www.sportsmanagement.co.uk @Sportsmag Vol 18 issue 4 2014

Growing youth Nigel Walker participation The director of the EIS on Sport England’s new delivering Olympic success insight research revealed

MENTAL HEALTH How sport is making a difference

COPPER BOX

PRINCE HARRY HOSTS THE FIRST INVICTUS GAMES

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EDITOR'S LETTER

SCHOOL SPORT – COULD TRY HARDER

Secondary school sport is in the spotlight, as new research shows memories of cold showers and gung-ho, all-weather schedules put many people off exercise for life. Radical change is needed if “PE” is ever to inspire the lifelong habits needed to get the nation active and healthy

n my mid-teens I went to a new school which turned out The wider sports industry is waking up to the huge impact which to have a tradition of playing tricks on new students. bad school experiences have on sports participation. Our feature Within a couple of days of starting, someone dropped into in this issue (see page 38), delves into a new insight study from I a conversation that there were mixed showers after PE. Sport England, called The challenge of growing youth participation Everyone was in on the ‘joke’ – even some of the teachers. in sport. This in-depth research examined the reasons young I still look back with incredulity that this could have happened, people don’t play sport and found a significant shift is needed if most especially with the knowledge of teaching staff – and bearing we’re to successfully engage young people. in mind this was an unremarkable English state school, not a public There’s often a gulf between attitudes and behaviours – kids may school with a history of punishing initiation ceremonies. say they love sport, but not take part, while others claim not to be I’m not alone in having bad interested, but take part on a more memories of PE at school. For all regular basis because of motivation the wonderful work done by those Selling sport as ‘fun’ to young from friends and family. PE teachers who get it right, school people doesn’t resonate – The negative references to sport is increasingly being identified school sports in the research stand by researchers as the thing which it’s more effective to tap in out. One of the most challenging puts many people off exercise for life. to adult motivations findings is that for many “sport was A new survey from the University last viewed as fun in primary school.” of Birmingham, The Big PE The report says that at secondary Conversation, polled 1,800 people and discovered a quarter of school, “sport starts to be perceived as a more serious pursuit for males and a third of females “never or rarely” enjoyed PE while at those who are ‘good’ at it and this drives a shift towards functional school. The reasons were numerous and included things like being rather than sporting motivation.” Basically, selling sport as fun sent outside in all weathers in short sleeves and embarrassment doesn’t resonate with many young people. about body issues. More than half said school PE didn't help them It recommends tapping in to more adult motivations such as become more physically active in adulthood. demonstrating that taking part in sport delivers something they “We thought it would be fascinating to ask people about their care about, such as “looking good, achieving personal goals, school PE experiences, with a view to shaping the PE lessons supporting a charity or providing a social setting to be with friends”. of the future to encourage sustainable, healthy lifestyles,” said So there’s much to change if ‘PE’ is to become the bedrock of University of Birmingham’s Kathleen Armour, who led the study. adult health we know it could be. We need more awareness of the “When you think about the money invested in our PE curriculum, needs of young people, greater skill in engaging with them and we haven’t done enough to understand how this affects our level in the delivery of experiences which are habit forming and leave of activity as adults. Although there’s a great body of work on how them with the motivation to make it part of their adult lives. investment translates into the performance of elite athletes and Olympic medal tables, this is an opportunity to help us to create Liz Terry, editor more positive, effective PE experiences for every child.” twitter: @elizterry

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 3 WELCOME

INTERVIEW – NIGEL WALKER, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE ENGLISH INSTITUTE OF SPORT PAGE 32

MANAGING THE COPPER BOX – A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF LONDON 2012’S FIRST LEGACY VENUE PAGE 42

08 People profiles 18 News round up 38 Sport participation Fergie’s fledglings hoping to give back to fans Sport England’s director of insight, Lisa with Old Trafford hotel; Chris Boyle, founder 28 News report – Ryder Cup O’Keefe, asks whether we really understand of Soloshot; Stefan Olander, head of Nike+ How technology and temporary facilities what young people want from sport helped deliver an unforgettable event 12 Thought leaders 42 Facility management Views and opinions from Sunday Times 30 Talking point We examine the success of London’s journalist John Goodbody, anti-doping chief What can – and should – sport do to support Copper Box, which has celebrated its first Andy Parkinson and Emma Boggis – new people with mental health issues? anniversary of opening in legacy mode CEO of Sports and Recreation Alliance 32 Interview – Nigel Walker 48 Sustainability 14 Mike Hall column The former international hurdler and rugby From Brazil to Poppleton, Tom Walker looks FaulknerBrowns’ sports partner on the international talks about the challenges of at the ways sport is being used as a tool for building of healthy cities leading the English Institute of Sport promoting environmental awareness

4 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 ISSUE 4 2014 www.sportsmanagement.co.uk @sportsmag

FUTSAL – FOOTBALL'S INDOOR COUSIN AND ITS INCREASING POPULARITY PAGE 58

MENTAL HEALTH – HOW SPORT IS BEING USED TO IMPROVE LIVES PAGE 66

54 Growing the grassroots: badminton 66 Mental health 78 SAPCA Game On The fastest racquet sport in the world has A new £2m initiative led by Sport England A recap of the recent Sports Facility more than 1 million regular players in the UK and Mind is the latest project to use sport to Show and guidance on how to choose the – and the figure is growing each year combat mental health issues appropriate sports flooring

58 Growing sports: futsal 70 Maintaining artificial turf 86 Sport-kit – lockers and changing rooms Football’s small-sized, indoor version is taking Proper maintenance of 3G pitches can Sport-kit.net editor Jason Holland lists the Europe by storm. The FA’s Tony Snow explains add years to the life of the surface. Eric latest products for kitting out your facility’s how UK operators can get involved O'Donnell from Sports Labs explains changing rooms

62 Fitness in sport 74 Focus on sports surfaces 90 Sports Management diary dates The new Athlete Lab cycle hub concept A round-up of the latest sport pitch projects The most important sports events. For more focuses on cycling enthusiasts and athletes in the UK – from artificial clay at a tennis diary details, go to our dedicated website, rather than fitness fanatics club to the “perfect grass” for rugby leisurediary.com sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 5 the team

READER SERVICES Subscriptions Denise Adams +44 (0)1462 471930 Circulation manager CHOOSE HOW YOU READ Michael Emmerson SPORTS MANAGEMENT... +44 (0)1462 471932 EDITORIAL TEAM Managing editor Tom Walker +44 (0)1462 471934 Editor PRINT DIGITAL PDF Liz Terry Sports Management is Read Sports The magazine is also +44 (0)1462 431385 available in glossy print Management free on available as a PDF NEWSDESK on subscription. You can Digital Turning Pages edition for readers who Jak Phillips sign up any time at and enjoy extra links want to read offline or +44 (0)1462 471938 leisuresubs.com and searchability on tablet Tom Anstey +44 (0)1462 471916 Helen Andrews OTHER RESOURCES FROM SPORTS MANAGEMENT +44 (0)1462 471902 Katie Buckley Sports Handbook sportsmanagement.co.uk +44 (0)1462 471936 The latest industry stats, trends Sports Management’s website ADVERTISING TEAM and analysis all in one place: The features daily sports news and jobs, Publisher Sports Management Handbook is a as well as access to digital editions John Challinor reference guide and global resource of Sports Management and links to +44 (0)1202 742968 for decision makers. other Leisure Media magazines and Advertising sales QRead it online: websites. Jan Williams www.sportshandbook.com/digital QVisit the website: +44 (0)1462 471909 QDownload the PDF edition: www.sportsmanagement.co.uk WEB TEAM www.sportshandbook.com/pdf Internet Michael Paramore Leisure Opportunities +44 (0)1462 471926 Sports Management E-zine Our sister title focuses on news, jobs Dean Fox The Sports Management e-zine and training. It has a daily website, +44 (0)1462 471900 brings the best of the week’s leisureopportunities.com, an e-zine Tim Nash news and jobs to your inbox every and instant alerts service. +44 (0)1462 471917 Wednesday. Covering everything in QRead it online: Emma Harris the worldwide sports industry. www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital +44 (0)1462 471921 QDownload the PDF edition: Sports-kit.net QSign up here: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/pdf www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe product search engine QSign up for the e-zine: www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe Jason Holland +44 (0)1462 471927 DESIGN sport-kit.net Instant alerts & RSS Ed Gallagher The search engine for buyers. Lists +44 (0)1905 20198 contacts and details for 5,000 sup- Get the news as it happens and find pliers. Find all the connections you Andy Bundy out about the latest job openings need to streamline your buying and and tenders the second they’re +44 (0)1462 471924 get news via the weekly e-zine. posted online, by signing up for FINANCE QVisit the website: our free, customisable instant Denise Adams www.sport-kit.net news alerts and RSS feeds. +44 (0)1462 471930 QSign up for the e-zine: QSign up here: Rebekah Scott www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe +44 (0)1462 471930

6 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 MORE TO ENJOY... What’s hot in Leisure Media’s magazines

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 7 PEOPLE

The hotel is our chance to give back and create something special for the fans

Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes

erhaps the most talented group of players to have simultaneously emerged from an English football P academy is now spreading its wings in the field of business. Former Manchester United stars Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville – who, alongside David Beckham, are often referred to as ‘Fergie’s Fledglings’ – are the main backers behind the £23m (US$38.7m, €28.3m) Hotel Football venture near the club’s Old Trafford stadium. The quintet have December as the launch month for the 8,000sq m (86,111sq ft) building – designed by AEW Architects – which will incorporate a 133-bedroom hotel with space for supporters’ club members and spectators, a new Café Football and a club shop. Giggs, who is now MUFC assistant manager after hanging up his boots last Scholes describes the project as a season, has said that the new hotel aims chance to give something back to the Gery Neville (left), managing to offer something for United’s loyal fans fans who cheered him throughout his director Stuart Procter (middle) and and the local community, but will also try glittering 20-year career. “When Gary Ryan Giggs are driving the project to appeal to a wider market through a and Ryan mentioned the idea of Hotel range of offerings. Giggs, who along with Football and Old Trafford Supporters Gary Neville has been the main driver of Club I was really keen to get involved,” think of as their own,” says Phil Neville. the project through the pair’s company Scholes said. “The hotel is our chance to The 11-storey Hotel Football, located GG Hospitality, said: “Gary and I have create something special for the fans.” on Sir Matt Busby Way, will be managed spent so much of our lives playing at Old While Gary Neville and Giggs have by Stewart Davies, who has previously Trafford and appreciate everyone who been involved in every aspect of the headed up Manchester venues the Mint supported us there over the years. project since its inception – their Hotel and Hilton DoubleTree. “To make sure the hotel appeals to company GG Hospitality is behind it GG Hospitality has already launched everyone, not just football fans, we – the others are set to take on a more a 120-seat themed restaurant – Café are working with some of the most ambassadorial role, with at least one of Football in Westfield Stratford, east talented people in the industry to create them always on hand to meet and greet London. Like Café Football, Hotel something unique and inviting – with a supporters on matchdays. Football is expected to be the first in focus on excellent customer service and “We want The Old Trafford Supporters what will become a worldwide brand. nurturing young talent.” Club to become a place United fans can Details: www.hotelfootball.com

8 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The five former players (above) with the GG Hospitality team. The hotel is adjacent to Old Trafford stadium (left)

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 PEOPLE

I just took what I saw as an unsolved problem and decided to crack it once and for all

Chris Boyle, founder, Soloshot

think I’ve always had an ability to recognise problems,” says Chris Boyle, founder of Soloshot, a new “I“automatic cameraman” system. Designed to allow athletes to record their performances without outside help, Soloshot is set to help make video analytics (as well as sport-related home videos) available and cost-effective to everyone. But how did Boyle, a biomedical engineer, come up with the concept? Being an action sport junkie helped. “I was pretty obsessed with the ocean and travel – even as a kid growing up in Queens, New York,” he says. “So after playing a lot of field sports, I migrated to surfing and other action sports towards the end of school.” Fitting then, that the idea for Soloshot came to him during a month-long surfing break. “Towards the end of my stay at a house I had rented, a north swell hit with offshore winds,” Boyle says. “I set a camera on the balcony, pointed it in the general direction of the break, hit record and went for a surf. “When I got back and watched the footage I realised three things: not having but the most professional guys. Now my an amateur operating the camera made Starting life as a photographic girlfriend can relax on the beach or better for a better video; forgetting to worry aid for surfers, Soloshot is being yet come for a surf with me.” about the camera made the surf more introduced for a number of sports Since its launch, Soloshot has been a fun; but also that not having the camera success. While he doesn’t want to reveal zooming in and out made it hard to tell exact sales figures, Boyle says that the which one of the surfers I was.” surfing without having to pay someone a cameras are currently available in 17 That’s where Boyle’s problem-solving bunch of money or impose on a friend,” he countries. Boyle is looking to expand the skills kicked in. “A lot of groups put effort says and explains how Soloshot is based on number by marketing the camera to an into developing automated camera stuff a wearable tag that the camera “follow”. ever-increasing range of sports – as well as for the professional market but they were “Our system is inexpensive and easy to non-sports. “I really feel as though we’re too expensive. I just wanted to be able to use and the best thing is that the footage just scratching the surface,” he says. set up a camera on a beach and film some from Soloshot is better than everyone Details: www.soloshot.com

10 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Olander has been at the forefront of the Nike+ revolution, creating the FuelBand consumer products

Once you establish a direct relationship with a consumer, you don’t need advertising

Stefan Olander, vice president of digital sport, Nike +

escribed as one of the sport and physical worlds, changing running – Velocity: The Seven New Laws for a World industry’s leading digital forever. He now leads an innovation team Gone Digital. In the book he criticised marketers, Stefan has held dedicated to enhancing the consumer companies for taking an ‘old’ approach to Da number of key leadership experience through the use of digital tools social media, focusing on clicks or ‘likes’ positions with Nike over the past decade. and his team is responsible for the entire and measuring success in numerical terms. Blending his passion for the digital world Nike+ ecosystem, including the FuelBand “Too many businesses are thinking ‘I with traditional communications skills, he as well as Nike+ Basketball, Nike+ Training, need to sell inventory’, rather than ‘How has led many of Nike’s most innovative Nike+ Kinect Training and the popular can I add value to a smartphone, or a new and cutting edge initiatives – from Nike+ Running experience. device?’”, Olander says. “A whole industry launching EMEA’s new digital platform in Due to the success of Nike+, Olander’s is stuck on trying to force old metrics on 2000, to overseeing all communications views on customer engagement through to new channels.” for one of Nike’s most comprehensive the digital world are listened to and Olander says that Nike, as a brand, has global football initiatives; The Secret in 2012 he authored a book which moved away from investing in advertising Tournament in 2002. He also led the changed the digital marketing landscape and concentrates on the creation of creation of Run Americas, inspiring digital services such as Nike+. It is part 115,000 people in five cities throughout of a strategy which takes into account South America (Sao Paolo, Buenos Aires, changes in the way people consume the Mexico City, Santiago and Lima) to run a digital media available to them. 10k race on the same day. “Advertising is an old model that’s being His most significant work, however, squeezed into the new framework of is the creation of Nike + and FuelBand social media, where people don’t want to – an innovative product which integrates be interrupted. Once you have established fitness with digital media. He has been The FuelBand makes it easy for users a direct relationship with a consumer, you credited with generating new consumer to set and monitor a daily goal don’t need to advertise to them”. connections and for bridging the digital Details: www.nike.com

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 11 Six months to go until the general election – whats on offer?

John Goodbody, journalist, Sunday Times PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ TEERINVATA Price of watching football has increased faster than cost of living – the most expensive tickets can be found at Arsenal FC

ou can usually tell However, the most telling bankruptcy.” Currently only 14 instance, in London theatres. when a general statistic was that a season league clubs have supporters It is not just football election is imminent ticket at Barcelona costs £103, on their boards. that recently attracted the because suddenly cheaper than any club in the However, as Tony Evans, the attention of the politicians. So Y did another activity, which is there’s a raft of proposals top four divisions in England. football editor of The Times, about sport from the political The Liberal Democrats rightly pointed out: “Imagine particularly popular – cycling. parties. And no sport attracts voted in favour of an the Glazers find a buyer for Victoria Pendleton made greater interest and potential independent review of the Manchester United at the sort an appearance at the Tory votes than football. sport, with stricter ownership of price they have already conference, preaching about This year’s conference rules, claiming that fans were asked: £2bn. How could the the benefits of school sport as season saw all three main being priced out. The Labour supporters’ trust raise the 10 it builds discipline, character political parties weigh in as the Party went further, saying that percent needed to purchase a and determination – “things BBC published the results of an supporters would have seats significant stake? Having the that do not necessarily show extensive survey into the cost on every board and the right right to buy is one thing. Having up in test results but employers of watching the national game. to buy up to 10 per cent of the ability is another.” are always looking for.” Average prices have risen at the shares when ownership As a result of the controversy However, when the almost twice the cost of living changes. Clive Efford, the Helen Grant, minister for sport, Department for Transport since 2011. The investigation shadow sports minister, said: set up a panel to forge stronger delivered its long-awaited also found that Arsenal had “Too often fans are treated links between fans and clubs. ‘cycling delivery plan’, it wasn't the most expensive season like an afterthought as ticket The group is chaired by Joanna well received by British Cycling ticket at £2,013 while Premier prices are hiked-up, grounds Manning-Cooper – member because it “fell short” of what League champions Manchester relocated and clubs burdened of the Portsmouth Supporters was expected, only providing an City offered one for £299. with debt or the threat of Trust and formerly head of aspiration of funding to reach media for LOCOG – and will £10 per head of population by include representation from 2021. The governing body said Supporters Direct. However this amount is the minimum good these intentions are, one starting point for targeted wonders just how successful investment to improve the any outcome will be. cycling environment in order to PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/CHRIS2766 Football is such a successful grow the number of cyclists. spectator sport – with 95 per As always, the economic cent of available seats sold in demands constrain politicians the Premier League so far this in what they can deliver. As the season – that clubs will argue election approaches, we can that they are just obeying the expect a number of proposals laws of supply and demand. from all parties, many of which Also, seats at many clubs cost will not be carried out and may Cycling was one of two sports to get attention at the party conferences below the prices charged, for well be forgotten afterwards.

12 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The new code includes tougher sanctions on those found guilty of doping

The new anti-doping code is a fresh opportunity to protect sport

Andy Parkinson, CEO, UK Anti-Doping

ith the New Year comes new resolutions. For W the sporting community, 1 January 2015 marks a new era for anti- doping. After three years of global consultation, the World Anti-Doping Code has been updated, along with a revised set of UK Anti-Doping Rules. This is a fresh opportunity to protect clean sport. To implement these changes also been placed on athlete to the changes. Sports have 2015 code. For the majority of effectively requires collective support personnel. Anyone increased responsibilities and a sports that adopt the UK Anti- responsibility from all of our found guilty of helping to duty of care to their members Doping Rules this will occur partners in the UK, across every cover up doping activity or to manage the threat of doping. automatically and no action is sport. Ultimately we need to avoiding detection could also Failure to do so could damage required. The message is clear ensure that our athletes and face a lengthy ban from sport. the reputation of their sport – a new World Anti-Doping athlete support personnel are In the UK many of the new and result in the loss of a Code will not just impact our aware of their responsibilities. features of the 2015 code high profile athlete, in whom athletes. NGBs will feel the Tougher sanctions and a are already being applied, but resources have been invested. consequences too and need to focus on investigations and that doesn’t mean that there’s UKAD is working with NGBs be ready to implement revised intelligence-led approaches not work to do. It’s not only to ensure that by 1 January strategies which protect and are major steps forward for athletes and athlete support they have updated anti- promote the reputation of their the Code. Greater focus has personnel who must adapt doping rules, aligned to the sport and athletes.

Is plugging in the key to playing out?

Emma Boggis, CEO, Sports and Recreation Alliance

t’s no secret that recent advantage of technological this change, because in the technological advances advances for their recreational pre-digital age, joining a club have given us access to needs, clubs and governing was a way of interacting and I more information and bodies should also be thinking building a network of like- data than ever before. The about how they can adopt and minded individuals. Now with proliferation of connected embrace technology for the people becoming ever more digital devices and apps has good of their members. connected, the power of not only re-invented our In an age where social media virtual networks and the ability domestic routine, but is now enables friends to connect, of people to participate in also impacting upon our social, sync and share information, recreational activities on their sporting and recreational lives. sporting organisations can own could slowly suffocate In our new report, Future encourage greater participation outdoor activity organisations. Trends, published in con- to improve our sporting and and competition by using the One of the challenges is junction with the Future recreational activities and as a same channels and technology. to ensure the integration of Foundation, we’ve identified result, our wellbeing. It’s more pressing than technology and sport doesn’t an increasing adoption of and However, it’s not just ever for sports clubs and destroy the primal thrill of desire to utilise technology the individual who can take organisations to embrace competing and participating.

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 13 ARCHITECT'S NOTEBOOK

HEALTHY CITIES - HAPPY CITIES

In his latest in a series of columns, FaulknerBrowns Architects' Mike Hall explores the importance of sustainable, carefully considered sports facilities and how they can contribute to healthy, active cities

ou may have blinked and missed it, but 6 October 2014 was World YArchitecture Day. This year's theme was Healthy Cities – Happy Cities and underlining it was the role good design can play in creating health and happy environments for people. In terms of activity and participation, there are a number of cities in England which may rightly lay claim to the top participation honours. Sheffield frequently comes out as one of the top performing cities. Major landmark facilities such as Ponds Forge International Sports Centre The Derby Arena – playing a and the English Institute for Sport have part in plans to make Derby played a key role in contributing to the most active city in the UK community participation and elite training. Manchester, UK can also boast its place as one of the highest performing cities, especially when the efficient cost of delivering these services is factored in. Manchester Aquatics, built for the 2002 Commonwealth Manchester Aquatics, built to host all of Games, is still one of the world's most flexible pool the water-based disciplines for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, is still one of the complexes and benefits from a central arterial location world’s most flexible pool complexes. Its central arterial location on Oxford Road to be ‘the most active city in the UK’. a clear entrance sequence, welcoming also means that it is at the heart of one of FaulknerBrowns were involved in the early all members of the community into the most sought after student locations in stages of implementing Derby's leisure the building. This approach has driven the country. This contributes to a healthy strategy, which included a technical review improved access to a range of activities, balance of community, student and high of wet and dry hub facilities as well as a including court sports and health and performance usage with a staggering series of satellite locations. fitness, in addition to cycling. Importantly, 750,000 users through the turnstiles Building on lessons learnt from the building is also flexible enough to each year. Manchester City Council has projects in Sheffield and Manchester, the accommodate revenue producing concerts consistently targeted a number of key recently completed Derby Arena – which and non-sports events. sports development programs through to incorporates a cycle track – is one of the In line with the aspiration of World national and international events. most innovative facilities of its type in the Architecture Day, we share a strong belief Manchester’s National Cycling Centre world. Designed by FaulknerBrowns to in the role which carefully considered, has just celebrated its twentieth birthday break down barriers, the internal 250m sustainable and quality sports facilities play and is still the world’s most well used track was lifted up one storey in height to in contributing to healthy, active cities. indoor cycling facility, having provided the create a stronger, more active connection bedrock for Britain’s cycling success on the to the Arena’s interior. Mike Hall, sports partner, FaulknerBrowns track for the last three Olympic Games. These connections are expressed Tel: +44(0)191 2683007 There is, however, a new kid on the on the outside of the building, literally e: [email protected] block. Derby City Council has a vision lifting the skin of the building to define w: www.faulknerbrowns.co.uk

14 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 NEPTUNUS TEMPORARY BUILDINGS

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THE NETHERLANDS BELGIUM UNITED KINGDOM GERMANY FRANCE POLAND AUSTRIA GERFLOR PROMOTION

Only the best for David Lloyd Leisure, they choose Gerflor!

