, as atmosphere magnificent and our athletes One way we can ensure that more people well as planning proce- rose to great sporting achievement. So can play more sport in quality facilities dures that are time-consuming and slow how are we capitalising on the benefits however, is to enable the private sector to implement. gained from staging the ‘greatest sports to invest in these and help to disseminate As for the Olympic effect on the leisure show on earth’? sector as a whole, now that we’ve proved Personally, I have a genuine concern our ability to host the ultimate sporting regarding one of the key legacy objec- event we need to better capitalise on tives of the Games, which is getting more We need to promote better further events, already set on our sport- people to play more sport – particularly coordination and collaboration ing calendar. The lessons we should learn those that were followed so enthusiasti- from London 2012 are how to ensure a cally this summer. with the rest of the leisure sector wider economic benefit from hosting My question is: Do sporting newcom- such events. We need to promote better ers have adequate access to the right innovative marketing strategies to ensure coordination and collaboration with the facilities and coaches if, for example, they this unique demand is met before the Lon- rest of the leisure sector to ensure that want to take up their chosen sport – and don 2012 ‘halo effect’ evaporates. the potential benefit is not squandered. can these facilities cope with increased However, this has not proved to be an Our visitors need somewhere to spend demand? I’m not so sure. easy option – BISL members are being their money! Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 29 RESEARCH The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games flashed by in a blur of gold, silver and bronze. It’s been an incredible summer and the outstanding sporting performances will live long in the memory. But will it make a difference to the levels of sporting participation in this country? Geoff Aucock reports on Jonas Drivers Deloitte’s recent survey PHOTO: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM BUILDING on the London 2012 momentum egacy was a central theme of surveyed 2,000 16- to 35-year olds during Clearly, there is a big difference be- London 2012 from the earliest the Olympic Games and half said they in- tween the intentions of people when days of the bid. This takes many tended to become more active as a result asked at the height of Olympic excitement L forms of course, including the of the Games. Eighteen per cent intended and the actions they take in the cold light regeneration of East London and new to take up a new sport or exercise, 27 per of day, but it is indicative of the opportu- economic opportunities for British compa- cent planned to participate more often nity presented by the Games. nies arising from the successful delivery of in the exercise or sport they already play, These figures are also supported by the world’s most complex event. while a particularly inspired 5 per cent analysis of visits to the Deloitte Paras- However, the mission of the Games was said they would do both. port website. The site signposts people to ‘inspire a generation’ and it would be The inspirational impact was felt across with a disability to sports they can play deemed a missed opportunity if there was the country with at least 40 per cent of re- and where they can play them. In the no participation increase. So what are the spondents in every region saying they will fortnight leading up to the Paralympic chances? do more sport and exercise as a result of Games (15-29 August), the site received the Games. The impact was particularly no- 12,500 visits, almost double the 6,500 hits GOOD INTENTIONS ticeable among the youngest respondents received during the previous two weeks If the stated intentions of the nation’s with 63 per cent of 16- to 18-year olds say- (31 July-14 August). Eighty-five per cent youngsters are anything to go by, there ing they had been inspired compared with of visitors to the site were new users and is reason to be encouraged. Deloitte 37 per cent of 34- to 35-year olds. nearly 2,500 people used the ‘Find a Club’ 30 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 PHOTOS: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM function to help them identify a suitable Jonas Drivers Deloitte analysis also PERCEIVED BARRIERS sport and get active. shows a significant expansion of gym Cost is perceived to be the biggest ob- facilities in London. Nearly 7,500 new stacle for many with 65 per cent of young PLACES TO PLAY exercise stations (such as exercise bikes, adults citing this as a factor, but this figure So the Games seem to have gone a long rowing machines and treadmills) have increases to 73 per cent among 16- to 18- way towards inspiring a generation, but opened since 2006. In 2011 alone, close to year olds. Time and availability of facilities are the facilities in place to meet this po- 2,000 exercise stations opened across the are also seen as barriers, while 41 per cent tential demand? Our research suggests so. city, with 76 per cent of this new provision of people say they have little or no infor- More than 350 new sports and fitness coming in the budget sector. mation about their local facilities. facilities have opened in London since Every London borough has seen the A particular challenge will be in helping the capital was awarded the right to host opening of new sports facilities since mid- young adults and older people get back the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic 2005. Westminster has seen the most with into sport after a generation of decreas- Games. The figure includes 100 new sites 25 new openings, followed by Southwark ing participation. This will require more and incorporates facilities in every London and Ealing. Two of the Olympic host bor- imaginative and flexible ways to persuade borough. The pace of openings has accel- oughs, Tower Hamlets and Hackney, are in people to become more active. However, erated recently, with the number of new the top 10 for new facilities opened. the Games have created a once-in-a-gen- sites increasing every year since 2008. In The London Games host borough of eration opportunity to improve levels of five years out of the last six, sports facility Newham has seen the lowest number of physical activity across the country. openings have outpaced Central London new facilities opened, although it ben- From parents encouraging children to commercial office completions. efited from a better starting position, as be more active, local authorities providing New developments have been led Newham still boasts the fourth best ratio people with information to find suit- by the private sector, but public sector of residents to sports halls in London and able sport and fitness activities through provision has also been solid. Just under an above average ratio of residents to to businesses creating opportunities for two-thirds of new sites have been private- swimming pools. staff to get away from their desk, there is ly funded over the last six years, including While we do not have equivalent data a responsibility on all of us to fulfil the po- almost all of those which opened in 2011. for other parts of the UK, it is anticipated tential of London 2012. L However, 35 publicly funded sites have that following the Games, there will be opened since 2006 and six of the 18 due increased National Lottery funding for Geoff Aucock is head of sport, leisure to open in 2012 will be publicly funded. sports facilities throughout the country. and hospitality at Drivers Jonas Deloitte More than 350 new sports and fitness facilities have opened in London since the capital was awarded the right to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games PHOTO: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 31 ENERGY A RAY OF PICS: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM SUNSHINE THE LATEST GENERATION OF SOLAR POWER CAN USE THE SUN’S ENERGY TO GENERATE POWER EVEN ON A CLOUDY DAY. IT’S GREAT NEWS FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY, EXPLAINS THE ENERGY DESK’S LAURA-CLARE DAVIES s the hottest topic in renew- EVOLUTIONS IN RENEWABLE ambient temperature, whether the sun is able energy solutions to HEAT TECHNOLOGY out or not. emerge in the past 12 months, The renewable energy technology mar- So rather than restricting energy pro- A interest in the Renewable ket is constantly evolving. duction to hours of the day with direct Heat Incentive (RHI) is on the rise and so Solar panels or photovoltaics (PV), sunlight, TSPs generate heat from the it should be. RHI is a financial incentive for example, have long been an estab- atmosphere during the day and con- scheme that guarantees cashback pay- lished means of generating renewable tinue through the night, heating water ments for 20 years on the installation of energy via the sun’s direct heat source, to 55 degrees celsius. Generating energy renewable heat technologies. and they have been adopted by domestic 24 hours a day, 365 days a year is pretty The scheme is designed to ensure that and commercial users up and down the impressive and these thermodynamic your benefits are two-fold; firstly you country for the past decade. However, systems operate down to a minimum save money by producing your own en- although these traditional solar power ambient temperature of -15 degrees ergy, reducing your need for gas or oil; systems have proved viable in terms of celsius, which is of particular benefit if secondly, you get paid a fixed rate for producing electricity, they do rely on you’re plagued by disappointing sum- the heat you generate. sunlight, which is something of an elusive mers. What’s more, unlike conventional So the big question now is what pieces commodity in some places. solar panels, TSPs don’t necessarily need of kit are out there that tick all the boxes This leads us on to thermodynamic to be placed on your roof. These systems for the RHI? The trick is in realising that solar panels (TSPs), the next generation can be installed anywhere on a building, different equipment will vary in terms in solar power. meaning they can work with the overall of its compatibility with different sites, Thermodynamic solar panels work in aesthetics of a building. depending on where the majority of a exactly the same way as conventional so- building’s energy use sits. lar panels, insofar as they utilise the sun’s MAKING THERMODYNAMIC For example, leisure buildings rely a lot power and convert it to thermal energy SOLAR POWER WORK on air conditioning and water heating to heat water, but with one very big dif- Thermodynamic solar power is very new systems. Thankfully most technologies in ference. The sun doesn’t need to be out to many markets and its innovative capa- the RHI scheme are used for heating and for the panels to operate. Sounds too bilities and overall efficiency will make cooling, so from the outset, the sport good to be true, doesn’t it? Trust us, it’s this technology a big seller in the renew- and active leisure industries have a com- not. The key word here is ‘dynamic’. The able heat sector. Installing this system petitive advantage. panels are activated by the surrounding will not only reduce your requirement for 32 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 PICS: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Most technologies in the RHI scheme are used for heating and cooling Operators who adopt the scheme early will reap the benefits Thermodynamic Solar Power ASK TED, THE ENERGY DESK’S SPECIALIST HELP DESK, ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS Can photovoltaics and thermodynamic If I install a thermodynamic system, hidden away and you don’t need plan- systems be installed in tandem? will I still need my old boiler? ning permission to install them. The short answer to this is yes. If you As thermodynamic systems are de- have a high electricity use, you can signed to work around the clock, you Do the panels need maintenance? install photovoltaics (PV) to produce will no longer need to utilise a tradi- The systems are very robust and electricity from the sun. Alongside tional boiler powered by gas or oil to self-cleaning which is of particular these you can install a thermodynamic heat your water. However, your boiler advantage considering that they are system, which will heat your water 24 will remain to provide heating. You outside. The systems come with a 20- hours a day, seven days a week, 365 could then go one step further and year guarantee and maintenance days a year at temperatures above -14 install a biomass boiler to heat your is almost nonexistent. degrees celsius. So a combination of space, making your traditional boiler the two can result in savings on both obsolete. There are a lot of renew- How long does it take to install a electricity and gas or oil. able heat technologies out there and thermodynamic system? a combination of different systems can This very much depends on the size of work well. the system. For domestic installations, it can take one day. For larger systems If thermodynamic panels don't for commercial use, installation can need to be put on my roof, take anything from where can I put them? two days up to seven Although the panels don’t need to go days, but your water on the roof, they can. The beauty of heating will not be the system is that the panels can be disrupted during installed on the roof, on the side of a installation and the building or on the ground outside, but switch over to your PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM they work at their best on the south new system is Modern PV panels can be installed on walls elevation. This means that they can be very simple. traditional water heating systems, it will RHI should most definitely be a prior- industry stands to be at the top of the also achieve guaranteed savings of a min- ity. Through the RHI, you will get paid league table when it comes to making a imum of 30 per cent. For a leisure centre a fixed amount on the heat energy you huge saving through this technology. So with heated pools and continually flow- generate, and if you consider yourself what are you waiting for? L ing showers, the savings will be huge. a green champion, you can also sit back And if that wasn’t enough, the tech- and relax at the thought of the signifi- If you have any questions about thermo- nology qualifies for the Renewable cant carbon emissions you have saved in dynamics, the RHI or any other energy Heat Incentive, which is undoubtedly adopting this system. management related matter, contact its biggest advantage. If you choose to Of course, as with all new technolo- The Energy Desk on +44 (0)800 3777 889 be among commercial energy users to gies, there will be early adopters keen [email protected] pioneer this technology, applying to to reap the benefits, but the leisure www.theenergydesk.co.uk Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 33 NEW OPENING PLYMOUTH LIFE CENTRE his summer, TeamGB’s iconic div- ers Tom Daley, Tonia Crouch and Plymouth has been enjoying its own piece of Olympic Brooke Graddon found them- legacy since the Life Centre opened its doors earlier this T selves sharing their pre-Games training base, at Plymouth Life Centre, year, with the centre’s sports facilities being used by with Olympic swimmers and divers from Olympic athletes and the local community during this Lithuania, Canada, Mexico and Spain – a testament to the quality of sports and fantastic summer of sport. Dawn Tuckwell reports aquatic facilities readily available at the recently-opened centre of excellence. Looking beyond TeamGB’s success director Andy Banks has already drawn Inclusion and participation were at the at the London Games, TeamGB diving four new 11-19 year old GB hopefuls for heart of the centre’s philosophy from the coach and Plymouth Life Centre Aquatics 2016 to train at the centre. He says: “Hav- outset of the project’s development and ing visited many aquatic centres around both continue to be major drivers now the world, this new centre is as good as it the centre is open. gets and is already attracting elite young According to Plymouth contract man- athletes to Plymouth. It’s perfectly placed ager for SLM [as part of its Everyone so they can study at the Plymouth Uni- Active brand] David Greenwood, the versity and train at the centre,” he says. management staff are working hard to “These athletes join London 2012 ensure that activities on offer cater for all Lithuanian Olympic Gold medallist Rita ages and abilities. “The aim is to inspire Meilutyte, who continues to train with people in Plymouth and the surrounding Plymouth Leander Swimming Club which area to achieve life-long participation in uses the high performance centre for sport and physical activity and work- regular training sessions.” ing closely with the national governing bodies of sport (NGBs) and local clubs is ROBUST STRATEGY FOR SPORT enabling us to offer the very best oppor- However, elite athletes aren’t the only tunities to everyone,” he says. users making the most of the centre. The elite diving opportunities at the centre are a good example of this philos- ophy in action – additional diving taster Team GB divers Tonia Couch and sessions were offered whenever pos- Tom Daley train at Plymouth sible throughout August and were all full 34 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Team GB swimmers celebrate with swimming gala winners The diving pool offers boards at 3m, 5m, 7.5m and 10m TeamGB swimmer Fran Halsall gives a swimmer the thumbs up resulting in 100 new people signed up to now fully committed to increasing par- accredited coach. The aim is to eliminate diving lessons in that month alone, with ticipation in sport and physical activity. barriers to participation and help in- 650 enrolled in diving lessons in total. England Netball and the Amateur Swim- crease enjoyment in sport from beginner Elite athletes, professional sports ming Association both contributed to the to elite level. teams, casual leisure centre users and build costs, as did Plymouth University, Every Sunday during the Olympic amateur clubs all have equal access to the while agreements have also been signed Games period, free taster sessions were facilities. In fact, members of the public with England Squash and Racketball, the on offer for people to try the Olympic have found themselves training in close England Table Tennis Association and sports they saw on screen. These in- proximity to Olympic athletes in the run Badminton England to promote and de- cluded badminton, judo, taekwondo and up to the Games, and will continue to velop these sports in the city. SLM is also boxing – all run by local sports clubs and share their local leisure centre with some working closely with Plymouth Dance to NGBs. SLM also hosted a Paralympics day of the world’s top sportspeople for many provide classes for all ages and abilities. in August which allowed people to come years to come. As part of the initiative to develop in and try a variety of Paralympic sports A number of NGBs have been on board these sports, people can attend drop-in – including sitting volleyball, boccia, since the outset of the project, and are sessions and receive guidance from an wheelchair rugby and para-badminton. Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 35 !" # $ % #&' ! ( )'''* + $ , " NEW OPENING The centre offers fitness and activity classes for all ages Choreographed dance classes inspire many younger members TOP COMPETITION BUILDING FOR LEISURE There are glimpses of the family pool The range of competition-standard fa- Plymouth Council appointed Balfour Be- and flumes as you pass through reception, cilities and the strong links with NGB’s atty to undertake the construction of the giving a feel of the community-centred has made the centre a natural choice for centre, given the company’s track record in ethos of the centre. This then gives way many elite championships. delivering Olympic standard facilities, such to the rest of the aquatics centre – the In the first three weeks of opening, as the London Aquatic Centre, the Sunder- largest of its kind in southern England, Plymouth Life Centre played host to the land Aquatic and Wellness Centre and the outside of the Olympic village. The centre British Gas Elite Junior Diving Champi- National Academy in Sterling. has the only 10-lane, 50m competition onships as well as South West regional The £46.5m, 18,200 sq m development pool in the South West region, as well as a junior bowls and netball tournaments. replaces two older facilities – the May- family pool with beach entry and flumes. The success of these events has meant flower Leisure Centre and Central Park The pool also features a moveable floor, further national and regional compe- pools – which were demolished and the with starting blocks and timing pads hav- titions are to be hosted in a variety of space returned to parkland as part of the ing been added to the moveable boom, sports in the near future. wider Central Park regeneration. “The so that the pool size can be reduced from “With the exception of major compe- Plymouth Life Centre is also key to wider 50m to 25m when required. titions, one of our main goals is to allow regeneration plans for Central Park, by The diving facilities are some of the uninterrupted public access to the facili- helping to create and sustain local jobs best in the UK with boards at three, ties, even when competitions are taking and ensure that the city remains compet- five, seven and a half, and 10m in the place, having such an array of multi-func- itive and well-placed to attract further 25m, six-lane diving pool. Bubble release tional facilities has allowed us to achieve investment in the future,” says regional and water spray agitate the surface of this,” Greenwood explains. director for SLM Jon Senior. the water to lessen the impact forces and video playback allows athletes and coaches to review each dive, increasing the effectiveness of training. A dry dive Playing host to the training facility, equipped with trampo- South West regional lines, springboards, harnesses, crashmats junior bowls tournament and other specialist equipment allows athletes to practice out of the water. The aquatics centre is not the only draw. A 160-station fitness suite includes CV and strength lines and provides mem- bers and guests with the opportunity for bespoke and programmed workout experiences. A 530sq m, 16m-high climbing zone provides a challenge for adrenaline seek- ers, featuring a bouldering zone and an aerial assault course. In addition the centre boasts a 12-court multi-use sports hall suitable for badminton, five-a-side football, basketball, netball and tram- polining. Two squash courts (with a moveable wall to create a multi-purpose Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 37 NEW OPENING Wheelchair badminton is one of the sports available area) are also available, as well as two studios, a dance and drama studio, an eight-rink indoor bowls area, a health suite with sauna and steam, a crèche, two cafes and conference facilities. Flexible space within the centre allows for multiple activities to take place simul- taneously. For example, an international swimming or diving event could be host- ed in the aquatics centre one day with the space transformed to accommodate six community groups, each with their own separate pool, the next. EASE OF ACCESS A host of disability sports within the centre have been given equal importance. For ex- ample, access is provided to the swimming pool via a scissor lift that drops down 1.5m, allowing users to swim straight into the wa- ter. Removable manual hoists are also used in the main, dive and leisure pools. There are also three dedicated ‘chang- ing places’ rooms which offer hoists and The 16m climbing zone includes a bouldering zone and an aerial assault course changing beds for disabled users, in ad- dition to accessible toilets and showers. Further accessible shower and changing facilities are also available in both the Working closely with the NGBs and local clubs is enabling centre’s dry and wet areas. us to offer the very best opportunities to everyone The centre also offers a platform lift in the climbing zone, so that disabled climb- ers are able to use the high-level aerial climbing experience. SLM has recruited additional front of the online booking system. house and telesales personnel to handle “We’ve had a lot to contend with, with INTEREST SO FAR enquiries to maintain customer service so many events taking place so early on Interest in the centre has exceeded all ex- standards. The online booking system, into the contract and so much demand pectations, with 20,000 visitors attending operated by the Everyone Active brand, for use of the space, but we’re delighted during the opening weekend in April this has enabled people to book Group Ex- that the centre has been so successful,” year. More than 220,000 visits have been ercise classes, sports hall use and bowls says Greenwood. “Having experienced so recorded in July and August, including sessions at their convenience, while al- much interest, coupled with such an ex- 40,000 public swims in August alone. leviating queues at busy periods. Around tensive activity programme we are in no To cope with this increasing demand, one third of casual income is received via doubt that this success will continue.” L 38 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 White Line Services International ltd The Total Solution… SPECIALISTS IN from “Concept TRACK MAINTENANCE to Construction” L Deep high pressure cleaning of Athletic tracks L Remarking tracks & courts on all synthetic surfaces L Surveying & painting tracks & courts L All track repairs using IAAF certified materials Design and construction of all natural turf and synthetic sports surfaces O’Brien Contractors Limited Manor Cottage Church Lane, Cubbington Leamington Spa, CV32 7JT T: (01926) 423918 White Line Services International Ltd F: (01926) 883767 205 Holtye Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3ER E: [email protected] Tel: 0845 058 0644 Fax: 08458622640 Email: [email protected] www.white-line-services.com www.obriencontractors.co.uk SPLASH IT TIP IT SPRAY IT SQUIRT IT 9 bring life to your pool 9 replace old water features 9 create revenue through play 9 latest interactive water technology 9 designs to suit all pool types Tel: +44 (0) 1752 771740 E: [email protected] W: www.hippoleisure.com Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 39 FACILITY MANAGEMENT Olympic interaction at Sheffield International Venues When Sheffield International Venues (SIV) hosted international Olympic and Paralympic athletes in the run-up to the London 2012 Games, the facility managers used the opportunity to inspire the local communities and encourage regular participation. Hannah Johnson explains how Sheffield hosts the EIS’s largest multi-sport venue Peru’s national volleyball team enjoy Sheffield’s facilities heffield International Ven- including Olympic champions Russia, SIV to ensure each venue and its facili- ues (SIV) manages elite along with Japan, Korea, Azerbaijan and ties met their individual requirements sporting and entertainment Uzbekistan, also selected Sheffield as and that they were able to use the areas environments that champion their chosen base prior to the Games. of the venues they required for their community participation and stringent training programmes. sportS development. With 4.5 million ELITE FACILITIES Some teams, including the Canadian customers and 2,000 events every year, Each venue chosen for training camps of- synchronised swimmers, required closed SIV works in partnership with a number fered top facilities. Ponds Forge is home sessions, so the operations staff had of professional teams, sports governing to some of the best diving facilities in to ensure that these could be accom- bodies (NGBs) and individual elite ath- the country, which includes a 5m depth modated around SIV’s busy and diverse letes based at these venues to support diving pit with 13 diving platforms, play- programme of events and the needs of their success. back technology and dry-land facilities its customers to ensure minimal disrup- It was this reputation for sporting for training out of the pool. tion within the venue. excellence and diversity that attracted The EIS Sheffield is the largest multi- During the US divers’ final visit to the more than 250 Olympic and Paralympic sport EIS venue in the country. Covering city before the Olympics in July, a large athletes from nine international nations five acres, it boasts a dedicated boxing national swimming event was taking to the city for their pre-London 2012 gym which has been home to GB box- place in the competition pool at Ponds training camps, utilising the facilities at ing for the last seven years – including Forge, which meant the operations team the English Institute of Sport (EIS) – Shef- Olympic champions Nicola Adams, Luke had to ensure the two were able to take field, Ponds Forge International Sports Campbell and Antony Joshua. place side by side without infringing on Centre and the Motorpoint Arena. The Motorpoint Arena provided an the requirements of the US divers. Teams including Brazilian boxers, ideal environment for the rhythmic gym- The diving pit was closed off from US divers, Chinese table tennis play- nasts due to the large floor area and the competitors and members of the ers, Canadian synchronised swimmers, high ceilings required for their routines. public. However, during the times when wheelchair basketball and boccia the US team weren’t in training, the playerss and Korea’s volleyball players EASE OF ACCESS venue operated as normal to ensure the and coaches based themselves in the Facility access was key to all the Olympic disruption for others was kept to a mini- city. Five rhythmic gymnastics teams teams. Provisions were put in place by mum. Security was also vital during the 40 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Team GB diver Tom Daley at Ponds Forge The diving pool at Ponds Forge offers a 5m diving depth A Canadian basketball player in action Canadian synchronised swimmers posing at the pool training camps so each team could train SIV Venues the chance to witness a training ses- without integration when required. sion with some of the world’s top sports The SIV team liaised closely with the ● Beauchief Golf Course stars. Metropolitan Police for security advice, ● Birley Wood Golf Course During their time at Ponds Forge, the including information about stewarding ● Concord Sports Centre divers spent time with youngsters from the venues and meeting vital risk assess- ● Don Valley Stadium the City of Sheffield Diving Club, also ments. This meant that the athletes and ● EIS Sheffield based at the venue, by holding a master- their teams were able to spend time at ● Graves Tennis & Leisure Centre class which enabled the up and coming each venue safely and securely. ● Heeley Pool divers to ask the team questions and ● Hillsborough Leisure Centre gain advice about training and how they INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION ● iceSheffield made it to the top of their game. Some of the international teams, includ- ● Motorpoint Arena Many of these young people strive to ing the Brazilian boxers and Chinese ● Ponds Forge one day stand on an Olympic podium table tennis players, integrated with ● Sheffield City Hall and hearing how the top athletes of to- Sheffield-based athletes during their ● Springs Leisure Centre day started out, drives them further to time in the city. The dedicated sporting ● Stocksbridge Leisure Centre want to achieve their goals. areas at EIS Sheffield, including the table ● Tapton Park Golf Course The Russian rhythmic gymnastics team tennis hall and the boxing gym, meant ● Tinsley Park Golf Course thanked the city for their hospitality by the teams trained alongside one another ● Westfield Sports Centre performing a routine at Shefitval – a cel- in the open-plan facilities. ebration of sport and music, which took This interaction ultimately helps to place at Don Valley Bowl in Sheffield create a long-term partnership between highlighted by the lasting partnerships during the Olympics. the squads, building a network around created during the training camps. Not only was this a gesture beyond each sport which is vital to encourage A number of the teams, such as the expectations, but it also exposed the future participation. US divers – including men’s Olympic 10m sport of rhythmic gymnastics to a local SIV’s commitment to increasing com- platform champion David Boudia – held audience of thousands who otherwise munity participation and inspiring the open sessions for members of the public may not have had the chance to watch next generation of sports stars was and local school children, giving them the sport live. ● Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 41 RESEARCH According to report findings, swimming was one of the top five individual sports played in the past six months PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM DRIVING UP SPORTS PARTICIPATION While the original targets for the sports participation legacy of the London 2012 Olympics have long been abandoned, recent trends in playing numbers suggest the Games may have more post-event value as a platform for driving up activity levels than cynics might expect. Mintel’s Amanda Lintott reports he latest research from Min- The report does however suggest the Although two thirds of all sports tel into sports participation higher profile of the London 2012 Games participants take part at least once a highlights how picking up on and the (hopefully) better prepared- month, only slightly more than a third T interest sparked by the London ness of governing bodies’ participation of this group do so at the recommend- 2012 Games among young people will programmes could deliver a bigger and ed healthy living frequency of at least be crucial for all sports. Recent partici- more sustained uplift in playing numbers three times a week. Indeed, one dilem- pation gains have been led exclusively through 2013 at least. ma sports participation promotion faces by over-25s and government policy has Participation at the recommended is that the recreational play on which it switched to promoting sporting habits level of thrice weekly has moved forward focuses as the most enjoyable basis for for life among 16- to 25-year-olds that from a plateau of 6.9 million adults, but most people’s involvement may not lend will see governing bodies supported on a growth has been driven entirely by the itself to the three-times-a-week partici- funding-by-results basis. over-25 demographic. pation healthy living recommendations The research shows how the number require – just as we may not want to go of adults playing some sport in 2012 is Varied sport provision to the cinema three times a week, nor expected to return to the 30 million mark Exploring how the market can encom- may we want to play three games of ten- – up more than a million year on year pass older participants, the report nis a week either. but still 2.5 per cent down on the last highlights the fact that with only a It may therefore be necessary for Olympic cycle’s peak of 31 million. The minority of clubs owning their own facili- sports advocates and even governing key challenge for the market will be to ties, pressure on local authority leisure bodies to cross-promote similar sports to avoid a repeat of the post-Olympic slump budgets is likely to force sport to look to entice recreational participants into play- seen in 2009 – hoping that a Games held a wider range of providers to improve ing a range of games that provide similar at home will help sustain interest in sport the access to opportunity needed to enjoyment benefits but offering a great- beyond the closing ceremony. grow the playing population. er variety of physical activity. 