SPORTSwww.sportsmanagement.co.uk MANAGEMENT VOLUME 15 Q2 2011 BMX is rising to the Olympic occasion

Basildon Sporting Village now open for business

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SAPCA

Getting ready for Wimbledon

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… THE FUTURE OF SPORT IN THE BIG SOCIETY LEO GRYNER a Rio 2016 Olympic exclusive

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Volunteering gets a boost

t’s all change again in the world of sport as the new government’s policies begin to kick in and I the impact of Big Society thinking is felt. We debate the issues this will throw up for the industry in our Talkback feature on page 22 and the general consensus is that sport is well placed to han- dle these challenges, just as it has dealt with the last 20 years of political shifting sands. More Lottery money coming our way will also help sport ride out the budget cuts better than many other sectors. Big Society requires that substantial amounts of sports administration and management move into the voluntary sector, both to relieve pressure on budgets and to develop sports provision at a community level. PHOTO CREDIT: LUKE WEBBER – BRITISH CYCLING PHOTO CREDIT: BMX champion Liam Phillips However, this emerging emphasis on the role of volunteers comes at a time when the volunteering movement is losing momentum and people are less likely to give their time for others. Sport England’s e-mail: please use contact’s Active People survey shows that the number of volunteers in sport is static at best and in some places [email protected] declining slightly, whereas the government’s Big Society ambitions demand it grows and grows quickly. SUBSCRIPTIONS Reviving the status of volunteering and inspiring a new generation of sport-lovers to get involved has Denise Gildea been highlighted as one of the major challenges the sector needs to tackle. +44 (0)1462 471930 One of the biggest obstacles to be overcome, in relation to recruiting volunteers, is the issue of liability. EDITOR In an increasingly litigious society where sport has had its fair share of high profile brushes with the law Liz Terry +44 (0)1462 431385 many people are concerned that if they get involved, they may be opening themselves up to unacceptable MANAGING EDITOR levels of responsibility and the sector needs to tackle this issue quickly to reassure potential volunteers. Karen Maxwell +44 (0)1462 471920 One of the biggest obstacles to be overcome in relation to recruiting PUBLISHER volunteers is the issue of liability. Many people are concerned that if David Hunt +44 (0)1462 471902 they get involved, they may be opening themselves up to onerous risk NEWS EDITOR Tom Walker Two new initiatives announced this month will strengthen our ability to deal with these challenges. The +44 (0)1462 471934 first is a new initiative from The Sport and Recreation Alliance – The Voluntary Code of Good Governance JOURNALISTS for the Sport and Recreation Sector, which is explained by chair Brigid Simmonds on page 13. Martin Nash The code outlines seven principles of good governance and in his foreword to the publication, +44 (0)1462 471911 Minister for Sport and the Olympics Hugh Robertson, says: “It is not for any government to run sport Pete Hayman +44 (0)1462 471938 or micro-manage its future. Dedicated professionals working within strong, independent, transparent PRODUCTS EDITOR and accountable organisations are the best way of ensuring that sport is able to reflect the identity and Martin Nash expectations of the whole community.” Robertson says core principles are strong, independent non-execs +44 (0)1462 471911 and small diverse boards and encourages the sector to commit to best practice in adopting the code. DISPLAY ADVERTISING This will be great for sport, as well-run organisations have the framework and protocols necessary to John Challinor protect volunteers from unnecessarily onerous risk, freeing them to get on with their essential work. +44 (0)1202 742968 Jan Williams Another initiative in the news is the UK-wide launch of charity Sported, +44 (0)1462 471909 which has been conducting pilot studies since 2008 and will now undertake DESIGN a nationwide roll-out by opening regional offices. Ed Gallagher Sported aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people through +44 (0)1905 20198 sport by – among other things – acting as a business angel to support sports Andy Bundy +44 (0)1462 471924 development projects. Members of the Sported team and volunteer mentors INTERNET will be aiming to engage young people, deliver activity and offer help with Dean Fox the commercial and administrative aspects of sport. +44 (0)1462 471900 As one of the challenges for volunteers is a lack of skill in the areas Tim Nash surrounding governance, these launches are most timely and welcome. +44 (0)1462 471917 Michael Paramore +44 (0)1462 471926 Liz Terry, editor [email protected] twitter: elizterry Emma Harris +44 (0)1462 471921 CIRCULATION MANAGER Michael Emmerson the leisure media company publishes +44 (0)1462 471932 FINANCIAL CONTROL Sue Davis +44 (0)1395 519398 FINANCIAL ADMIN Denise Gildea +44 (0)1462 471930

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 3 ISSUE 2 2011 CONTENTS

18 Leo Gryner’s Rio 2016 Games 30 BMX is on the rise

56 Places People Play 46 The Wimbledon way

26 Basildon’s Sporting Village 34 The multi-use Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex in Dubai

3 Editor’s letter 22 Everybody’s talking about... 34 A living legacy The future of sport in the Big Society Mike Hall on the extended life of venues 6 Write to reply Karen Maxwell talks to industry experts 36 Screen test 7 Analysis: John Goodbody 24 Research: Why do young In-stadia digital solutions and the return An independent think tank for sport people stop participating in sport? in investment, by Robin Currie Chris Cutforth reviews the recent Sport 8 Industry news Industry Research Centre seminar 38 Raising the game Pete Hayman looks at why the FA has 14 People news 26 New opening: extended its National Game Strategy Basildon Sporting Village 15 2012 profile: James Bulley Essex’s Olympic-standard facilities are 44 Reinforcements reviewed by David Thompson in natural turf pitches 16 SAPCA update STRI’s Paul Flanagan on the pros and cons 30 Grassroots sport: BMX 18 Interview: Leonardo Gryner British Cycling’s Pete Maxwell details 46 Gearing up for Wimbledon The Rio 2016 CEO talks to Karen Maxwell the NGB’s current programmes and Kath Hudson looks behind the scenes at about the plans to transform the city future plans for the sport’s progression the UK’s biggest and best tennis event