Whether the priority is durability or an eye-catching design, Taralay Impression, Taralay Uni and Nera Gerflor has a flooring product for all areas of your club Contract wood to combine them into one high-performance, hard-wearing range. Taralay Impression was chosen for its R10 ver the years, the David four very distinct areas would normally be a slip performance and acoustic insulation of Lloyd Leisure brand has huge challenge for most companies, but by up to 19dB. With a Group T wear rating, low- become synonymous with specifying Gerflor products the challenge maintenance, low-overall lifetime costs and health, sports and leisure. It was easily met. A David Lloyd Leisure is 100 per cent recyclability. It was an ideal has played a significant role spokesperson commented: “The range and robust and reliable flooring solution for DLL. Oin increasing the nation’s awareness of how quality of material which Gerflor provided Taralay is treated with Protecsol® important fitness is to our overall health and enabled us to effectively deliver our design rendering acrylic polishes obsolete and is wellbeing. Today, David Lloyd Leisure (DLL) concept whilst guaranteeing performance. fungistatic and anti-bacterial protected exists to provide exceptional service and un- We are overjoyed with the final results” to MRSA (3) ISO 22196, inhibiting growth rivalled facilities that enable members of all One of the specific member areas for maximum hygiene. Backed by a 10-year ages to enjoy active, healthy, satisfying lives. included the kid’s area at the clubs; warranty Taralay does not contain any heavy A number of key areas within the these would need to sustain some tough metals, is 100 per cent compliant with business would need different flooring treatment from the children as they REACH and emission levels are < 70 μg/m³. solutions and DLL turned to internation- enjoyed a vast array of sporting activities as A new flooring product for their group al flooring specialists Gerflor to supply a well as arts and craft sessions. exercise areas within the clubs was also UK-wide solution for four very specific Gerflor’s Taralay range would be the required and again Gerflor were able to member areas within the brand’s business. perfect choice for this busy area. Gerflor supply the perfect flooring product - Choosing a flooring solution for these has taken the best-selling designs from Taraflex™.

Bespoke designs are created by water cutting, HD printing or line marking Colourful Taralay is ideal for children’s areas

16 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Gerflor Recreation 45 is an ideal flooring product for multi-purpose gym areas

Gerflor’s Insight LVT is ideal for high footfall areas The Taraflex range offers 45% force reduction

Taraflex™ has been used in every summer which renders polish redundant. activities. This is also a product that reduces Olympics since 1976 and is available in The new café areas would see Insight the danger of skin/rug burns and also meets 17 colours and two wood-effect designs. LVT from Gerflor as the preferred choice the EN Standard of 22196 for anti- bacterial The Sport M Evolution product offers a because of its technical performance as it’s activity (E. coli - S. aureus - MRSA) (3) very high P1 category shock absorbency highly resistant to medium/high footfall and returning >99% levels of growth inhibition. which exceeds 25% and meets the EN commercial traffic (European class 33/42). The product is treated with Protecsol®. 14904 Standard for indoor sports surfaces. It comes in a large palette of mineral The noise reduction qualities are at 17db, Taraflex™ is recognised for providing dura- designs to suit all interior styles, has a R9 it is floor score certified and has comfort / bility, safety and comfort without impairing slip resistance with a group T wear rating shock absorption of ≥ 22% meeting ASTM performance. The range also offers greater and a 10-year warranty. F2772 for safe sports and play and is 100% than 45% force reduction, making it un- The fourth and final areas that would recyclable. ● rivalled in the marketplace in terms of need Gerflor to supply the flooring solution offering comfort for users. were to be the gym facilities and Gerflor Bespoke designs are also available by Recreation 45 was the specified product. Learn more about Gerflor solutions; either water cutting, HD printing or line Recreation 45 is an ideal solution for multi- ask for a free sample or contact marking. The Taraflex™ product also meets purpose use and it is highly recommended us to speak to a specialist today by the EN Standard of 22196 for anti- bacterial for light recreation activities and multi- calling 01926 622 600, emailing activity (E. coli - S. aureus - MRSA) (3) purpose use areas and gyms. It provides [email protected], or visit returning >99% levels of growth inhibition. cushioning for children together with easily gerflor.co.uk The product is also treated with Protecsol®, handling everyday sports and recreational sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 17 NEWS UPDATE

Government initiative to strengthen “fan power”

The coalition government has launched a new initiative aiming to ensure football fans have more say in the running of their clubs. The Supporter Ownership and Engagement Expert Group will include representatives from government, the English Premier League, The Football Association, the Football League, Supporters Direct and the legal profession. The group will also include insolvency and tax experts and representatives from clubs which are run by supporters – such as Portsmouth FC, AFC Wimbledon and Wrexham. Areas that the group will look at include seeing what more can be done to help supporters’ groups have stronger links with executives. The club has played at Goodison Park since 1892 and currently has a capacity of less than 40,000 Read more: http://lei.sr?a=x9f5M Everton moves forward with stadium development

Everton Football Club can move forward The stadium is expected to cost some- with plans to build a new stadium in where in the region of £200m, part-funded Liverpool park, according to the city’s by the sale of Goodison Park and a nam- council which described the project as a ing rights deal, but the club did not reveal catalyst for regeneration in the area. how any shortfall would be made up. The proposed 50,000-seat stadium, “The council is going to put some to replace Goodison Park, will be money in and that will be around The centre will carry David Ross’ name built alongside commercial and retail regeneration, not directly into the football developments, although a statement from club or stadium, without getting a fi nancial Nottingham uni to build Everton chair Bill Kenwright said the plans or commercial return,” said city mayor £40m sports complex are “still at a very early stage with a wide Joe Anderson. He added that keeping number of elements to be developed.” the football club within the city limits The University of Nottingham has He added that the club is: “eager to and seeing it contribute to regeneration announced plans to invest £40m engage with local residents before any was both economically and culturally in a new sports complex at its major decisions are made.” Read more: http://lei.sr?a=F2b9k University Park campus. The new complex will be part- funded by a “very signifi cant commitment” from Nottingham UEFA signs landmark partnership with EU alumnus and Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross, taking his total UEFA has signed an “historic agree- support for the university beyond ment” with the European Commission, £10m. As a result, the facility will be designed to further improve the relation- called the David Ross Sports Village. ship between the football governing body Construction of the new complex is and the European Union. The Arrangement due to start in February 2015 and for Co-operation aims to cement the struc- be completed by June 2016. The tured co-operation in key policy areas and complex will include a new main strengthens UEFA’s commitment to work- sports hall, 200-station health and ing with the Commission. fi tness suite, sports science facili- As part of the agreement, the two organ- ties and offi ce accommodation. isations have committed to having regular Read more: http://lei.sr?a=8Z3f3 UEFA president Michel Platini described the bilateral and senior level meetings. agreement with the EU as “historic” Read more: http://lei.sr?a=w4c8k

18 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 NEWS UPDATE

UK Sport to change funding criteria after Rio 2016

The government’s high performance sport in danger of losing their elite funding agency UK Sport is to reconsider its “no entirely. While the “no compromise” compromise” approach to funding elite approach has been hailed successful, as sport. UK Sport chief executive Liz Nicholl it has delivered impressive medal hauls said the agency would launch a consulta- at the Beijing (2008) and London (2012) tion, during which all stakeholders – such Olympic Games, sports which have lost as national governing bodies – will have out on funding have launched bitter an opportunity to voice their views on the attacks against the system. current funding strategy. Perhaps the most vocal of the critics UK Sport invests around £100m of has been British Basketball, which lost all public money into sport each year and its Olympic funding earlier this year, after its medals-based funding strategy has UK Sport said the sport had “not done been credited with delivering Team GB’s enough” to prove it could win a medal at British Basketball has welcomed the move Olympic and Paralympic success in the the 2016 or 2020 Games. past two Olympic Games. Other sports which have lost their fund- “We’re not arrogant enough to think that Currently, sports which demonstrate ing entirely include volleyball, synchronised we know how to do everything best. The that they are able to deliver Olympic swimming, water polo and weightlifting. questions that we need to ask, of the gov- medals are guaranteed financial support It now seems that UK Sport is reconsid- ernment, of our partners, are: What is it while those less likely to get athletes to ering its no compromise approach. that they want UK Sport to be focused on? the podium face cuts in funding. Sports “We really do want to listen to all What is it they want UK Sport to deliver?” which consistently underperform are voices,” Nicholl said. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=p6b8z

Cost of Olympic stadium conversion increases to £190m

The cost of converting the London Olympic Stadium into a 54,000-capacity multi- use stadium is set to rise from £154m to £190m due to complications in install- ing the new roof. Providing the support structures for the new roof have required significantly more strengthening work to The floating bikeway would take cyclists the main roof truss than initially expected. past famous London landmarks The truss was originally designed to be taken down after the Games. The London Floating bikeway in pot of Legacy Development Corporation has allo- ideas for London cycling cated an extra £35.9m for the project. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=4s5p7 The stadium is due to reopen in 2016 When it comes to how best to cater for cyclists in the UK’s capital, more ideas are being “floated” than ever before. The latest is the Thames Arup selected to masterplan 2020 Olympic Games Deckway, a 7-mile (11km) stretch of cycle path which would float along- Consultancy and engineering firm Arup has side the banks of the river. won the contract to advise on venues and Thames Deckway is a con- infrastructure for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic cept proposed by River Cycleway and Paralympic Games. Consortium, which is led by archi- The London-based firm says it has tect David Nixon and environmental been appointed lead adviser to the Tokyo entrepreneur Anna Hill, in conjunc- Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo tion with Arup and David Broughton Organising Committee of the Olympic and Architects. Running from Battersea Paralympic Games, with its duties cover- to Canary Wharf, the waterside cycle ing venue and infrastructure development. path would decrease journey times Arup will masterplan the Games, as well by an estimated 30 minutes. as advising on transport and legacy. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=d9c5y The proposed Tokyo 2020 Olympic stadium Read more: http://lei.sr?a=2d7S5 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 19 NEWS UPDATE

Academic partnership to explore legacy benefi ts

A new research collaboration between the University of Bath (UB) and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) in Brazil will explore the impact of major sport- ing events on society, politics and the economy. The new project – co- funded by a Researcher Links grant from the British Council and FAPESP – will enable academics from UB to share their research on the legacy claims of major sporting events with colleagues in Brazil. The partnership is being launched at a time when the amount of public money spent on providing the stadia and infrastruc- ture needed to host Rio 2016 and the World Cup 2014 has resulted in widespread social unrest in Brazil. Since 2011, Sport England has invested a total of £94m into 1,800 community sport projects Read more: http://lei.sr?a=g2M5e Latest round of Inspired Facilities Fund announced

A total of 148 local sports projects will handed £54,900 towards a move to a share £10m of National Lottery fund- new location – a disused swimming pool ing in the latest round of Sport England’s at St John’s RC – and to set up its fi rst Inspired Facilities Fund. permanent home. The funding is aimed at breathing new The Inspired Facilities Fund is open to life into community sports facilities which community and voluntary organisations have become worn-down or diffi cult to which are able to bid for grants of up to maintain. It is also being used to convert £75,000. Other organisations such as existing buildings into venues that are councils and schools are able to apply more suitable for grassroots sport. for grants of up to £150,000. Following Among the projects to receive funding criticism from sports organisations The scheme will target people of all are Streatham Youth and Community Trust over application procedures in the past, ages struggling with mental health (£67,900), which will use the money to the grant is now an open programme – convert a youth centre into a high quality applications can be submitted at any time, Sport to help people with sports facility and Bishop Auckland Canoe rather than by specifi c deadlines. and Kayaking Club. The canoe club was Read more: http://lei.sr?a=7c3U6 mental health problems A new £2m programme using sport to improve the lives of peo- ple with mental health problems Cambridge City FC gets green light for stadium will be launched in England next year (2015). The fi rst of its kind in Cambridge City Football Club (CCFC) size and scope, the initiative will be has been given the green light to build run in eight areas across England a 3,000-capacity community stadium in and is designed to help more than Sawston, Cambridgeshire. 75,000 people. The club is now free to start construc- A partnership between Sport tion work following a fi nal approval for England and mental health char- the scheme from secretary of state Eric ity Mind, the scheme will offer peer Pickles. The plans had already been support groups, taster sessions approved by South Cambridgeshire District and events to help people make Council in June, but the fi nal decision had sport part of their everyday lives. to be made by the government because the Read more: http://lei.sr?a=c2x8e ground will be on green belt land. The club has waited for four years to get approval Read more: http://lei.sr?a=s9G9D

20 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 NEWS UPDATE

London NFL franchise worth “more than £100m” to UK economy

A London-based National Football League (NFL) team would be worth more than £100m a year to the UK, according to a study carried out by Deloitte. The figure is based on a London team playing eight regular season home games at Wembley per season. It takes into account that the opera- tional set up of the franchise – players, staff and auxiliary personnel – would visit the UK four times a year to play two home games on each visit, rather than being permanently based in the UK. Jacksonville Jaguars are rumoured to be the team most likely to be relocated to London Spectator spending would comprise around 67 per cent of the £100m, with franchise is estimated to be £102m. Commissioned by the NFL, the report more than 600,000 fans expected to Spectator spending of almost £70m would also shows that the two International attend the eight regular season games. largely drive this, along with an estimated Series fixtures played at Wembley in 2013 The report states: “The potential direct spend in the host economy by the home contributed £32m to the London economy. impact to London of hosting an NFL franchise of more than £20m.” Read more: http://lei.sr?a=T2y5e

Public Health England launches framework to tackle inactivity

Public Health England (PHE) has published priorities, including the Moving More, Everybody Active, Every Day, a framework Living More commitment to a physical for nationwide action to combat the activity legacy from the 2012 Games and physical inactivity epidemic. NICE guidance. The heightened focus on PHE’s statistics claim inactivity is tackling physical inactivity marks a win responsible for one in six deaths in for ukactive, which has championed the England and put its cost to the country cause and published its report Turning at £7.4bn a year. The framework is the the tide of inactivity, in January this year. first consolidation of national and local Sport and leisure providers have a crucial role Read more: http://lei.sr?a=a6F8j

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Price of Football survey: ticket price increases outstrip cost of living

The annual Price of Football survey by the BBC shows that the average price of tick- ets for English football clubs has risen at twice the rate of the consumer price index. The average price of the cheap- est match-day ticket (calculated for clubs from the English Premier League down to League Two) is now £21.49 – an increase of 13 per cent since 2011. In the same period, cost of living in the UK has gone up by 6.8 per cent. Only five Premier League clubs have single match tickets available for less than £25 (Aston Villa, Hull, Leicester, The most expensive season tickets at Arsenal’s Emiarates Stadium cost more than £2,000 Newcastle and West Ham), while fans of nine clubs will have to dish out at least London-based Arsenal FC – a club which City can buy a season ticket for £299. £30 to see their team. has only won one trophy in the past eight Arsenal also boasts the most expensive There are, however, regional differences. years – cost a whopping £1,014, while season tickets at £2,013. The cheapest season tickets at North fans of defending champions Manchester Read more: http://lei.sr?a=k3n7w

AFC Wimbledon submits Plough Lane stadium plans

AFC Wimbledon has submitted a planning application to Merton Council for a new stadium at Plough Lane in South London. The League Two football club is planning to build an 11,000-capacity stadium on the site of Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium – a location the club calls its “spiritual home”. The application was submitted in part- nership with residential builder Galliard The Games were a boost for tourism Homes and seeks permission to build 600 residential units along with retail and Glasgow 2014 contributes commercial space and a leisure club. £282m to tourism economy Read more: http://lei.sr?a=z9Y5D An artist’s impression of the planned stadium The Glasgow Commonwealth Games contributed to £282m worth of Scottish tourism revenue in 2014, Olympic hero Jenny Jones launches snowsport club according to a study carried out on behalf of the Scottish government, Olympic medallist snowboarder Jenny Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life Jones has launched a new snowsports club and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau. aimed at 11-18-year-olds in Southampton. The Games Visitor Impact Study Located at Alpine Snowsports – a facility found that 690,000 people travelled operated by leisure charity Active Nation to the city to attend the games and – the Snowsports Club will give young peo- during August, hotel occupancy in ple the opportunity to experience skiing or Glasgow reached 95 per cent. The snowboarding for the first time. hotel occupancy rate exceeded 99 For those with previous experience, the per cent on five nights that month, club will offer taster sessions in ski racing with visitors spending an average of and freestyle. Launched on 30 October, all five days in the country. sessions are led by qualified instructors. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=u4P3n Jones won the bronze medal at the Sochi 2014 Read more: http://lei.sr?a=p4x5P

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LCCC’s innovative way to raise Old Traff ord funds

Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) has launched a new retail bond in the hope of raising £3m to build a new hotel at its Old Trafford ground in Manchester. Investors are being invited to put money into a fi ve-year initial fi xed- term bond offering 7 per cent gross interest per annum for investments from £1,000. The interest will be made up of 5 per cent paid in cash and 2 per cent in Credit4Cricket vouchers, which can be redeemed against the international tickets and hospitality products at LCCC, includ- ing food and beverage packages and membership fees. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=x4W3e Around 70 per cent of disabled people would do more sport if it was more accessible to them New guidelines for disability sport providers

The English Federation of Disability Sport can be grouped under three main headings has published a new set of guidelines for – drive awareness, engage the audience sport and fi tness providers. The guide- and offer support and reassurance. lines form a part of the Talk To Me report “We know that a great majority of – published on 31 October 2014 – and disabled people are more likely to respond draw from consultations with both active to opportunities to get physically active and inactive disabled people. In total, the which tap into the things that matter to report identifi es 10 key principles aimed at them most,” Horne said. helping providers improve their offer to dis- “These include: building connections, Heather Stanning, Royal Artillery cap- abled people and make it more appealing. family and support systems and health. tain and gold medallist at London 2012 Talk To Me goes through each princi- Simply having fun is what most of us seek ple in detail, providing evidence of what out, and more often than not disabled UK Sport to search army disabled people are looking for and recom- people are looking for opportunities ranks for medal hopefuls mendations of how to meet expectations. which are as likely to appeal to their non- According to Barry Horne, EFDS chief disabled friends and family.” UK Sport, the British Army and the executive, the key fi ndings of the report Read more: http://lei.sr?a=Q7b5k English Institute of Sport (EIS) have launched a new talent partnership programme aimed at identifying future Olympic medallists from within London’s ‘Rom’ becomes Europe’s fi rst listed skatepark the ranks of military personnel. The £1.4m Army Elite Sports Programme The ‘Rom’ in Hornchurch, East London, will reach out into the garrisons and has been given Grade II listed status by units to identify men and women in English Heritage and the Department for targeted sporting disciplines who Culture, Media and Sport. possess the potential to go all the Opened in 1978, the Rom, named after way to the podium in the Tokyo 2020 a nearby river, is one of the fi nest surviv- Olympics and beyond. ing examples of early skatepark design in Talent scientists from the EIS will the UK. The decision to protect the park run assessments in the garrison follows the publication of a new book by towns nationwide and further afi eld sports historian Simon Inglis called Played in Germany and Cyprus. in London – which examines London’s Read more: http://lei.sr?a=K9r8x sporting sites of historical importance. Four Leaf Clover, Rom’s main skating attraction Read more: http://lei.sr?a=2u6b5

24 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 O'BRIEN CONTRACTORS PROMOTION

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INVESTING IN A FITTER & HEALTHIER UK As the UK obesity statistics soar, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is investing over £1 billion in the next few years to help people get fitter and healthier through a range of programmes designed to make access to sports facilities easier for everyone

hese investments are crucial Olympic-standard athletics track com- in getting people more ac- plete with long jump, triple jump, high tive as a report released by the jump, pole vault and a 400m running Institute of Economic Affairs track; a football club with 11 natural turf in August 2014 revealed that pitches, changing facilities, entrance road TBritain’s obesity problem is more to do and car park; and a full size sand dressed with lack of exercise than with eating too synthetic grass Hockey pitch, installed much, or eating the wrong things. So, with upon an insitu rubber shock pad on an en- grants and funding available to schools, gineered base. sports clubs, community groups and lo- “From my perspective, it was a delight cal authorities, this is a great opportunity to work with O’Brien Contractors and for neighbourhoods all over the country would not hesitate to recommend you to to get new sports pitches and facilities in anyone. One of the reasons for choosing place and get people more active. O’Brien was the fact that we were dealing With the latest statistics showing that sports tracks and football pitches, tailored with the top management from the start 64% of UK adults are overweight or obese, to meet your individual needs. O’Brien’s (Mick) and because you are the actual as are one in every ten children when team of experts has a proven track re- contractors rather than a middle man. The starting primary school, it’s vital that cord of delivering design and build sports construction itself wasn’t straight forward schools and communities make the most projects to a diverse range of exacting due to a large cut and fill exercise, but of this opportunity. client specifications and all of the work is the end result is spectacular and we are completed in-house with no outsourcing very pleased with the outcome. In addi- PITCHING IT RIGHT required, meaning you get better value for tion, all of the subcontractors used for the Investing in new sports facilities has to money and projects are always delivered specialist areas (floodlights, fencing, and be done right for two important rea- on time and on budget. pitch surface) were very reputable with no sons: firstly, so that this crucial funding The sports installations the company shortcuts in quality once the contract had is put to best use, and so that people delivers include natural sports pitches, been won. Overall, we are very pleased.” can and will use them for years to come. such as those used for rugby, football and Phil Bowd – Bursar at Oswestry School To do it right you need to work with the cricket, and synthetic and MUGA (Multi- best sports pitch providers you can and Use-Games-Area) pitches with surfaces O’Brien Contractors is the first and only suitable for just about every sport and To find out how O’Brien can deliver civil engineering firm in the UK able to of- user, from professional sports teams to sports facilities for your community or fer turnkey solutions for a range of sports schools and communities. school that are tailored to your needs pitch installations. Recent projects that O’Brien has and budget call 01926 423 918 or The company can deliver projects rang- completed include the construction email [email protected] ing from stadiums and arenas through to of a FIFA-compliant football pitch; an

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 25 NEWS UPDATE

Sheffi eld’s Olympic Legacy Park a step closer

Plans to create an Olympic Legacy Park on the site of the former Don Valley Stadium in Sheffi eld are a step closer after Sheffi eld Eagles rugby league club secured a £6m funding package towards the project. A joint venture between Sheffi eld Hallam University, Sheffi eld Teaching Hospitals, Sheffi eld City Council and the private sector, the development will include a community stadium – the new home for the Sheffi eld Eagles – a hotel, restaurant and a 3,000-capacity indoor sports arena. The arena will become the new home for the Sheffi eld Sharks basketball club. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=U6T7D