42 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Favoured activities The currently fastest-growing sports can be characterised as relatively low-cost and playable on the doorstep – such as cycling and athletics/running – or a short form of an established one (such as five- a-side football). Exclusive research highlights the most frequently played sport. Fitness-focused sports that can be played on an indi- vidual basis and are readily accessible or require little organising are signifi- cantly more popular than any other type. PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM The top five ‘individual sports’ played in the past six months are swimming (50 per cent), cycling (17 per cent), jogging (17 per cent), weight training and gym (15 per cent) and aerobics (11 per cent). Meanwhile, the most frequently played team sports are football (14 per cent), golf (7 per cent) and cricket (4 per cent). Fitness-focused sports that can be Team and racquet sports have already Can the London Olympics buck the played on an individual basis and are moved to incorporate elements of in- trend by fostering a culture of playing readily accessible or require little organis- dividual and fitness sports’ character sport within its host population? ing are significantly more popular than into their own offer – such as keep-fit any other type. Cardio Tennis, the drop-in sessions of No Strings Badminton and the FA’s ‘find a Governing bodies could consider mov- Number of sports played in the last six kickabout’ Just Play initiative – but these ing some degree of focus away from months, June 2011/June 2012 programmes need to roll out provision being providers themselves and acting in Base: 2,000 internet users aged 16+ and awareness even more widely if they the same way as commercial exercise class are to truly position themselves as part of creators by training leisure centre and 2011 2012 % point the same doorstep fitness space. fitness club personnel to promote and de- % % change One way of achieving this increase in liver their programmes themselves. 2011-12awareness among would-be participants 1 sport -2 could be working more closely with Family connection 2 sports 16 14 -2 other facility providers to enable these The report also highlights how new 3-4 sports 23 17 -5 formats to be offered alongside standard shared interests with kids are now out 5+ sports 15 13 -2 swimming and other activities across the growing the back garden. Outdoor and No sports 29 38 9 country’s 6,000+ public and private lei- alternative sports in general, and ski- SOURCE: GMI/Mintel sure centres and health clubs. ing/snowboarding in particular, are TeamGB’s cycling track and road race success could give the sport a new appeal with younger participants PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 43 RESEARCH PICS: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM comparatively more popular among par- Issues going forward NGBs could train leisure centre per- ents of children aged 16-18 than among The report concludes that the sports par- sonnel to deliver their programmes other family groups. This may reflect par- ticipation market faces both some old The spike in interest in sport, post- ents of older, more independent children chestnuts of barriers to play and some Games, depends on quality programmes having more time to pursue their own newer, more holistic issues that can be sporting interests, or it may be that these equally restrictive on consumers’ willing- sports are a means of finding shared ness or ability to take part. Alongside these, and to create growth interests at this particular stage of the Pressure on investment in public facil- in the crucial 14-25 segment in particular, family journey. ity provision is unlikely to ease over the sport will also have to address a number The recent phenomenon of ‘mid- of more personal issues ranging from dle-aged shred’ that has seen the physical ability to play – and questions of skateboarders of the 1970s and 1980s Local authority leisure body image that may affect perceptions return to the parks with their teenaged budgets are likely to of this – to the perceived need to wear (or younger) kids is one expression of this the ‘right’ labels and use only ‘fashion- type of bonding opportunity, and one force sport to look able’ facilities for play. that is more sustainable than skiing inter- to a wider range of The sports participation market is now ests that are – for the large majority – for about to find out whether the London family holidays only. providers to improve Olympics can buck the trend set by all its Of more mainstream sports with access opportunities predecessors and foster a new culture of similar potential, cycling could have the playing sport within its host population. standout opportunity on the back of The Games have always managed to British track and road racing success that short term, continued fragility of con- create spikes in interest in participation could give the sport a new appeal to sumer confidence could keep all leisure and the one surrounding London 2012 younger groups and persuade them to spending under review, and finding looks likely to have risen earlier and have ride with the embarrassing dads in Lycra time for sport will remain difficult for a longer tail than that seen around the who will still be funding them to take up pre-family and family groups alike – the 2008 Beijing Games. sport on a regular basis. former by choice, the latter by necessity. The extent to which that interest is translated into higher participation rates depends on the quality and readiness of the programmes governing bodies have put in place to capitalise on the oppor- tunity – and of consumers’ willingness to overcome the personal barriers that discourage them from taking to the field, court or streets. The government’s new policy focus on reversing the drop-out rate seen within the 14-25 age group will give sports an PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM added incentive to target the group most likely to be inspired by the Games, but success or failure will hinge on their ability to lower long-standing barriers to entry led by cost of participation and Parents are encouraging their children access to facilities, and some newer, less to try out sports and activities they tangible ones such as body image and themselves enjoyed in childhood self-confidence. L 44 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 CHANGING TIMES? S&P works with you to deliver inspirational environments by solving your procurement demands and establishing new models of service consolidation and partnership working The Edge, University of Leeds Cardiff International Pool K2, Crawley The Peak, Stirling Sports Village DELIVERING INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS FOR 30 YEARS Architecture t Masterplanning t Consulting t Regeneration tFeasibility Refurbishment t Consultation t Engagement t Procurement Advice Project Management t Planning Sustainability t Value Management LONDON NOTTINGHAM GLASGOW The Cornerhouse 9 Weekday Cross Mackintosh House 91-93 Farringdon Road The Lace Market 5 Blythswood Square London EC1M 3LN Nottingham NG1 2GB Glasgow G2 4AD +44 (0)20 7831 8877 +44 (0)115 941 5369 +44 (0)141 225 8399 +44 (0)20 7831 4477 FAX +44 (0)115 947 5955 FAX +44 (0)141 225 6271 FAX www.s-parchitects.com [email protected] ARCHITECT’S FOCUS PHOTO: S&P ARCHITECTS PHOTO: S&P ARCHITECTS Timber roof cassettes improve the acoustics and look decorative in both the swimming pool and the fi tness studios TOP OF THE PODS S&P Architects’ Ron Wallwork explains why The Pods, which opened in Scunthorpe last year, is a truly innovative example of leisure centre design How did you get involved with the North How would you define a 21st century sports centre? Lincolnshire Sports Academy – or the Pods, You have to create a socially-responsible building that gives the as it’s more commonly known? community something that they can really value and that they Designer Andrew Wright won the RIBA competition set by NLC want to visit. They should not be overpowering or noisy places – and Yorkshire Forward in 2006. He had teamed up with Buro as many have been in the past. They should have a much more Happold for their structural expertise, us at S&P for our knowl- natural, tranquil feel, in line with the growing market for more edge of sport and leisure buildings and Grant Associates for esoteric pursuits such as meditation and yoga and the focus on their landscaping skills. However, at the planning stage Andrew individual wellness. Wright Associates withdrew from the project, and so we took We had a very creative brief for the Pods and in many ways the lead to deliver the building. it’s a one-off building – but at the same time the design reflects very much the way things are going. What was your brief? North Lincolnshire Council, together Can you describe some of the with the regional development agency THE TEAM technical innovations used? Yorkshire Forward, wanted an iconic This type of building would not have been building that would help to regener- Architect: S&P Architects possible 10 years ago. It’s one of the first ate the Central Park area in Scunthorpe Concept Designer: Andrew Wright Associates leisure buildings in the UK to be built us- and open it up to visitors. Construction: Bowmer and Kirkland ing a free-form geodesic design, where There was backing for a very progres- Structural engineering: Buro Happold the structure is formed from connecting sive leisure centre design – they were Landscape Architects: Grant Associates: glulam (glued composite timber) beams to certainly looking for something much Cost of complete project: £21m form an irregular triangular shell grid. It’s better than the standard crinkly tin shed. Funded by: North Lincolnshire Council, with inspired by the structure and connectivity contributions from Yorkshire Forward (£8M) of soap bubbles. What was the inspiration and Sport England (£750,000) The structure uses steel cylindrical nodes for the design? with a number of metal plates set at dif- Andrew Wright’s design consisted of a ferent angles to receive the beams, which series of interconnecting domes – using similar organic construc- are all of different lengths. It was possible structurally with ad- tion forms to the Eden Project in Cornwall – to create a building vanced computer technology now available to calculate all the that would form itself out of the landscape in a very natural and forces from the model and for that information to be readily organic way. transferable from CAD (design) to CAM (manufacture). This al- It was designed to be an environmentally-friendly building lowed great freedom to explore all the exciting 3D possibilities. that brought together both leisure and wellness concepts within We were able to create interlaced domes exceeding 50m the natural forms of the building. spans, with the building area exceeding 5000sq m. 46 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 INSIDE THE PODS ■ Open reception area ■ 25m competition pool The Pods opened in July 2011 after ■ Six-court sports hall and a learner’s pool an 18-month build. Facilities include: ■ Split-level gym ■ Café with outdoor terrace ■ Two fitness studios and a health suite ■ Creche What were some of the challenges of the project? – there’s a serendipitous element to all of it. The organic forms By its very nature, a sports hall is like a shoebox – so one chal- of the building create their own fun. lenge was to make the spaces work. In spite of its unusual shape, every inch of the building has been utilised. What are the project’s eco-credentials? It’s been designed so that wherever you are in the building We have natural ventilation throughout the building where you can see the timber roof. We wanted to keep it as open and possible, and insulation is twice that required by building as visual as possible. Yet at the same time the curved shapes and regulations. We’ve also installed a biomass boiler that uses wood exposed timbers make it feel very womb-like and comforting. chips to heat the leisure centre, and the building’s design also We also had to address the issue of noise in such an open space, allows for grey water recycling so that the water from the show- so we worked with the construction team to design timber-slatted ers can be used on the sedum roof as well as on the building’s cassettes that fit the roof panels and improve the acoustics. surrounding vegetation. What aspects of the design most please you? How did you approach the outdoor design? We had the issue of finding a suitable roof covering for the The rejuvenation of the surrounding Central Park was led by domes. Ourselves and specialist roof contractors developed a Grant Associates from Bath. single-ply membrane solution that fitted over the whole of Nature is a central part of the design and very much in keep- the roof structure, creating a waterproof layer. So develop- ing with the concept of wellness. The domes sit in a lagoon, and ing a weldable batten allowed us to fit a number of different an outdoor wildlife corridor has been created with trees, wild rainscreen roof coverings without having to penetrate the wa- flowers and bird boxes, which will hopefully attract different terproof membrane. species to the area and be a place the whole community can en- The dome finishes are very varied – one is covered in green joy and learn from. sedum, one is metal clad, two have timber shingles, the sports hall has a plastic roof and the entrance dome is glazed. So each Where do you find your inspiration ? dome has a different exterior expression. It also serves to bring the I keep up with all the exciting developments around the world, building down to a more organic human scale. Standing outside, and love that we can create fantasy worlds that surprise and de- it’s impossible to tell its size. It looks much smaller than it should, light. It’s very different to creating civic buildings – with leisure given what it contains. design you think out of the box. ● Have there been any surprises along the way? This feature was recently published in Sport Management’s All the structures have come together to create wonderful interi- sister magazine – Leisure Management or spaces, some of which we did not even anticipate would exist Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 47 GRASSROOTS Was there a single person in the UK who didn’t get fired up by London 2012? But will cheering from the sofa translate to participation? And, if so, will there be the opportunities? Kath Hudson reports HE GR T A G S S N I R O W O O T R S G L GRASSROOTS SPORTS Go Canoeing offers starter IN LEGACY MODE sessions and guided tours ith the hosting of London (NGBs) are playing a key role in delivering 2012, Great Britain set out to the legacy so I spoke to a few about their do what no other Olympic plans going forward. W host nation has managed before: to inspire hundreds and thou- CYCLING sands of people to take part in physical With eight Olympic golds and a Tour de activity, for a lifetime. France winner, cycling’s popularity has, One of the first ‘legacy in action’ initia- unsurprisingly, exploded. In the month tives was the Join In weekend, on 18 and after Bradley Wiggins was the first ever the same, including the Go-Ride Games, 19 August. Set up by the organisers of Briton to win the Tour de France, 4,000 aimed at cyclists under the age of 16. the London 2012 Olympic Games, with a new members joined British Cycling, en- In the next few years, the facilities built £2m government grant, this event was quiries to velodromes surged and online for the Olympics will be expanded to the first of its kind. Almost 6,000 clubs interest in British Cycling’s website in- include a road circuit and off road trails. opened their doors and events were creased fourfold. Plans are underway to secure a long-term organised for free. British Cycling has been working hard future for the road and MTB facilities However, as the glow of the Games for the past few years to boost partici- at Hog Hill and to create a sustainable begins to fade, will London 2012 have pation, organising free community bike mountain bike facility at Hadleigh Farm encouraged people who haven’t done rides, mass participation city events and in Essex. any sport for years to dig out their hock- organising and backing competitions, ey sticks, oil up their bikes, join a gym including the Fully Sussed mountain CANOEING or even branch out into a new sport? bike round, in the South West. Going The Team GB canoeing squad exceeded The national governing bodies of sport forward, there are plans for more of its targets, bringing home four Olympic 48 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 ROWING British rowers were on fire at the Olympic Games, with nine medals, which sparked a rise in interest, with almost 28,000 people searching on line for their nearest club during the Olympic period. British Rowing is working hard to overcome the sport’s traditional ste- reotype to give everyone the chance to try the sport, no matter what age or background. The Explore Rowing programme was launched in 2011 to make it possible for anyone to get into rowing through their local club and is suitable for complete begin- ners. Explore Rowing sessions are now taking place at 550 affiliated clubs nationwide. The RowActiv App has also been launched to encourage casual gym users to get into indoor rowing to bridge the gap between gyms and water, and includes expertly de- signed training programmes. Explore Rowing has opened the sport up for everybody medals, two golds a silver and a bronze – making London 2012 its most success- ful Olympics yet. These successes certainly didn’t go unnoticed with more than 160,000 people having watched the canoe- ing events live and millions more on TV. To maximise exposure and the Games legacy, the Canoe England participation team delivered canoeing at the specially created live site events prior to the start of the Games in 11 cities across England, and had a strong presence at the Games venues themselves. As a result, 35,000 people were introduced to the sport and this has led to a fourfold increase in people looking for canoeing clubs. The British Canoe Union hopes to