4 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK

ISSUE 2 2011

38 Frank Lampard helps to ‘raise the game’ for The FA digital magazine See Sports Management online www.sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital

news and jobs: For jobs and news visit www.sportsmanagement.co.uk or sign up for e-news on 70 A profile on Parkour www.leisuresubs.com

subscribe: Sign up for Sports Management at www.leisuresubs.com or call: +44 (0)1462 471915

attention buyers! fi nd suppliers and innovation updates www.sport-kit.net

68 Perfecting running techniques 61 Indoor cricket development

53 Building up to the big event 68 On your marks Three instances where temporary Kath Hudson looks at a number of structures are a vital component to the ways in which you could improve your buyers’ guide: successful hosting of major sports events club members’ running technique For suppliers of products and services, turn to page 80 56 Places people play 70 Running free Richard Lewis gives details on how The founder and director of Parkour SAPCA the Sport England programme will UK is interviewed by Magali Robathan Sports Management bring sporting legacy to life is the offi cial 74 Sport-kit magazine of the Sports and Play Front-line support from Tarkett 60 Indoor cricket Construction The ECB’s dedicated indoor cricket arm is Association (SAPCA), the trade supporting and co-ordinating the game’s 76 SAPCA directory body for the UK’s sports facility development. Tom Walker explains how construction industry. Sports 79 Sports directory Management and SAPCA work in partnership to promote 64 Safe, comfortable landings high standards in the design, French research by the University of 82 Diary dates and construction and maintenance Poitiers is highlighted by Peter Daly advertisers’ index of UK sports facilities

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 5 WRITE TO REPLY

Do you hold a strong opinion about your industry? Where are things going wrong, or right? Sports Management would love to hear from you. Email: [email protected] Issue 2 2011

major event should promote women in sport

t’s a strange paradox that while our elite sportswomen I are taking on and beating the rest of the world; women’s participation levels in sport are falling. In fact currently 80 per cent of women and girls aren’t doing enough physical activity to benefit their health. Last month, leading figures from the world of sport, including Baroness Tanni Gray-Thompson and Olympic badminton star Gail Emms, joined forces with around 20 MPs and peers to discuss how

©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM best to boost female participation in sport and how to raise the profile of our elite women. In a pivotal year, with the launch of the FA’s new Women’s Super League, the Women’s World Cup in Germany and the countdown to Play provision is planned for the Olympic Park 2012, the All Party Parliamentary Group on Sport was a timely gather- ing that focused on how such high OLYMPIC LEGACY FOR PLAY profile sporting events can be used to inspire women to be more active he London 2012 Olympic and agencies and local communities to help themselves. The opportunity these Parlaympic Games will be a cel- realise a wider vision of what the Olympic events bring means the chance to T ebration of the very best in elite legacy will mean for children. Our ambi- make a real change is now. sport, but they are also a catalyst to tion is that the Queen Elizabeth Olympic We need to shout about the suc- creating a lasting legacy, by inspiring Park will be a ‘playable space’ for people of cesses of Britain’s sportswomen to a generation of children and young every age and showcase the best of public create role models for women and people into sports and activity. space deisgn. girls to aspire to. Once demand is For Play England, informal play can link The Olympic agencies, London’s Olympic stimulated, it’s then up to sports children to a love of sport, just as panto- boroughs and community-run play organi- NGBs and agencies to channel this mime can inspire a lifelong love of theatre. sations support our ideas, and we will be interest effectively and convert However, without the time and space working with them over the coming months it into more participation among to freely play those important gateways and years to make our ideas a reality for lo- women. The lack of women in se- might never open. (Research shows that cal children and visitors from the rest of the nior positions in most NGBs does currently only a quarter of children in this country and from overseas. make this job harder but we must country regularly play outdoors – com- For more information go to: www.play- all be committed to driving this pared to around three-quarters of the england.org.uk/our-work/olympics change forward. young population just a generation ago.) Mick Conway, programme development Sue Tibballs, CEO Women’s Sport Play England is working with Olympic manager, Play England and Fitness Foundation