The survey suggests that women with a sporting background will have more successful careers Sport accelerates leadership potential in women

The majority of women executives believe Beth Brooke-Marciniak, EY’s global vice a sporting background can accelerate chair for public policy, said: “We’ve long their leadership and career potential, known that sport has a positive impact according to a report commissioned by on society. These fi ndings show that par- the EY Women Athletes Business Network ticipation in sport not only infl uences and espnW. The Making the connec- leadership skills, style and career devel- tion: women, sport and leadership report opment, but it is also a powerful motivator was based on a global online survey of for female executives.” Wasps skipper James Haskell at Ricoh 400 women executives, conducted by Other fi ndings include that 61 per cent Longitude Research. of women leaders accredited past sport- Wasps secure 100 per Of the highfl ying respondents, 94 per ing involvement to their current career cent ownership of Ricoh cent said they had actively participated in success and said that a background in sport while three quarters agreed that a sport has a positive infl uence on their own Wasps Rugby Club has completed background in sport can help accelerate a hiring decisions. a deal to become the sole owner woman’s career potential. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=G3K5S of Arena Coventry Limited (ACL), the company which owns the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. The club secured the remaining 50 per cent stake Sport England launches This Girl Can campaign from the Alan Edward Higgs Charity, having already acquired 50 per cent Sport England has launched a multi-million of ACL from Coventry City Council in pound marketing campaign aimed at get- a deal in October 2014. ting more girls and women into sport. The deal is part of Wasps’ move Delivered with a range of partner organ- from its current home at Adams isations, This Girl Can aims to be a Park in Buckinghamshire to Ricoh celebration of active women and seeks to Arena. The club has shared Adams include women of any size, ability or expe- Park with Wycombe Wanderers rience. It follows from a survey by Sport Football Club since 2002 and had England which revealed that 75 per cent in recent years been actively look- of women would like to exercise more – ing to build its own stadium. but are put off by issues ranging from body Read more: http://lei.sr?a=J5G3k confi dence to motherhood. The campaign aims to get women more active Read more: http://lei.sr?a=D2x8F

26 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 NEWS UPDATE

Welsh sport and health importance of the links between sport and health and this new memorandum demon- partnership to focus on strates a commitment from both sectors preventative healthcare to come together. Health cannot be seen as a standalone issue and strong links A partnership agreement between the with sport are vital in addressing the chal- Welsh NHS Confederation and Sport lenges that we face. Wales has been described as a “major “Collaborative working is key if we are step” towards a healthcare system based to drive a mass shift in public thinking.” on preventative measures. Sarah Powell, CEO of Sport Wales, In the first agreement of its kind the added: “This is not just a partnership two organisations are due to sign a mem- that sits on paper; we’re not just talking orandum of understanding (MOU), set to about sitting in committees discussing the create a healthier and more equal Wales. issues. That would be pointless. The three-year MOU will set out six “What we’re talking about here is gen- areas of co-operation. These include uine collaborative working to promote making people in Wales more active, to healthier, more active living. We will be encourage people to look after their own Sarah Powell: “We have a National Health judged on continuing to increase participa- health and to take care of the health of Service, not a National Sickness Service” tion in sport and on the overall health and future generations. wellbeing of the nation. The two will also work together to sup- developing joint areas of work that pro- “We have a National Health Service, not port the drive for a mass shift in public mote “sport for all”. a national sickness service. We need to thinking about their health and exchange Helen Birtwhistle, director of the Welsh help people to stay healthy.” information of mutual interest – while NHS Confederation said: “We know the Read more: http://lei.sr?a=X4c3J

One in five Britons ‘don’t feel fit enough’ to play sport

One in five people in Britain say they Brits say they find it hard to motivate don’t feel fit enough to play sport or exer- themselves to play sport or exercise. cise with other people, according to new The data also suggests, however, that research conducted by Mintel. more than a third of those surveyed The findings show a reluctance from 22 say they would like to be more active to per cent of people to engage with fitness improve their health, with this figure ris- and sport because of a fear of exposing ing to over 50 per cent among those who their low levels of fitness. The research say they don’t feel fit enough to exercise. has also discovered that a quarter of More than a third would like to be more active Read more: http://lei.sr?a=B6q7S NEWS REPORT TOM WALKER, MANAGING EDITOR, SPORTS MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE

Ryder Cup moments

The 40th Ryder Cup, held on the greens of the idyllic Scottish resort Gleneagles, attracted 135,000 spectators and utilised technology to improve fan engagement

or three days in September, the picturesque Gleneagles Golf Course in Perthshire, Scotland, was transformed into a bustling, vibrant, world-class sporting Fvenue. More than 135,000 spectators and hundreds of support staff were catered for by an impressive network of temporary structures and overlay. This year’s event was a landmark in the way technology was used to improve fan interaction. As part of that, radio frequency identification (RFID) was used for the very first time. In an initiative managed by Intellitix, Arena Group provided the spectator seating as well as a three-tier hospitality structure more than one hundred thousand visitors were provided with an RFID-enabled “Ryder Cup Experience” wristband, enabling various interactive activities across the course. These included THIS YEAR'S EVENT SAW THE INTRODUCTION OF RFID, virtually “high five-ing” your chosen team and sharing a message of support on the WITH 100,000 VISITORS PROVIDED WITH WRISTBANDS leader board and personal Facebook and Twitter accounts, which proved a huge success with almost 45,000 interactions. Tournament partners Standard Life, TAKING A SEAT celebratory trophy presentation. As part BMW, Gleneagles and Sky Sports each To accommodate the fans, Arena Seating of the stage, the company installed a 22m created their own activities to amplify managed the installation and construction Supernova roof, with wing extensions for customer interaction with the brands, of 14,700 seats across 18 grandstands using the pipe band, creating a 46m wide space while collecting valuable data. the company’s innovative clearview seating with Ryder Cup branding – a visually Antonia Beggs, operations director for system. While parent company Arena stunning feature for the spectators –as the 2014 Ryder Cup, said: “Ryder Cup Group has a long association with the Ryder well as global TV audiences. The stage, Europe wanted to lift the event this year Cup organisers – spanning two decades of overlooking the 18th hole, was also the beyond the standards set previously. As European tournaments – the clearview is a location for the culmination of the event social media, smartphones and mobile new addition to the Ryder Cup. – Team Europe’s captain Paul McGinley internet have become a part of everyday Meanwhile, Arena Group’s structures lifting the Ryder Cup trophy. life for our customers, RFID technology arm installed 32 temporary buildings Commenting on the structures, Ryder seemed a natural choice. around Gleneagles. The triple deck Cup match director Edward Kitson said: “We’ve had positive feedback from Aviemore Pavilion, overlooking the 18th “Arena made positive contributions as both the audience and sponsors, who fairway and green, became a familiar we planned and designed infrastructure are always looking for additional ways to backdrop for those watching the action for the 2014 Ryder Cup. The company amplify their sponsorship. We’re certain unfold on TV screens –and provided unri- delivered exceptionally well and the quality that RFID and the interactivity that it valled views for corporate partners onto of product, from premium hospitality, brings will become the future of major the action of the final hole. public and media facilities combined with sporting events. We’re proud to among Elsewhere, Serious Stages created the the best grandstand seating we’ve ever the firsts to offer it.” settings for the opening ceremony and seen, ensured a great performance.”

28 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The victorious Team Europe lifting the trophy (top). RFID technology in action (middle). Arena Group provided more than 14,700 seats across 18 grandstands

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 29 TALKING POINT

What can sport do to support people with mental health issues?

A shocking study has found athletes are especially vulnerable to developing eating disorders and depression. We ask leading experts why this happens and what can be done about it

port is a proven contributor to the norm to develop an eating disorder from the University of Central Lancashire high self-esteem, confidence, and there's strong empirical evidence with colleagues from Loughborough positive outlook and good linking eating disorders and depression. University, the report found that eating health. Therefore it would A recent study, Eating psychopathology and diet disturbances were a precursor be reasonable to assume as a risk factor for depressive symptoms to depressive tendencies. Perhaps more Sthat athletes have higher than average in a sample of British athletes, published worryingly though, it also found that 17 protection from mental health issues – in the Journal of Sports Sciences, asked per cent of competitive athletes show such as depression and dysfunctional whether depression leads to eating symptoms of psychiatric disorders. eating. On the contrary, athletes are disorders in athletes or vice versa. What then, can and should sport do to considered three times more likely than Conducted by Dr Vaithehy Shanmugam better support those involved?

DR VAITHEHY SHANMUGAM AMANDA WOODROW Lecturer in sport psychology, UCLan Former athlete

ating disorders appear to be a ocus, commitment, determination common problem within competitive and single-mindedness are all E sport. This isn't surprising given that F attributes which made me an athletes face not only societal demands excellent distance runner in my youth. and pressure to attain and maintain Conversely, they also made me a rather the perfect body, but also pressure from their sport and successful anorexic. After a throwaway comment from a coach teammates to achieve the optimum body for their event. about my ‘thick thighs’ my adolescent self became particularly Increased exposure to pressure from both, can result in focused on my weight, size and shape in relation to the other dissatisfaction with body shape and weight, feelings of shame athletes I would race against. This ‘focus’ descended rapidly into and guilt – especially if their body doesn't meet the set obsession and I found myself meticulously controlling every ideal – increased rumination and low self-image, which can calorie I consumed, and logging every minute of exercise. sometimes trigger the onset of depression. Perhaps I was a particularly sensitive or susceptible individual, Athletes also equate weight loss or low weight with peak but this one single comment triggered a battle which spanned performance. Therefore, to enhance performance, they may nearly 10 years. It was a decade of skipped meals and secret engage in unhealthy methods to control their weight, such as workouts; of deceiving others and kidding myself. excessive exercising, using laxatives or self-induced vomiting. In the beginning the weight loss meant faster times on track, Awareness and knowledge about eating disorders, healthy but within a mere few months I experienced blackouts and nutritional practices and positive coaching are all key strategies palpitations, barely able to run at all. I had to walk away from the to prevent eating disorders in sports people. Therefore, it's intense competitiveness of the sports environment, and it took imperative that significant others and professionals who many years, many failed attempts, and a lot of outside help to work closely with athletes, such as coaches, nutritionists and return to competition. It’s in my nature to work hard and try to physiologists, are appropriately informed and educated, so that be the best I can possibly be. Identifying these traits in athletes, they're in a position to identify, help and support athletes. and being aware of that fine line between dedication and Professional bodies and sport organisations have an ethical obsession is vital for early intervention and the prevention of and legal obligation to ensure the physical and psychological eating disorders. I kept my ill health hidden for so long, blaming health of their athletes. Therefore, they need to invest the weight loss on my strict training programme. I found myself time, resources and money to comprehend the pressures under dangerous illusions that the only way to remain at the top faced by competitive athletes, so that the contributors and was to be the lightest, leanest and therefore the fastest. consequences of eating disorders within sport can be identified, As a coach now, I believe communication, education and contained and managed. awareness goes a long way, especially with vulnerable athletes.

30 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Athletes often equate weight loss or low weight with peak performance – which can lead to dysfunctional eating PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ MARIDAV ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ PIC:

DEBBIE LAWRENCE DR ALAN CURRIE Development manager at Active IQ Consultant psychiatrist

here are a whole myriad of factors t seems to come as a surprise to some which may contribute to eating that elite sports people can suffer the T disorders and depression. Depression Isame sort of mental health difficulties is a mood disorder which is diagnosed as the rest of us. It seems to be a particular when these symptoms are reported. Eating surprise that there are a few mental health disorders involve behaviours, such as food restriction and self- problems, such as eating disorders, that are especially common starvation or binge and purging (vomiting, over-exercise or in athletes. Once we recognise that athletes are people too and use of laxatives) which may be a mechanism for managing the that many exist in a psychologically hostile environment, then underlying feelings. Athletes are human beings – they're not the observations appear easier to understand. immune to neurosis. They experience the same stresses and Athletes are subject to most of the same risk factors strains of daily living as the rest of us. for eating disorders as the rest of us – the same genetic They also have to learn to cope with the pressure of vulnerability, the same personal and cultural attitudes to shape, competition and performing to the expectations of self and weight and diet and so forth. There are additional risk factors others; and when performance is under par, the public and in the sports environment. Examples include perfectionism media response (including comments on social media) is of- and determination which is misdirected into compulsive ten very negative and critical and athletes have to find ways overtraining, misunderstandings over nutrition and weight to handle this, along with their own feelings of disappoint- management, competing in revealing clothing and being judged ment and failure. For young athletes, it's a real challenge on your appearance, pressure to make weight, unhelpful critical and awareness and support from their respective coaches, comments from coaches and specialising too early. governing bodies and family will be crucial. Once we accept that there’s a problem we can start to make Discipline and sacrifice are part of an athlete’s lifestyle. They appropriate treatment available by making links with the right commit to gruelling training routines and sacrifice some of the therapists and the best clinical services. Most athletes and pleasures that others enjoy. They also have to manipulate and sports clubs understand the risk of injury. In consequence they control their diet to meet energy demands, as well as aesthetic know the most helpful professionals to consult. We can’t yet say or weight restriction which are required for certain sports. the same about treatment for athletes with eating disorders. Eating disorders may develop as an extension of that control. If the question had been ‘what can sport do to support Restricting food intake and controlling weight may be the only people with sports injuries?’ the answer would be to recognise coping strategies the person feels they have. Ultimately, there the risks and manage them and ensure that good treatment is much to learn and understand and listening to the individual and rehabilitation is readily available. Substitute ‘mental health will be key to understanding how they respond to their world. issues’ for ‘sports injuries’ and you have your answer.

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 31 INTERVIEW

NIGEL WALKER

He represented Great Britain as a hurdler and Wales as a rugby player, now Nigel Walker is helping other athletes achieve in his role as national director for the English Institute of Sport. He talks to Magali Robathan

K Sport believes Great Britain make our athletes more equipped, better can make history at the Rio equipped, more robust and technically Olympic and Paralympic more proficient, so that their chances Games in 2016 by being the of success on the international stage first host country to win more are increased. Science covers strength Umedals at the Olympics and Paralympics and conditioning, physiology, nutrition, after the home Games. It’s an ambitious psychology, performance analysis, target, but there’s no denying that Team biomechanics, performance lifestyle GB is flying high in terms of success. and talent ID. Across medicine our work The recent Commonwealth Games in centres mainly around the provision of Glasgow saw the home nations win 63 physiotherapy, soft tissue therapy and per cent of the medals in Olympic and doctors. Our work within technology Paralympic disciplines (including 77 per and engineering is mainly done with our cent of the gold medals), the Sochi Winter partners – including BAE Systems and Olympics were Team GB’s best in terms McLaren Applied Technologies – and is of medals since 1924 and Team GB far in those sports, predominantly, which outperformed its target of 48 medals at have a vehicle of some description, such London 2012, with a total of 65 medals. as rowing, canoeing, sailing, cycling, This success is not a matter of chance. bobsleigh and skeleton. The UK now has a very well-funded elite sports system and behind each athlete is a Can you give an example of an Nigel Walker has been national director whole team of people – from coaches and athlete EIS has helped? for the EIS since 2010 physiotherapists to performance analysts, Lizzie Yarnold is a good example. Lizzie scientists and engineers – all working to was identified by one of the initiatives improve their chances of success. Wales at the Commonwealth Games in we run as part of our Performance This is where the English Institute of Glasgow this year. Pathways scheme [the Girls4Gold talent Sport comes in. The EIS – or the ‘team Next on the horizon, of course, are the identification scheme is a joint initiative behind the team’ as it’s often referred 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in by EIS and UK Sport]. Once Lizzie had to – is UK Sport’s science, medicine and Rio and the EIS is already working hard been selected as a skeleton athlete, we technology arm. Introduced in 2002, the to prepare Great Britain’s athletes for helped her with physiotherapy, strength publicly-funded body now has more than success. Here we talk to EIS national and conditioning and all the science and 300 staff and delivers more than 4,000 director and former athletics champion medicine. We also helped design her hours of sport science and medicine to and rugby player Nigel Walker about how sled, helmet and suit to cut down wind around 1,700 athletes every week out of the EIS works, the athletes it’s helped and resistance. Of course she went on to win a its network of high performance centres its plans for Rio and beyond. gold medal at the Sochi Winter Olympics. around the UK. The organisation worked with 86 per How would you sum up the aims of What does your role as national cent of the Olympic and Paralympic the English Institute of Sport? director of the EIS involve? medallists at London 2012 and 70 per The EIS is there to provide support and My role is to set the direction of travel cent of Team England, 30 per cent of intervention across science, medicine, for the organisation; to make sure it’s Team Scotland and 35 per cent of Team technology and engineering; in short to equipped to provide the support service

32 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The EIS helped to identify Lizzie Yarnold and worked with her to prepare for Sochi 2014

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 33 INTERVIEW

In 1996 in Atlanta, Great Britain only won one gold medal. A lot has happened since. The biggest change has been the National Lottery. We’re very well funded now.

we offer today, and that we also have The EIS will then go out and establish the an eye on the future four or eight years EIS SITES best partnership to strike up to solve the ahead. We haven’t got Rio out of the way issue within the sport. yet, but already we’re beginning to plan Through its network of nine high Our research and innovations team for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in performance centres across has a series of partnerships with external 2018 and Tokyo 2020. England, the EIS is able to provide providers who help develop solutions, We look at trends and establish what athletes and coaches with access to test equipment and give us in-kind changes might take place in sport. The high quality facilities which are spe- expertise or technology that will provide world of sport is very different today cifically designed for elite athletes. expertise or solutions that we simply from the 2004 Athens or 2008 Beijing English Institute of Sport’s high couldn’t provide in-house. Games. We’ve made changes and performance sites: are moving towards a more technical QSportcity Manchester How has 2014 been for you? interface with sports, working together QEIS Sheffield It’s been good. Sochi was the best Winter to identify what it takes to win and QLoughborough University Olympics and Paralympics in living ensuring the right expertise is applied to QBisham Abbey memory for Great Britain. Knowing that deliver results. QUniversity of Bath employees of the EIS have contributed If I take you back to 1996 in Atlanta, QAlexander Stadium, Birmingham to the success of those athletes is Team GB only won one gold. A lot has QLee Valley Athletics Centre enormously gratifying. happened since then. The most significant QLilleshall National Sports Centre We’ve also just come off the back of change has been the introduction of QNational Badminton Centre, the Commonwealth Games where not National Lottery funding in 1997; we’re Milton Keynes just Team England, but also Team Wales, very well funded now. Back in 1986, if The EIS also has a further Team Scotland and Team Northern you’d said that in 2008 Team GB would nine partner sites Ireland did particularly well. Glasgow win 47 medals, of which 19 would be gold, was fantastic. It’s not just about the people would have laughed at you. sport – of course that’s very important If you’d said that four years later – but also about the atmosphere and the Team GB would win 65 medals or go, you can imagine the engineering and camaraderie between athletes. ParalympicsGB would win 120 medals, no technological advances which McLaren People were beginning to question one would have believed you. It’s been a have at their disposal which we couldn’t whether the Commonwealth Games had huge change. otherwise afford. Our partners open up a future; I believe the Games in Glasgow their facilities to allow us to test and stay have very firmly answered that. How important is partnership one step ahead of the opposition. working to the EIS? We also have academic partnerships You started your career as a hurdler. It’s very important to us. Our best known with universities which allow us to further What were the highlights? partnerships are with UK Sport, the our understanding of performance I represented Great Britain on more national governing bodies of the various questions in an applied environment. than 30 occasions. I first competed in sports, the British Olympic Association We talked about Lizzie Yarnold and the the Olympic Games at Los Angeles in and the British Paralympic Association. aerodynamics of her suit and helmet. All 1984 and was a semi finalist that year. I We also have established partnerships of that work was done in partnership with won bronze medals at the World Indoor with those involved in the facilities we other organisations. Championships and the European Indoor operate out of, such as Sport England Championships in 1987. and the landlords of the partner sites we Who takes the lead on your partnerships My personal highlight was probably operate out of, including Bath University, with McLaren and BAE Systems? winning bronze at the World Indoor Loughborough University and Bisham We’ve got a performance solutions team Championships in 1987. I felt absolutely Abbey National Sports Centre. which is responsible for putting a team amazing on the day. Then of course we’ve got commercial in place to work alongside sports to At the time, way before Lottery partnerships for everything from provide bespoke performance-impacting funding, I was working full time in the civil nutrition products to engineering and solutions. Each performance lead within service. I was training eight or 10 sessions software. These partnerships are vital the team has three or four sports they a week around my job. To be rewarded to us, because they have the products work with. It’s their job to identify with with a medal made me feel that all the and/or expertise we need. If you think the sport what the performance solution sacrifices were worth it. of McLaren F1 and the speed those cars will be to particular performance issues. There were also plenty of low points.

34 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The EIS has worked with Ed Clancy (above) and Gemma Gibbons (below), who both won medals at the Commonwealth Games

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 35 INTERVIEW PHOTO: BRITISH GYMNASTICS

When I was an athlete, performance analysis was me remembering to ask my mum to tape my race so I could watch it afterwards

CASE STUDY I fell in the semi final at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, I was injured Athlete profiling: gymnastics for a large part of the 1988 season and therefore didn’t get to go back to the he English Institute of Sport (EIS) EIS practitioners working in medicine, Olympics in 1992. I came fifth in the sport science and medical team, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy Olympic trials in 1992, which prompted working with British Gymnastics, and performance nutrition as well as me to retire and take up rugby. T has built an athlete profiling performance analysis. As a Welshman, I’d always had a system to help inform individualised The results are then fed back to yearning to play rugby and had played performance plans as well as collect a athletes and their coaches within 24/48 as a teenager. I knew at that stage that breadth of data they hope will inform hours, something the team says is vital in I’d no longer be able to represent Great their work over future Olympic cycles. giving athletes a picture of where they Britain at the highest level and at 29, “We’ve been screening athletes for are right now – as opposed to weeks or it was a question of now or never, so I years,” says EIS head of sport science months down the line. decided to throw my lot in with my local and medicine for British Gymnastics, Spencer then reviews the data club, Cardiff. Louise Fawcett. “However, what we’ve in an attempt to identify potential been working towards over the past cycle performance benchmarks before a more What was the highlight of is a profiling process, giving coaches detailed meeting is held between sport your rugby career? and athletes immediate feedback and science and medical staff and national Playing for Wales. In 1994 we played information but also storing data which coaches. These meetings help establish France at home, after beating Scotland could help inform work we do in four, the significance of the data collected, and Ireland. I scored the try that sealed eight, 12 years.” potential links to performance and what the game against France and we went on EIS physiotherapist Simon Spencer, work is required to achieve the agreed to play the grand slam decider against who has worked closely with the team on benchmarks. England. All these years later, people still rehabilitation and profiling, explains what “We’re beginning to understand what come up to me to talk about that game. profiling aims to give to the programme. physical abilities underpin elite gymnastic “Profiling provides an opportunity to performance,” explains Spencer. What did you do next? identify intrinsic risk factors that may “Some physical qualities help identify I made my final appearance against predispose an athlete to injury, the ability athletic competency and robustness and England in 1998, then worked as a to establish potential links between the are capped at an acceptable level – once broadcaster for three or four years. I physical characteristics of athletes and they are achieved, further improvements worked for ITV, Channel Four and British injuries they sustain, and individualised are unlikely to result in performance Eurosport as an athletics commentator performance targets for return to play gains. Other qualities are directly linked and rugby pundit. I joined the BBC as head following injury.” to performance output where on-going of sport in 2001 and went on to work for The process involves athletes being development is an important part of the the BBC in various roles, including head put through a series of tests arranged by gymnast’s overall training plan.” of internal communication, until I joined the EIS in 2010.