support the increased levels of demand through its Go Canoeing programme, which is offer- 30,000 people tried out hockey on miniature pitches set up outside the Olympic venue ing local starter sessions, guided tours, events and information on where to go and how to get started. Coaches are key to elite success, so anyone inspired to coach can undertake training at no cost to themselves this year, HOCKEY GB Hockey and England Hockey have as UKA is underwriting the cost of module-based coaching been proactive on the legacy front, with a number of imaginative initiatives, in- cluding two miniature hockey pitches 2012 and the following three weeks, wanting to come along and the GB Hock- outside the Olympic hockey stadium for 600 venues around the country offered ey website saw a 600 per cent increase in spectators to have a go: 30,000 did. 20,000 opportunities for children and traffic during the Games. Prior to the Games, GB athletes vis- adults to try the sport. On the first week- ited schools as ambassadors; npower’s end of September, hockey clubs opened ATHLETICS Big Dribble visited 40 towns in 18 days, their doors to new members. In preparation for the surge in queries getting the public to pick up a stick and Since the Games, hockey clubs are post-Games, UK Athletics made free tast- dribble. Over the two weeks of London reporting excellent interest in people er sessions of athletics widely available Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 49 GRASSROOTS The Women’s Box Series provides a positive and across the UK, as part of the Startrack ini- supportive experience tiative, to allow aspiring young athletes to have a go. The athletics teaching resource, El- evating Athletics, has been provided to schools across the country for free. They comprise lesson plans, guidance sheets instruction posters and ongoing down- loadable resource cards, to empower teachers to run athletics sessions for all age groups. Coaches are key to elite success and anyone inspired to start coaching can un- dertake training at no cost to themselves, for the next year, as UKA is underwriting the cost of module-based coaching. BOXING The Amateur Boxing Association (ABAE) expects GB Boxing’s Olympic success, especially the performance of Nicola Adams, as boxing’s first female British Olympic champion, will see an unprece- dented level of interest in the sport. An Olympic Legacy Line has been launched, where people of all ages can register their interest and find out more take part in fitness studio-based boxing. they live, through its Sail for Gold Pro- about the sport and how to get involved. The ABAE will train qualified gym and fit- gramme. The NGB will also be working Earlier this year, ABAE launched a ness instructors to deliver a range of BOX with clubs and centres post-Games to run programme for university students, sessions, which encourage the retention ‘have a go’ sessions and open days. Uppercut, and a new competition for of participants through increased variety RYA regional development officers women, the Women’s Box Series, both of and progression. are working with clubs to provide guid- which are aimed at providing a positive ance on how to increase and sustain their and supportive experience of competi- SAILING membership with regular visits and work- tion and which will help improve the With Ben Ainslie achieving his sixth shops. The OnBoard scheme is aimed talent pathway. Olympic gold, sailing was in the spotlight at teaching youngsters to sail through A new fitness product, BOX, will be again at the Games. The Royal Yacht- schools, clubs, training centres and youth launched in the autumn, which aims to ing Association (RYA) is looking to bring groups, while under 15s can learn to provide people with an opportunity to sailing to more people, no matter where windsurf at local Team15 sessions. The OnBoard scheme helps MY EXPERIENCE young people to learn to sail Buoyed by the success of our Team GB sailors, I decided to try sailing as my post-Olympic sporting fad and booked a lesson, near Falmouth, on the waters where Ben Ainslie learned. Conditions were perfect: blue skies and a force three wind. Apart from a nervous moment when one side of the boat dipped into the water mid-tack and the instructor had to swiftly let the sail out, it was easier than I was expecting. Although I have neither the time nor the money for my own boat, on the basis of the taster session, I’d like to do the RYA course. This would qual- ify me to hire a boat, which would be great fun for special occasions. 50 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Mo Farah (centre) with children from UKA’s Startrack initiative VOLLEYBALL ‘Gymnastics Extra funding for London 2012’s iconic beach volleyball for all’ the BEF’s Hoof events at Horse Guards Parade did won- provides has allowed for a ders for increasing the profile of the opportunities national roll out sport, in standard, sitting and beach vol- for all ages leyball format. Leading up to and beyond the Games, Volleyball England’s Go Spike campaign is aimed at increasing participation in the sport by creating more facilities and running free taster sessions. LOCOG has donated 4,000 tonnes of sand from the temporary beach volleyball courts at Horse Guards Parade to sports venues across London and the South East in a bid to increase interest and participation. GYMNASTICS Team GB gymnasts exceeded all expecta- tions to claim four medals, so interest in the sport has never been higher. British Gymnastics (BG) has launched a range of products and programmes to help increase capacity and cater for increased demand following the Games. Develop- groups. This includes the development of Hoof, the equestrian legacy brand of ment officers are working with clubs and exciting activities such as freestyle gym- the BEF, is particularly focusing on chil- other providers, to deliver support to nastics, festivals and cheerleading. dren, women, disadvantaged children and implement these initiatives, particularly people with disabilities. It’s already been satellite clubs, facility developments and EQUESTRIANISM rolled out across London and has attracted bursaries for coaches and clubs. Horse riding’s profile was given a boost funding to increase riding opportunities, A key focus for gymnastics is retain- with the record breaking performances raise standards and identify opportunities ing gymnasts in the sport for longer. at both the Olympics and Paralympics. to aid growth in the sector. The success This will be mainly achieved through the The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is has led to a further eight regional net- participation programme ‘gymnastics for hoping this will encourage new people works. The BEF is also promoting its Take all’ that is providing new and relevant to take up the sport and win back former Back the Reins initiative, to help lapsed gymnastics opportunities for various age horse riders. riders get back on the horse. L Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 51 TENNIS EVERYONE FOR TENNIS! After the success of the Paralympic Games, the Dan Maskell Trust is embracing the new-found momentum of disability sport by increasing wheelchair tennis opportunities and encouraging long-term participation. Gilly English, executive director of the trust, explains ivotal’ describes the phenomenal increase both participation and inclusiv- focus of the government’s first Disabil- success of the London 2012 Para- ity at the grassroots and the spotlight ity Sport Summit in April this year, when lympic Games. How we in the UK, also shone on the long-standing passion the then Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, ‘P and indeed how the world views and expertise which underpins disability called for the sport sector to up its game disability sport has changed forever. sports organisations around the UK. in attracting disabled people into sport. Along with able-bodied sport, disabil- At the elite level, the UK has a strong He said: “In the year that the Para- ity sport in the UK experienced the red tradition in Paralympic sport but with lympic Games come home, I want to see carpet treatment in 2012. An earmarked only 17 per cent of disabled adults play- a transformation in sport for disabled £8m of funding from Sport England’s ing sport every week, there’s no doubt people. Now is the time for everybody to Places People Play programme was boost- much more needs to be done to boost up their game, creating real sporting op- ed with a further £2.8m fund to help overall participation. This point was the portunities for disabled people.” 52 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Funding tennis opportunities One disability sports charity that is keen to embrace the momentum is The Dan Maskell Tennis Trust (DMTT). Set up in 1997, and named after the late Dan Maskell, affectionately known as the ‘voice of Wimbledon’, the trust raises funds to support people with disabilities who want to play tennis. Although tennis isn’t the only synergy between Dan and the trust, as he was also passionately in- terested in the rehabilitation of disabled people following his work as the RAF’s first ever rehabilitation officer. The four key areas within which the DMTT offers support are: U Providing specialist wheelchairs for individuals, clubs, special schools and centres running disability programmes U Providing equipment/coaching kitbags for coaches, clubs, special schools, In 2007, Gordon Reid became Britain’s youngest Men’s Singles National Champion disability groups and associations U Grant-aiding disability groups, difference is that players are allowed two opportunities that exist to improve par- associations, programmes and bounces of the ball. ticipation rates in disability tennis. individuals with a disability with Alongside wheelchair tennis, deaf ten- From the period 2005 – 2010, we re- financial aid towards tennis expenses nis and learning disability tennis can be ceived an 800 per cent increase in the U Supporting disabled tennis players played on regular tennis courts. Only number of applications we received and appropriate programmes blind and visually-impaired tennis is for grants and equipment from clubs, Tennis is an inclusive sport and dis- played on a smaller-scaled court – using schools, organisations and individuals. abled people can take part in any tennis smaller rackets and an audible ball. Significantly, the number of applications activity. In particular, wheelchair tennis from individuals was exponentially far in integrates very easily with the able- Opportunity knock-a-bouts excess of those from clubs, schools and bodied game, as it can be played on any As executive director of the DMTT, organisations. regular tennis court, with no modifica- I’ve worked in tennis for more than We know there are more than 20,000 tions required to rackets or balls. The only 30 years and know only too well the people with a disability playing tennis The London 2012 Paralympic Games raised the profile of wheelchair tennis to many spectators and would-be players Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 53 TENNIS Quad doubles silver medalists Peter Norfolk (right) and WHO WILL BE USING SPORTHOUSE? Andy Lapthorne at least once a week but clearly there is the scope to significantly increase this Disabled people are much less likely to play sport as a figure. Tennis currently ranks as the tenth highest sport in the UK in terms of partic- club member, to receive sports tuition or coaching or ipation rates for disabled people, which to have taken part in organised competition is the same position for non-disabled people playing tennis. Sport England’s chair, Richard Lewis, and providing the opportunity to use Impaired Tennis Club which meets at would no doubt agree. He said: “Our specially-constructed wheelchairs pays the Sunderland Tennis Centre. Adele goal is to get many more disabled people dividends as Mike Bishop, sport manager Waterfall-Brown, chair of the club, said: playing sport and we can only achieve for Kent County Council, can testify. “Everyone in our group is either visu- this through a changed approach, one “We now run two monthly wheelchair ally impaired or registered blind but we where sports bodies integrate the sport sessions in Kent and added a third to this love to play the game. The club offers on offer to disabled and non-disabled programme from September 2012,” he coaching and competitions and the player people as far as possible.” explains. “Each session runs for two hours feedback has been outstanding,” she says. on a Sunday and between them they have Club Treasurer, Paul Martin, said: “I got Combined approach attracted 24 people to play regularly. One involved because I am visually impaired The DMTT works closely with the Tennis of the players was already known to the and wanted to try out a new, competi- Foundation and the Lawn Tennis As- GB squad but three others have gone on tive sport. I’ve also competed in football, sociation (LTA), the national governing already to play in the nationals and other athletics and cricket. Anybody who en- body responsible for disability tennis in tournaments around the country. None of joys sport would understand that you the UK. One of the latest initiatives will this would have been possible without the can work around a disability.” be the provision of 60 specially-adapted support of the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust wheelchairs for use at 14 UK sites, as and its funding stream to provide tennis Adapted game part of the Disability Development Pro- wheelchairs, of which we are now proud Also known as Sound Tennis, both singles gramme that the Tennis Foundation is owners of four,” he says. and doubles matches are played using driving forward. “Throughout this development, we’ve shorter tennis rackets and an audible Wheelchair tennis is one of the fast- written a 10-year plan for the sport in foam ball that is slightly larger than a est growing wheelchair sports in the Kent and anticipate that the London 2012 tennis ball (it has a table tennis ball at world and at an elite level, Britain has Paralympic Games have given the sport its centre containing ball bearings which achieved and maintained a high level of an even bigger boost going forward.” enables the ball to rattle). The reduced success. Encouraging access to the sport Another group the DMTT has sup- court dimensions required often means through regular wheelchair sessions ported is The North East Visually the game is played on a badminton court 54 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 All the space you need Spatial Structures specialise in the manufacture, supply and erection of fabric covered structures. We have a wealth of experience in this area and a deep understanding of the differing needs of particular sports. 4 A complete design service so that your building is tailor made to meet your requirements. 4 From start to finish your project will be managed by an experienced design and construction professional. 4 Our structures are light, airy, quiet, durable and can be a fraction of the cost of a conventional building. 4 We can offer photo-realistic imagery of your proposed building to support your planning or funding application. Call us today for your initial consultation and your no obligation quotation. Before you know it, you will have all the space you need! 01242 700277 www.spatialstructures.com Spatial Structures is a trading name of Dove Construction Ltd TENNIS was a challenge to me. The chair is 60 – 80 per cent of your game. If you’ve got your chair set up right, it’s like a Formula 1 car. With your body set into that chair, every time you move it will go where you go, so it’s really an extension of your racket arm. Twenty years ago, we didn’t really have sports chairs. Playing in a day chair in those days was a bit like running a marathon in clogs,” he says. Growing the game According to Norfolk, wheelchair ten- nis now has sanctioned events at all four Grand Slams and the NEC Wheelchair Tour boasts 150 events in 36 countries around the world. However, he’d still like to see the sport more visible and be- ing played at all local tennis clubs and facilities – with the same performance pathway as the LTA has for juniors. “The more wheelchairs we have for new players to try out the sport, the more we will be able to grow the game,” he says. “I have been very lucky to achieve extraordinary things in wheel- chair tennis and to be able to motivate new players and keep promoting wheel- chair tennis is one of my goals. “I would hope we will be able to The Dan Maskill Trust raises funds to support disabled people who want to play tennis maximise the new Eton Manor tennis and is keen to encourage applications for grants from disabled tennis providers site [a Paralympic venue] for some ex- citing wheelchair tennis tournaments and, of course, I would urge all those in a position to do so, to capitalise upon the exposure the Paralympic Games has brought to our sport.” The Dan Maskell Tennis Trust is keen to encourage applications for grants and support those looking to develop tennis for disabled people. Many of the statistics about disabled sport offer a challenge; disabled people are much less likely than able bodied people to play sport as a club member; they are much less likely to receive sports tuition or coaching or to have taken part in using a mini tennis net, with the doubles Norfolk is closely associated with the organised competition. However, from tramline as the boundary. Two bounces DMTT as his company is its official wheel- what we see as a very positive perspec- are allowed before a visually chair supplier. He was struck down in a tive, 14.4 per cent of disabled people impaired player must hit a return and motorbike accident aged 19 and broke would like to do more sport and more three bounces are allowed if the player his back and shoulder blades. A self- than 75 per cent of those who wish to is totally blind. confessed sports addict, being confined do more sport are currently undertaking The Paralympics have undoubtedly to a wheelchair didn’t stop him playing zero sessions of sporting activity. L inspired a generation of new able and sport. He came across wheelchair tennis disabled people to take up a sport. Quad on a visit to Stoke Mandeville Hospital For more information about the criteria wheelchair tennis world number one and immediately knew it was the sport for applications to the DMTT, email Peter Norfolk missed out on winning his for him. “I simply went along to my local Gilly English: [email protected] third successive gold medal but took a tennis courts and I was lucky that I found The next meeting of the Trustees is tremendous silver in the Quad Doubles a coach who didn’t see any boundaries. 