6 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 SPORTS ANALYSIS

John Goodbody reports on Independent think tank for sport

t’s odd that just when this coun- try is on the brink of such a momentous decade of staging in- I ternational events and when public money has never before been invested so lavishly in sport – that there is no organisation suggesting, let alone charting, long-term future policy in British sport. ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Enter Andy Reed. It was one of the disappointments of the 2010 election that Reed lost his seat in the House of Commons, where he had sat for 13 years as the Labour MP for Loughbor- ough. Irrespective of which political party you supported, British sport has certainly been weakened over the last The aim is to have a long-term look at British sport, whereas year by the absence of someone who had made such an understated impact. most past reports have concentrated on the immediate future He has been personal private secretary to Kate Hoey, the former Sports Minis- Hallam, have produced valuable reports departments. However, these have been ter. He developed Supporters Direct in in the past (and will almost certainly do done on an ‘ad hoc’ basis. The point of football. He chaired East Midlands Sport, so again), but by their very nature they the work of the think tank is to have a the campaigning voice in the region, are restricted. The membership of the continuous and sustained look at sports between 2000 and 2003 and was being think tank would be more far-reaching policy as it evolves in the future, exam- widely regarded as a possible future including, as well as academics, indi- ining different areas as they develop. Minister for Sport himself. Such capable viduals from the commercial and high Reports would be decided by sport figures are needed in Parliament. performance sectors. Current competi- itself and certain aspects could be high- Well now he’s back. Reed is already on tors are notorious for not being readily lighted through lectures. Practically, the the board of the Special Olympics and available (despite their suitability and SRA would be able to add some logistical also the Amateur Swimming Association, initial eagerness) but recently-retired support and Reed is confident that initial a sport where a detailed knowledge of leading sportsmen and women could funding of up to £50,000 can be found grassroots issues is particularly important well be valuable assets. It is expected and that the venture can be started by since so many people participate in the that there would be a high profile presi- the autumn. The aim is to have a long- activity for recreation and health reasons. dent and a part-time director and work term look at British sport rather than the In addition, he is the chairman-elect of would initially be web-based. present or the immediate future. the Sport and Recreation Alliance (SRA), “The think tank has to be indepen- The proposed think tank will succeed if the one year-old name for what was the dent, particularly of the government, let it tackles issues that really matter to sport Central Council of Physical Recreation, alone of UK Sport, Sport England and and can really influence policy in the fu- which embraces all the national gov- even the British Olympic Association, ture. Detailed research, together with erning bodies (see p.14). Such positions which unlike the two quangoes is not vigorous lobbying of successive govern- should aid him in his latest enterprise, an reliant on tax-payers’ money.” ments, are the keys to its effectiveness. independent think tank for British sport. Reed accepts that there have been It’s a project that British sport needs and He says: ”Everyone seems to think several useful independent reports on it’s up to British sport to ensure that it that it’s a good idea. I have got a bit of sports policy in the past, such as Raising gets the support it deserves. L time now and I am determined to make the Bar by two former Sports Minis- it happen.” He accepts that universities, ters, Colin Moynihan and Kate Hoey, John Goodbody has covered 12 successive such as Loughborough and Sheffield in addition to several by government Olympic Games for the Sunday Times

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 7 NEWS

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GManchester United Football Club. reduced the funding available to the Rugby agency and the national governing body. Meanwhile, Jagger comes from a back- Football Union (RFU) by nearly £1.1m. According to Sport England’s Active People ground in corporate fi nance and was also Th e decision, which also aff ects the Rugby Survey, participation numbers in rugby union a member of the team that helped revive Football Union for Women (RFUW), has come have decreased over the last two years. Asda before its acquisition by Walmart.

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sport and active leisure, has teamed up with launch of the Tata Kids of image: monkey business images/shutterstock.com Sports Offi cials UK to launch a new set of Steel triathlon initiative has occupational standards for offi ciating. found that nearly four-fi ft hs of Th e National Standards for Offi ciating UK children spend their free have been drawn up in order to help boost time watching television. umpiring and refereeing excellence across a A survey of 1,500 young wide range of sports at every level. people aged between six and It is hoped that the standards from 15 – commissioned by Tata SkillsActive and Sports Offi cials UK are to Steel in partnership with assist with the design of offi cials’ courses British Triathlon – revealed and other development activities. only a third played sport. Th e study also found that 56 per cent surfed the inter- net; 45 per cent used social Th e study found that a third of children play sport in their leisure time networks; and 43 per cent played video games, rather than participating eight and 13 with the opportunity to take part in physical activity. It was also revealed that 15 in a triathlon. Th is summer will see the initia-

image: lee valley rpa per cent of children questioned admitted being tive visit 18 UK locations. unable to swim, while one in ten young people Karl Köhler, chief executive offi cer of Tata said they could not ride a bicycle. Steel in Europe, said: “Th is research has high- It comes as Tata Steel has pledged to provide lighted a number of important issues which we more than 50,000 young people aged between hope Tata Kids of Steel will help to address.”

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10 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 HAVING NEWS AND JOBS UPDATED DAILY ONLINE AT PROBLEMS WITH YOUR WWW.SPORTSMANAGEMENT.CO.UK ARTIFICIAL SPORTS C\\[j1JXe[n\ccgcXejXggifm\[ SURFACE?

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try employers, which outlines / to check, to scrutinise, to provide a bal- SHUTTERSTOCK future skills requirements ance, to ask the right people or to set an needed to ensure continued issue in its proper context. And that is . growth, has been welcomed COM why it is so important to have good gov- by the SkillsActive Group. ernance in place before the crisis arises. Th e study – from the Skills Equally, behind almost every successful Protocol Employer Leadership organisation lies good governance struc- Group (SPELG) in Physical tures – and that is no coincidence. Activity, Sport and Active At our conference in May, the Sport Leisure – also aims to help the and Recreation Alliance launched the sector have a “direct impact” Voluntary Code of Good Governance for on wider public health issues. the Sport and Recreation Sector. Th e Code Over the coming four years, Th e report aims to help the sector have a “direct impact” on wider issues off ers organisations an insight into what SPELG aims to establish a sin- good governance looks like in a sporting gle qualifi cation structure led by employers, of Sport and Physical Activity. Meanwhile, context by taking the good practice used as well as working towards the need for all SkillsActive has been identifi ed as a “key infl u- in other spheres and making it relevant employees to hold a skills passport. encer and driver of change” in the report and to them. Its most important feature is that SPELG will also support the inception of the its management said its aims complemented it has been developed by the sector, for new Chartered Institute for the Management the sector skills council’s own targets. the sector. It has not been imposed but instead sport has come together to set up its own standards. >cXdfi^Xelem\`cjÊB`[j>f=i\\Ëgfc`Zp Over the next few months we will help to embed the Code by releasing guidance G

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 13 PEOPLE

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I\\[Z_X`ijJgfikXe[I\Zi\Xk`fe8cc`XeZ\ Andy Reed has been appointed as the new of sports volunteers (SSPV) and of the chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance. Volleyball England Foundation, as well as a He succeeds Brigid Simmonds OBE who board member of Special Olympics GB and will step down at the organisation’s AGM in of the ASA. He also continues to turn out July, having reached the end of a maximum for Birstall Rugby Club where he has played of three two-year terms of offi ce. for the last 25 years. Reed has a strong background in the “I’ve got to pay tribute to the work of the sector, having served arguably the UK’s current chair, Brigid Simmonds. She has sportiest constituency – Loughborough led the Sport and Recreation Alliance from – for 13 years. As an MP he served as the front and, like nearly every volunteer Parliamentary Private Secretary to Kate in sport, has rarely had the plaudits she’s Hoey while she was Sports Minister and deserved. Th e Alliance does its best work also introduced the 10 Minute Rule Bill out of the public eye – building bridges and for Community Amateur Sports Club opening doors – and Brigid has played a legislation. Now director of his own massive part in that. I know, having seen advocacy company, he leads his local county that work in and around parliament over the sports partnership, is chair of the voice last few years from the inside,” says Reed.