36 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 PHOTO: HUW EVANS AGENCY EVANS HUW PHOTO:

How did you get the role at the EIS? the challenge. We’re two years away from I was on the board for UK Sport from Walker retired from athletics in 1992 the Rio 2016 Olympics and we’re better 2006 to 2010 so people were aware to pursue a second career as a rugby placed than we were two years away from of me. I was asked to apply and was player for Cardiff RFC the London Olympics. That’s not to say successful in my application. At the time, I anybody’s getting complacent, of course, wasn’t working in sport, although I was on but we’re in a good position. the board of UK Sport. I was aware of the have to be a little bit coy about the details sea change that was going on across the of what we’re working on with them, What are biggest differences between high performance system and I wanted but I can say that we’re looking at wind when you were an athlete and today? to be part of it. There was a real shift in direction, climate, humidity and suitable It’s the level of support available. Today terms of funding, the attitude towards clothing for our athletes. our athletes have 360 degree support elite sport and the development of UK As soon as our athletes leave this from experts in performance lifestyle, Sport’s ‘No Compromise’ approach. country they will go to a holding camp psychology, physiotherapy, nutrition either in Brazil or in some cases other and so on. I had a full time job outside of What are the biggest trends destinations, in order to acclimatise athletics and I didn’t have any of those affecting the work of the EIS? them. We’re helping to do a lot of the support services. My physiotherapist was The biggest trend is probably in other work involved in identifying those holding the wife of a friend, nutrition was what nations becoming equally well funded, camps and the conditions the athletes are my mum put on the table, performance or bridging the gap in funding, and then going to face in Rio. analysis would be me remembering to ask putting in place a high performance my mum to tape my race so I could look system like we have in the UK. What are our chances of being at it afterwards. the first nation to win more What is the EIS doing to prepare Olympic medals post-hosting? How do you spend your free time? for the Rio 2016 Olympic I think we’ve got an excellent chance. It’s I’m married and have three daughters, and Paralympic Games? a very challenging target – you’d expect it aged 21, 19 and 16 so I have my hands full. We’re working very closely with the BPA to be, as no-one has ever done it before – With the amount of travelling I do, just and the BOA to prepare our athletes. I but I think the sports are going to rise to being at home is relaxation enough. ● sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 37 INSIGHT LISA O’KEEFE, DIRECTOR OF INSIGHT, SPORT ENGLAND

Do we really understand what young people want from sport?

Young people are becoming an increasingly mature and demanding market in grassroots sport, writes Sport England director of insight Lisa O’Keefe – but there are plenty of opportunities to engage them

ports practitioners are sporting habits as they travel through life. increasingly turning to the To start to understand what drives these insights derived from high- patterns of behaviour and how to change quality data and research to them, it’s important to understand the find new and creative ways of current generation of young people, as Sgetting people active. Crucially, insight their environment is so different from the is now being used in boardrooms to lead one many of us experienced at their age. investment decisions and identify the best We recently published the findings methods to measure impact. of our review and many of the insights The value of insight to community sport Jennie Price, Sport England CEO (left) challenge some of grassroots sport’s most is becoming more widely recognised and is and Lisa O’Keefe, director of insight established thinking. inspiring change. This is certainly the case Analysing a wide range of existing data at Sport England, where I lead the relatively and research, as well as commissioning new Insight Team. We’re tasked with when you consider that, as an organisation, new field work talking directly to young building a deeper understanding of people’s Sport England will invest more than £400m people, we discovered the following: attitudes and behaviours to develop both into the 46 national governing bodies QYoung people’s behaviour does not our thinking and that of community sport. between 2013 and 2017. always reflect their attitude to sport. We use information and insight in a way Sport has previously looked at young that drives change – translating insights The challenge of participation people’s engagement with sport too into actionable business recommendations. One of our early pieces of work has been much through its own lens. Seen this way, The importance of insight is highligted to draw together a picture of the key it has been assumed that attitudes and forces shaping the behaviours tend to be linked and growth lives of young people will result from just changing the offer to today and, importantly, tap into the large number of “semi-sporty” Graph 1: Young people’s attitudes to sport what that means for young people waiting to take part in sport. community sport. In reality, the picture is more complex than Although the simply loving or hating sport. Positive Functional Uninterested number of people Behaviours can vary from month playing sport once to month and, crucially, attitudes and a week continues behaviours do not always align. By that I Consistently to grow and now mean that young people who are positive active 20% stands at 15.6 million, about sport aren’t necessarily actively participation among looking to take part. Indeed, some 14- to 25-year- disinterested young people actually find 30% olds has remained reasons to be far more active than those Irregular stubbornly flat since with a positive attitude towards sport. 2008. Looking deeper, Add this to the fact that, for some young this overall trend people, the word ‘sport’ itself has very 15% masks a significant negative connotations and you start to

SPORTING BEHAVIOUR SPORTING 15% 20% volatility – with a large get a sense of the complex nature of Consistently inactive number of young the youth market. We need to focus on people continuing to changing behaviours and not attitudes as form, and then break, we previously thought.

38 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Young people seek meaningful experiences which benefit them as an individual – so offering non-traditional activities can help engage new audiences

Leaving education is a cliff edge in terms of accessing sport. Work colleagues are less of an influence than friends and family – it’s no wonder many young people drop out at this stage

QPassive participation can give a false sport has to compete with or connect experiences which benefit them as an impression of engagement with sport. to wider interests and priorities to stay individual and help them develop and Many young people are carried along by relevant in the lives of many young people. reinforce their place in their social group. friends or family, or what’s happening in Overlay the requirement (perhaps for In reality, sport can require compromise their educational setting. This may lead the first time) to make an active choice and isolation from peers; leading large to a false impression of a young person’s to ‘opt-in’ to sport, it’s little wonder that numbers to turn their back on sport. It’s engagement with sport, and put them many young people drop out at this stage. clear that there’s a need for a broader

PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ TXKING ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ PIC: at risk of stopping when their physical Although there are existing examples offer which meets more diverse needs. environment, or those around them, of good practice, there’s no question change. It is a given that young people’s that community sport could be far more The shape of the market lives are characterised by change whether targeted when it comes to supporting Using the insight, we’ve broken the market that be leaving education, starting a job, young people at the precise moments of down into its component parts. From leaving home or starting a family. change in their lives. Asking the question this, we can determine the relative size Leaving education represents a cliff ‘what would make it incredibly easy to take and significance of different sections. We edge in terms of accessing tailored part?’ is a good place to start. know that 20 per cent of young people sporting offers and work colleagues are QThe supply of sport is designed for and are consistently active and positive about less of an influence on participation than reaches those who are already engaged. sport. And 20 per cent are also consistently friends and family. As horizons broaden, Young people are seeking meaningful inactive and uninterested. But it’s the

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 39 INSIGHT

Insight-driven delivery in practice

The Run Dem Crew describes itself as a “collective of creative heads with a passion for running and the exchange of ideas”

RUN DEM CREW (RCC), an east London opportunity to explore London in a safe, Charlie Dark, from RDC, said: “Sport for night-running collective founded by Charlie unique, positive and supportive running young people in the UK isn’t inspirational Williams, redefines a traditionally solitary environment. The message is that it’s not – at primary school they’re always running, sport to empower and engage young people about just running. It’s about being in the but lose their love of moving. Competition and give them something extra. pack and a valued part of the crew. It offers is good, but focus should be on improving RDC provides young people with real-life benefits and uses relatable icons individuals, not comparing them to others. mentoring and advice, in addition to the (such as celebrities) to set good examples. Competition can put people off for life.”

massive 45 per cent who sit in the middle QThe baggage of sport ground where potential participants are Key to understanding Sport is an emotive word. While many less interested in sport but see a functional young people and sport young people have positive associations relevance which, if tapped, could deliver with sport, we cannot ignore that many a real boom in participation. Many of Q Young people are looking for others have a strong negative response to these young people dip in and out of functional benefits, not just fun. the language of sport, and that this is a key participation – the challenge for the sector Q Involve them in design and delivery. driver for not taking part. is to talk and deliver directly to their needs Q What friends think of them is key so Interestingly, when asked, young people and aspirations to help them build habits. don’t make the experience isolating. said that front of mind associations Q Make sessions tailored, personal, with the word ‘sport’ often focus on Finding solutions social and interactive. traditional, competitive school sports. QFunction over fun Q Old perceptions are no longer valid. Barriers to participation are often linked One of the most challenging findings is to past experiences, levels of interest that – while young people are looking for and perceived competence. The universal experiences to be fun – for many people More success is likely to be had from concern expressed by the young people sport was last viewed as fun in primary more adult motivations; demonstrating we spoke to was a desire not to be school. Valuing sport for its own sake gets that taking part in sport can deliver embarrassed in front of their peers. lost in secondary school as it starts to be something that they do care about – So while the activity may be sport, the perceived as a more serious pursuit for whether that be looking and feeling good, message doesn’t need to be and a good those who are ‘good’ at it and this helps achieving personal goals, supporting a place to start is to ask what outcome drive a definite shift in teenage years charity or providing a social setting to be you’re selling to young people. towards a functional rather than sporting with friends. Another solution is to help motivation for taking part. By this I mean them track their progress towards their Putting the insight into practice that selling sport as fun will not resonate own goal and reinforcing that a particular Having better understood the audience it’s with many young people. activity is helping them. trying to engage, the sports sector needs

40 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 PIC: © ALICE PEPERELL © PIC: Smash Up is based on creating a new image for badminton Be yourself with Morning Gloryville

SMASH UP! BADMINTON targets 13- social lives while being at a session. The MORNING GLORYVILLE gets people to 16 year-olds and aims to break the way instructors blend into the session – active by bringing exercise to an existing perception of badminton as something rather than stand out at the front giving group of club-loving party people. that happens in church halls for ‘fuddy instructions – is also a key part of the Created by two event producers, it plays duddy’ older people. To attract younger programme. They provide ideas and to the strength of those who dance into audiences wanting a less formal way to facilitate the sessions, giving the young the night and challenges those who fall play, Badminton England created a ‘music people ownership and allowing them to out of bed reaching for the alarm. With and mates’ environment and branded the shape the session their way. the likes of ‘rave your way into the day’ related social media activity as Racket George Wood, from Badminton events, the project provides the dance Heads to appeal to the youth market. In England, said: “Smash Up! has been floor, music and the coffee – the rest is particular, it specifically separates this focussed on taking what’s great about up to participants. version from the more structured PE badminton and presenting it in a way Samantha Moyo, founder, said: lesson experience of badminton. Small that really engages young people “It’s about letting people experience things like allowing participants to have looking for a relaxed, casual way to play. something new. People spend all day not their mobile phones with them to take It’s as much about music, mates and being themselves at work – we want to breaks to use social media means they feel having a laugh as it is about sport and change that.” To see Morning Gloryville in as though they’re not missing out on their 1,500 sites have already taken it up.” action, visit: http://lei.sr?a=h7a5m

to then design and deliver the type of are after and they want to see results. their students to recognise the benefits experiences young people are looking for. The principles are the questions that any of being fitter for a profession that can As a general rule, young people are looking delivery plan should be able to answer if be physically demanding. People are for experiences that are: it’s to provide the right experience for now putting the functional first. And QInteractive – using technology where young people – “will it give me what I then there’s badminton – which has and when possible want?”, “will I see results?”. successfully recreated itself around the QSocial – maintaining social lives and There are already some great examples needs and wants of young people with its making connections with other like- of national governing bodies, colleges, Smash Up! programme for 13- to 16-year minded people universities and sports projects taking a olds (see pp. 54-56 to read more on QRewarding – giving them something back different approach to engaging young grassroots badminton). QPersonalised – tailored and able to people – designed around their needs Insight is beginning to change the way make/create their own rather than sport’s. sport is planned and delivered across the QInspiring – unique, different, something Oldham College, for example, is UK. Those responsible are now diving into they can be proud of advertising rock climbing to performing the detail deeper and further than ever QCreative – allowing them to create their arts students as a way of building upper before in the pursuit of interventions own version of sport body strength and overcoming a fear of which make a guaranteed and lasting However, our insight has taught us that heights to help them to work in theatre impact. We should all be placing insight at the way these should be applied differs production and set rigging. the heart of everything we do. ● depending on the audience group. As a Meanwhile, South Essex College is result, one of the outputs of our work is linking up with the Peter Jones Business Find out more a series of “design principles” for the key Academy and offering golf coaching to youth audiences. business students who recognise that W: www.sportengland.org/youthreview For example, the more functional many deals are made during an 18-hole E: [email protected] audience is looking for activities they round. In other colleges, health and T: 0207 273 1895 recognise as providing the benefits they beauty course tutors are supporting sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 41 MAJOR EVENT LEGACIES CAROLE PENDLE, PENDLE PR

THE COPPER BOX ARENA managing the legacy

The first Olympic venue to open in legacy mode – nicknamed the Box that Rocks during London 2012 – celebrated its first legacy anniversary in July 2014. Carole Pendle looks at how the unique venue has catered for both the local community and the demands of national and international events.

A UNIQUE CHALLENGE Home to handball, modern pentathlon and goalball during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Copper Box Arena, opened to the public on 27 July 2013, exactly one year after the success of the Games with more than 10,000 visitors coming through the doors over the launch weekend. The challenge for the legacy operator, charitable social enterprise GLL, which runs the venue on behalf of the local schools and community groups. The London Legacy Development Corporation, building of local links has led to a number of The venue’s simple, yet striking design has always been how to ensure that it schools using the venue on a regular basis, has contributed to iit becoming an remains a valued, relevant facility which along with further education institutions iconic landmark at the Olympic Park not only delivers on pre-Olympic legacy such as Queen Mary’s University and the promises but also makes commercial sense. University of East London. Tony Wallace, head of Legacy Venues The community ethos is further The Copper Box Arena is also home at GLL, explains: “The Copper Box Arena underlined by GLL’s recruitment strategy, to an 80-station, two-studio heath club, works for three primary markets: as a which has seen 90 per cent of the 52 new which runs 25 classes per week. For community sports hub for local residents jobs and apprenticeships created at the Wallace and his team, attracting members and clubs, as a health and fitness facility venue go to local residents; many of whom was one of the first challenges they faced. and as a venue for regional, national and live in areas of social deprivation and had “Because we opened while much of international events. Each element of the previously been long-term unemployed. the Olympic park was still undergoing business is equally important.” One of the cornerstones to GLL’s redevelopment, it was a difficult to attract bid to manage both the Copper Box members to the gym in the early days, LEGACY COMMITMENTS Arena and its neighbour, the London particularly as there was minimal natural The Copper Box hosts between 10 and Aquatics Centre, was to create long term footfall past our doors,” he says. 20 community events each month and a social and sporting opportunities – and “However, that’s all changed now, dedicated sports development team runs this commitment sits alongside every membership and usage figures are strong a proactive outreach programme with commercial decision which is made. and as the residential population on

42 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Invictus Games on the competitors was unforgettable. The inaugural Invictus “But for every Games attracted 413 competitor at the first competitors from 13 Invictus Games, there nations to compete for are 10 others who would gold in nine sports over five benefit from having the days at the Copper Box. same opportunity. I always More than 79,000 hoped the first Games spectators attended was actively involved in the would just be the beginning the sporting events and organisation and events. and I’m delighted there’s opening and closing “The Invictus Games was an appetite to build on the ceremonies. Widely about inspiring people to success and broaden the covered in the media, more overcome their challenges concept in the future.” than 10m viewers watched and raising awareness of Harry will continue in his the Games on the BBC. the issues facing wounded role as president and added Much of the media servicemen and women on that there won’t be any coverage was attributed a global scale,” he said. Invictus events during 2015.

to the high profile “I believe we achieved Bidding is, however, now PICS: ©GETTY IMAGES involvement of Prince that, as the public support open for 2016 and 2017. Harry. As co-founder of the for the Games was nothing The process will be Games, he spent the entire short of phenomenal, managed by a committee week at the Games and and the impact it had led by Sir Keith Mills.

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 43 MAJOR EVENT LEGACIES

Venue operator GLL is hoping to increase the number of non- sporting events held at the venue

the park grows, we believe demand for Boxing promoter Frank Warren was membership and sport will continue to one of the first to recognise the potential grow at rapid pace.” of the Olympic legacy venue. He signed a six-fight deal which kicked off with a MAKING ITS MARK British Middleweight Title fight between Over the past 18 months, the Copper the unbeaten champion Billy Joe Saunders Box Arena has often hit the headlines from Hatfield and the undefeated as London’s third largest indoor arena. challenger John Ryder from Islington. Sporting highlights have included Warren comments: “This is a superb international basketball matches, world setting for boxing. The Copper Box Arena class boxing fights from promoter Frank is what all the investment in the Olympics Warren and Sport Relief 2014, which was about – legacy and giving London a included six hours of live broadcasting and fantastic arena.” performances by Kylie Minogue, Little Mix The venue is also building a reputation and Boyzone. More recently, Prince Harry among businesses and recently hosted and his team chose to host the Invictus Toni & Guy’s annual staff awards and Games at the Copper Box, attracting fashion show for 3,500 people. Wallace 30,000 spectators over three days and acknowledges, however, that GLL’s The London Lions was the first sports wall-to-wall TV coverage. reputation has been built within the team to make the Copper Box its home

The first anchor club to base itself at ©ONESHOTIMAGES PIC: sports and sports management sector, so the arena was the London Lions Basketball attracting more non-sporting events will team, which signed a five-year deal, According to Macaulay, relocating to be a focus for the next 12 months. including a commitment to grassroots the Copper Box Arena has had numerous “GLL is renowned as a sports operator,” development of the sport, working in benefits. “The main plus for the team has Wallace says. “We worked on the 2012 partnership with GLL. Year one highlights been the growing fan base, nearly 70,000 Games and manage other high profile included a sell out, 6,500-seat first game people saw the Lions play in the first facilities like Crystal Palace National Sports when the Lions played Iowa University from season. However, the sport as a whole has Centre and York Hall in Bethnal Green. the USA. In what has been described by benefited too, with TV cameras regularly Although a number of our centres already Vince Macaulay, the London Lions’ team filming at the Copper Box Arena when the host large-scale music events, most notably coach as “a sensational first year” the team plays or practices and this is creating Rivermead in Reading, it is not what we’re club finished a credible sixth in the British a lot more interest, more sponsorship and primarily known for. So we’re working Basketball league. more corporate opportunities.” hard to communicate that our event

44 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The flexibility in design allows a number of configurations, maximising the usage of the venue

The Copper Box has already found a place in the market and that’s something operator GLL intends to build on management experience is in fact far wider A STANDING START than many assume. A key new appointment Key facts For what is essentially a new build venue saw a specialist events manager with a sited within a newly emerging district of background in entertainment join the team Build Costs: £44m London, the traction that the Copper Box in November (2014), demonstrating our Designers: MAKE architects, Arena has already created is impressive. commitment to growing this sector.” Populous, PTW Architects and ARUP A typical week now sees community Principle Contractor: Buckingham use by local schools, higher education BUSINESS STRATEGIES Group Contracting colleges and over 55s during the day The combination of a community driven Capacity: Electronically activated between Monday and Thursday. ethos, combined with a commercial retractable seating for 6,500 The evenings are then occupied by business strategy makes the Copper Total footprint: The arena covers a some of the Copper Box Arena’s anchor Box Arena difficult to categorise. The 2,750sq m (29,600sq ft) field of play clubs for training sessions. During gym, which boasts the latest Technogym Environmental efficiency: A total of 88 the weekend it transforms into an equipment competes against any locally- light pipes have been incorporated into international events venue. Regardless of based private-sector gym, although unlike the roof and draw natural light into what is scheduled, gym users visit as usual its commercial counterparts it offers a the venue, while rainwater collectors using their own dedicated entrance, which broad range of concessionary rates and the reduce both energy and water means they are unaffected by any of the option of a ‘pay and play’ entry. consumption by up to 40 per cent other activities taking place. As an events venue, Wallace is confident Exterior: The building is clad in According to Wallace, the Copper Box that the Copper Box Arena has already sustainably-sourced copper Arena is now at capacity during peak found a place within the market and that’s times and consistently achieving between something he intends to build on. “We’re a 60 and 70 per cent occupancy during great facility, with a fantastic infrastructure which gives us a great place in the market the day. He reflects: “During our first 12 and excellent transport links. Because of for the up and coming stars of tomorrow months we welcomed 400,000 visitors our 6,000-seat capacity, we offer a more and somewhere that fans can get up close through our doors and hosted 155 events. intimate space ideal for bands or acts that and personal.” It’s been an exhilarating start and it’s a can’t quite sell out the biggest venues yet, great base to build on.” ● sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 45 MAJOR EVENT LEGACIES

STUART FRASER Partner, Make Architects, designer Copper Box The architect behind the Copper Box goes takes us through the process of creating an iconic, multi-use venue able to deliver both a major event and a long legacy

he aim of creating a venue which would allow it to be both efficient capable of hosting a memorable and flexible. What we wanted is for the Games-time experience as well venue to be used pretty much 24-7 – for as hosting a multitude of events people to be coming and going constantly. after the Olympics was at the As part of the planning, we did a number Tvery heart of the architectural brief. That of consultations where we met with was reflected in the very first things we local sports clubs, schools and people ever produced on our Copper Box bid and simply asked: “what do you want?”. – two presentation slides. The first one The talks acted as a sounding board for was titled “simplicity, efficiency and flex- the local community and were really ibility”, as that’s what we thought the interesting and rewarding – and they did venue needed to be and that’s what our have a direct impact on the design and design was all based on. The second slide content of the venue. A great example was “Design for legacy: an overlay for the is the dance studio. None of us had it on Games” – reflecting how long-term sus- the list of possible facilities to begin with, tainability was at the heart of our design. but it quickly became obvious that it was Stuart Fraser, partner, Make Architects, We wanted the slides to demonstrate something that was repeatedly asked for in designers of the Copper Box that while the building would have to consultations with the local population. meet very specific IOC requirements – such as sightlines and support facilities – presenting the concept of the Copper Box SUSTAINABILITY the Games would still only cover the to the GLA and the DCMS, they used those One of the key things we did first 15 days of the venue’s life. We were original slides! It made us realise that we’d sustainability-wise were the light pipes determined that while the building had to hit the nail right on the head with our pitch. in the roof. There are 88 light pipes in meet the requirements for London 2012, total – stainless steel mirror polished the design shouldn’t be at the expense of DESIGN tubes which are 4.5m deep and 50cm in the following 40 years of the venue’s life. The design of the Copper Box was all about diameter. They draw natural light indirectly I think we did a good job with those slides making it flexible and able to host a wide into the heart of the venue and make the – when we saw the client, the Olympic range of events. We wanted to keep the quality of the internal space feel better. Delivery Authority, a number of years later, building quite simple in its shape and form, The amount of light we draw in also means that the requirement for electrical lighting is cut by 40 per cent. So not only is there an environmental benefit but also a significant cost saving in terms of load. The light pipes are also a source of personal satisfaction. When we first suggested the use of them we encountered a lot of resistance – mainly because they’d never been used before for sports and certainly not on the scale we would be using them. We had a battle on our hands to get our way and spent the best part of eight months convincing the likes of Sport England that they would be the way forward. Satisfyingly, since the experience of Copper Box, Sport England has actually changed its technical documents to include light pipes as a Now in its legacy mode, the venue is one of the largest indoor concert arenas in London viable and sustainable option. ●

46 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Proposed design – Rio 2016 Olympic Park, Brazil Oxylane Village, Broxtowe

Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Warwickshire Cardiff International Pool

DELIVERING INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS FOR 30 YEARS

AFLS+P is the UK’s largest architectural practice specialising in major sport, leisure and community infrastructure projects across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. With more than 30 years of experience, we advise on, develop and deliver the very best solutions for our clients.