7th November 2012 and closing date with partner Andy Lapthorne. The wheelchair was a not a hindrance, it for applications is 17th October 2012 56 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 MULTI-SPORT FACILITIES 3 28.5m x 16m, The Charter School, London /-.*( !-%#) ) /%' /'.%+/,+*-!*,-+*,.-+! %4 ./, ' 2'%#$.!)!,#2!"4 %!). ! .%)# ) 0!).%' .%*)*+.%*)- +.%*) ' ) %'' ,2,**(- Sports Facilities Riverside Industrial Park, Tan Yard Road, Catterall, 3 Preston, Lancashire, PR3 0HP 2 744m , Newbridge High School, Leicestershire Tel: 111 *''%)-*) */& Functional Fitness Specialists Kettlebells Training Ropes Alpha Strong Jordan Power Bands EXPERTS IN FUNCTIONAL FITNESS EXCLUSIVE SUPPLIER MEMBERS FOLLOW US www.jordanfi tness.co.uk - sales@jordanfi tness.co.uk - 01945 880257 Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 57 CONFERENCE REPORT Building partnerships for effective sport provision Academics and sport and physical activity practitioners met to discuss sporting legacy at the recent European Sports Development Symposium at Sheffield Hallam University. Chris Cutforth reports on some of the issues discussed during the one-day event s the London 2012 Olympic of academia, sport development, physical among most social groups in the UK for and Paralympic Games were activity and health provided delegates the foreseeable future. He summarised drawing to a close, Sheffield with thought-provoking presentations, these changes by stating that in the A Hallam University’s Academy which were supported by an extensive medium term people in the UK will be of Sport and Physical Activity was quick workshop programme. on average older, poorer and living in a off the mark in hosting the latest Europe- more ethnically diverse society. an Sports Development Symposium. WHERE WE ARE NOW He then turned his attention to the Entitled ‘What Next for Sport and Barrie Houlihan, Professor of Sports possible policy implications from the UK’s Physical Activity? – Building partnerships Policy at Loughborough University, be- outstanding success at the London 2012 between universities and industry profes- gan the debate by outlining the social Games, suggesting that it may lead to sionals’, the event brought together more and political context affecting sport and a distortion in sports policy towards ‘in- than 100 academics and sport and physi- physical activity in the medium and long spiration’ and continued support of the cal activity practitioners from across the term. He emphasised the key social and elite sport system rather than a more bal- UK and Europe to address some of the op- demographic changes taking place in anced and holistic approach. portunities and challenges that lie ahead the UK, notably the expanding ageing Concerns were expressed that inspira- for the sports sector. Delegates were also population, the increase in lone parent tion alone is not enough. He said that encouraged to learn from existing aca- families, rising unemployment among it needs to be supported by a renewed demic and practitioner collaborations and the 16-24 age group, and the growing commitment by government to physical forge similar link-ups in the future. levels of income inequality. education/school and community sport During the event, keynote speakers He also highlighted the fact that dis- and a more joined up and integrated ap- representing the diverse constituencies posable income will continue to fall proach to sports policy across the three PIC: SPORTENGLAND.ORG The Olympic legacy can be achieved by balancing focus on elite and community sport 58 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 We need an seamless system between, school, community and elite sport GPs need to better understand and promote the fitness prescription message policy strands: PE and sport, community sport and high performance/elite sport. Houlihan also questioned whether na- tional governing bodies of sport (NGBs) are best placed to deliver sustained in- creases in sports participation; a point which seemed to find favour with many of the delegates. He finished by offering his views on Prime Minister David Cameron’s Big Society concept and provided two contrasting views: the optimistic view emphasised, among other things, its PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM potential to encourage greater engage- ment and participation by individuals and local civil society organisations (in- cluding sports organisations); while a more pessimistic view described it as little more than a smokescreen for reductions in public expenditure and a slimming down of the state. Houlihan suggested that it will be the groups with non-standard needs (fami- Sport must be packaged in different ways that are non- lies, women and the poor) and those who live in less affluent areas who will suffer threatening, fun and delivered in a non-traditional manner to most because the voluntary sector will secure a significant proportion of the public health budget not have the capacity to fill the gap left by reductions in public services (including sport and recreation services) tradition- ally provided by local authorities. a message, which he said was not widely lays down a challenge for academics and understood among health commissioners. practitioners carrying out evaluation of PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND Talking directly to the sports practitio- sport and physical activity programmes.” PUBLIC HEALTH ners in the audience, he suggested that The founder of Walking for Health, the for sports organisations to have any rea- CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL Green Gym and Intelligent Health, Dr sonable chance of securing a significant DEVELOPMENT William Bird – a practicing GP – gave a proportion of the public health budget, Sean Holt, CEO of the Chartered Insti- fascinating insight into relationships be- the bar must be lowered to encour- tute for the Management of Sport and tween physical activity and public health. age new people to be active in sport. Physical Activity (CIMSPA), made an Backing up his arguments with For this to happen, he said: “Sport must impassioned plea to the delegates, and evidence-based medical research, he be packaged in different ways that are through them to their employers, to suggested that physical activity must non-threatening, fun and delivered in a support the development of the insti- be viewed by the medical profession as non-traditional manner”. tute. In particular he encouraged the important in its own right, as it has the Bird then turned his attention to the industry to continue to commit time and potential to be the primary contributor importance of evaluation in securing funding into continuous professional to the delivery of positive public health funding from public health. “The quality development (CPD) during this period of outcomes. “It’s more healthy to be fat of evaluation has to be of a high enough austerity – using the CIMSPA professional and fit than thin and unfit,” he stated in standard to count,” he stated, “which development framework as a tool. Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 59 CONFERENCE REPORT PIC: SPORTENGLAND.ORG Key demographic changes in Chris Cutforth (left) with some of the the UK include the expanding conference speakers at this year’s ageing population ESDN event at Sheffield Hallam He identified a number of significant SPORTS DEVELOPMENT POST-2012 WORKSHOP MESSAGES challenges currently facing the sport and Steve Nelson, representing the County Delegates were able to attend four out physical activity sector including: Sports Partnership Network, discussed of 24 workshops covering a wide vari- UÊ How do we attract and retain the the challenges of delivering a meaningful ety of sport and physical activity topics. best talent? London 2012 sports development legacy – These were delivered by a range of aca- UÊ How do we reconcile the number of calling for three key things to happen: demics and sport and physical activity graduates to the current and future UÊ Better joined up marketing, communi- practitioners. Key messages to emerge jobs market? cations and data sources for sport from the workshops included: UÊ How do we ensure that universities UÊ Greater clarity and simplicity in the UÊ Turn the Olympic legacy dream into produce graduates with the right mix sport system with clearer roles and reality by addressing the perceived im- of knowledge, skills and personal attri- responsibilities for key sports organisa- balance in favour of elite rather than butes needed by employers? tions; including NGBs, Sport England, community sport, thinking beyond Holt called for greater flexibility in uni- county sports partnerships and their NGBs and focus on engagement – not versity provision; including a better mix local delivery partners just competition of academic and vocational courses and UÊ For the consumer: a more integrated UÊ Increase dialogue between sports and qualifications, more opportunities for and seamless system between school, health professionals for mutual benefit part-time study and distance learning, community and elite sport which cre- UÊ Use an evidence-based approach to the introduction of work-based degree ates opportunities for people from commissioning at the local level courses and greater exploitation of more diverse backgrounds to par- UÊ Exploit the enormous potential which digital technology to enhance learning ticipate, progress and fulfill their exists for young people to volunteer in and development. potential in sport local sports programmes UÊ Training and CPD is required for cur- rent and future senior leaders to address the leadership deficit which Young people, currently exists in the sector including HE and UÊ Replace anecdotal evidence with FE students, should robust measurement frameworks be encouraged to volunteer in sport MOVING FORWARD In conclusion, the 2012 ESDN Sympo- sium provided an important forum to highlight the key opportunities and chal- lenges currently facing the sector. The important thing now is that appropriate actions are taken by key agencies and individuals; also that academics and prac- titioners continue to work together, and in so doing, make a substantial contribu- tion to the London 2012 legacy. L Chris Cutforth, senior lecturer, Academy of PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Sport and Physical Activity, Sheffield Hallam 60 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 SHOW PREVIEW SPATEX is the UK’s number one exhibition for all involved in the pool and spa industry. SPATEX 2013 MUCH MORE FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED IN WET LEISURE! wimming pools and hot tubs architects are as necessary as the per- of the world’s largest swim teaching and are of course a vital, vibrant and son who digs the hole. Costs are also a lifesaving organisations, who deliver high integral part of the wet leisure huge consideration when specifying and quality training across four key business S industry. However, builders and managing projects. Electrics, brickwork, areas - Swimming Teaching, Lifesaving, developers, architects, leisure clubs and plastering, tiling, water treatment and First Aid and Leisure Management. hotels; plus local authorities and other plant; these are the inner workings of All the new Pool Plant qualifications peripheral industries and bodies may what makes a successful leisure project. will be supported with extensive want to mark SPATEX 2013 as the year All of the above have been taken into learning materials, including a new they take a closer look and realise that consideration in the planning of SPATEX manual that covers all of the new they are also fundamental in delivering 2013. This is the venue where expertise unitised courses in detail, supported with excellent cost effective and energy effi- and aesthetics come together to form the user-friendly colour images and diagrams. cient leisure facilities. basis for many of the most prestigious The manual will also be available to Entities involved in building or refur- pool and leisure installations that will be download as an E-book. bishing a pool or a leisure area are not unveiled in 2013 and beyond. It is also The Pool Water Treatment Advisory limited to that of only the specialist swim- the place where new products are pre- Group (see www.pwtag.org) will be man- ming pool contractors. These projects sented to the UK wet leisure market and ning a stand for the first time to promote need precise planning and for that reason where the Institute of Swimming Pool their new Code of Practice. Engineers work alongside SPATEX 2013 is an absolute must for SPATEX. A true plethora of anyone involved in wet leisure, and, with everything wet leisure re- discounted parking; fast-track registration lated under one roof. and over 100 exhibitors from the UK and Well-known industry overseas, plus good refreshment facili- names will be making their ties with a bar, café’s and coffee points latest innovations available throughout, all comers are guaranteed an in order to provide ideas interesting and enjoyable visit. L for those involved in leisure projects and facilities. More For further information and free exciting news for SPATEX registration go to www.spatex.co.uk 2013 is that an exclu- or call Helen at the SPATEX Office sive partnership has been + 44 (0)1264 358558 Pick up ideas and meet the experts of the industry formed with the STA, one Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 61 NATURAL TURF Left: Dury when he first set out in groundscare. This pic: Dury worked on the cricket pitch at Nottinghamshire’s Trent Bridge ground KAREN MAXWELL TALKS TO PETER DURY – INVENTOR OF THE ORIGINAL SYNTHETIC- TURF NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CRICKET PITCH – ABOUT HIS TREND-SETTING SERVICES TO GROUNDSMANSHIP PETER LK DURY MBE How and why did you join the County Cricket Club’s second ground] – the fourth person in the country to be groundsmanship profession? where I stayed from 1961 to 1965. presented with the Institute of Grounds- I played cricket as a teenager and rep- I moved to Nottingham County Coun- manship (IOG) Diploma in Turf Culture resented Nottinghamshire Boys and cil’s Education department in 1968, after and Sports Grounds Management. Derbyshire Boys while still at school, local government posts in Nuneaton and It was around this time that I got before joining Nottinghamshire County Huntingdon, where my role was to build involved in producing performance stan- Cricket Club in 1951. and maintain sports surfaces across the dards – for both natural and synthetic When I returned to Trent Bridge after county’s playing fields. turf. In fact I believe that it was due to doing my statutory four years’ of Na- my time progressing both national and tional Service however, the coach told me international performance standards that I wouldn’t make the grade as a regu- As the turf industry that I was awarded an MBE for services lar club player. That’s when I turned my to groundsmanship earlier this year. attention to groundscare. progressed it was I became a member of the National obvious to me that How have groundscare procedures Association for Groundsmen, [now the changed over the years? Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG)], as proper standards for the Nowadays procedures are way ahead one of the ground-staff at the British Cel- way pitches performed of what they were when I first started anese sports ground – a commercial firm out. We make more use today of highly now called Courthalls – where preparing needed to be in place technical machinery and materials; for and maintaining the square became my example sand is used in the pitch con- responsibility. I played football and crick- struction and synthetic fibres are used to et for British Celanese and developed my How did you acquire your stabilise natural turf pitches. practical groundsmanship experience. groundsmanship skills? During my groundscare career, Not- Having then joined Derby Parks on Having become a member of the IOG, tinghamshire County Council has been general maintenance, I attended techni- I started to learn my trade in Sports very open-minded about allowing me cal college to learn the theory behind my Ground and Landscape Management at and my team to develop a variety of dif- chosen career. My big break came when Derby Technical College. I then embarked ferent pitch constructions, based on sand I took the role as head groundsman at on some self study when I moved to Not- or equivalent materials. In fact, our team Southport and Birkdale Cricket Club, in tinghamshire County Council in 1968, as was involved with the first floodlit cricket Merseyside [or what was then Lancashire county playing fields officer, and became pitch at Stamford Bridge in 1981. 