14 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 2012 PROFILE

James Bulley

Karen Maxwell talks to LOCOG’s director of venues and infrastructure about his role as London 2012 disability champion

How are you preparing the 2012 about what they have done at both the When applying for a ticket, spectators Olympic and Paralympic venues? Olympic and Paralympic Games in terms can indicate an additional accessibility We want to ensure the athletes, of disability issues, to ensure that we need, such as a seat accessed by fewer spectators and the media have the can both learn from their experience steps for those who find stairs difficult; best Games experience possible by and also emulate some of the successful a seat on the end of a row for those planning how these groups will access guidelines they implemented. who need extra room; a seat with a di- the venues, safely move around and We have also spoken with a wide rect view of video information screens enjoy the event, while also delivering range of disability organisations about for people who are deaf or hearing im- the best possible facilities for those what disabled spectators would want to paired; or a seat close to the action for who are working at the venue. have in our venues to ensure an enjoy- visually impaired people. During the coming year, we’ll be test- able Games-time experience. We will also provide free blue badge ing simulations to ensure we get it right The Paralympic Games are completely parking spaces at all venues; accessible come Games time. We are currently integrated into the Olympic Games – we shuttle bus options; a free mobility ser- procuring the overlay – such as seats, have one budget, one organising com- vice to loan out manual wheelchairs and tents, furniture, fences and sport sur- mittee and one senior management scooters; facilities for assistance dogs, faces – and the majority of these will be team for both Games. This means that audio description and induction loops; installed at venues from next spring. we can ensure that everything works an adult changing toilet which includes for everyone involved in both Games. a hoist at all venues; and spectator infor- What does your role of disability mation in accessible formats. champion at LOCOG entail? How have disability issues been I’m responsible for championing addressed for London 2012? What staff training will be given to disability across the organisation, by Our aim is to provide a range of services enhance spectators’ experience? promoting diversity and inclusion and ticket products for disabled people Volunteers – or Games Makers will go at work and helping to ensure that – tailored to their needs, rather than through three sets of training – LOCOG is as diverse as possible. a ‘one size fits all’ approach. We want orientation, role-specific and I also attend disability events, such as to ensure that disabled spectators in-venue training. the launch of our disability pin badge have as great an experience as At these sessions, they will gain an and our Diversity and Inclusion board anyone else and we are committed to insight into the Olympic and Paralym- meetings to ensure that disability is high providing services and facilities that pic Games, the sports, venues and life on the agenda. meet all accessibility requirements. as a London 2012 volunteer. Role spe- We recently announced Olympic cific training will allow volunteers to What lessons have been learned Games’ ticket products that meet a vari- learn everything they need to carry out from other Olympic events? ety of accessibility requirements. Tickets their role at Games time – from skills It’s been important for us to speak will be available at every venue, in every and knowledge to how they can best to previous Organising Committees session and across all price categories. represent London 2012. Finally, compre- hensive in-venue training will help the volunteers get to know their venue We have spoken to a wide range of disability organisations about and find out about the activities that will take place there during the Games, as what disabled spectators would want to have in our venues well as key information such as transport points and disabled access points.

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 15 SAPCA UPDATE

GX^\Xe[8cc\e\c\Zk\[XkJ8G:88>D t the Sport and Play Construction Association’s (SAPCA) fourteenth AAGM, held last month, Eric Page was elected as the association’s new chair, succeeding Tony Hession. Nigel Allen was elected vice-chair at the same event. Page has been in the sports surfacing industry since 1975. He worked for En-tout-cas as both accountant and contracts manager, before forming tennis court specialists Courtstall Services in 1985. Page says that two of his main objectives will be to ensure the successful completion of SAPCA’s strategic review and to continue to strengthen the association’s new quality assurance programme. Allen also brings more than 30 years’ industry experience to his new role. He SAPCA chair Eric Page will oversee the association’s strategic review during his tenure joined Charles Lawrence aft er graduating as a surveyor and is now a director and Page and Allen have been closely involved in Commenting on his new role, Page said: shareholder of the Charles Lawrence group the industry’s trade bodies since the 1980s. “I will take a very positive lead in tackling of sports and play companies, all of which In addition to these appointments, the key issues that face the industry and are SAPCA members. Th ese include Playtop SAPCA’s board of directors also welcomed look forward to working closely with Nigel Licensing, Charles Lawrence International three other newly-elected members at the and all the directors to ensure that the and Replay Maintenance. AGM: George Mullan of Support in Sport association meets the needs of its members As well as their wealth of technical (UK); Mark Murfi tt of Murfi tt Industries; and the marketplace – in what are clearly knowledge and industry experience, both and Steve Roby of DCM Projects. challenging times.”