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www.AFLSP.com SUSTAINABILITY TOM WALKER, MANAGING EDITOR, SPORTS MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE

GREEN SHOOTS

Sport is increasingly adopting environmentally sustainable practices. Tom Walker looks at how sport can be used to promote environmental awareness and social and economic development.

ajor sporting events have awareness facilitated by the World Cup, approached. “There are now a number shown their potential the Brazilian government passed a new of professional clubs and venues which to be catalysts for the waste management law to better regulate have really embraced the idea of being creation of sustainable, recycling in the country. environmentally friendly – and the same healthy environments and It’s not only major events, however, goes for community sport,” Seymour says. Meconomies. The London 2012 Olympic which can deliver lasting, positive change “It's still, however, a case of having great Games changed the landscape of a to their surroundings. The spaces needed but isolated examples of good practice. previously dilapidated part of the capital, for sport have an impact on the natural Even within venues it's sometimes a case creating a brand new environmentally- world. Stadium construction projects, of picking and choosing certain aspects of friendly neighbourhood in east London with venue operations and even the building environmentally-friendly operations, while world class leisure facilities, 2,800 new and running of local sport pitches change ignoring others.” homes and an urban park. landscapes and have an impact on habitats. This year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil was Those responsible for building and GREEN DESIGNS widely credited as the “greenest” in history. operating sport infrastructure have an When sustainability is incorporated at the Crucially, the tournament provided an opportunity to make a positive impact on very core of stadium development, the end impetus for positive change beyond the their environments and communities. results can be impressive. In 2007 the city competition, as the Brazilian According to Russell of Incheon in South Korea was selected to public embraced initiatives Seymour, chair of the British host the 2014 Asian Games and was faced such as the Green Passport Association for Sustainable with a need to build a main stadium for the – published and distributed Sport (BASIS), interest event. From the outset, the Incheon City to all fans – and its message in making venues more Government made sustainability a primary of adopting ecologically- sustainable has increased requirement. It wanted a venue that friendly practices in everyday rapidly in the past decade. would deliver a memorable games but also life. As a direct result of the He says, however, that there provide a lasting legacy for the city. change in public attitudes and remains fragmentation in Architects Populous took up the the widened environmental the way green issues are challenge and came up with the innovative

The Green Passport scheme at the FIFA World Cup this year helped increase the Brazilian public's awareness of environmental issues

48 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 design solution of having only one these areas to be used for other things – in permanent stand. Rather than building Above: The London 2012 Games Incheon’s case, a green community park. a 60,000-capacity stadium and then created an entirely new, modern “Secondly, from a fan experience shrinking it down to 30,000 for the legacy district in East London perspective, only having one permanent mode, Populous came up with a vision of Below: How the Incheon Stadium will stand meant we were able to move the creating a multi-purpose, 30,000-capacity look in its legacy mode field of play right up to the action on the stadium and adding 30,000 temporary western side and to site the permanent

PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ RON ELLIS RON ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ PIC: seats for the Asian Games. Perhaps the seats in the optimal position for sport.” most revolutionary aspect of the stadium As well as the sustainable design, the is that the entire added capacity was on Incheon stadium boasts impressive energy- one side of the playing field – meaning that saving solutions which offer direct savings in legacy mode the venue will be reduced to the venue’s operator, Incheon Main down to a single sided-grandstand. The Stadium Department (IMSD). The main temporary East stand will be removed and energy-generating infrastructure is the replaced by community parkland which will solar panels which have been installed on be contoured around the football pitch. the roof of the West stand. 238kW panels Sarah Ciuffetelli, communications generate power for the internal lighting, manager at Populous’ Brisbane office, says while 135kW solar panels generate power the design offers a number of advantages to heat water for the shower rooms. In when it comes to delivering a sustainable addition, rainwater is harvested and used legacy. “Firstly, the design financially for the irrigation of the parkland. IMSD reduced the building by two-thirds, expects to save around US$600,000 a meaning there are substantial savings in year in energy costs as a result. operational and maintenance costs. The management only has to deal with one ADVOCACY LEADS TO ACTION permanent stand and the maintenance While green stadium design will ensure costs were cut in half once the temporary sustainability at new venues, improving stands were gone. The space created by environmental practices at existing

removing the temporary seating also allows ASIAN GAMES / POPULOUS © INCHEON PIC: stadiums is an ongoing challenge.

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 49 SUSTAINABILITY

Arsenal Football Club now recycles nearly 80 per cent of its total waste – a dramatic increase from the 25 per cent it recycled in 2012

50 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Arsenal's success was based on involving all stakeholders in its environmental programme PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/PISAPHOTOGRAPHY PIC:

Through effective employee engagement, awareness raising and management there was a dramatic increase in recycling rates

Re-evaluating procedures and upgrading and all catering and cleaning staff were hardware is paramount – not least due instructed regarding the new system. To to constant technological advances in encourage participation, the club enrolled the field of energy-saving – but in most the help of the Arsenal In The Community cases, significant cost savings and notable department to spread the word about environmental benefits can be achieved what was required of those delivering and without large-scale investments or handling the waste. infrastructural changes. One of the ways Through effective employee to ensure success is advocacy and the engagement, raising awareness and involvement of all stakeholders and staff. management there was a dramatic increase in recycling rates. By the end of the GREAT EXAMPLES 2012-13 season the club was recycling a A great example of this is English Premier remarkable 78 per cent of its total waste League club Arsenal FC, which achieved – surpassing all expectations and targets. great results by concentrating on one There was also a notable reduction in waste single aspect of its operations – waste. removal and processing costs. By the end of the 2011-12 season, events Another example of gaining results waste at the club’s Emirates Stadium in through advocacy is the success of the north London was approximately eight National Hockey League (NHL) in the US. tonnes per day – of which only around 25 Since 2010, the league has coordinated per cent was recycled. The club set itself and focused all environmental efforts a target of recycling 50 per cent of its by its 30 clubs under one umbrella. The refuse, while making savings in its waste impressive results achieved in the past four handling operations. years were revealed in the recent 2014 NHL The club involved a number of Sustainability Report – the first document stakeholders in the process, including of its kind produced by a major sports catering, cleaning and waste contractors. league in North America. Following consultations, it was decided A marquee figure of the report – and that separating organic waste would in all likelihood a sporting first – is the have the greatest impact and a number disclosure of the league’s overall, collective

PIC: ©DAVE HILL of simple yet effective steps were taken carbon footprint. This takes into account to achieve it. Food waste bins were put league and club business activities and into all the kitchens throughout the travel for 182 game days, 1,230 regular- 60,000-capacity stadium’s concourses season games, more than 60 play-off sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 51 SUSTAINABILITY

contests and nearly two million miles 10,000kWh per year – saving the club of team air travel per season. The total Above: The NHL will use the report to £1,300. As an added plus, the wind footprint is approximately 530,000 metric inspire ice hockey fans to commit to turbine acts as a marketing tool – a visual tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per the league’s sustainable stewardship demonstration of the club’s commitment year, with the league referencing the 23 Below: The wind turbine at Poppleton to sustainable energy. million metric tons emitted annually from Tigers saves the club £1,300 a year Val Duggan, secretary of Poppleton the single largest coal power plant in the Tigers, says the turbine has made a big US by way of comparison. difference. “We wanted a renewable energy The motive behind putting a figure on source to both save CO2 emissions and total carbon spend is best explained by help with the ever increasing energy bills,” Allen Hershkowitz, the head of sports Duggan says. “The turbine was installed programmes at the US-based Natural with financial support from the Community Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Sustainable Energy Programme and the FA. Hershkowitz describes the work achieved We all get a buzz seeing it turning, knowing by the NHL as remarkable and adds that we’re producing green energy and saving having such a concrete figure will help more than four tonnes of carbon emissions future green initiatives, as it can be used annually. We’ve got 25 active teams, so as a tool to inspire fans and partners to have around 750 visitors a week of all ages. commit to environmental stewardship. The turbine provides a fantastic sustainable “The 2014 NHL Sustainability Report is energy learning resource for all of them.” arguably the most important statement For Seymour, this is a great example of about the environment ever issued by a what can be achieved at grassroots level if professional sports league,” Hershkowitz clubs can create conviction and a desire to says. “The report's focus on controlling do the right thing among members. fossil-fuel use and greenhouse gas “If you have individuals who are emissions is a mainstream wake-up call passionate about the environment and that climate disruption poses an existential sustainability, they’ll often create and threat to everything we hold dear, looking to reduce outlays to a minimum. drive the efforts through the first stages,” including sports and recreation.” Poppleton Tigers, a community club in he says. “There also has to be a business York, UK, undertook a study to appraise case behind any measures – if something COMMUNITY MATTERS the most practical renewable energy isn’t viable then it’s obvious it won’t get While initiatives by large-scale venues and solutions for its clubhouse in terms done. Ultimately though, to make an sports organisations can make significant of energy savings and environmental environmental pledge or action work and differences to the environment, it’s benefits. Wind turbines, solar panels and for it to achieve its targets, there also has also important to highlight what can biomass heating were all assessed and to be a philosophy behind it. be achieved at community level. At a following the study the club decided to “If people within an organisation buy time when public funding is scarce and invest in the creation of wind-powered into the idea they’re doing the right thing, energy costs are rising, amateur clubs energy. The chosen product, an Evance rather than something they ‘have to do’, it’s and grassroots operators are increasingly R9000 5kW turbine, now generates much more likely to get results.” ●

52 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014

Grassroots

The fastest racquet sport in the world has more than 3.5 million occasional players in the UK – and the figure is growing each year SMASHING IT!

AMANDA ELLISON, SPEED COMMUNICATIONS

adminton – the art of rallying SPEEDY SHUTTLECOCKS a shuttlecock to and fro across Badminton is the fastest racquet sport in a net – is one of the world’s the world. Clocking a top smash speed of oldest sports and thought 206mph, it quite literally smacks squash to have originated in ancient (172mph) and tennis (164mph) out of BEgypt. Variations of the game have since the park. It's also the most widely played been recorded dating back to 5th century racquet sport, with 3.5 million occasional China but it wasn’t recognised on English players in the UK, 615,000 weekly players shores until the 1860s, when British and more than 1 million regular monthly army officers stationed in Poona, India, players – and the numbers are rising. brought the game back to Badminton Badminton is a steadily growing sport, and From a young age, boys and girls play PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/OSTILL House in Gloucestershire. since 2009-10, the number of adults, aged alongside each other and our most The Duke of Beaufort hosted a lawn 16+ playing weekly has risen by 26,500. celebrated badminton heroes, Gail Ems party and the game of badminton was In 2014, Badminton England reported an and Nathan Robertson, stood side by born. The Badminton Association of increase of 66,500 in the 14-25 age group, side when claiming their silver medals in England (BAofE) was formed in 1893. particularly among women. Athens 2004. Thirtyseven per cent of Badminton is still one of the country's weekly players are female, rising to 41 per most popular ‘garden pursuits', although GENDER DIVIDE cent on a monthly basis. For 14 to 15-year- it's debatable whether that helps or One of the biggest advantages of olds the female numbers are slightly hinders the image of the sport. badminton is that it is gender neutral. higher, with 44 per cent of weekly players and 47 per cent monthly. Badminton is the fifth most popular individual or team sport for women (after swimming, cycling, athletics and equestrian) and those who do play are upping their game, with 44 per cent of female badminton players doing more activity this year. In a climate where the pressure is on NGBs to get more women physically active, it seems badminton is in a very strong place.

PICK UP A RACQUET Badminton England is committed to increasing grassroots participation, with a whole sport plan for 2013-17 which includes programmes designed to attract and grow the game at all levels. The National School Championships currently attracts more than 30,000 participants across 1,600 schools and Badminton is popular among girls - 47 per cent of young players in the UK are female in total badminton is offered at more

54 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The number of people playing the sport is constantly increasing and there are now 3.5 million occasional players PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ JARI HINDSTROEM ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ PIC: than 2,300 schools. The aim is to Dedicated badminton is also supporting it socially, creating a impact on more formal play, integrating ‘racquetheads’ Twitter channel It to make badminton into the curriculum and centres are proven to be young people more familiar with the sport. GCSE requirements, as well as to develop a new national junior league. the best way to develop COURTSIDE Badminton England is also redesigning Badminton is an indoor sport and, its primary school offering and investing the sport at all levels – but therefore, somewhat restricted by the in further education. Currently offered there are very few centres in availability of court space and time. at 56 universities, the NGB is looking to Badminton England has established a expand to 70 by March 2017, adapting its England where badminton strong relationship with a number of programmes to suit the college market. national operators. As part of the PLAY One of the key challenges for NGBs is to is the priority sport Badminton programme they invest in fund and maintain a sufficient workforce partnerships with operators to upgrade to grow the sport. Badminton England’s and increase the use of sports halls under community-based approach is helping size fits all approach, badminton now their management in identified priority to circumvent this. The introduction of comes in all shapes and sizes, from No areas. In return for this investment they Community Badminton Networks (CBN) – Strings pay and play options, to Battle seek to secure increased court access. where a group of key local partners comes Badminton singles leagues and coached The aforementioned CBNs also play together to build a development plan for sessions, the NGB is making it as easy as a role in galvanising the support of local badminton in their area – means there's possible to encourage playing. partners to refurbish courts or even to an organic focus designed to increase The programme that is possibly the access untapped community resources participation and enable anyone who boldest move for badminton, however, such as schools and churches. wants to play badminton to find activity is the Smash up! campaign. Designed However, it's the dedicated badminton appropriate to their ability and desire. The for 13- to 16-year-olds, the innovative centres that have proven to be the best people are effectively championing the product is currently in 1,000 schools, way to develop the sport at participation sport on Badminton England's behalf. plus 500 community and leisure sites. and performance level. Unfortunately, Under the modern PLAY Badminton Delivered by trained ‘activators’ the England still has very few centres where initiative, Badminton England has a flexible sessions involve music and casual play and badminton is the priority sport. Currently, approach to listening and responding to focus more on allowing teenagers to try in Denmark – one of the major European the needs of its providers, such as the the sport and experiment with the speed competitor nations – almost every town leisure centre market. Rejecting the one and skills involved. Badminton England has a hall designed for badminton as sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 55 GRASSROOTS

a priority sport and most badminton clubs own their own purpose-built badminton facilities or have great access and guaranteed tenure. This is thought to be a major factor in Denmark’s high participation rates and international success. Badminton England wishes to invest in the development of more dedicated centres.

TALENT PATHWAYS The International Badminton Federation (IBF) – now the Badminton World Federation – was established in the first half of the 20th century. However, it was not until 1992 that badminton gained Olympic status, demonstrating its relative infancy on the international playing field. In October 2014 it was also confirmed as a Paralympic sport for 2020 in Tokyo. In England, the badminton Performance Centres are the real starting point of the talent pathway, being fed from schools, The Performance Centres are the starting point for talented individuals to advance clubs, CBNs and aimed at youngsters from primary school to 17- and 18-years old. The 10 England Performance Training the spectator offering grow, with as seriously as an innovative, strong sites around the country provide the successful launch of the National performance sport. It's one of the easiest opportunities for the most talented Badminton League, which is being televised entry level sports, every leisure centre individuals within the Performance on Sky sports. This means more exposure offers it and 3.5 million people pick up a Centres. The England Junior Programmes for some of Britain’s best players, such as racquet! In Asian cultures badminton is provide individual places for the most Chris and Gabby Adcock. The duo, partners extremely popular, and it's a true cradle- talented from 13 upwards. The most both on and off the court, are ranked fifth to-grave sport. talented players among the England and in the world at mixed doubles. Having to compete against other giants GB senior teams are based at the National of sport such as football, rugby and tennis, Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes. FANCY A GAME? badminton’s main challenge may well One of the key challenges facing the Yet in spite of the investment which be the way it's perceived. Despite being sport is that unlike tennis, there is no has been made in improving facilities incredibly fast, competitive and gender Wimbledon fever, with coverage of the and programmes and the obvious love neutral, badminton has yet to challenge sport not yet screened on terrestrial and affection surrounding the sport, its outdated reputation head on. The channels. This year, however, has seen badminton is still struggling to be taken small steps taken so far, such as Smash up! have proven successful, so clearly there's a desire to play if the message is BADDERSBIRDS county players, had the right. If anything it's frustrating that the idea of integrating a 45 top badminton players are not household The brain child of an minute yoga and fitness names and that badminton fever is not yet inner city London class (taught by a top gripping the nation. badminton club looking London personal trainer) As part of its Whole Sport Plan to cement badminton’s with an hour of learning Badminton England has set a weekly appeal to young to play. Promoted only participation target of 153,000 for 14- professional city girls. on twitter and with flyers 25 year-olds. The hope is that targeted The concept is to enable designed by a local artist, marketing campaigns, the presence on Sky girls from a variety of “the girls who come TV, and the increased level of social media backgrounds to give get to burn calories activity will help to promote the sport. badminton a go and and enjoy a game," the However, unless badminton begins to see the benefits. In campaign literature invest in repositioning the sport towards the majority of cases, women take up states. "Life is so busy these days, it a younger, performance-motivated badminton looking to lose weight or helps to know you’ll get your fitness audience, then it may forever be seen as get fitter but at first the emphasis has fix and still get to hit a feather or two. nothing more than the nation’s favourite to naturally be on learning the skills Badminton is fast, fun and a great way summer pastime, played by grannies and needed. Baddersbirds, set up by four to get fit and we want to prove it!” girls alike. The key question still stands – can you name a professional player? ●

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 57 GROWING SPORTS TONY SNOW, SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Futsal is growing at all levels across Europe

Futsal, football’s small-sized, indoor version, is now among the fastest growing team sports in Europe. The FA’s Tony Snow outlines the reasons behind the success INSIDE FOOTBALL

razilian star Ronaldinho swears KEEPING IT SMALL game. As a result, futsal is an extremely by it, Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, powerful way for kids to develop their Messi says it’s the reason why another disciple of futsal, cites the small touch and dribbling skills. he became the player he is playing area of the pitch as a key factor in today and perhaps Pelé would the way it improves personal skill. TECHNICAL PROWESS Bnever have reached his legendary status “If it wasn’t for futsal, I wouldn’t be the Although futsal is very much a game in without it. Such is the influence of futsal. player I am today,” he says. “It helped me its own right, it creates an environment Hailing from the large urban improve my close ball control, for example. which allows young people to develop and conurbations of Uruguay and Brazil Whenever I played futsal I felt free.” practice many skills which are transferable in the 1930s, futsal is football’s little Football and futsal have a great deal to the 11-a-side game. Because of its brother – an exciting, fast-paced small- in common – players of both must nature, futsal supports the technical sided football game that places a large be able to master the ball and make development of young players in a emphasis on technical skill and ability in quick decisions – but there are subtle multitude of ways. The smaller confines of situations of high pressure. differences too. One of these is the size the pitch make it harder to find space, the Densely populated cities and a shortage of the ball – Futsal is played with a size 4 line markings prevent easy escape from of playing pitches forced a football mad as opposed to a regulation size 5 ball. tight situations (unlike traditional five-a- populace to play small-sided football Futsal is a five-a-side game, normally side, where the ball can be played off the and in 1936 the first rules emerged. The played on a flat indoor pitch with hockey- wall) and the smaller, heavier ball supports name futsal was chosen by FIFA and sized goals. It is played to touchlines and closer ball control and manipulation. is a combination of the Spanish words all players are free to enter the penalty Research indicates that individuals for ‘football’ (futbol) and ‘hall’ (sala). area and play the ball over head-height. playing futsal receive the ball six times Subsequently as it has proved, it is an Games are 20 minutes per half, played more often than they do playing 11-a-side excellent breeding ground for football to a stopping clock (similar to basketball) football, resulting in players needing competencies which can be translated into with time-outs permitted. to pass, control, feint and dribble more the 11-a-side format of the game. There are a number of differences often. As well as having more touches As it grew from its South American roots, between futsal and the various versions of on the ball, players will often receive it has not only helped produce some of that “small-sided” football played in England. the ball under pressure from opponents, continent’s finest players but has also had a However, the dominant elements are developing their confidence on the ball. defining influence on the European stage. the absence of rebound boards and Futsal as a game naturally brings players Barcelona’s tiki-taka has its foundations in rules which encourage and foster skilful, into regular one-on-one situations with futsal, with Iniesta and Xavi among the ones creative play above the physical contact, their opponent. This encourages players to play the game to develop their skills. which tends to be a feature of the English into quick decision-making – whether to

58 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Participation - The latest figures show that in 2014 there were 20,132 adults and 42,196 youth players (under 16yrs) taking part in FA-affiliated Futsal activities

try beating the opponent using dribbling the season progress into the FA National or through passing to a team-mate. Super League and on to the Grand Finals Another core attribute futsal teaches to contest for the title of National Futsal young players is the importance of Champions. The National Champions ball retention due to the threat of an progress into the UEFA Futsal Cup to immediate counter-attack. represent England. Confidence on the ball, receiving a pass Meanwhile, the FA Futsal Cup has been under pressure, decision-making in one running since 2003 and is the oldest on one situations and ball retention are national futsal competition in England. all fundamental skills that coaches look The ‘FA Cup of Futsal’ offers clubs the to develop in young football players – all opportunity to progress through the which are practiced regularly in a game tournament to play the top clubs in the environment of futsal. country. In 2014 more than 500 male and Due to the limited space on a futsal female teams entered the competition. court, the game intrinsically encourages At the very top of the elite set-up sits movement and rotation from players, as the England Senior Men’s Team. The team well as a sense of innovation and creativity, enters the FIFA Futsal World Cup and to unlock defences and to create some UEFA European Futsal Championships, as space for themselves and their team- well as playing a number of international Many of the world’s leading players, such mates. In many ways it replicates the friendly matches each season. Beneath the as Lionel Messi, grew up playing futsal skills required from successful attacking CELSO PUPO ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ PIC: England team is the England Development midfielders and forwards in the 11-a-side Squad and eight Regional Centres of game when trying to break through framework for promoting and developing Futsal Excellence for 16 to 19-year-olds, opposition in and around the 18-yard box. the sport. A number of initiatives have which support the identification and been launched and expanded to drive the development of talented futsal players. THE RISE AND RISE OF FUTSAL growth of futsal in England. Since 2003 the FA has been supporting The FA National Futsal Leagues were GRASSROOTS the introduction of futsal in England and established in 2008 and are divided into There are also a number of grassroots during that time the game has grown three regional leagues (North, Midlands structures to support organised rapidly. From humble beginnings, with and South). Each comprises two divisions games. The FA Futsal Fives are local limited awareness and even more limited which are played throughout the season. recreational futsal leagues which The structures, The FA has established a The top teams in Division 1 at the end of FA has established to help provide local sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 59 GROWING SPORTS

The futsal leagues not only increase participation in and awareness of futsal, but also generate significant returns for the local delivery partners opportunities for participants to play the refereeing courses to support the recreational level of the game, The FA game. There are currently more than 60 development and learning of both believes that with a little bit of creativity adult and youth futsal leagues running coaches and referees within futsal. and flexibility, facilities should not pose across the country. too significant an obstacle for recreational The FA National Youth Futsal Festival GETTING INVOLVED and social participation in futsal. has been running since 2007 to The FA is keen to support organisations Although The FA encourages teams encourage young people to participate in and facilities which are interested in and participants to seek to play futsal on futsal. Boys’ and girls’ teams from across and motivated to develop local futsal a proper full-size indoor futsal pitch with the country between the ages of 10 and participation opportunities. It provides appropriate markings, it’s clear that this 16 progress through regional festivals to licences to local delivery partners to run will not always be possible – especially as reach the National Youth Futsal Festival. and operate youth and adult FA Futsal the sport is still in a developmental stage. This event is hugely popular and is helping Fives leagues. As part of the license The By getting in touch with the FA, operators to promote the game in schools and youth FA will provide grant funding to help will be able to find the best solution to clubs. In 2014 more than 2,500 teams set the league up, as well as a host of provide a workable futsal facility. ● participated in this competition. FA branded marketing and operational British Universities and English resources to make it easy for the Colleges (BUCS) Futsal Championships operator to get things started. There are Find out more are two competitions which have been currently more than 60 leagues operating going from strength-to-strength over across the UK that not only increase To find out more about how you can recent years, with a large number of participation in and awareness of futsal, adapt an existing sports-hall to incor- colleges and universities across Britain but also generate significant financial porate futsal, The FA has produced a entering male and female teams. BUCS returns for the local delivery partners. guidance resource with further info: announced in 2014 that over the past The FA is also aiming to be flexible www.sportsmanagement.co.uk/FUTSAL three years futsal has been the fastest when it comes to facility requirements. If you are interested in becoming an growing team-sport in universities. It recognises that facilities can act FA Futsal Fives license holder, contact To support the leagues, The FA has as a limitation and barrier to playing [email protected] established a number of coaching and futsal across England. However, at the

60 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 IS FUNCTIONAL FITNESS REALLY AT THE HEART OF YOUR FACILITY?