62 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 (Left to right) Peter LK Dury; David Dury; Harry Brind – former head groundsman at the Oval; and Bob Carpenter former Notts County Council employee Dury has been awarded many accolades during his career in groundsmanship This was a full artificial pitch that was pitch, with more consis- actually laid on sand. tent performance in the Regarding the early forms of synthet- early days when sand ic turf, I remember the synthetic brand and rubber was used as Astroturf coming to the UK, the first the underlay; great for sand-filled product I had seen. coaching. We then ex- Originally this pitch system was always perimented on performance results using You’ve been awarded many accolades laid on concrete – although I figured that other in-fills and introduced pitch fibres during your groundscare career: by putting a mineral surface on the base in the sand above the pitch for football an IOG Long Service Award, an of the synthetic pitches it would offer and below the pitch for cricket. Honorary Doctorate for Services better performance. to Turf from Essex University, the I had also been working with the Eng- How where these systems promoted? National Playing Fields Association land and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as a Altogether we developed around 22 (NPFA) Presidents Award and most pitch consultant since 1974 and set up the systems for Nottinghamshire County recently an MBE for Services to Better Pitches Committee in 1981. During Council and the council CEO, Arthur Groundsmanship – can you offer any this time I was particularly interested in Standford, wanted to sell these systems tips regarding best practice? some of the sports turf research conduct- to other local authorities with similar turf Having tried to work using ‘best prac- ed in Holland and Belgium. needs. During the first four years, the tice’ for my entire career, culminating in As the turf industry progressed it was council worked with two existing private consultancy for ECB, The National Playing obvious to me that proper standards for companies with varied success; then ap- Fields Association and Sport England at the way pitches performed needed to pointed a single company that was set the National Sports Centres; one thing I be in place. When we started in 1981 we up for this purpose – Notts Sport – which learnt early on in my career is that you’ve only had standards for ball bounce and later purchased the designs and patents got to delegate with clear instructions pace across the surface. We ended with from the council. on what standard of performance in task standards for 26 other pitch characteris- These companies could see the poten- you expect, rather than try to do every- tics when I retired in 2008. tial for selling these surfaces across the thing yourself. sports sector. In fact my former deputy And of course you need to get the best What characteristics did county playing fields officer still installs team possible around you to achieve best synthetic turf offer? these systems for Nottinghamshire results. You get out what you put in – as Basically in Cricket it provided a slower County Council today. with all relationships! L Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 63 TOUCH THE FUTURE Introducing Discover. New technology that allows users to change up their routine at the swipe of a finger. Move from laps to e-mails to movies in seconds. This innovation in cardio training will keep them energized, motivated and up-to-date with their life online. CHOOSE YOUR OWN GO. Touch the future at 01353 666017 WWW.LIFEFITNESS.COM/FUTURE ©2012 Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corporation. All rights reserved. Life Fitness is a trademark of Brunswick Corporation. SOFTWARE SMOOTH OPERATOR Abigail Harris takes a look at software that’s transforming the way leisure facilities function – from reducing staffing costs to saving the environment PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM echnology has become so in- grained in our everyday lives that we no longer marvel at its capabilities, we simply take for T Today’s members tend to be more at ease dealing with technology granted the software specialists who de- velop clever programmes that mean we can pause and rewind live TV, talk face-to- face with someone in Australia for free, TIME’S UP, LIGHTS OUT 10 years ago, they were confident it and swipe through a leisure centre recep- At Gladstone Health and Leisure, a team would help with day-to-day energy tion area without saying hello to a soul. of 22 experts work in research and de- saving. However, little did they realise Nevertheless, the capacities that are velopment to enable leisure operators to the true impact it would have on the coming through nowadays are fun- run their businesses more efficiently. business’ bottom line. damentally changing the way leisure When sportscotland’s National Centre The facility provides a centre of excel- centres do business. This feature looks Inverclyde began using Gladstone Health lence for top sports people, national at two recent innovations. and Leisure’s Energy Manager software squads and governing bodies, as well as the general public. Its impressive set-up includes outdoor football and hockey pitches; tennis courts and golf; as well as an indoor gymnastics hall; badminton, basketball and squash courts; a fitness suite; studios; a sports injury clinic and a human performance lab. Gladstone’s Energy Manager works by integrating the bookings management system with the electrical supply to auto- matically switch on and off utilities such as lighting, heating and air conditioning before an activity is due to begin and when a booking ends, reducing energy consumption and minimising light pollu- tion from outdoor facilities. At sportscotland’s National Centre it’s also used to control the sauna, which has relatively low usage. The sauna can be Facility managers can better control the length of a pitch booking via automated lights PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM left switched off, saving money, without Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 65 SOFTWARE Budget operator Fresh Fitness uses “But it wasn’t until the software was wrist bands (left) that allow for installed that we realised there would cashless payments in the clubs be other, far-reaching benefits.” These include a significant fall in unpaid use, Gladstone’s software links a tangible saving of staff time and, leisure bookings with energy staff needing to remember to turn it on perhaps more surprisingly, a drop in anti- supply to cut costs 30 minutes before each booking to warm social behaviour. it up for customers. “The outdoor pitches are 500 yards As a result of implementing Glad- away behind trees, and previously our health of our customers but also to the stone’s system, the National Centre staff had to spend time checking people environment. We aim to cost-effectively reduced its lighting costs alone by 12 per left the pitches and courts when their al- deliver high-quality services to customers cent – around 300 fewer hours of light- lotted time was up,” continues Walker. with minimum environmental impact.” ing every month. “People will continue to play all the time Serco’s leisure centres are faced with a Helen Walker, admin and business de- the lights are on, but now we can con- number of variables that contribute to in- velopment manager at the facility, says: trol the length of time they stay as five creased or reduced energy consumption “Our initial sign-up was all to do with minutes after a booking ends, the lights each day, from visitor numbers and ex- energy saving, as so many people forgot automatically go off. treme weather conditions to equipment to turn the lights off at night. Without a “The software programme also saves failure or the successful implementation doubt the software has reduced wastage us from confrontation, particularly with of energy reduction initiatives. Serco and costs and has helped to demonstrate youths who often used to hang around therefore needed a system that could our commitment to be an environmen- the pitches. Now, if there are no book- track and monitor the impact of these tally-friendly facility. ings, the facility is in darkness, so we factors in real time, in an automated and don’t have kids hanging out or people user-friendly manner. The energy system taking advantage of a game for free, also needed to offer real-time alerts of where in the past we had to come out any unusual performance data to allow and ask them to pay.” swift intervention. Using VISION Server, integrated with CUTTING CARBON FOOTPRINTS the Legend Club Management CRM sys- Serco Leisure has reduced its carbon foot- tem, Serco Leisure has been able to draw print by 29 per cent across its 70 leisure data from multiple, disparate sources centres using Legend’s VISION Server En- into a central carbon management data- ergy Management Software Solution. base and provide real-time insight in to Since prototyping and installing the the causes of variations in energy con- solution three years ago, Serco Leisure sumption within a leisure facility. has been able to monitor, benchmark Serco uses the software to set bench- and actively manage its daily energy con- marks for facilities’ utility consumption, sumption, and is aiming for a further 5 tracking progress against goals and using per cent reduction during 2012. automatic alarms that allow the compa- Keith Thomas, MD of Serco Leisure, ex- ny to respond immediately to potential plains: “We are committed not just to the issues, rather than discovering them months later in a review of utilities bills. Internet deal: DW Sports signed up “The results we have achieved over the with Ez-Runner to offer a five-minute last few years speak for themselves,” con- online membership sign-up tinues Thomas. “Through a combination 66 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Health & Leisure Since prototyping and instaalling the solution three Join@home years ago, Serco Leisure has been able to monitor, benchmark and manage its daily energy consumption 2 L Learn2 of my team’s focus, know-how and tire- allowing the club to process a direct deb- less commitment to reducing our carbon it and take any other payments. footprint and this powerful software so- “We adapted our marketing strategy Contact Manager lution, we have made a significant saving to the online service and are now in-line on our carbon footprint. with all the other businesses cashing “We’ve also achieved annual cost sav- in on the online revolution, targeting Mobile ings of more than £1m by monitoring, prospects 24/7,” says Andrew Forsyth, tracking and benchmarking the way that national membership services manager our leisure centres function in this key at DW Sports. “People really do sign up area of business performance. That is at 3am. We conducted analysis across dif- a significant achievement in itself, but ferent demographics that showed many equally it enables us to be more environ- parents work alternate shifts and unso- TAKING SELF mentally accountable.” ciable hours. “Our in-house sales team also uses the ONLINE SIGN-UP 24/7 online sign-up process to make the whole SERVICE TO A With more than 62 per cent of the Brit- in-club experience that much easier and ish public shopping online, DW Sports quicker. We have a number of kiosks realised it could be missing a trick with its where the sales team can lead the pros- WHOLE NEW traditional member sign-up process. So in pect through the sign-up process, walk 2008, the chain partnered with Ez-Run- over to reception, take a photo, issue a ner to create a virtual 24/7 sales team, membership card and take them straight LEVEL... offering an easy and effective five-min- into the gym.” ute online membership sign-up process, DW Sports has also used online sign-up and now a massive 98 per cent of its to successfully promote new site open- memberships join online. ings and conduct pre-sales – an 80 per Ez-Runner’s software allows the cus- cent of the membership target signed up tomer to sign a PAR-Q and agree to the before the opening of the last site thanks terms and conditions online, as well as to this online option. L www.gladstonemrm.com Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 01491 201010 PLAY BUILDING IMAGINATIONS A new book – Learn for Life, New Architecture for New Learning – explores learning spaces that are pushing the boundaries of architecture. We take a look at some of the inspiring playgrounds featured PHOTO: IMAGINATION PLAYGROUND BY ROCKWELL GROUP FROM LEARN FOR LIFE ©GESTALTEN 2012 IMAGINATION PLAYGROUND LOCATION: New York, USA ARCHITECT: Rockwell Group The result of seven years of research, development, focus groups and test- ing, Imagination Playground stands as a breakthrough play-space concept that encourages child-directed, unstructured free play. With a focus on small, individ- ual parts, this project offers a changing array of elements that allow children to constantly reconfigure their environment and design their own course of play. This provides a flexible environment for imaginative activities through multi-level spaces with large sand and water fea- tures and a variety of toys and tools. Elements include cascading water channels, masts and pulleys RASMUS KLUMP LAND LOCATION: Copenhagen, Denmark ARCHITECT: Monstrum Located in the heart of Copenhagen in Tivoli, this play space takes its formal approach from the adventure stories of a Danish comic strip. The playground incorporates numerous water elements, maritime themes, and a large whale, around which many challenges and ac- tivities await. From rock hopping to rope climbing, the playground offers excite- ment for toddlers through to adolescents. The playground is based on a story in which Rasmus Klump and his friends sail their ship 68 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 BASE CAMP LOCATION: Strand, Norway ARCHITECTS: Helen & Hard Base Camp introduces 12- to 15-year-old children to outdoor and camping ac- tivities through a dynamic architectural intervention. Comprised of interactive, nomadic structures, this project encour- ages children to play, learn and explore. Tree Camp consists of six cocoons hung around living trees, providing shelter for camping children. Four cocoons are con- nected by a hanging bridge, which leads into a larger pod where children can Camping and meet and prepare food. outdoor activities In Mountain Wall, children sleep inside from a higher a steel structure attached to a steep rock, vantage point while Water Camp houses children in hammocks on a covered quay. GEOPARK LOCATION: Stavanger, Norway ARCHITECTS: Helen & Hard Situated in the heart of Norway’s oil in- dustry, Geopark combines the expertise and material resources of the offshore rigs with sustainable urban develop- ment. The park provides a playful urban space on the waterfront, utilising a vacant forecourt adjacent to the Oil Mu- seum. This multipurpose geo-landscape accommodates biking, skating, climb- ing, exhibitions, concerts, sports and relaxation. Constructed out of recycled elements from petroleum installations, abandoned oil platforms, off-shore bas- es, and scrap heaps, Geopark transforms the formerly abandoned site into a bus- tling social meeting point. This feature was recently publishedhed in Sport Management’s sister magazine – Leisure ManagementMaa PHOTOS: GEOPARK BY HELEN & HARD FROM LEARN FOR LIFE©GESTALTEN 2012 BY HELEN & HARD FROM LEARN FOR LIFE©GESTALTEN PHOTOS: GEOPARK The geo-landscape is constructed out of recycled elements from Norway’s oil industry Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 69 4HE LATEST NEWS AND VIEWS FROM 3!0#! 0ETER 'RIMSHAW APPOINTED TO TRAINING ROLE Peter Grimshaw has been appointed as chair of benefit in helping to create a new culture of the sports and play construction industry’s edu- training in the industry.” cational charity, the Sports and Play Foundation, SAPCA has already established an effective through which he will play a leading role in the partnership with South & City College Birming- development and promotion of new training and ham, with the college’s construction campus in qualifications for the industry’s workforce. Bordesley Green having been designated by SAP- Peter said: “A highly-skilled workforce is es- CA as its National Training Centre. The facility is sential to the delivery of high quality sports and one of Europe’s largest developments dedicated play facilities. If the sports and play construction to training and education in construction and industry is to continue to improve the standard building services, and the partnership between of its products it is vital that front line operatives SAPCA and the College will remain at the centre have an understanding of the critical elements of of the industry’s new plans. a project, and how and why they work.” South & City College Birmingham was instru- Peter is certainly well qualified for the role. mental in working with SAPCA, awarding body Having first trained in engineering design and Edexcel and sector skills council SkillsActive in construction in the County Surveyor’s depart- introducing a level 2 national vocational qualifica- ment of a large local authority he then worked 0ETER 'RIMSHAW IS THE NEW CHAIR tion (NVQ) for site operatives specialising in the for a national construction company. Peter has installation of sports and play surfaces. To date since had over 40 years’ experience specialising procure, construct and operate a successful com- some 300 candidates have achieved the qualifica- in sports and play facility construction through munity sports hub within the school grounds. tion. Plans are now being developed to deliver his family business, now known as the Grimshaw SAPCA chief executive Chris Trickey wel- the newly-created qualification at level 3 and to Group, which has won various accolades for its comed Peter’s appointment and commented: establish a range of training courses to provide training and appren- the essential under- ticeship schemes. pinning knowledge Peter also has valu- for the industry. able experience as 4(% $%6%,/0-%.4 /& !. %$5#!4)/.!, 0,!. In his new role as a client. As Chair of 7),, 2!)3% 34!.$!2$3 !#2/33 4(% ).$53429 chair of the Sports Governors of a suc- and Play Foundation, cessful comprehensive Peter Grimshaw will school, for the past 12 oversee the imple- years he has had responsibility for maintaining “The development of a comprehensive edu- mentation of the new qualification and training and developing its premises and facilities. He re- cational plan is a key part of the Association’s courses, and help to raise the funding that cently led the school’s involvement in a £1.2m programme to raise standards across the in- will be needed to develop the programme in joint venture with the local town council to dustry. Peter’s vast experience will be of great the future. 