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APCA’s free, one-day Sports Facility t
Successful sports lighting Construction Exhibition and Seminar t
Raising standards of natural sports turf Sis set to take place at Aston Villa FC in t
Design options for stadium redevelopment Birmingham on 7 June. t
Th e selection of indoor sports surfaces Th e event off ers a programme of t
Structures for indoor sport informative seminars, which will t
Th e design, selection and maintenance of provide guidance on the delivery of sports facility equipment new and upgraded sports facilities. An t
Ten steps to successful sports project accompanying exhibition will feature management specialist constructors of sports facilities, Th e accompanying football seminar suppliers of related products and services programme will examine the key issues for and professional consultants off ering expert the development and use of synthetic turf advice on sports facility projects. pitches and will include: Th ere will also be a special focus on t
Th e FA’s facility strategy the provision of facilities for football, in t
Th e development of synthetic turf collaboration with Th e Football Association. surfaces for football Th e seminars will be of interest across a t
Th e FIFA-quality latest research on player wide range of sports and will include: biomechanics t
National sports facility strategy and funding t
Using performance analysis to assess and t
How to make a successful application for compare the playing of the game project funding t
Th e fi nancial viability of synthetic pitches t
Understanding the planning system t
Design options for the construction of a t
Selecting the right sports surface synthetic turf pitch t
Cost eff ective renovation and upgrading t
Th e maintenance of synthetic turf pitches. Th e event will off er a seminar on the of existing sports facilities Register online at www.sapca.org.uk synthetic turf surfaces for football

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Requirement: L Sports or multi purpose hall over 100SqM in need of improvement or replacement. L School, College, Trust, Charity or Local Authority. L Full technical site survey required. L Existing compliant surfaces, including Wood, Lino, Granwood, Rubber, PU. L We provide a new sports floor at a heavily discounted rate in return for feedback, pictures, future client visits etc:- Contact us now for a no obligation discussion or to Sites Required in: arrange a survey. Scotland - Somerset - North West - Yorkshire - Midlands - London - Surrey - Kent - Darren Wood Wiltshire - South Wales - Ulster - Cheshire - Sports Manager Hertfordshire - Hants - Herefordshire - Cumbria - Tel: 07836 366579, North East Bucks - Staffs - Derbyshire - Tyneside - Email: [email protected] Lancashire - Suffolk - and more. visit: www.gerflor.co.uk INTERVIEW Leo Gryner

The CEO of Rio 2016 talks exclusively to Karen Maxwell on how the Games’ transformation plans will deliver broader aspirations for the long-term future of Rio, Brazil and South America

ust the name Rio de Janeiro installation of five ‘live sites’ [fan zones] environment. In TV alone, you’re talking conjures up an image of sun, sea across Brazil and at least two in each about 3,000 to 5,000 people working on and a carnival atmosphere – the continent during the Games period. the host broadcasting – not to mention J perfect party ingredients for the “These ‘live sites’ will also showcase our the rights holders.” Olympic and Paralympic Games when sponsors and business partners by offer- “Knowledge transfer is a very impor- they arrive at the South American city ing corporate spaces and allow for public tant part of the planning procedure,” he in five years’ time. interaction,” he says. explains. “We’ve relied on information Rio 2016 CEO Leonardo Gryner smiles coming from London 2012 to help organ- at the thought, perhaps pleased that Bra- Knowledge transfer ise the ceremonies, assess the telecom zilian marketers of past and present have Former TV producer, director of sports requirements and establish ticketing pro- done well to promote this image world- and director of sports marketing at cedures – to name a few.” wide. “The party planning has already Globo TV – Brazil’s leading TV network, Reflecting on the impact of previous begun,” he says, “but in a broader sense Gryner brings more than 40 years of Games, he says that the Sydney Games we want the Games to convey a feeling Olympic Games’ experience to the role were fantastic for people involvement, of celebration for everybody involved, to he took on in May last year. Prior to that Beijing’s precision was inspiring and he’s ensure that all our partners benefit from he was communications and market- in no doubt that London will be amazing a fantastic experience.” ing director for the Rio bid and held the – but insists that Rio will have a unique First and foremost, the plan is to cele- same position for Rio’s successful hosting flavour of its own. brate the athletes “who’ll showcase sport of the 2007 Pan American Games. in our world-class, city-based venues,” However, he appreciates the increas- Emerging economy Gryner says. To ensure they also share the ing level of complexity the Games’ hosts With its bid to host the FIFA 2014 World Rio experience he says the plan is to cre- have taken on in recent years. “Back in Cup already secured, the city’s success- ate Rio’s typical ‘Carioca’ street life within 1976, at the Montreal Olympics, there ful 2016 Olympic bid mark the first time the Athletes Village. Located just 1km was much more integration between the Olympic and Paralympic Games will away from 17km of beautiful Baha ocean the athletes, the media and the specta- be staged in South America and is testa- coastline, a section of the beach will be tors – compared to the complex logistics ment to Brazil’s growing presence on the cordoned off exclusively for athletes’ use. and security measures needed today,” world’s economic stage. With further plans to spread Rio’s cul- he says. “The sheer number of athletes, Set to record an economic growth ture and party atmosphere across the journalists, rights holders and spectators of more than 7 per cent this year and world, Gryner says that US$45m (£27.7m) at recent Games presents complicated between 5-6 per cent in the years lead- has already been pledged to fund the challenges unique to each host nation’s ing up to 2014, Brazil’s central bank has