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British Cycling’s Shane Sutton (second from left) has joined the team at Athlete Lab, bringing elite expertise to the programming PEAK PERFORMANCE

ith its first UK site now David Thompson pays a bikes in the main studio and 10 more in open in London, the team the basement studio, along with a stretch behind international visit to the new Athlete Lab and conditioning area. The bikes, called indoor cycling brand cycle hub, to see how its Adjustabikes, are made exclusively for Athlete Lab is already Athlete Lab by Powerwatts, a Canadian focus on cycling enthusiasts Weyeing up more sites in the capital. company which developed the training Approaching 50 per cent capacity in the rather than fitness fanatics hardware for Olympic athletes. They first quarter since opening, the club’s per- feature clip-in pedals (with shoes available formance indicates a positive outlook and is giving it a different spin from reception), gears and the rear wheel quick growth for the brand, especially as of a real road bike, mounted on a modified it opened in what the owners expect to be Sydney, Australia. Two years later, Athlete frame which sits in a turbo trainer. their quietest time of year. Lab has arrived in London with a £1m studio Data from the turbo trainer and sensors Moving quickly is something founders targeting the cycling fanatics of the city’s fitted to the pedals generate an impressive – Michael Flynn – a former Glencore oil financial heartland. array of performance information. This data trader – and Neil Franks, head of South “London was the obvious next step is displayed on a huge screen at the front East Asia and Australia at Cordea Savills for us,” says Flynn. “Cycling is massively of the studio, and this is the driving force private equity group – know well, both in popular here, and it’s very difficult to train behind the workouts. By matching power business and in the saddle. year-round due to the infamous English output and cadence (pedal speed) to the They met during cycle training sessions weather. Wherever there are dedicated targets on-screen, you’re guided through in Singapore, where they were both cyclists and triathletes who have busy the ride. The system also links up with heart working at the time. Looking for better jobs, there will always be a demand for rate monitors and results can be sent to places to train, but failing to find quite convenient indoor training.” tracking programmes and apps such as what they were after, they decided instead Strava. You also get a ride report by email. to open their own studio where cyclists LONDON MODEL There are ride programmes for could bring in their own bikes to train Unlike the Athlete Labs in Singapore and endurance, sprint intervals, HIIT, five- indoors in a convenient location. Sydney, the London club only has fixed minute intervals and Ironman triathlon Within two weeks of the first Athlete Lab bikes, custom-made for an authentic training, all of which make up the club’s opening, the pair already had two sites: the experience – the other clubs have the regular schedule of 16–18 classes a day. The inaugural site in Singapore and a club in option of bringing your own. There are 20 rides at Athlete Lab have been developed

62 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Above: Athlete Lab London offers Adjustabikes, so members can train as they would on the road. Right: The club’s data-led offering is designed to improve sporting performance

by the in-house team of cycling coaches, and the recent addition of British Cycling’s Shane Sutton will add even more elite expertise to the programming. “We’re very proud to have Shane on board,” says Flynn. “His knowledge and experience in training top level cyclists is invaluable to us, and it’s fantastic to have him not only help with improving our rides with his own power test (FTP) to produce a score on of ability, while enjoying the same class methodology, but to join the team as a which to base the target power output. together. Our coaches are the key here shareholder of the London club.” The FTP test is performed by every new – the FTP can be adjusted manually member and involves riding as fast as throughout the ride to make sure each PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE you can on a 2 per cent gradient for 20 rider gets the most out of the workout.” “Our specially designed rides are central minutes, to calculate your maximum power to our appeal to dedicated cyclists, output. For customers dropping in to a SPORTS PERFORMANCE FOCUS covering all the bases across different class for the first time, the coaches running Athlete Lab London currently has around disciplines,” says Flynn. “Data is hugely the class will estimate the FTP based on 100 members, with capacity set at around popular, so we give all the data we can and general fitness level and experience. 250–300. Unlimited access membership it’s extremely accurate.” Flynn says: “It’s a simple system, but it costs £129 a month, while ride packs Each ride is tailored to individual riders’ works well for getting the most effective of 12 (£288) and eight (£216) are also ability by using a functional threshold training for each individual, regardless available, to be used over a three-month sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 63 FITNESS IN SPORT

Members at the London club are 50 per cent cyclists, 50 per cent triathletes, who want to complement their outdoor training

period. Alternatively, drop-in classes can convenience of a group cycling studio, think about its next club, with an eye out be attended for £30. “Our customers and but with much more beneficial training for for sites in prestigious areas such as the members are about 50 per cent cyclists cyclists – ours are real bikes, so you train West End and Kensington. and 50 per cent triathletes at the London just as you would on the road. Add to that “We’re looking forward to building club so far,” says Flynn. our personalised cycle coaches, on-hand the social aspect in London’s cycling “We’re not targeting fitness customers, to fine tune your performance, and I think community,” says Flynn. “We have real but rather sports performance. Many Athlete Lab is way ahead of the pack.” rides where you can take on the challenges cyclists look for fitness alternatives during He continues: “It’s been a bit of a of famous cycling routes and race nights the off-season, and for a convenient sub- challenge coming into the London market where members can race everyone else in stitute during the working week. Group though, as nearly everyone has a gym the room, or against riders at other clubs. cycling on flywheel bikes is great for membership already. That’s very different As soon as we have more clubs, we can host cardio, but it doesn’t replicate the true from Singapore and Sydney.” Nevertheless, more challenges to make it an even more pedal stroke of a real bike. We offer all the the Athlete Lab team is already starting to enjoyable training experience.” ●

FIRST PERSON manages to feel spacious. A full of Athlete Lab’s target market – EXPERIENCE class with 30 riders must be a sight City boys with money to spend to behold, with all those gears and a keen interest in cycling. David Thompson reports... whirring and legs spinning in unison, They talk the talk, and as I can rrive at Athlete Lab and you but in my class there were just see from the data on the screen could be forgiven for thinking four of us. The coach meticulously as we match our leg speed and A you’d stumbled into a Tour de set up my bike position, making power output to targets, they France team’s training centre. Everything adjustments which I’m told they walk the walk. is shiny and new: clean white lines and save and set up for members ahead of time The bikes are absolutely authentic and hi-spec finish in everything from the when they’ve booked in for a ride. a single-minded determination to keep reception desk to the bar stools crafted Then we get down to the serious business turning the pedals is required to get you from professional (read painful) looking of cycling. The characterless but energetic through – just like being out on the road. bike saddles. After a warm but somewhat dance music plays, and my legs spin the There are only three things I could have perfunctory greeting from the coaching pedals around, but similarities with other asked for: swapping out their saddle for team, I’m fitted out with some cycling indoor cycling classes end there. This is my own, the wind in my hair and the sun cleats and taken through the large glass not the place for supercharged fitness on my back. If you’re married to your bike doors to the main studio. instructors: it’s the place to get your training and addicted to data, then Athlete Lab is With 30 bikes set out in three rows in because it’s hard to get out for a decent the perfect place to train. If you’re after facing the huge screen, which takes up ride when you’re stuck in the office all week. a good workout that happens to be on a most of the front wall, the room still The two riders next to me are prime examples bike, consider the nearest Spin studio.

64 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 MATRIX PROMOTION

HAS WHEELS IN MOTION FOR 2015 CYCLING SUCCESS

Olympic champion, Laura Trott OBE, signs for Matrix Fitness cycling team

Commenting on the signing, Jon and double Olympic cycling champion, Johnston, Managing Director of Matrix Laura Trott OBE, will be joining the Fitness said: Matrix Fitness cycling team in 2015. “Laura brings a new dimension to The current British road race the team in her role as ambassador for champion will move to the team cycling and as a role model for young with effect from 1 January 2015, and people. She is still only 22 years old, will ride a program of key events but she has already achieved so much. that complement her track racing I cannot think of a better person to commitments and intended build up inspire youngsters to get active.” for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.

Dani King MBE launches IC7 Indoor Cycle

“The most relevant, smoothest, static bike I have ever trained on!”

Olympic Champion cyclist and ‘Team Matrix’ Ambassador, Dani King MBE, officially launched the power-based Matrix IC7 Indoor Cycle and Coach by Color® Power Program to the UK market at Leisure Industry Week. The IC7 is the latest product in the Matrix Fitness portfolio to be ‘Powered by ICG®’, and boasts indoor cycling’s first two-stage drivetrain, which enables the market’s most accurate (+/-1%) direct Wattrate® (Power) meter. The bike’s performance metrics are delivered to the rider via the patent-pending Coach By Color® Training Console, which vividly displays the user’s effort and power in various coloured zones.

Another giant leap on the horizon One to watch… Mel Lowther for Matrix Fitness’ cycling team Following two years on the After five years’ concerted effort to develop women’s British Olympic Development cycling, On The Drops – the management team behind Programme (ODP), Matrix Matrix Fitness-Vulpine – hopes to create a domestic Fitness rider, Mel Lowther professional team for British road riders to aspire to. Their will be joining the ranks of ambition looks set to be rewarded with plans in place for the elite riders in 2015. The them to become a full UCI pro team in 2015. aggressive rider, known for her After working hard to secure superb elite riders, breakaways, has demonstrated including Laura Trott MBE, and World Team Pursuit superb form since joining the champion, Elinor Barker, the final team line-up has now Matrix team in 2013, including been confirmed as: Laura Trott, Elinor Barker, Lucy Martin, securing an impressive 7th Molly Weaver, Jessie Walker, Harriet Owen, Mel Lowther, place at the recent Junior Sara Olsson, Christina Siggaard, and Penny Rowson. World Championships in Spain. www.matrixfitness.co.uk MENTAL HEALTH CRISPIN ANDREWS, JOURNALIST healthy body healthy mind A £2m programme that uses sport to improve the lives of people with mental health problems was announced in October. Can the new initiative, led by Sport England and mental health charity Mind, make a difference?

*Names changed to protect identity

wenty year old Londoner Peter* work, but when he did get some money, he a Sunday League football team. “I’m no lacked confidence. He was too just wasted it on drugs. “I thought I needed longer in that dark place, I feel more in eager to please, anxious to fit them to relax and to enjoy myself,” he says. control of my life,” he says. Peter has lost in, and this got him into trouble. Playing football taught him otherwise. lots of weight, quit smoking and drinks less. He fell in with a bad crowd, Peter and Michael didn’t join a football He’s made new friends who understand him Tdrank, smoked and ate too much. He was club. A cut and thrust, win at all costs and his previous problems and has started too impulsive and by his own admission, environment where players were pushed volunteering as a boxing coach. he didn’t do anything constructive with to improve their own performance or risk his days. He wasn’t working and only had letting the team down would have only Direct action this one group of mates. “I felt my life was made things worse for them. Instead, Sport England, the mental health charity, going in the wrong direction,” he says. they took part in fun coaching sessions, Mind, and the government hope that Not long after the 2010 World Cup, designed specifically for people with the new £2m scheme they launched this however, Peter started playing football. mental health issues. The sessions were run October will use sport to help 75,000 Since then, his life has got better. by Leyton Orient Football Club community people who, like Peter and Michael, have coaches – coaches who’d had mental health mental health issues; 25,000 during the Non-competitive treatment training – and organised by the London first 15 months. The new scheme is set to At the weekly football session, Peter Playing Fields Foundation, as part of their start next year and will run across eight met Michael. The 24-year-old had been Coping through Football project. areas in London, the West Midlands, the diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Four years on, and Michael is off drugs. north west and the north east. It will cost Because of his mental health issues, he He swims, goes to the gym, gained a £2m – £1.5m Lottery funding through lacked confidence and was anxious about catering qualification and works part time Sport England, the rest raised by Mind. meeting new people. Michael wasn’t at in a café. He’s even thinking of joining The government hasn’t yet released

Taking part in organised sports can help people with mental health issues gain more confidence

66 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Outdoor activities can significantly improve the moods of those suffering from depression

precise details of the rollout, but there more people living with mental health Department of Health figures show will most likely be specific targeted and problems to take up sport. that one in four people in the UK will adapted activities, support for people who “Structured physical activity suffer from mental health problems in want to join mainstream clubs and take up programmes can help people recover from their lifetime. That’s anxiety, addiction, new sports, taster sessions, fitness classes a mental health problem and stay well obsession, phobia, depression, and support groups. long term,” says Paul Farmer, Mind’s chief bipolar disorder, personality disorder, “There is clear evidence that physical executive. Mind’s information manager, schizophrenia and eating disorders. activity as part of a rehabilitation Sam Challis, adds that for a person with According to the 2013 Sport and programme improves recovery speed and mild depression or anxiety, physical activity Recreation Alliance report, the Game of PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ MARTIN NOVAK MARTIN ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ PIC: reduces health costs,” says Mike Diaper, gets the endorphins going and can lift their Life, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder Sport England’s executive director for mood almost immediately. reduce life expectancy by between 16 and community sport. According to Mind, “Just being outdoors can help people,” he 25 years. People with depression are twice research shows that outdoor exercise can says. “There’s light and you’re surrounded as likely to develop heart disease and 58 reduce depression and anxiety. The charity by nature, away from bustling environments per cent more likely to become obese. hopes that the new project will encourage which hold negative associations.” The King’s Fund and Centre for Mental Health found that £13bn of NHS expenditure each year is spent on long-term conditions linked to poor mental health and wellbeing. “The horrible thing about mental health issues is they can strike indiscriminately,” says Alex Welsh, CEO of the London Playing Fields Foundation, which set up the Coping Through Football project in Waltham Forest seven years ago. “People go through life and all of a sudden something happens. Some cope better than others,” he adds. Welsh, also a Tottenham Hotspur community coach, adds: “Suicide is the biggest killer of 25- to 28-year-old men, alongside road traffic accidents. There’s an over-reliance on medication as a treatment for mental health problems. Coping Through Football takes referrals The Coping Through Football project in Waltham Forest received an UEFA award this year from GPs, NHS home treatment and

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 67 SPORT AND MENTAL HEALTH

You need to show health professionals how sports organisations can add to what they’re already doing, that you can help them achieve their objectives around recovery. community outreach teams across make people feel better,” Sam Challis says. activities that don’t require people to have London, while early intervention teams “You don’t want the coach shouting at a lot of skills to take part.” send younger people at risk of developing people to do that little bit extra. The coach Alex Welsh adds: “The industry needs chronic issues. Local Mind groups have also needs to have an understanding of why the to show health professionals how sports been running sports activities for people people are there and what they need.” organisations can add to what they’re with mental health issues. Rochdale has Alex Welsh agrees. “You’re not looking already doing. That we can help them put on taster sessions in Zumba, Bollywood for sporting outcomes,” he says. “If the achieve their objectives around recovery and line dancing, aerobics, tai-chi, yoga, coach shouts anything it’ll be ‘well done’, and help people live normal lives.” five-a-side football, table tennis and or ‘good effort’ and it will be targeted at Mike Diaper suggests involving people badminton. Brentwood Mind runs a building up an individual’s self-esteem.” who have, or have had, a mental health walking group, where people socialise, Mike Diaper wants sports professionals problem, in designing the sessions. “They exercise and explore the local area. to try and understand just how difficult will know what helped them, what to In Croydon, Mind works with Duke it can be for someone who has a mental include that might be of benefit to others, McKenzie, to put on boxing fitness classes health issue to actually come through the and how to communicate with people who at the former boxing world champion door of a sports activity. have similar issues,” he says. gymnasium in Crystal Palace. “Even if they really enjoy the sport, it can “Sport needs to get involved with “People who’ve been on these projects be a really big deal for them,” he says. projects like these. We use public money score better on measures for depression Sam Challis says this is because a person and the government, local authorities and anxiety,” says Richard Paccati, Croydon may have had a bad experience at school, want to see health and economic benefits in Mind’s CEO. “They see the GP less, are or be worried that they don’t have the as well as sporting achievements.” less likely to be admitted to hospital and skills to do as well as they want to. Or What sport people do in sessions need less medication.” it might just be because they haven’t like these might seem pretty basic, but done it before. Alex Welsh adds that the Alex Welsh argues that organisers and Keep them coming environment needs to be relaxed and deliverers need to work just as hard to get A sports session for people with mental welcoming. “Like Cheers, the American it right, and do it well, as those who work health issues is not about training a team or sitcom – but without the beers,” he says. with the elite performers. promoting a sport. Nor is it about learning Whether involved in the new project “At elite level its only sport,” Welsh says. skills and improving performance. All that or setting up an independent one; it’s “Here, its lives that are at stake.” ● can create pressure to do well, to be better important to make links with local authority than someone else and to win. That means health practitioners and GPs. It’s the health more stress and anxiety. professionals who will refer people to these Find out more There is, actually, only one aim. That the activities through local Mind offices. people who come along to the sessions “Show the health professionals that we’re www.mind.org.uk will come back the next week, so they can here to help,” Mike Diaper says. “That sport www.copingthroughfootball.org continue to benefit from the activity. “This isn’t all about competition and team sports. www.mindincroydon.org.uk/active-minds.asp activity is supposed to be therapeutic, to That we have more to offer, easy to access

68 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 Artifi cial ® White Line Services International ltd Sports Surfaces SPECIALISTS IN expertly maintained by the UK’s leading TRACK MAINTENANCE Pitch Maintenance Specialist CONTACT US FOR FREE QUOTATIONS AND TRACK ADVICE We can offer: ● Newly designed high pressure running track cleaning machine which picks up and disposes of all dirty water. A final rinse of the track ensures surface is clean, inhibits moss growth and is ready to run on. ● Remarking tracks & courts on all synthetic surfaces ● Surveying & painting tracks & courts ● All track repairs using IAAF certified materials

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 69 ARTIFICIAL PITCHES ERIC O’DONNELL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SPORTSLABS

Proper maintenance can add years to the life of an artificial playing surface KEEPING IT CLEAN

rtificial turf pitches are not Figure 1: maintenance is used to combat – the fifth tier of English football – which maintenance free. In recent the affects of the following issues decided to allow 3G pitches in all three years the industry has woken divisions from the beginning of the up to the need to provide Aging 2015-16 season. The women’s FIFA World best practice advice on Cup will also take advantage of artificial Athe benefits of proper, appropriate and pitches when it is held in Canada next year. regular maintenance – and its impact on Paul Langford, managing director at performance and the safety of the playing Repairs Compaction TigerTurf UK, says the Conference’s surface. The requirement to maintain decision represents a landmark for standards which meet those laid out by English Football and is a sign of the global governing body certificates – such growing predominance of synthetic Weed/algae as the ones for FIFA and IRB – is also Contamination turf. “The decision to permit the use of suppression driving a much more robust approach synthetic turf has wider benefits for the to maintenance. Some football leagues community,” he says. insist on annual certification via pitch “Not only will local people enjoy the registration schemes. frequency of matches as less games are The importance of having properly postponed, but there may also be the maintained artificial surfaces has also been opportunity for the pitch to be used hightened due to the increasing popularity at community level. With the Premier of 3G surfaces at all levels and sports. League, government and FA committing Artificial surfaces are now the first choice £102m to improving grassroots football at most community clubs and facilities, for three years from the beginning of mainly due to the many more hours of 2014, this decision may have implications use an artificial surface offers when for new funding opportunities.” compared with a grass pitch. Meanwhile, as turf technology advances, many THE ART OF MAINTENANCE professional leagues and clubs are looking Ultimately the aims of maintenance are at changing rules which currently prevent obvious – to retain as far as possible the elite level competition from taking place performance and safety of the playing Maidstone United, one of the first top on non-grass pitches. One of the latest surface. Without proper maintenance English clubs to invest in a 3G pitch examples is the Football Conference all artificial pitches deteriorate; first performance is compromised, then life expectancy can be severely affected. The Table 1: Artificial turf by type and its relevant maintenance maintenance processes used to combat deterioration of the pitch are illustrated in 3G Type of turf / frequency Sand filled Sand dressed Water based figure 1 and maintenance types in table 1. filled Third generation (3G) pitches form a Regular brushing - weekly significant part of the market for artificial Drag mat - weekly  pitches globally and warrant special Decompaction of infill – annual  attention when it comes to maintenance Cleaning - bi-annual practices. It isn’t just the surface which Weed suppression – bi-annual needs to be considered though, as the Top dressing - annual  types of construction materials used will Minor repairs - annual also affect maintenance. The construction of the artificial turf and the type and This table indicates of the type of maintenance activity associated with the type of turf. The frequency of the maintenance process will depend on use, type of surface etc. manner of infill materials used means that