3!0#! TO LEAD 5+ EXPORTERS AT &3" As the Accredited Trade Organisation (ATO) for the UK’s sports construction industry, SAPCA will lead a group of UK companies who will exhibit at the FSB international trade fair in Cologne, Germany, taking place on 22-25 October 2013. Through SAPCA, eligible UK companies will be able to apply for financial assistance from UK Trade & Investment, to support their presence at the show. For more information interested companies should contact SAPCA’s Events & IT Manager, Ian Beswick, on +44 (0)24 7641 6316 or [email protected] -ORE THAN 5+ COMPANIES EXHIBITED AT THE &3" SHOW IN 70 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 ,OOKING FOR A SUPPLIER )NTERESTED IN BECOMING A 3!0#! MEMBER 4EL o WWWSAPCAORGUK 5+4) #ONFERENCE TO BOOST BUSINESS LEGACY SAPCA is actively supporting UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI) Global Sports Projects Con- ference, which takes place on 30-31 January 2013 at the BIS Conference Centre in London. From the construction of the facilities through to the delivery of the event, all aspects of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games were praised as the greatest Games ever. Admi- ration and respect for UK know-how, innovation and capability to deliver major projects and events is high and the UK is being encouraged to take advantage of this window of opportunity. UKTI is a key stakeholder, supporting the gov- ernment’s objective to deliver a lasting business legacy from hosting the London 2012 Games. With the UK riding the crest of a wave, UKTI is asking British businesses to consider expanding into international markets – particularly those that are hosting major sports events or invest- ing in major sports infrastructure. On 30-31 January 2013 UKTI will host a ma- 5+4) IS A KEY STAKEHOLDER IN BUILDING A LEGACY FROM HOSTING THE 'AMES jor Global Sports Projects Conference aimed at helping UK companies take this step and gener- s ‘Lessons learned’ from a number of UK already working on the delivery of major in- ate sales in international markets. companies on the reality of delivering major ternational sports events. The conference will provide the following projects overseas; This free-to-attend event is not just for compa- opportunities to delegates. s Receive face-to-face advice from UKTI com- nies that delivered London 2012 – it will support s Hear from government on the support and mercial officers from the host countries/cities all UK companies which have the capability and advice available for both experienced and in- of the next six mega sports events; desire to win business around international ma- experienced exporters; s Presentations from key international jor sports events or sports facility investment s Case-studies from UK companies which have stakeholders delivering forthcoming mega programmes. developed successful export strategies – from events; For further details please contact Parminder SMEs to large companies; s Network with UK companies which are Sunda at [email protected] 3!0#! SHOW A SUCCESS More than 300 people visited the impressive Lee Valley Athletics Centre in north London last month, to attend SAPCA’s Sports Facil- ity Show. A full programme of seminars and workshops was chaired by David Moorcroft, OBE, who opened the event with an insight into the planned delivery of the post-London 2012 sporting legacy. A wide range of topics was covered, all designed to assist grassroots sports venues in developing their facilities, from sources of project funding and the selection of surfaces through to project management and on-going maintenance and service. Copies of all the presentations from the event are available to view in the Techni- cal Guidance section of the SAPCA website: www.sapca.org.uk. 3!0#!lS ,EE 6ALLEY MEETING ATTRACTED MORE THAN DELEGATES Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 71 4HE LATEST NEWS AND VIEWS FROM 3!0#! Don Earley of Fields in Trust discusses the conflicting actions of the government towards PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Britain’s playing fields ! 45' /& 7!2 ince its formation as the National have been seen by many to threaten the sanctity local education authorities. As such, Section 77 Playing Fields Association in 1925, of the green belt and relegate open space pro- of the School Standards and Framework Act, Fields in Trust (FIT) has been involved vision and protection to the second division of brought in by the previous Labour government S planning priorities. It was with some considerable in the protection and improvement to halt the landslide of playing field disposals, of playing fields, play areas and other forms of relief that the published version was sympa- will no longer bind them. open space. In its first 85 years of existence, thetically improved in this respect, though in The guidance and independent scrutiny that FIT took legal responsibility, and hence guard- September 2012 both David Cameron and applies to publicly funded LEA-maintained ianship, of more than 1,334 sites throughout George Osborne were once again stressing schools does not apply to publicly-funded acad- the United Kingdom, thereby protecting their the need for more housing and asserting that emies, for which there is general guidance on long-term future. However, fearing that unless it was desirable to make it easier to build on disposal of land but no specific guidance on the we protect Britain’s playing fields they will be the green belt. In addition, the government has disposal of playing fields. lost forever, FIT has seen a further 1464 sites become nominated for protection in the last 'OVERNMENT ROLE three years alone. But all is not yet lost and organisations like Fields This enormous increase is entirely a result in Trust are calling on government to: $/%3 4(% '/6%2.-%.4 of The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, a s Bolster guidance celebratory and legacy programme protect- (!6% 4(% 7),, 4/ 3500/24 s Bring academies under the wing of effective ing facilities for future generations in honour protection, including independent expert of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubi- 30/24 !.$ (%!,4(9 scrutiny by the School Playing Fields lee and the London Olympic and Paralympic 2%#2%!4)/. ). 3#(//,3 Advisory Panel Games of 2012. Public support and recognition s Make the whole process more transparent, for this programme represents not only great publicising recommendations made by the appreciation of Her Majesty’s contribution to Department’s independent panel and the the life of the nation and the great sporting also managed to trip itself up on the issue of decisions made by departmental ministers events of 2012, but also recognition of the sport and schools, with a proposed reduction in where the Panel’s recommendations are importance of protecting our open spaces and the funding for School Sports Partnerships and rejected, and the reasons for both the rec- the benefits they bring to sport and competi- the publication of incorrect data in response to ommendations and rejections tion, health, the environment and community Freedom of Information requests relating to the The questions are simple: does the gov- cohesion. Concerns about contradictions number of school playing fields being sold off. ernment have the will to support sport and in government policy however, have been Whilst the Government claims that playing healthy recreation in schools? Will school play- expressed by many. fields are better protected than ever before, it ing fields be protected where they are needed? is amending its standards so that school sports Or will they fall under the axe during this pe- #ASH FOR PLAY facility provision, which is dependent upon the riod of austerity? If it’s a tug of war, let’s hope On a positive note, the government’s People number on the school roll, will no longer be that playing fields are on the winning side! Places Play initiative has promised £135m to- mandatory. In addition, the number of acad- Earley is deputy CEO of Fields in Trust. To wards creating iconic and inspired sports facilities emies in the secondary school sector has risen see his full seminar (Planning Policy – A Threat and protecting playing fields. Yet, proposals un- so sharply that over 50 per cent of all such to Outdoor Sports Facilities?) visit SAPCA’s der the draft National Planning Policy Framework schools will soon be academies, independent of technical guidance page at www.sapca.org.uk. 72 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Team tactics: Lesson 1 Make sure that the contractors you use are members of SAPCA. Ensuring that any contractors you use are members of The Sports and Play Construction Association gives total peace of mind. SAPCA represents specialist constructors, manufacturers and suppliers of sports and play surfaces and related products and plays an important role in the promotion of high standards for sports and play facilities. t: 024 7641 6316 e: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk The Sports and Play Construction Association | Federation House | Stoneleigh Park | Warwickshire | CV8 2RF 4HE LATEST NEWS AND VIEWS FROM 3!0#! -!$% ). "2)4!). ondon 2012 delivered the greatest show on earth. And whilst the glory L went to the athletes, the volunteers and the organisers, without the sta- diums, arenas, pools and pitches there would have been no Games. We asked David Moorcroft OBE how the British sports construction industry – those companies that are involved in designing, building, testing and delivering sports and play facilities – can capitalise on the success of the Games. David, as well as being a 5,000m world-record holder, was formerly chief ex- $AVID -OORCROFT ANSWERS QUESTIONS ON THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ecutive of UK Athletics and has, most recently, chaired the West Midlands’ Nations & Regions made, the majority used a plethora along with SAPCA, is currently looking into a Group, an organisation set up to lead and of UK-based suppliers. The Olympic Stadium programme of activity to do just this. British drive 2012 activity in the region. He also sits alone, for example, used over 240 companies companies just need to seize the opportunities. on the Board of SAPCA, the UK trade as- in its construction. sociation that represents sports and play 4HERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK OF construction companies. 7HAT OPPORTUNITIES SECURING A LASTING SPORTING DOES THIS PROVIDE LEGACY (OW DOES THIS APPLY 7HAT ROLE DID "RITISH SPORTS British-built sports facilities have long been TO SPORTS FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES praised but London 2012 enabled us to show- Top athletes, sadly, very rarely mention or HAVE IN ,ONDON case to the world what we are capable of. It credit sports facilities with having a role in Britain leads the world in many respects and has given us the potential to enhance exports their success. I wonder if there is an opportu- whilst not all facilities used for Olympic and for those British companies involved in sports nity to align talent more with the quality of the Paralympic events were completely British- and play construction. UK Trade & Investment, facilities they use and to link the two aspects publicly. The government obviously agrees as it has committed to continuing to fund elite sport and to providing world-class sports facilities to 4(% #(!,,%.'% &/2 #/-0!.)%3 )3 4/ "% )../6!4)6% !.$ support them as part of its post-London 2012 sporting legacy. #2%!4)6% ). (/7 4(%9 7/2+ 7)4( &!#),)49 $%6%,/0%23 One thing is for sure – if we haven’t got sports facilities we haven’t got sport! This applies at every level and it is crucial that community facilities are also developed and enhanced. Whatever sport they are in, most athletes started by going along to a local facility or club. 7HAT DO YOU SUGGEST The government, through its Places People Play initiative, has invested in 12 large-scale multi- sports facilities and is upgrading community sports facilities as well as enabling schools to open up their facilities to the local communi- ties. But when times are tough sport is often an area that gets cut. The challenge for compa- nies that provide sports facilities is to be more innovative and creative in how they work with the facility developers and funders – to develop partnerships that work with local schools, clubs and community groups to create facilities 4HE 0LACES 0EOPLE 0LAY INITIATIVE HAS CREATED MANY MORE MULTI SPORT FACILITIES PHOTO COURTESY OF WICKSTEED that can be used by and shared by all. 74 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 The Sports and Play Construction the industry, in order to provide the from tennis courts and sports pitches Association, SAPCA, is the high quality facilities necessary for to playgrounds and sports halls. recognised trade organisation for the the success of British sport. SAPCA also represents manufacturers sports and play facility construction SAPCA represents a wide range of and suppliers of related products, industry in the UK. SAPCA fosters specialist constructors of natural and and independent consultants that excellence, professionalism and synthetic sports surfaces, including offer professional advice on the continuous improvement throughout both outdoor and indoor facilities, development of projects. PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS KEY Construction, Design & Charles Lawrence Tennis Courts A Tennis Courts 4 Allen Avenue, Quorn, Loughborough, Surfacing of all Sports Facilities. Leicester LE12 8TR Telephone: 0844 448 4370 B Synthetic Pitches Fax: 0844 448 4371 Tel: 01509 563212 email: [email protected] Fax: 01509 561325 C Athletics Tracks Web: www.ambsports.com email: [email protected] D Multi Sports A D A B C D I J K N O P A D I J K P E Natural Sportsturf F Play Surfaces Honours Yard, Lodge Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP84AJ To book your advertisement tel: +44(0)1636 615866 T: 01494 766673 F: 01494 766674 in the SAPCA directory call E: [email protected] John on www.charleslawrencesurfaces.co.uk www.thechilterngroup.co.uk +44 (0)1202 742968 A B C D O Q A D I J K O Q S A D J K P DURA-SPORT LTD Unit C2, Chartwell Point, Chartwell Drive Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 2FT T. 0116 281 3200 F. 0116 281 3202 Design, Build & Maintain the Finest E. [email protected] Tennis Courts & Sports Surfaces Tel: (0116) 246 0500 Fax: (0116) 246 1561 Specialist Installers 01621 85 86 86 Email: [email protected] of Synthetic Surfacing for Sport & Play www.etcsports.co.uk www.fossecontracts.co.uk A B D F A B D A D I J K O P S A B C D To book your advertisement in the SAPCA construction maintenance equipment directory call John on St. Peter’s Works, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham GL51 9AL Tel: 01242 513251 Fax: 01242 226396 +44 (0)1202 742968 www.grimshawgroup.co.uk A D E F I J K O Q B D E Q Hunter Construction (Aberdeen) Ltd, Unit 32, Clwyd Close, Centaur House, Hawarden Industrial Est, Thainstone Manor Lane, Hawarden, CH5 3PZ, Business Park, Inverurie T: 01244 533184 Hanslope, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK19 7BX, AB51 5GT F: 01244 533184 POLYTAN SPORTS SURFACES LIMITED Tel: 01908 510414 / 511155 Fax: 01908 511056 E: [email protected] Phone: 0845 224 1416 Fax: 0845 224 1617 Tel: 01467 627290 Fax: 01467 625791 Email: [email protected], Email: [email protected] E-mail:[email protected] www.landunitconstruction.co.uk www.plattconstruction.co.uk www.polytansports.co.uk B D E A D J K P Q B C D O Newbury Berkshire t: 01635 34521 The Sports and Play Construction Association www.sandcslatter.com [email protected] can be contacted on: 024 7641 6316 SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT FOR: L Multi-Sport Facilities Email: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk L Cricket Facilities L Play and Educational Facilities D F Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 75 ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS KEY Abacus Lighting Limited G Adhesives Sutton in Ashfield ARTIFICIAL GRASS B&L Fencing Services Ltd Nottinghamshire, NG17 5FT MAINTENANCE Phone: 01527 882101 H Aggregate Producers www.abacuslighting.com www.artificialgrassmaintenance.co.uk Fax: 01527 882123 Tel: 01623 511111 I Equipment Suppliers Fax: 01623 552133 Tel: 01354 65 44 22 www.blfencing.co.uk Email: [email protected] specialist sports surface maintenance Fencing Specialists to the Sports Industry J Fencing Systems K S S J K Floodlighting L Indoor Structures M Paint Manufacturers Bridome Ltd, The Courtyard, Wisley, Surrey GU23 6QL N Screening/Windbreaks Tel +44 (0)1932 350365 Fax +44 (0)1932 350375 !"# ! $%&'(')* www bonaryarns.com e. [email protected] www.bridome.co.uk '%&'(')* O Sports Surface Suppliers O L M P P Surface painting/Line Marking Q Civil Engineers & Sports flooring · Sports surfaces Sports Lighting Specialists Groundworks www.cuphosco.com Tracks for champions R Irrigation & Pumping Design . Manufacture . Install . Maintain www.berleburger.com Tel: 01920 860600 Tel: 01422 200 143 Fax: 01920 485915 S Maintenance Email: [email protected] Tel: 0800 9886370 www.collinson.co.uk Email: [email protected] O L K Fabrieksstraat 13, 8281 BW Genemuiden, To book your advertisement The Netherlands. in the SAPCA directory call Unit 2, Swanston Steadings, 109 Swanston Road, Edinburgh, EH10 7DS T: +31 (0)38 425 00 50 F: +31 (0)38 425 00 51 SUPPLIERS OF ADHESIVES FOR ALL APPLICATIONS Tel: 0131 629 0437 E: [email protected] IN THE SPORTS SURFACE INDUSTRY John on Email: [email protected] Tel: 01889 271751 Fax: 01889 271161 www.edelgrass.com www.envirostik.com Email: [email protected] +44 (0)1202 742968 www.fieldturf.com O G O . $$ GEZOLAN AG T: +41 748 3040 % "$ '&*( *+# ! (-'( '% Switzerland email: ")"* ,,,! (-'( '+# www.gezolan.ch [email protected] O O I O P I " !