Maracanã is one of four cluster zones earmarked for Olympic development

18 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Of the 34 venues, 18 are already operational, eight will be redeveloped, seven will be temporary and nine will be constructed for permanent legacy

estimated that foreign investment for this year will climb to US$55bn (£33.9bn). So- Staging the Games could inject US$51.1bn cial progress is accompanying this growth too. From 2003 to 2009 some 30 million (£31.5bn) into the region and add 120,000 Brazilian citizens have risen to join the jobs annually towards 2016 middle classes and similar numbers are expected to follow in the next few years. Gryner attributes some of Rio’s success be needed from the government to run has projected that staging the Games in winning the bid to new levels of co- the event. He also stressed that this figure could inject US$51.1bn (£31.5bn) into operation between the federal, state and would not be surpassed because the or- the region and add 120,000 jobs annually municipal governments in the country. ganisers “are not motivated by profits”. towards 2016. “For many years Brazil was viewed to be “Two deals involving top tier part- in opposition to the central government ners in banking and telecommunications Inspired bidding so we suffered from a lack of invest- have already raised more than US$600m With Brazil having played host to the ment,” he explains. “However, thanks (£370m) so we still need to raise one- South American Games in 2002 and the to this new-found relationship, many in- third of the target,” he says, adding that Pan American Games in 2007, Gryner frastructure and social projects are now he would rather “reduce the number of says winning the right to host the beginning to take shape.” sponsors to reduce clutter and make it Olympic and Paralympic Games [not Around US$15bn (£9.2bn) in fund- better value for partners.” withstanding the additional accolade ing – most from the federal government Admitting that the funding estimate of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2014] – means that close to 100 per cent of was indeed higher than those submitted was the country’s biggest prize of all. projects to improve infrastructure, par- by the other 2016 bidding nations, Gryner Inspired by Barcelona’s urban trans- ticularly in the transport sector, are says the bidding committee was careful formation when the Spanish city hosted now being undertaken in readiness to include as many hidden extras as possi- the 1992 Games, Rio bid (unsuccessfully) for the Games. “This is the combina- ble in its original figures. “It was difficult to host the 2004 Games, then held back tion of two budgets,” Gryner explains. to estimate the price of building materials from the 2008 Games to learn from host- “US$11.6bn (£7.1bn) for the sporting in- when the bid’s budget was calculated in ing the Pan American Games, before frastructure and US$2.8bn (£1.7bn) for 2008,” he says. “But we’ve planned for in- focusing more intently on 2016. the staging of the Games. flations along the way and added extras, “Transformation became a buzz word According to Gryner, the amount of such as the likely desire to paint the out- for us in the bidding process as hosting sponsorship money raised would be side of the airport as 2016 draws near.” the Olympics offered the opportunity to capped at US$1.2bn (£74m), which would Meanwhile, a Sao Paulo business ‘transform’ our sporting environment, ensure that no additional finance would school for the Brazilian Sports Ministry our city and Brazil’s image worldwide.

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 19 INTERVIEW

“The city hadn’t witnessed urban re- Left: Stadium built for 2007 Pan American newal for 75 years, so we highlighted the Games. Above and right: Envisaged trans- proposed transformation of the city’s port formation of the city’s port area. Below area, including the terminals and the three left: Olympic sport on Baha beach neighbourhoods within, as well as the de- velopment of new transport links to the extended development, seven will be new sports facilities. With this objective in temporary structures and nine will be mind we actually developed some sport- constructed as permanent legacy venues. ing facilities to Olympic standard when we They will be connected to a high- won the Pan American Games,” he says. performance transport system that will After years of under-investment, Gryner enable almost half of the athletes to says a key advantage of securing these reach their venues in less than 10 minutes major sporting events has been to allow and the rest in under 25 minutes. the dismissal of ‘bad’ cops. The result of Brazil a platform on which to accelerate Regarding the facility design, Gryner which has seen crime rates drop substan- the development of its sporting infra- says that since hosting the South Ameri- tially, in the past four years, and the area structure, its marketing programmes – to can Games in 2002, Brazil has been on a become much safer,” Gryner says. help support sport – and an elite perfor- “journey of education” in the design and mance programme for budding athletes. development of effective, sustainable, Spreading the impact In fact, Gryner says the country is sports facilities. “For example, a Brazilian Already a major hub for sports provi- already acting upon its legacy commit- architect helped design sports facilities sion in South America, particularly in the ments from the Pan American Games, for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic popular sports of football, volleyball, with the setting up of an annual School facilities, another worked in Delhi for the swimming, judo and sailing, Gryner says Games Tournament, which he says now 2010 Commonwealth Games and there’s that elite athletes from the surrounding involves millions of children across the one working in London towards 2012. area already train in Brazil. So the new country. He says the challenge now is to “Of course this collaboration works Olympic facilities and corresponding per- work towards ensuring a minimum stan- both ways. Australian architects John formance programmes will enhance elite dard of regular, compulsory PE lessons in Baker Associates, direct from the Sydney development throughout the region. all the country’s schools through the Bra- Olympics, worked on facilities for the “The foreign office has instigated a zilian Ministry of Education. Pan American Games.” sport scholarship programme to fund Another major legacy that came out of talented athletes from South Ameri- Transforming the city the Pan American Games was the trans- ca and Africa to train in Brazil, and we Rio’s 2016 competition venues will be formation of the whole security system in also have coaching links where Brazilan clustered in four zones – Barra, Copaca- Rio, which has now been adapted into a coaches mentor sports coaches in other bana, Deodoro and Maracanã. Of the new way of policing throughout the coun- countries,” he says. 34 competition venues, of which 18 are try. “This included restructuring policing Regarding service providers for the already operational, eight will undergo methods, the use of forensic evidence and Games, Gryner says that Brazil and other South American countries are members of a common market in the region and companies within this partnership are en- couraged to bid to service the Games. “The Games will bring social, eco- nomic and sporting benefit to Brazil and open up many opportunities for our South American neighbours, but the big- gest benefactors will be our children,” he says. “Education is now high on the agenda and improving the quality of education for everyone – particularly the underprivileged. And one way to attract the youth into school is through sport.”

20 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 For sports managers and policy makers who want to keep briefed on the latest developments in facility provision, funding, policy partnerships and development

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Everybody’s Talking About … The future of sport in the Big Society

he coalition government’s Big key services. However, with this comes Society agenda will have a shared responsibilities to meet the T significant impact on both the needs of communities, develop a more public and voluntary sectors in sport. creative way of thinking and work The power shift from government through the bureaucratic barriers. to community will bring opportunities Karen Maxwell talks to key industry for society to have a greater say on the experts to ask what needs to be done design, development and delivery of to make it work.