70 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 a number of maintenance procedures are de-compacting the surface and increasing required to retain the characteristics of De-compacting and increasing the the porosity of the pitch.” the artificial pitch. Other types of artificial porosity of a 3G pitch will create a The intensity of use and footfall is by pitches such as sand filled/dressed or safer surface for the players far the most critical factor to take into water-based pitches call up some, or all, of account when considering how much the same procedures. and what type of maintenance a pitch One of the businesses providing services “Playing on the pitch becomes more will require. Other factors, however, are that aim to prolong the life of a pitch difficult and more dangerous, particularly important – for example, the quality of the is Replay Maintenance. The company if there is surface water on the pitch that turf product can have a significant affect specialises in maintaining synthetic sports won’t drain away. on how a pitch responds to maintenance. surfaces – such as 3G pitches – and has “The types of services we offer not only Further, contamination and aging will seen an increasing number of facilities who improve the playing performance but will affect pitch maintenance especially as the are appreciating the value of maintaining create a safer surface for the players by pitch reaches maturity. their sports surfaces. According to Garry Martin, Replay’s director, an artificial pitch The following formula characterises the maintenance requirements of a pitch: which is constantly in use has different maintenance needs to a natural grass pitch, Aging [a] + Contamination [b] + ability to sustain use [c] x intensity of use [d] = maintenance factor [e] which can only take a few hours’ use a week. a = age in years 1-10 b = level of contamination 1-5 c = quality of product 1-5 d = 10–60 hours of use “Artificial turf pitches, over time, The maintenance factor MF [e] is expressed in units of 100s. The MF indicates the approach to become contaminated and compacted,” maintenance and whether low of high frequency intensive maintenance is required. Martin says. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 71 ARTIFICIAL PITCHES

Replay Maintenance at work at Repton School, which suffered flood damage from contaminated water

KEEP IT SIMPLE The most appropriate type of maintenance is fairly simple to carry out. A simple tractor unit with a drag brush and a drag mat, when properly used, is all that is required to keep a pitch in good condition. Weed suppression is also important. Additional fill materials should be applied infrequently, based on use and the relative amount of free pile exposed when assessed against the manufacturers recommendations. A specialist maintenance company should be employed to carry out specialist maintenance such as decompaction and decontamination. In all circumstances the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed. Often, the issue of drainage becomes a priority following heavy rainfall or flooding – as in the case IF A PITCH IS NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED, of Repton School in Derby, UK where a local river flooded both of its water- IT DOES NOT TAKE LONG FOR THE NEGATIVE based and sand-dressed surfaces. Replay Maintenance responded to an urgent call EFFECTS TO BECOME APPARENT from the school after severe damage to the facilities completely stopped play. Darryl Parkinson, grounds manager at Repton School, said: “We suffered from becoming flat. If left the situation may observed are compaction of infill – severe flood damage from contaminated become difficult to remediate. Loss of characterized by the pitch being firm water, but the equipment, speed of reply fill and contamination occur making under foot – can cause pile flattening. This and speed with which Replay were able the pitch firm and fast in terms of ball is sometimes caused by loss of infill, which to assess and repair the damage was very surface interaction. A pitch which lacks occurs under normal use from players and impressive. It all ran very smoothly and is maintenance can fail NGB requirements environmental conditions. Seam failures definitely an avenue we would like to go and become somewhat unsafe. – in lines, penalty spots and seams – and down on an annual basis.” Ground staff can perform rudimentary wear and tear in the goal areas are other testing to index the performance of a problems sometimes associated with UNMAINTAINED – UNWORKABLE pitch to assess the need for maintenance artificial surfaces. If a pitch is not maintained then it does and can be used to assess the effects not take long for the negative effects of maintenance processes. The ball roll END GAME to become apparent. The fill materials and ball bounce tests are very effective In an increasingly litigious society, will become uneven and the distribution at assessing the condition of a playing maintaining a pitch in a safe condition is will be poor. Compaction will occur surface and can be carried out quite easily fundamentally important. What more, and the free pile level may exceed the by trained ground staff. During inspection certification rules which require cyclic design parameters resulting in the pile of surfaces, the most common problems (annual or bi-annual) testing effectively provide an audit of the facility. These directly measure the effectiveness of Table 2: Maintenance factors for different pitches maintenance procedures – bringing increasing focus to the issue. Maintenance factor Maintenance intensity Typical venue Evidence suggests that the average owner hasn’t yet grasped that maintenance Less than 200 Very low maintenance Club only stadium pitches is an essential part of post-construction 250 -500 Low maintenance Club training grounds responsibilities. Brushing ‘little and often’ 500 - 800 Frequent maintenance Schools/clubs and top dressing can result in a lot less 800 - 1000 High maintenance Community pitches intervention work by specialists early in the Greater than 1000 Very high maintenance Five–a-side centres lifecycle of a pitch facility. ●

72 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The Total Solution… from “Concept to Construction”

Design and construction of all natural turf and synthetic sports surfaces

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Expertise The scope of the services is very broad and detailed services can be viewed on our web site The Company prides itself in providing however the headline services encompass: excellence in both sectors. The Consultancy • Feasibility studies/Geotechnical Engineering practice specialises in the design, procurement, • Consultancy/Site Investigations tendering and project management of new or • Budget/Cost Plans/ refurbished sports facilities such as artifi cial • Planning Applications pitches and athletics tracks. While the • Authoring Specifi cations independent sports surfaces testing laboratory • Production of CAD drawings specialises in the testing of sports surfaces • Preparing Tender Documentation and products to Global Governing Body • Tender Evaluation requirements such as FIFA, IRB, FIH and IAAF. • Project Management/Contract Supervision Why use Sports Labs • Bespoke Testing We understand it is big decision you are making Testing and Certifi cation of facilities Sports Labs employing an independent Consultant to assist has one of the best sports surfaces specifi c you with a project. If you do not have the time or testing laboratories in the Europe and as such is CONTACT US expertise, Sports Labs Ltd offer a special turnkey able to carry out a diverse range of tests to assess Tel: 0845 602 6354 design and advisory service to support clients whether the constituent materials or surface or and groups through the whole process, from systems meets the UK, International or Global Email: [email protected] the site feasibility studies to technical drawings, Standards and/or requirements. Typically, artifi cial Web: www.sportslabs.co.uk from grant aid to contract supervision. This turf and track systems can be assessed for www.twitter.com/SPORTSLABSLTD takes the pressure off committee members who compliance with IRB, FIH, IAAF or FIFA standards. are invariably volunteers because we take full Sports Labs are happy to discuss any aspect of www.facebook.com/pages/sports-labs-Ltd responsibility for the contract to steer a Client a project with you and can provide information, through the complexities of what can be an which will kick-start the process, which will lead Sports Labs Ltd, 12 Nasmyth Court, onerous process. you on the road to a successful project. Livingston EH54 5EG

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 73 SPORTS SURFACES TOM WALKER, MANAGING EDITOR, SPORTS MANAGEMENT

PITCH INSPECTION

We round up the latest sports pitch projects and developments from around the UK – from artificial clay at a tennis club to the “perfect grass” for rugby

FIELDTURF FieldTurf launches eco-friendly VersaTile

FieldTurf has launched VersaTile, a new underlayment solution from recycled products which combines drainage properties with shock absorption. VersaTile has been designed not to VersaTile has improved draining and interfere with water flow thanks to its underlay for a second field when the initial shock absorption properties 82 per cent free draining surface area, one needs replacing. which allows the system to drain up to Meanwhile, FieldTurf has supplied Welsh 72,000 mm/h. It also has shock absorption Premier League club Newtown AFC with properties – it allows impact attenuation a new Vertex RGF surface at its Latham Owen Durbridge, club secretary at of 60 per cent and more, mirroring the Park stadium. Working together with Newtown AFC, said: “We sought advice best shock pads currently available. Made contractors S&C Slatters, the project was from Cardiff Rugby Club which had using end-of-life artificial turf, VersaTile is completed over the summer months in the 65mm version installed and we’re a sustainable product and can be used as time for the 2014-15 season. delighted with the feel of the 3G surface.”

SIS SIS Rams it in

SIS Pitches has recently completed two new 3G pitches at Derby County FC’s training centre. SIS began work on the new pitches in early August at the Rams’ Moor Farm Training Centre, with works completed in early October. Work included installing a new outdoor pitch with spectator area and resurfacing an existing indoor pitch at the facility. SIS Pro Soccer 50 was installed for both SIS Pitches handing over the new pitches to Derby County Football Club pitches, along with a 15mm shockpad to the pitch which was laid in situ using the SIS mini paver, which is part of SIS Pitches’ rebound fence to the spectator area – “Our U9 to U16 age groups will now be specialist machinery used to install these both powder coated green. able to train throughout the winter months types of pitches. New lighting and fencing Darren Wassell, academy manager at knowing that their training hours will be systems were also added, with installation the club said: “The full size outdoor floodlit guaranteed. The space will allow all age of 4.5m high twin bar rebound fencing pitch will completely revolutionise our groups to train onsite and outdoors for the to the perimeter and a 1.2m high twin bar academy winter training programme. first time in our academy’s history.”

74 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 NOTTS SPORT The new surface – a Domo sand dressed grass pitch – is the first of its A pitch fit for Ramblers kind for a hockey club in England

Cheshire-based Deeside Ramblers hockey being completed each year until spring and practice area were specified, they club has had its synthetic turf pitch 2012, when the club started to develop were put out to tender and Cleveland Land resurfaced by Notts Sport with a new sand detailed grant applications with Sport Services was awarded the contract. dressed synthetic grass hockey surface. England, England Hockey and the National Notts Sport’s free Design and Advisory Notts Sport – which is England Hockey’s Hockey Foundation. Service also helped the club seek approved supplier – began working with Following an initial grant aid body appropriate funding avenues available to it the club in 2010 after being invited to support, the resurface project was without incurring consultancy fees. complete a free pitch condition report and extended to include the construction Howard Green, chair of Deeside performance test on the original sand filled of a new fully floodlit and fenced 36m x Ramblers, said: “We’ve got the first hockey pitch. The report offered advice with short, 28m practice and warm up area adjacent pitch in England surfaced with Domo medium and long term recommendations. to the new pitch. The surface choice, manufactured sand dressed grass. This new Following Notts Sport’s initial survey, manufactured by Domo Sports Grass, was facility will allow the club to develop the the club took the recommendations on coupled with a high quality foam shockpad, membership and provide us with additional board with further free condition surveys manufactured by Trocellen. Once the pitch capacity to promote hockey development.”

PLAYRITE Artificial clay surface for Margate club

Margate Lawn Tennis Club (MLTC) has simulates natural clay and is classified to The new courts are designed to converted two of its macadam courts Internation Tennis Federation Category 2 perform as a ‘real clay’ surface and are to new artificial clay surfaces. Funded Medium Slow pace. easy on the legs and joints, compared by Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Installed by ETC Sports Surfaces, the with macadam and other hard surfaces. Olympic legacy investment, the club new Clayrite monofilament fibre surface MLTC’s chair John Taylor said: “We opted for Clayrite – the only UK is supplied by Playrite, with the ‘clay’ infill chose Clayrite monofilament artificial manufactured sand filled surface which being produced by Garside Sands. clay based on performance, cost and other important parameters. “They are a fantastic surface to play on, enabling players of all ability and age to thoroughly enjoy their tennis.” Playrite is currently awaiting confirmation of approval of ITF category 2 for Clayrite as a clay style performance tennis surface. Playrite director Chris Pickles said: “The monofilament fibre has taken our tennis surface offering to the next level. The ability to simulate a natural clay court surface with lower maintenance costs and higher usage of the courts is a The new artificial surface performs just like real clay but has a lower maintenance cost winning combination for any club.”

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 75 SPORTS SURFACES

SISIS SISIS delivers ‘best pitch for 27 years’

SISIS equipment has helped Brentwood Georges Trust. The council were very Rugby Club in Essex achieve what the supportive but pointed out, that like most club described as its “best playing surface local authorities, there were constraints in for nearly 30 years”. terms of the upkeep of their facilities. The recent purchase of a SISIS “They offered us the innovative Quadraplay and Multitiner drum type solution of the rugby club taking a lease aerator – along with a compact tractor – of the pitches over a period of 25 years, was made possible through an RFU Get Fit thus making Brentwood Rugby Club for Rugby World Cup 2015 grant to help responsible for the upkeep of the pitches. deliver a high quality natural grass pitch “That coincided with the RFU launching maintenance programme for the club. two grants for funding leading up to RWC It follows on from the club taking a 2015 – one to improve social spaces and bold step in taking the responsibility to one to provide maintenance equipment in The new surface at the Forest academy maintain the council-owned pitches it partnership with Iseki for the tractor and plays its games on. SISIS for the maintenance equipment.” TIGER TURF Peter Watson, the club’s treasurer said: “We approached Brentwood Council to ask for their support in improving the New surface for rugby pitches which are in a public park, administered by the council under King Forest academy

Faced with the challenge of The SISIS Quadraplay and Multitiner attracting and developing the drum type aerator in action region’s most talented young footballers, Nottingham Forest FC took the decision to install a new outdoor 3G playing surface at its Nigel Doughty Academy. SMITH CONSTRUCTION The club contacted TigerTurf, which manufactured and supplied a 7,094sq m Soccer Real 60XQ New joint venture completes Marford project surface, which was installed by Smith Construction. At the request Limonta Smith JV has completed of the academy coaching staff, the a £185,000 project at Marford surface was manufactured with Playing Fields, funded by the Football markings giving it the versatility to Foundation’s Premier League & The FA be divided from an FA regulation Facilities Fund. Marford Playing Fields in 11-a-side pitch into four smaller Wheathampstead had an existing large pitches to be used by younger playing field, with a small children’s play academy age groups. Boasting area and tennis courts, but with no clear FIFA 1 and 2 star accreditation, the access to the playing field, especially for Soccer Real 60XQ utilises polymer wheelchair users. processing which eradicates weak The new facility provides the community points which may occur in the yarns with a seven-a-side 3G football pitch with The new facility will provide the as a result of the shape, therefore associated fencing and floodlighting to community with a seven-a-side pitch producing excellent split resistance. ensure maximum and safe play, and also Gary Brazil, academy manager at a tarmac pathway to allow much needed Nottingham Forest, said: “As we aim access across the playing field. The pathway Limonta Smith JV is a new partnership to achieve Category One status for was a key element in the contract to assist formed by contractor Smith Construction our academy as soon as possible, it disabled users accessing the facility. and Limonta Sport, a FIFA-preferred is essential that we offer a top-class Julia Warren, from the Parish Council producer of artificial football turf. The two facility with top-class surfaces. said: “It’s a fantastic facility, a great asset combined their skills and expertise to form The new pitch enhances our grass to the community and we are absolutely Limonta Smith JV to provide specialist pitches and indoor surfaces.” delighted with Limonta Smith JV’s design, build and maintenance services for professionalism in delivering the project”. artificial pitches.

76 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 ATHLETICS TRACKS SYNTHETIC PITCHES INDOOR

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 77 THE LATEST NEWS FROM SAPCA AND ITS MEMBERS PICS: ©ANDY KELLY IMAGES

The latest Sports Facility Show included talks by elite athletes Scottish sport takes centre stage

The latest Sports Facility Show on 28 Octo- breadth of the industry. As SAPCA believes The line up consisted of: ber at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility that the best way to create exceptional QCG14 Hockey team – Ailsa Wylie offered more than 200 attendees the op- sports and play facilities is through a dis- Qsportscotland – Graham Finnie portunity to hear about sports facilities tinctly grass roots focus, the association QSarah Robertson/Derek Kier – guide from the athletes that use them alongside spearheaded a new approach which made to project development/help for clubs leading Scottish sporting bodies. the seminars and speakers more engaging, website The show, known throughout the sports more focused and more relevant to the fu- QAndy Kelly – funding and play construction industry as being a ture of sports. The line up included athletes QScottish Athletics – Nigel Holl ‘must see’ event due to its excellent advice at the top of their game, meaning that they QFIFA – Nicholas Evans on the funding, construction, design and are among the best people to advise on the QScottish FA – Cameron Watt management of sports facilities, included requirements of a facility in their particular QIRB – Marc Douglas a huge variety of speakers from across the sports to yield maximum results. QSRU – Neil Carrie

Presentations from speakers at the show are now available to view online at www.sapca.org.uk/events-exhibitions/seminar-presentations

New membership co-ordinator Dates for your diary to offer critical contact point Building on the growing success of this year’s Sports Facility Shows, the The Sports and Play Construction Association of Landscape Industries association has announced preliminary Association (SAPCA) is thrilled to (BALI), Rachel is more than qualified to details of next year’s events. announce the newest member of their provide crucial support and guidance to Sports Facility Shows 2015 team. Rachel Douce will take on the role SAPCA members. Q10 March 2015 of membership co-ordinator, whose core Rachel is excited about taking on the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, London role will be providing critical support and new role: “I’m absolutely fascinated by the Q24 November 2015 advice to SAPCA members about any past, specialist aspect of what SAPCA members AJ Bell Stadium, Salford current or future projects. do and I would be delighted to hear your She will also be helping members to thoughts on how the association can sup- QDetails of the third Sports Facility maximise the return on their investment port you further,” she said. Show of 2015 are to be confirmed. by ensuring members get the most out You can contact Rachel by calling For a full list of SAPCA’s events visit of their membership. Having previously SAPCA on 024 7641 6316 or www.sapca.org.uk worked in a similar role for the British emailing [email protected].

78 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The latest news and views from SAPCA

A number of elements need to be considered when choosing a surface for a facility

Put the right foot forward: Selecting a suitable sports surface

or years now people have With so much choice for the surface of your sports installation, looked to Sport England for guidance on selecting the right where do you begin? David Carter, sports specialist from playing surface. Sport England Gerflor, talks us through the definitive dos and don’ts of is clear in stating that “the floor Fis the most important part of any sports selecting a non-timber sports surface which doesn’t just building and it must be considered at the promote play, but enhances it through intelligent design outset”. There are a number of very good reasons for this: the obvious factor being the cost of sports surfaces. which they are to be played. Some sports running around half-heartedly? Each The properties of sports floors differ will have definite needs and others will project is about context. massively in terms of price, material be more flexible. While most governing The main headline figure test used is and design. It is important to recognise bodies will give you the perfect floor the Force Reduction test carried out with that each project is unique and should specification for the sport it is responsible apparatus called “the Berlin Athlete”. be looked at for its own precise for, the requirements from differing This is one form of measurement specifications and needs. bodies will conflict in most cases, so and uses criteria typical of an elite compromises will have to be made. athlete, so some say it is not particularly BE USER-SPECIFIC Think about the profile of users. Some representative of all that use sports If it’s a sport building, let sport drive types of floor work fantastically well facilities in that it is very specific, which the project. Establish the priorities of for 16-stone basketball players but are is why we use the European Standard the sports to be played and the levels at they as beneficial to an 11-year-old child EN14904 for our parameters. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 79 The latest news and views from SAPCA

database of international consultants, suppliers and contractors. “As well as the type PVC PROVES PRACTICAL of floor, operators PVC flooring is gaining market share helped along the way by its innovative should also consider properties. PVC floors are point elastic the material to be used. and coupled with undercarriages provide market-leading combined elastic floors. There’s plenty of choice No longer are PVC floors the surface that you dare not walk on with high heels so why not challenge or place tables and chairs on. Now they are made with multi-use at the heart the traditional choice of its design. The innovation extends to of timber flooring?” surface treatments where they massively reduce maintenance costs and can even prevent skin burns for users. The nature of the product means bright vivid designs can massively enhance playing areas and CLEARLY CATEGORISED can reduce electricity bills by providing The Standard categorises floors as Point excellent light reflection, minimising Elastic, Area Elastic, Combined Elastic overall consumption. and Mixed Elastic. Listed below are the three most commonly found in the UK POLYURETHANE PROTECTS with some important factors to consider: Polyurethane floors are laid with shock Operators should take into consideration pads to give shock absorption and impact Area Elastic the end user when choosing a surface protection. The shock pad is then covered QTraditional tried and tested floor type with a poured top surface providing a QVery durable for multi-use areas seamless playing surface. QHigh Levels of Force Reduction QUnsuitable for extreme The installation is key with this type of according to EN14904 testing loads in multi-use areas floor as it is technically configured on QOnly start to offer QExcellent impact protection site, so site and atmospheric conditions protection when forces akin to from falls and dives can affect an installation, so much so that athletes are imparted upon it QExcellent design opportunities two identical floors can end up being QRegular maintenance is required QLife long surface treatments reduce on- quite different. The top surface is then including sand and re-sealing on going maintenance costs and downtime painted, meaning later down the line systems with certain floor finishes when a refurbishment is needed it can be such as Timber of Composite materials CHALLENGE TRADITIONAL TIMBER as easy as applying a coat of paint. With QLow impact protection from player As well as the type of floor, operators polyurethane being self-levelling there falls and dives should also consider the material to be are sometimes issues of uneven floors used. Construction and sport are two giving uneven ball bounce. Point Elastic of the most innovative industries in QInnovative surface the world – so why not challenge the COMPOSITES OFFER VERSATILITY QType of floor means that all users, traditional choice of timber floors? Composite floors are proven to be regardless of age or ability, receive a There is no denying that beautifully excellent in multi use areas. benefit polished timber floors like the ones Historically laid as solid floors they QLife long surface treatments reduce on- which can be seen used in the National are now also laid onto shock pads to going maintenance costs and downtime Basketball Association (NBA) are a give an area elastic properties. They are QExcellent impact protection wonderful sight, but in reality, how often extremely durable but have very little from falls and dives does a timber floor remain so? To keep impact protection for users. They are very QExcellent design opportunities a floor looking so good often proves long lasting but like timber, need periodic QCost effective refurbishment expensive and impractical. maintenance which adds to a facility’s opportunities Timber is of course a natural product running costs, which in this sense makes but you should ensure that the supply them less cost effective than other more Combined Elastic is sustainable. Timber is also very damage-resistant materials. QExpensive when compared with the temperamental so installation should be Remember all the while that the floor two other types of flooring above done by a specialist contractor – for this is the most important part of the project; QExcellent protection for both we recommend always using an approved it is the foundation of play and should be your users and elite athletes SAPCA member from its expansive treated as such. ●

80 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The latest news and views from SAPCA