#$ High quality sports posts, ! $ nets and tennis court equipment $ T: 0121 783 0312 "$"$ www.markharrod.comwww.maww maarkharrod.com F: 0121 786 2472 E: [email protected] Products for Sport www.hexasports.co.uk $$$$$ $ " I I J K Sports Facility Construction: Exhibitions & Seminars SAPCA regional exhibitions featuring the leading constructors of sports facilities and suppliers of related products and services, together with seminars on key aspects of sports facility design and construction. FOR FUTURE EXHIBITIONS AND SEMINARS Tel: 024 7641 6316 or Email: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk 76 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS Murfitts Industries Limited Station Road, Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9AD Temporary Tel: 01842 860220 Fax: 01842 863300 buildings Email: [email protected] www.mri-polytech.com www.neptunus.co.uk O O L O SPORTS PITCH www.playrite.co.uk CONCEPT TO CONSTRUCTION www.nottssport.com E. [email protected] Tel: 01926 423918 T. 01773 838000 T: +44 [0] 1455 883 730 www.obriencontractors.co.uk www.re-bounce.com O Q O O REPLAY Maintenance Ltd Wesley House, Whittle Close, Newark, NG24 2DY Support in Sport (UK) Ltd Market leaders in the manufacture, design and construction 01636 640506 GG of sports fields and training complexes [email protected] Tel: 01900 817837 Fax: 01900 817605 Taking Care of Britain’s :CV %]]Q` 1J ]Q` 8HQI email: sales@supportin sport.com Sports Surfaces. www.supportinsport.com I P S L O B D E J K O P Q R S 280 Watford Road, Surfaces and St Albans, Herts, AL2 3DN equipment for sport, play and leisure. Specialists in Tennis Courts and Wood, PVC and Linoleum Flooring Solutions for Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA’s) Multiuse, Multisport or Specialist Sports Applications Tel: 01727 730707 Tel: 01858 545789 0800 3891490 For more information call 01892 752306 [email protected] Fax: 01858 545890 www.norsemanstructures.com email [email protected] www.sportscourts.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] www.tarkett-sports.com/english A J N P S I O L O Thorn Lighting Limited Get it right the first time, use British Sugar TOPSOIL Durhamgate Spennymoor Co. Durham DL16 6HL Sports Synthetics sports pitch mainenance experts Buildings tel:// 08702 400 700 fax:// 08702 400 701 Tel: 01388 420042 Fax: 01388 420156 +44 1724 710 681 | [email protected] email:// [email protected] Email: [email protected] web:// www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk www.thornlighting.co.uk Tel: 0870 2402314 www.bstopsoil.co.uk www.veldemangroup.com S K O L Wright & Maclennan Ltd Camps Industrial Estate PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Kirknewton, Midlothian, EH27 8DF T: 01506 881486 F: 01506 883669 Cleaning, marking and lining of sports surfaces E: [email protected] Tel: 01342 311155 Fax: 01342 311156 www.white-line-services.com www.wrightandmaclennan.co.uk t: 01403 259400 I P S J e: [email protected] www.sportsconsultancy.net To book your advertisement in the To book your advertisement in the SAPCA directory call SAPCA directory call John on John on Tel: 01536 400012 Fax: 01536 401953 Email: [email protected] +44 (0)1202 742968 +44 (0)1202 742968 www.surfacingstandards.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 Sports Management is published each quarter by The Leisure Media Company Limited, Portmill House, Portmill Lane, ,OOKING FOR A SUPPLIER Hitchin, Herts SG5 1DJ, UK and is distributed in the USA by SPP, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. Periodicals postage paid @ Manchester, PA. POSTMASTER. Send US address changes to Sports Management, c/o PO )NTERESTED IN BECOMING Box 437, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. The views expressed in print are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher The Leisure A 3!0#! MEMBER 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 2012 ISSN 1479/9146 4EL o WWWSAPCAORGUK Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 77 Product round-up sport-kit.net the search engine for leisure buyers Wherever you are in the world, fi nd the right products and services 24 / 7 Exponential-e network by logging on to Sports connects Fulham FC sites Management’s free search Specialist network provider Exponential- engine www.sport-kit.net e put together and installed a three site WAN system for Fulham Football Club. The system connects the Craven Core PD pilots Poolpod Cottage Fulham FC stadium with its for wheelchair users Motspur Park training facilities and is designed to provide a strong and reli- Core PD is piloting the Poolpod fol- able internet connection. The club now lowing its first installation in East has plans to use applications such as London as part of the Olympic and VMware, Guest Wi-Fi and IP CCTV. Paralympic Games legacy. The machine is designed to provide sport-kit.net KEYWORD dignified and independent access exponential for wheelchair users as well as for groups of people who do not use wheelchairs but need an alternative to a ladder. The Poolpod incorpo- rates a universal-use platform lift which pivots to lower into the pool. The lift is stowed on the side of the sport-kit.net KEYWORDS pool when not in use. core pd Aerofl oor by SAQ is ‘made for everyone’ SAQ International has launched the Aerofloor rehabilitation and athletic training surface. The platform has been Osram to light up World Cup opening 2014 designed as a workout tool for all ages and abilities. It has been supplied to Lighting expert Osram, owned by will serve as an extra-large screen. football clubs, including Manchester Siemens, is equipping the Arena Cor- Osram, the Munich-based light man- United and Manchester City, some inthians in São Paulo, Brazil, which ufacturer, also provided light solutions rugby teams, including Wales, and will host the opening match of the at the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South cricket clubs. Blackpool and Scotland Football World Championships in Africa and the UEFA European Cham- goalkeeper, Matt Gilks, tried it out at 2014, with energy-efficient lighting pionships 2012 in Poland and the Mick Clegg’s Olympic Sports Gym. technology. The stadium’s highlight is Ukraine. set to be the external façade, which sport-kit.net KEYWORD will be transformed into the world’s sport-kit.net KEYWORDS saq biggest LED stadium panel and osram 78 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 log on to www.sport-kit.net and type the company name under ‘keyword search’ Tigerturf’s new 60 XQ is for rugby and football Total Turf 60 XQ is the latest product in the TigerTurf range that has been created for football and rugby uses. The Total Turf 60 XQ pile is 60mm high and has a vertical memory built into the blade so that the grass remains upright. The polymer fibre XQ yarn is designed for durability and comes in Summer structures by GL a two-tone green for a realistic grass effect. It’s been developed to conform Temporary structure providers GL to safety and performance standards Events Owen Brown completed a sport-kit.net KEYWORD within the industry so that it is suitable number of structure projects at sports tigerturf for all levels of skill and ability. events across the UK this summer, including the London 2012 Olympics. Russia’s Sochi Park was a 7,700sq m Hire Space site signing up London sports venues project with two temporary structures used to showcase Sochi, the host Hire Space is registering venues and city for the Winter Olympics in 2014. sports facilities across London for a Attractions inside included an ice show, free online social booking network. music and dance performances and a The soon-to-launch Hire Space site is designed to help website users plan sport-kit.net KEYWORDS and book their sporting involvement gl events easily, acting as a hub for venue hire. Independent, chain and local author- ity venues freely listed on the site can use it as an online booking manage- ment system. The public will be able to view availability online and book spaces at any time of day after the site sport-kit.net KEYWORDS launches later this year. hire space New Sport Elite powdered formulations Fieldturf to replace four Lucozade Sport has developed two FC Barcelona pitches new sports drinks for athletes. Luco- zade Sport Elite Performance Fuel FieldTurf and its subsidiary company, powdered formulation contains two Poligras Iberica, is providing turf parts glucose to one part fructose as football pitches at the FC Barcelona a dual carbohydrate system. It also training ground. The artificial turf will has a combination of five electro- replace the ten-year-old surfaces on all lytes including additional magnesium. four pitches at the club’s Joan Gamper Lucozade Sport Elite Electrolyte Plus training complex. The product uses powdered formulation contains a fibres surrounded by a mixture of silica combination of carbohydrate and sand and cryogenic rubber infill material, protein with a high electrolyte mix. designed to offer safety, durability and Lucozade Sport Elite Performance surface permeability. Fuel is available in orange flavour and sport-kit.net KEYWORD Electrolyte Plus in raspberry flavour. A sport-kit.net KEYWORD lucozade ready-to-drink version will follow soon. fieldturf Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 79 SPORTS MANAGEMENT DIRECTORY construction & surfacing fencing manufacturers indoor/outdoor surface line Indoor sports halls/temporary of sports facilities and supplier marking & maintenance or non - traditional structures Cleaning, lining and resurfacing of sports surfaces The best in sports Tel: 0845 058 0644 facilities & surfaces Fax: 0845 862 2640 Email: [email protected] Call 0844 448 4370 www.white-line-services.com 01608 678238 www.ambsports.com [email protected] www.duralock.com to book your advert in the consultants SPORTS MANAGEMENT DIRECTORY Practice Made Perfect Interior " " " " " Call John now on Tel: 0800 3891490 Solutions +44 (0)1202 742968 INTERIOR DESIGN & PROJECT MANAGEMENT lockers/changing rooms RECEPTIONS LOUNGES CAFES BARS " " " "" !" "!" www.norsemanstructures.com Tel: 01730 237100 CAINE GROVE FIVE OAK LANE STAPLEHURST KENT TN12 0HT TEL; 01580 890123 FAX: 01580 893626 www.interior-solutions.co.uk [email protected] CONTACT: ROY ROBERTS Temporary buildings FITLOCKERS Quality Affordable Timber Lockers T: 01923 770435 sales@fi tlockers.co.uk www.fi tlockers.co.uk www.neptunus.co.uk Contact us for a FREE technical design and specification lockers/changing rooms service or a FREE brochure. Tel: 01902 796699 [email protected] www.zaun.co.uk G>9<:L6N;JGC>IJG: exercise equipment 8=6C<>C<HDAJI>DCHIDHJ>I:K:GN7J9<:I indoor flooring UÊÃÌ>>ÌÊEÊ,ivÕÀLÃ iÌ UÊ->`}ÊEÊ-i>}Ê UÊ,i«>ÀÊÊUÊ i>}Ê UÊ >Ìi>ViÊ*À}À>ÃÊ UÊ iÊ >À} UÊiiÀ>Ê i>}ÊEÊÊ ÊÊ >Ìi>ViÊ*À`ÕVÌÃ Tel: 01477 544 149 IZa/%-,%)'%,-&- Email: [email protected] :bV^a/hVaZh5g^Y\ZlVn[b#Xdb lll#g^Y\ZlVn[b#Xdb www.franciscoatings.co.uk 80 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 sales & marketing sports equipment suppliers sports surface maintenance & manufacturers The leading manufacturer of netting, posts & sports ground equipment Tel 01502 583515 www.harrod.uk.com Taking Care of Britain’s Sports Surfaces. [email protected] www.glyfco.com Products for Sport REPLAY Maintenance Ltd Wesley House, Whittle Close, 01636 640506 www.markharrod.com Newark, NG24 2DY [email protected] www.replaymaintenance.co.uk 01502 710039 sports buildings tennis court construction & sports ground construction maintenance FROM SIMPLISTIC TO Sports FUTURISTIC...WE CAN CREATE THE IDEAL Pitches SPORTS FACILITY FOR YOU Get it right first time Specialists in Tennis Court 0870 240 2314 Construction & Maintenance for Local authorities, Councils, Schools, www.bstopsoil.co.uk Tennis Clubs & the Private Sector 01727 730707 surface coatings www.sportscourts.co.uk www.whitehorsecontractors.co.uk sports lighting ! " # $ $ $$ %$# wet leisure play products !"# ! $%&'(')* Tel: 01623 511111 Fax: 01623 552133 Tel: 08000 830237 www.collinson.co.uk Email: [email protected] Picture courtesy of Cheshire County Sports Club Book your advert on our sports flooring website and be seen by over 33,000 buyers www.abacuslighting.com every month. Interactive Play Sports Lighting Specialists Flume Slides www.cuphosco.com Safety Solutions Plant Equipment and Maintenance Specialist Services Seamless Coatings 0 Design . Manufacture . Install . Maintain Call the Sales Team Today %% to Discuss Your Booking Hippo Leisure Products Ltd, Unit 18, Estover Contact us now for your Road, Estover, Plymouth PL6 7PY & #% ('+) +,$ "!)/() (& Free Lighting Design 01462 431385 #*#+ ---"!)/() (,$ Tel: 01920 860600 Tel: + 44 (0) 1752 771740 Fax: 01920 485915 E: [email protected] , %#+. %,! Email: [email protected] www.sportsmanagement.co.uk W: www.hippoleisure.com Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 81 powered by aZ^hjgZY^Vgn#Xdb DIARY DATES Worldwide events listings for leisure professionals 24-28 NOV 2012 workshops by top-ranking academics Soccerex Global Convention and representatives of international Forte de Copacabana, sports businesses and leisure and tourism Rio de Janeiro, Brazil management. Especially in traditional Following on from a successful three winter sports, many countries face a ADVERTISERS INDEX years in South Africa ahead of the 2010 growing need to integrate citizens with FIFA World Cup, the Soccerex Global a multicultural background into all sports Convention has moved to the spiritual activities in order to ascertain profes- home of football, and host of the 2014 sional continuity. At the same time, the Collinson 57 FIFA World Cup, Brazil. question arises as to whether winter As well as hosting the World Cup, Bra- sports create an awareness for the cur- Cybex 6 zil will also host the 2016 Olympic Games rent issue of diversity and inclusion. The and Soccerex is your platform to engage Kufstein winter programme tackles all Gerfl or 9 with the country’s key decision makers in these issues. both government and business ahead of http://lei.sr?a=p6c0Z these global events. Gladstone 67 www.soccerex.com/events/global/ 03-05 FEB 2013 exhibitor-information/ Spatex 2013 Granwood Flooring 2 Brighton Hilton Metropole 05 DEC 2012 This exhibition for the pool, spa and Hippo Leisure 39 SAPCA Technical Meeting lifestyle sectors is now in its 16th year. It Loughborough University, Leicestershire will include a three-day programme of The third Technical Meeting of the Sports workshops organised by the Institute of Jordan 57 and Play Construction Association’s Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE). (SAPCA) will take place on 5 December 2013 marks the 17th consecutive an- Life Fitness 64 2012 at Holywell Business Park within nual event showcasing the Pool, Spa & Loughborough University. Details of the Lifestyle industry! With swimming pools, Mark Harrod 13 programme are available on the SAPCA spas, hot tubs, saunas, and a host of asso- website. All delegates will receive joining ciated products, SPATEX 2013 is the event New Events Ltd 15 instructions prior to the event. to visit. For more info and to read a show www.sapca.org.uk preview, turn to page 61. www.spatex.co.uk O’Brien Contractors 39 12-13 DEC 2012 The Sports Technology Expo 26-31 MAY 2013 Ridgeway 83 RAI Convention Centre, Sportaccord Convention Amsterdam, Netherlands Lenexpo Exhibition Complex, Rubb Buildings 84 This global sports exhibition and confer- Saint-Petersburg, Russia ence, features a total of six events held The general theme of the 2013 confer- simultaneously at the same venue. ence will be “The State of Our Industry S&P Architects 45 It is anticipated to be the largest – Examining the Health of Sport.” In two exhibition and conference for the sports days of debate and discussion, industry SAPCA 73 industry in 2012. leaders will take the pulse of sport as it www.sportstechnologyexpo.com continues to grow rapidly as a business SAQ 39 and a force in society. 28 JAN 2013 The 11th annual Convention will tackle Spatial Structures 55 SAPCA AGM 2013 the controversial subject of “The Advent Chesford Grange, Kenilworth, of the Blade Runner – Bionic Sport of Warwickshire the Future,” examining how technology Spatex 61 The Sports and Play Construction Associa- and the demand for entertainment will tion’s (SAPCA) Annual General Meeting change the boundaries of sport in the Sports Art 36 for all members. coming decades. As Russia prepares to www.sapca.org.uk host the Winter Olympic Games for the White Line Services 39 fi rst time in 2014, another session will 30 JAN - 2 FEB 2013 put “Sochi in the Spotlight,” and business Fifth Kufstein Winter School for leaders will debate the ongoing chal- Sports Management 2013 lenges of “Sport in the Global Economy.” Fachhochschule Kufstein, Tyrol, Austria More conference topics and exclusive sport-kit.net The Kufstein Winter School for Sports interviews of world fi gures in sport will Management offers an engaging, chal- be announced in the coming weeks. For more information on our advertisers’ lenging programme of lectures and www.sportaccordconvention.com products log on to www.sport-kit.net 82 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2012 © cybertrek 2012 G>9<:L6N;JGC>IJG: 8]Vc\^c\hdaji^dchidhj^iZkZgnWjY\Zi J@76H:9HJEEA>:GHD;/ LddYZcaVb^cViZadX`Zgh lll#g^Y\ZlVn[b#Xdb Id^aZiXjW^XaZh>EHhnhiZbh IZa/%-,%)'%,-&- GZXZei^dcXdjciZgh 6cndi]ZglddYWVhZYegdYjXi :bV^a/hVaZh5g^Y\ZlVn[b#Xdb innovative Fabric Engineered structures From football to gymnastics, athletics, tennis, hockey or basketball, RUBB Buildings can get you under cover quickly and cost effectively. RUBB buildings provide bright, clear span space with materials and engineering that ensure a long trouble free structure life. • Proven durability & high • Complete quality materials environmental control • Modular design • Low life cycle costs • Spans up to 100m • Great customer service by any length • Quicker project • Bright, efficient space cycle times • Superior playing environment • Complete relocatability • Fire safety advantages • Easily extended UK - CERTIFICATE No. 95/6243 we will never stop innovating RUBB BUILDINGS LTD. Dukesway, TVTE, Gateshead, NE11 0QE, England. Email [email protected] Tel: 0191 482 2211 www.rubb.co.uk