Ian Cooper, director, Justin Davis Smith, Chief Executive Ian Cooper Associates of Volunteering England

new government – a new challenge to n many ways, community sport is ahead local government sport and recreation of the Big Society agenda. The vast major- A departments. Sport and recreation em- I ity of opportunities to participate in sport ployees have shown themselves to be responsive are delivered by grassroots sports clubs who and resilient in interpreting and responding to government ini- are almost wholly reliant upon a voluntary workforce of up to tiatives. Since 1988 they have met the challenges of Compulsive two million adults. There is also much evidence to suggest that Competitive Tendering, Best Value, Comprehensive Perfor- sport delivers wider benefits such as improved health, reduced mance Assessments and Local Area Agreements by the dozen. crime and greater social cohesion. Staff have been excellent at reworking programmes to meet The Big Society will highlight the great work that is already key requirements of new legislation. happening in community sport and encourage others to get We start from a position of strength with many exceptional involved by removing the bureaucracy that can get in the way. programmes and skilled managers. We have the continuing But this won’t happen on its own; there is a need for greater support of the County Sports Partnerships and operational ex- recognition of the importance of investment in volunteer man- periences from a wide range of mass participation/volunteer agement and support services to enable volunteering to flourish. driven sports events. The sports trusts too are making an impact To keep people engaged in sport, clubs must provide a high in the sector with their support of sports development. The gov- quality, enjoyable sporting experience. At the same time, they ernment is doing its bit by introducing more grants, some yet to are faced with complex issues around club management, such be defined. So far so good. But I have concerns about the ability as community asset transfer, facility management and safe- of sport and recreation staff to meet Big Society requirements. guarding, increasing the need to recruit skilled volunteers from First, sports staff now work in small teams often in a corner of outside of sport. High quality volunteer management will be a larger department without a specialised senior officer who has crucial both in helping clubs to retain existing volunteers and ‘clout’ where it matters. Second, direct grant aid and resources in attracting new ones. National governing bodies will have an to advise on funding applications have been reduced. Councils important role to play here, but so too will volunteer centres, have less resources to directly support Big Society programmes. which can advise on the best ways to recruit and support vol- Finally, the Active People Surveys show that sports volunteering unteers from non-sporting backgrounds. In recognition of this, is static or decreasing slightly. Capacity and increased commit- Volunteering England is recruiting a number of volunteer centre ment in this sector remains a major issue for local government to sporting champions to provide clubs with the support they need. resolve. Reliable volunteers are hard to find and retain. Hard eco- The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games offer a unique op- nomic times result in an understandable ‘job first’ attitude. portunity to showcase the value of sport and volunteering to Solution? Money and political commitment again – councils our communities, so it is vital that we continue to make the need to show commitment to programmes and in-house staff if case for long-term investment in the people and organisations the Big Society programmes are to be delivered. that will drive volunteering in sport forward.

22 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 ©WWW.SPORTENGLAND.ORG

Volunteers in sport allow young people to discover a passion for sport and to connect with adults within their community

Dr Peter Thomond, director of strategy Richard Yule, CEO, England Table and innovation, SportInspired Tennis Association

nspired by the impact of the Shoreditch Sharks, think sport is already a classic example of the a kids rugby club in Hackney, Rich Raynes and Big Society in action as we know that 25 per- I I founded SportInspired in 2008 – a social en- I cent of all volunteering is done in sport. terprise dedicated to building healthier, happier However, my issue is with the current delivery communities by leveraging the power of sport and the talent and system – particularly through the local authority leisure and the the resources of businesses. education sectors – which I believe could and should be more SportInspired has pioneered a community engagement pro- voluntary club friendly. cess called Community Games, which offers: The Active People Survey results are giving us proof that de- UÊfun, local, multi-sport festivals where hundreds of local spite the big investment in sport during the last 30 years – in school children compete in at least eight different sports terms of the numbers of professionals working in the sector UÊsports coached by local sports clubs and providers who in turn and the expansion of local authority and private sector facili- recruit new members and increase their profile ties – we’ve not seen what we hoped for in terms of an increase UÊgames are delivered in partnership by local young leaders in participation. Too much of the available resources are being and corporate volunteers spent on sustaining the existing local authority infrastructure UÊfree entry, as we provide them as a volunteering or team- (particularly in the pay and play model) and not enough on en- building service to corporate partners couraging voluntary-run community sports clubs. By the end of 2011, SportInspired’s Community Games will Certainly in my own sport the bulk of our voluntary table have touched the lives of 25,000 individuals; hundreds of com- tennis club infrastructure does not take place in local authority munity sports clubs will have new recruits and better profiles sports centres or schools because cost is a major issue and too and thousands of young people will have benefited from dis- often opportunities for social interaction are limited. covering or rediscovering a passion for sport and connecting It’s just as important what goes on off the court of play as with adults in their community. it is on it. We are social animals and increases in participation The government’s Big Society agenda simply builds upon seem to be coming from the engagement in sports and recre- the rich tradition of community sport and people giving time, ation from a social and recreational stance rather than through talent and resources. the traditional sports development model. Stepping up for your community should be the norm rather We need to look at a different delivery system, which en- than the exception. We believe that old models of sport or courages asset transfer to voluntary clubs and encourages local community development, based entirely upon charity and tax- authorities to commission and incentivise new and existing sports payers cash are not working or broken, which is why we need clubs to deliver attractive and affordable sport and recreation innovative individuals and social enterprises to challenge the programmes to young people and ‘hard to reach groups’. By in- assumptions of market failure and create new ways of deliver- creasing the reach of re-energized voluntary club infrastructure ing the positive social outcomes of sport. we will build social capital and society will reap the benefits.