Non-traditional sports structures: Changing the shape of indoor sports

Tim Tracey, sales manager at Collinson, explains why temporary sports structures are ideal for short-term play and offer clear long-term benefits, not least in terms of maximising natural lighting and creating distinctly different facades

Tensile strength, not simply ‘tents’ covered or clad with a membrane incorporated to give the building a Tensile buildings are fast becoming an covering material. distinctive appearance, such as timber increasingly popular solution and are a cladding or glass facades. far cry from the early tent-like structures Natural lighting at its finest Getting lighting right is essential they once were. They’re very definitely Take time to look at tensile structures in to creating the appropriate playing not a ‘make do solution’. a different light, and here ‘light’ is the environment. sportscotland actively Lightweight framed structures operative word. Introducing a diffused encourages the incorporation of diffused originated in Scandinavia around 40 natural lighting system into a sport daylight systems in new indoor sport years ago, initially for agricultural and environment can transform the space and and leisure facilities and there are many storage solutions, but the clear, open be achieved in any number of ways using organisations following suit. Structures span nature of the structure was ideal for a seemingly infinite array of materials. can be constructed to BREEAM sport, offering a lower cost alternative to The tensile membrane cover is available performance ratings, and combined with conventional structures. Tensile structures in a range of colours to meet aesthetic a reduction in the need for additional for sport have developed rapidly over the requirements; the off-white colour is artificial lighting the impact on running last decade, especially in the UK. most commonly used as it allows natural costs can be significant. Often referred to as framed fabric daylight to permeate into the facility Choose from a range of pre-engineered structures, tension membrane structures without the problems of glare. standard structural designs or create a or non-traditional structures, essentially Aesthetically the membrane cover can stylish bespoke building design for an eye- they all comprised of a steel or aluminium effortlessly create attractive smooth catching assembly. To offer a practical framed superstructure which is then flowing lines; other materials can be sports space, requests for the inclusion sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 81 The latest news and views from SAPCA

Carefully considered and well-planned designs will help deliver facilities which have lower running costs

of changing rooms, dance studios and spectator galleries is common; these can “Look at the quality of finish and be easily included which demonstrates the consider what is best for your project” versatility of these buildings, all of which can be achieved on an affordable budget. or MUGAs can offer many more whose services can include assistance with Strides ahead in synthetic surfacing opportunities when covered. Providing planning and drawings. Sports surfaces have come a long way a rain proof sports space can be an A good manufacturer would be happy since the days of crash mats on slippery invaluable asset. for you to visit their sites and often these floors. Seamless synthetic surfaces like Careful consideration during planning visits clarify your choice of supplier. Get polyurethane and acrylic can be the ideal will deliver a virtually maintenance-free your game on track; when it comes to solution for multipurpose halls, or can be facility with low running costs. creating new sports facilities, the time has tailored to individual sports such as tennis Be sure to consider your overall come for less ‘creative accounting’ and or netball. 3G artificial pitches can offer objective and plan ahead to consider: more creative thinking. safe and comfortable training for football, QYour budget (realistically) The list of possibilities is endless. All we rugby and hockey. Fixtures and fittings QDesign from the inside out need is a little vision and imagination and have progressed to include rebound walls, QExactly what sport the facility will with this we are equipped to transform, sound-absorbing panels and partitioning be used for, as this defines internal rather than simply revamp and modernise equipment, which contribute to making an dimensions, playing surface and lighting our sports space. ● incredibly versatile space. requirements Generally designed around Sport QWho will be using the facility? England/government guidelines for a QDo you need storage space or any SAPCA sport specific or multi-sport facility, ancillary rooms? structures are unique to meet individual QIf changing, dry or wet, and with how The Sports and Play Construction requirements, with consideration to: many integrated showers/toilets? Association (SAPCA) has 240 flooring to suit the sport and energy QWho will run the project? members. The members include efficient lighting which can be switchable specialist designers, consultants, per court or play area for optimum Crucial concepts suppliers and contractors. As the efficiency. Storage areas can be built Visit sites of completed structures to get trade association which represents in and consideration given to ancillary a better idea of your concept and speak to businesses committed to raising the accommodation; changing, office, dance clients – what did they like? What would quality standards of all sports, physical studio, quite simply any configuration to they do differently? activity, recreation and play facilities suit all your requirements in one structure. Look at the quality of finish, that are designed, built and maintained workmanship and attention to detail across the UK, SAPCA is an essential Not limited to indoor sports and consider what route is best for your element of any sports installation. But the use of non-traditional structures project; commissioning an architect? Make it your first port of call. needn’t be limited to creating indoor Perhaps a consultant? A lower-cost option www.sapca.org.uk spaces either; outdoor games areas is speaking directly with manufacturers

82 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 The Sports and Play Construction in order to provide the high quality from tennis courts and sports pitches Association, SAPCA, is the recognised facilities necessary for the success of to playgrounds and sports halls. trade organisation for the sports and British sport. SAPCA also represents manufacturers play facility construction industry in SAPCA represents a wide range of and suppliers of related products, the UK. SAPCA fosters excellence, specialist constructors of natural and and independent consultants that professionalism and continuous synthetic sports surfaces, including offer professional advice on the improvement throughout the industry, both outdoor and indoor facilities, development of projects.

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS KEY

Charles Lawrence Tennis A Tennis Courts Courts 4 Rupert Law Close, Quorn, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 8PE B Synthetic Pitches

Tel: 0800 294 8066 tel: +44(0)1636 615866 C Athletics Tracks Fax: 01509 558691 www.charleslawrencesurfaces.co.uk email: [email protected] D Multi Sports A D A D I J K P A B C D O Q E Natural Sportsturf F Play Surfaces Honours Yard, Specialist Installer of Synthetic Surfacing Lodge Lane, for Sport & Play Throughout the UK Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP84AJ T. 0116 2813200 To book your advertisement E. [email protected] Design, Build & Maintain the Finest Ten- T: 01494 766673 F: 01494 766674 www.dura-sport.co.uk nis Courts & Sports Surfaces in the SAPCA directory call E: [email protected] 01621 85 86 86 John on www.thechilterngroup.co.uk www.etcsports.co.uk +44 (0)1202 742968 A D I J K O Q S A B D F A B D

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

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

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

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

Newbury Berkshire t: 01635 34521 To book your LOOKING www.sandcslatter.com SIS Pitches ...sports surfaces for all advertisement in the [email protected] Experts in the manufacture, design and construction FOR A of sports fields and training complexes SAPCA DIRECTORY SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SURFACES AND Tel: 01900 817837 Fax: 01900 817605 SUPPLIER? EQUIPMENT FOR: ● Multi-Sport Facilities Email: [email protected] call John on ● Cricket Facilities ● Play and Educational Facilities www.sispitches.com +44 (0)1202 742968 INTERESTED IN D F B D E J K O P Q R S BECOMING A SAPCA MEMBER? Design, Build and Quality contractors Maintenance Service at affordable for all Sports Surfaces prices Tel: 024 7641 6316 For help & advice call us on 01529 461 500 tel 01865 736272 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.smithsportscivils.co.uk www.whitehorsecontractors.co.uk www.sapca.org.uk A B C D C F Q S A B C D B D E

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 83 ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS KEY

G Adhesives B&L Fencing Services Ltd Phone: 01527 882101 H Aggregate Producers Fax: 01527 882123 I Equipment Suppliers T: 0161 214 8722 E: [email protected] www.blfencing.co.uk www.athleticsdirect.co.uk Fencing Specialists to the Sports Industry J Fencing Systems K S I J K Floodlighting L Indoor Structures ADVANCED COATING Sports flooring · Sports surfaces BRITANNIA SYSTEMS FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION SURFACES M Paint Manufacturers Tracks for champions Britannia Paints Limited Unit 7 and 8, King Street Trading Estate N Screening/Windbreaks Bridome Ltd, The Courtyard, Wisley, Surrey GU23 6QL Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 9LF www.berleburger.com T: 01606 834015 F: 01606 837006 Tel +44 (0)1932 350365 Fax +44 (0)1932 350375 E: [email protected] Tel: 01422 200 143 e. [email protected] www.bridome.co.uk www.britanniapaints.co.uk Email: [email protected] O Sports Surface Suppliers

L M P O P Surface painting/Line Marking Q Civil Engineers & Sports Lighting Specialists www.cuphosco.com Groundworks

LEADING AIR DOME MANUFACTURERS R Irrigation & Pumping Design . Manufacture . Install . Maintain T: 01883 743988 F: 01883 744076 E: [email protected] Tel: 01920 860600 S Fax: 01920 485915 Maintenance Tel: 0800 9886370 www.collinson.co.uk www.covairdomes.co.uk Email: [email protected]

L L K

Leading in Artificial Suppliers of Adhesives for all applications in To book your Turf Systems the sports surface industry advertisement in the Phone: +31 (0) 384250050 SAPCA DIRECTORY Tel: 01889 271751 Tel: +44 (0) 131 629 0437 E-mail : [email protected] call John on www.edelgrass.com www.envirostik.com www.fieldturf.com +44 (0)1202 742968 O G O

MULTI-USE SPORTS FLOORING FOR ALL High quality sports posts, ROUND PERFORMANCE TARAFLEXTM nets and tennis court equipment COMMUNITY T: 0121 783 0312 Call: +44 01926 622600 F: 0121 786 2472 Email: contractuk@gerflor.com E: [email protected] Visit: www.gerflor.co.uk www.hexasports.co.uk

O I O P I I

THE SPORTS AND PLAY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION www.markharrod.comwwwwww.mamarkharrod.com CAN BE CONTACTED ON: Products for Sport

K I Tel: 024 7641 6316 Email: [email protected]

www.sapca.org.uk Murfi tts Industries Ltd Station Road, Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9AD Tel: 01842 860220 Fax: 01842 863300 www.mri-polytech.com Email: [email protected]

O O

To subscribe to Sports Management, log on to www.leisuresubs.com email [email protected] tel +44 1462 471913 fax +441462 433909. Annual subscription rates are UK £27, Europe £37 rest of world £58, students UK £13 Sports Management is published each quarter by The Leisure Media Company Limited, Portmill House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1DJ, UK and is distributed in the USA by SPP, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. Periodicals postage paid @ Manchester, PA. POSTMASTER. Send US address changes to Sports Management, c/o PO Box 437, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. The views expressed in print are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher The Leisure Media Company Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recorded or otherwise without the prior permission of the copyright holder. Printed by Manson Group Printers. © Cybertrek Ltd 2014 ISSN 1479/9146

84 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS CONTINUED

www.playrite.co.uk Temporary To book your buildings advertisement www.neptunus.co.uk in the SAPCA L O O directory call John on 9,73(@4HPU[LUHUJL3[K >LZSL`/V\ZL>OP[[SL*SVZL 5L^HYR5.+@ www.progame-shockpads.com Complete lighting solutions for all sports venues  +44 (0)1202 PUMV'YLWSH`THPU[LUHUJLJV\R www.philips.com/lighting Contact: Martin Laidler – Sales Manager Tel: 07831 178690 t: +44 (0)7920 711442 e: [email protected] ;HRPUN*HYLVM)YP[HPU»Z Email: [email protected] :WVY[Z:\YMHJLZ 742968

K O I P S

Manufacturing Ltd

To book your Manufacturing high-quality All the space you need artificial sports turf for you Specialists in Tension we will never stop innovating Membrane Structures. advertisement Tel: 01900 812796 Fax: 01900 815509 www.rubb.co.uk 01242 700277 in the SAPCA Email: [email protected] www.spatialstructures.com L O L directory call John on Surfaces and Celebrating 20 years providing durable, equipment for sport, resilient & quality +44 (0)1202 play and leisure. multi use sports floors Synthetics sports pitch mainenance experts Tel: 01858 545789 01244 321200 tel:// 08702 400 700 fax:// 08702 400 701 742968 Fax: 01858 545890 [email protected] email:// [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] www.sportssurfacesuk.com web:// www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk

I O O S

Tiger Turf TM UK LTD The future of fencing TM t: +44 (0)1299 253966 Sports Buildings e: [email protected] Cleaning, marking and lining of sports surfaces tel: 01902 796699 www.tigerturf.com +44 1724 710 681 | [email protected] Tel: 0845 058 0644 or +44 1342 851172 email: [email protected] www.veldemangroup.com www.white-line-services.com www.zaun.co.uk

O L I P S J

EXHIBITIONS & SEMINARS: SPORTS FACILITY SHOWS

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

MORE INFORMATION: SUPPORTED BY Tel: 024 7641 6316 Email: [email protected]

www.sapca.org.uk GREATNESS IN THE DETAIL

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 85 Product round-up sport-kit.net the search engine for leisure buyers

Wherever you are in An industry ¿ rst ± the world ¿ nd the riJht disposable sports towels products and services 24 / 7

A range of multiple-use disposable by loJJinJ on to Sport sports towels is new to the industry. 0anaJement¶s free search The ‘Easydry Sports Shower Towel’ is lightweight at just a few grams but has enJine www.sport-kit.net the capacity to hold 10 times its own weight in water. The ‘Easydry Two-pack Sports Towels’ comprise a towel for Golf club tees up solution the user and another to protect gym to problem of lost keys equipment. They have been created to be more hygienic, lighter, compact, Oxfordshire’s Heythrop Park has begun faster-drying and at least three times as upgrading 250 key and coin operated absorbent as a traditional cotton towel. lockers in its clubhouse changing rooms to Codelocks’ ‘KitLock’ digital sport-kit.net KEYWORD cabinet locks. The robust locks are vytal fitted in place of standard key cam locks, with customers needing only to enter a four-digit code on the keypad, lock the cabinet and go. The lockers were identified as an area for improvement because customers didn’t always have a pound coin with them and often lockers would be out sport-kit.net KEYWORD of commission due to lost keys. codelocks

An evolution in wooden lockers from Safe Space A winninJ combination of diJital lockinJ systems Launched at Leisure Industry Week (LIW), ‘Safe Space Evolution’ is a Lowe & Fletcher has launched a range wooden locker from Safe Space of contactless digital combination Lockers constructed from MFC locks, which allow the user immediate (melamine faced chipboard) with a and simple keypad access without the timber-based carcase and laminate need for a key. The battery-operated doors. It can be positioned in any locks can either be used independently tier configuration and comes in a or paired with existing wireless variety of widths (300mm, 350mm, systems using RFID. Users have the 400mm). The locker also features flexibility to set and change their 6mm toughened glass, and many personal entry code. In addition, a colour options are available. All lock preset master code ensures that types can be added. Daniel Jones, supervisor access is always available. sales director at Safe Space, said there had been “plenty of interest” in sport-kit.net KEYWORD sport-kit.net KEYWORD the new product at LIW, which was lowe&fl etcher safespace held at Birmingham’s NEC.

86 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 log on to www.sport-kit.net and type the company name under ‘keyword search’

Eco-friendly bags ideal for holding all sports kit

Ideal for use in the changing room, Kingswood Leisure Services’ ‘Eco- Friendly Premium White Bags’ are large enough to hold all types of sports kit, including muddy golf shoes. At 28 x 55 x 8.5cm in size, dispensers are also available in either white or brushed steel and come complete with fittings. Battle of the sexes in Craftsman’s changing areas The company’s ‘Eco-Friendly Damp Kit Bags’ can also hold sports kit but Two “markedly different yet full access to any locker, rather than are also designed to fit towels, with personalised” changing areas for members laying claim to their own dimensions of 23 x 35 x 5cm. male and female members have one. The women’s changing area been created by Craftsman Lockers features a beach hut effect in cool sport-kit.net KEYWORD at Goodwood Health Club. Digital pastel shades, which contrasts with kingswood locking has been introduced to the black upholstery and metallic provide additional security and hues in the men’s changing room. alleviate the problem of lost keys. Timed release also allows members sport-kit.net KEYWORD craftsman Customisable wristband Plain sailing for Kemmlit offers RFID integration Kemmlit offers a range of integrated solutions for changing rooms, and ‘EasyBand’ is a new low-cost, among its sports facility installations waterproof RFID wristband which can is a ‘Primo’ partitioning system in integrate with locker systems. Launched the Allianz Arena in Munich. Else- by Glasgow-based Authentic8 ID where, Kemmlit’s ‘Variocell’ cubicle Solutions UK, the wristband uses a NXP system has been installed at Datchet Mifare 1K chip and is made from Water Sailing Club in Berkshire, UK. silicone. Each one is laser engraved The Variocell system is tough and with a unique serial number. The durable and has been designed to wristbands come in adult and junior be easy to maintain. Its anticorrosion sizes and are available in a features make Variocell ideally suited mixture of colours, although they can for wet area applications. The system be customised to reflect branding. specified by the club features 30mm sport-kit.net KEYWORD composite elements of aluminium sport-kit.net KEYWORD kemmlit with a special sound absorbing inlay. authentic8

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 87 SPORTS MANAGEMENT DIRECTORY

AV/Lighting/Sound indoor/outdoor surface line marking & maintenance

Cleaning, lining and resurfacing of sports surfaces Tel: 0845 058 0644 [email protected] www.lightmasters.co.uk Email: [email protected] www.white-line-services.com

exercise equipment Indoor sports halls/temporary or non - traditional structures

Temporary buildings RUBBER BSI SOLID END APPROVED DUMBELL

GIVING YOU THE EDGE IN FUNCTIONAL FITNESS EQUIPMENT. www.neptunus.co.uk +44 (0)1553 763285 www.jordanfitness.co.uk [email protected] or find us here

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COME DESIGNED OUTSIDE TO ACHIEVE & PLAY excellence in engineering +44 191 482 2211 | www.rubbuk.com Taking fitness outside is just one step in the Life Fitness evolution. lockers/changing rooms

LifeFitness.co.uk | 01353 666017 Follow the evolution at lifefitness.co.uk/bluesky

© 2014 Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corporation. All rights reserved. Life Fitness is a registered trademark of Brunswick Corporation. Craft sman creating great

Ready for a new experience? changing environments  Lockers  Cubicles  Vanity units  Bench seating  Ancillary furniture Call 01480 405396 [email protected]

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88 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 BE SEEN BY OVER 5,500 ACTIVE BUYERS IN EACH ISSUE

Call the Sports Management team now on +44 (0)1202 742968 Email: [email protected]

lockers/changing rooms sports surface maintenance FITLOCKERS Quality Affordable Timber Lockers Official Training Supporter to the IOG

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sports equipment suppliers & manufacturers SURFACES

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sports flooring

sports lighting the night sky in safe hands Sports Floor Markings, Floor Sanding, Squash Court Refurbishment

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Tel: 01623 511111 Email: [email protected] MULTI-USE SPORTS www.abacuslighting.com Picture courtesy of Cheshire County Sports Club TARAFLEXTM FLOORING FOR ALL COMMUNITY ROUND PERFORMANCE

^ports >iŐhƟnŐ ^pecialists T: +44 01926 622600 E: [email protected] www.cuphosco.com W: www.gerflor.co.uk

Quality Innovation Value Design . Manufacture . Install . Maintain

Contact us now for your Tel: 01920 860600 Fax: 01920 485915 &rĞĞ >ŝŐŚƟnŐ ĞsŝŐn Email: [email protected] wet leisure play products

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 89 POWERED BY leisurediary.com

04 DEC 2014 01-03 FEB 2015 14-15 APR 2015

IOG Conference and Industry Awards Spatex 2015 Soccerex Asian Forum 2015 stadiummk Milton Keynes, Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK The Dead Sea Jordan Buckinghamshire, UK The Spatex exhibition. It represents all This two day event in the world's biggest The awards acknowledge the high sectors of the wet leisure. Primarily a trade football market provides a platform for standards achieved by volunteer and show, it also welcomes members of the networking and knowledge exchange professional teams and individuals at public. With more than 100 Exhibitors, between East and West. The event will facilities that range from grass roots Spatex brings together under one roof once again be held at the iconic Dead Sea, through to professional stadia level. the country’s largest showcase of new bringing attendees from clubs, federations, They recognise achievement, innovation products and innovations but it is much rights holders and businesses together to and examples of best practice from the more than just an Exhibition. Spatex discuss, network, learn and do business over leaders in the world of groundsmanship. hosts the Institute of Swimming Pool two intensive days. The aim of the Awards is to raise industry Engineers Workshops, which pass on Tel: +44 208 742 7100 standards and professionalism. valuable business and technical expertise. www.soccerex.com/events/asia Tel: +44 (0)1908 312 511 Tel: +44 (0)1264 358 558 www.iogawards.com www.spatex.co.uk 11-14 MAY 2015

10-11 DEC 2014 9 FEB 2014 15th Annual International Conference on Sports: Economic, Management, The Turf and Grass Expo SAPCA Conference and Annual Dinner Marketing & Social Aspects Palexpo Center Geneva, Switzerland Chesford Grange Kenilworth, UK Athens, Greece Find out the latest information regarding The annual conference will again The aim of the conference is to synthetic turf, such as: medical facts, feature informative key note sessions bring together scholars and students technical analysis, financial benefits, followed by a networking dinner. of all areas of sports. Participants community partnerships and others. Tel: +44 (0)24 7641 6316 can present on sports topics within Learn from clubs and sports governing www.sapca.org.uk broad streams of research areas. bodies who will discuss the best Tel: +30 210 36 34 210 practice, new developments and newest 4-5 MARCH 2015 www.atiner.gr/sports.htm challenges. The event is part of the The International Sports Convention The Sport Business Summit 24-27 JUN 2015 GENEVA 2014 – the world’s largest The Times Center, New York, US sports convention consisting of 18 The Leaders Sport Business Summit 20th Annual Congress of the Sports Conferences, a combined brings together top industry influencers European College of Sport Science exhibition and networking event. to share ideas, spark discussions and build Malmö University Malmö, Sweden Tel: +41 79 823 08 55 relationships capable of helping shape Annual congresses have been organized www.turfandgrassexpo.com the future of sport. The event hosts 500 since the inauguration of the ECSS in 1995. senior people across 30+ sports and over Today the ECSS congresses rank among 22-24 JAN 2015 40 countries all in one place at one time. the leading sport scientific congresses Tel: +44 (0)207 0428666 worldwide. The congress comprises a UK Pool and Spa Expo www.leadersinsport.com range of invited lecturers, multi- and National Exhibition Centre, mono-disciplinary symposia as well as Birmingham, UK 10 MAR 2015 tutorial lecturers and Socratic debates. UK Pool & Spa Expo continues to The ECSS congress is attended by develop and welcome new exhibitors, Sports Facility Show international sport scientists with supporting partners and encourage new National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK an academic career. The ECSS visitors to our 2015 event, designed to SAPCA invites you to attend The congresses now welcome up to 2,000 target the whole of the UK wet leisure Sports Facility Show, a special one- participants from all over the world. sector and associated sectors, offering day event that comprises a series of Tel: +49 221 4982 7640 both UK and international companies informative and educational seminars www.ecss-congress.eu/2015 a professional platform to meet. together with an exhibition featuring Tel: +44 (0) 1483 420 229 specialists in the design, construction www.ukpoolspa-expo.co.uk and maintenance of sports facilities. Tel: +44 (0) 24 7641 6316 www.sapca.org.uk

90 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 the rules of engagement have changed.

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