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 23 RESEARCH

Why do young people stop participating in sport?

Chris Cutforth reviews a recent SIRC seminar, which highlighted research findings on why the so called ‘Wolfenden Gap’ between school and community participation isn’t narrowing

his feature gives a snapshot of GEMMA HART – SIRC research fellow to be seen. However, these effects will what was discussed by UK practi- focussed on the latest statistical evidence have a disproportionate impact on dis- tioners and academics, who met relating to sports participation among advantaged groups in society, including T at the Sport Industry Research 16- to 19-year-olds taken from Sport young people, in terms of job opportu- Centre (SIRC) at Sheffield Hallam University England’s Active People Surveys. Her nities, skill development, income levels, to discuss the latest data on the drop-off in headline findings included: general health and well-being. young people’s sport participation. UÊ Between 2005 and 2008 there was a UÊ For many young people, sport Peter Taylor, professor of sport conom- statistically significant decrease in sports will be low on their list of priorities ics at SIRC, began by quoting directly participation by 16-to 19-year -olds, when faced with these multiple from the original Wolfenden Report despite the strong policy focus and challenges. (CCPR’s Sport and the Community Re- investment of public funds during this port, 1960). He referred to “a manifest period into sports programmes aimed at STEVE BULLOUGH, a research fellow at break between, on the one hand, the children and young people. SIRC, highlighted the importance of con- participation in recreational physical ac- UÊ During the same period, many tradition- sultation with young people. tivities which is normal for boys and girls al sports, which continue to receive large Bullough’s work, based on findings at school and, on the other hand, their amounts of public funds, experienced from four County Sports Partnerships participation in similar activities some significant decreases in participation. (CSP), suggests that consultation does years later when they are more adult.” UÊ Individual type sports/activities (nota- not always have to be creative to be ef- bly gym-based activities, running and fective. The most important thing is that In the UK we’ve created a cycling) are showing increasing popu- consultation findings are acted on so culture of physical inactivity larity among young people. young people can see and experience among young people UÊ Sports including badminton and how their feedback has been used to netball, which have developed new, create the right kind opportunities for informal participation programmes, them to participate in sport. Conversely, appear to have been the most suc- a failure to act on consultation findings cessful in encouraging and sustaining can generate cynicism and apathy among participation by young people. young people, which can lead to a disen- gagement from sports participation. TESS KAY, professor of sport and social sciences at Brunel University, considered DR MARY NEVILL from the Institute of the broader social and economic factors Youth Sport at Loughborough University external to sport, which included: described the results of a recent research UÊ Britain today is a very diverse, divided study conducted on behalf of British and unequal society, socially and eco- Gymnastics into the drop-out of young nomically, with the gap between the people from the sport. most and the least affluent being the The findings presented some inter- largest in Europe. esting challenges to gymnastics, most UÊ In the UK we’ve created a culture of notably relating to coach education, facil- physical inactivity among young peo- ity provision, communication with parents ple influenced by the rapid growth of and how to give young people more of a new technology. This is becoming em- ‘voice’ in the running of their clubs. bedded within the lifestyles of many How enlightening it was to see a na- young people (particularly those from tional governing body (NGB) employing the lower socio-economic groups) and a research officer and commissioning is therefore very difficult to break. research to inform future policy and UÊ The full effects of the coalition govern- practice. Perhaps this could be an exam- ment’s anti-recession policies are still ple for other sports to follow?

24 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Focussed resources on children at an early age may secure long-term out- comes in participation PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COMPIC:

RICHARD MOORE, a researcher at SIRC, Does it make sense to focus resources on those presented a series of case studies on al- sports that are in decline or those sports showing ternative activities developed as part of signs of continued and increased popularity? the Sport Unlimited programme. All of these projects were designed to be more appealing and engaging particular the use of the terms ‘sport’ and The quality and styles of leadership to young people. The key messages to ‘exercise’ which, for most of the women, were viewed as essential to engaging emerge from these case studies included: had negative connotations; and the need and retaining young people’s involve- the importance of consultation; effec- to work at their own pace, which some- ment in sport. Linked to this was the tive marketing; the value of rewards and times meant taking a step backwards, to need to build an ‘experience package’ incentives; establishing links to exist- enable the young women to deal with cur- rather than simply focussing on the activ- ing sports clubs or creating new clubs rent issues which were more important in ity itself. Research suggests this is vital to to sustain regular participation; suit- their own lives than taking part in sport. engaging many young people in sport. able opportunities for competition It was thought that PE should be the and progression, including leadership SESSION DEBATES foundation for participation in sport and opportunities; and the influence of posi- During the day, delegates debated a physical activity in later life, but in reality tive role models in encouraging young wide range of issues. The notion of the this is often not the case. Concerns were people to participate in sport. ‘deteriorating service environment’ was also raised about reductions and reshaping mentioned, meaning that with recession of the professional infrastructure of school LAURA GREEN, a part-time lecturer and and the unprecedented public expen- sport co-ordinators, primary link teachers, PhD student at Brunel University and diture cuts, it might be considered a competition managers and further educa- part-time youth worker, described a small success to stop the drop-out in participa- tion sports co-ordinators, which delegates scale, action research project concerned tion from getting any bigger. believed was vital in ensuring the contin- with engaging 25 non-sporty young Several significant policy dilemmas were ued provision of quality opportunities. women in sport and physical activity. identified – most notably, which sports/ In this era of localism the future of this The project involved securing the activities to focus on and for what age infrastructure will largely be determined commitment of the young women to groups? Does it make sense to focus re- locally. The question of strategic leader- participate, then worked with the group sources on those sports that are in decline ship and advocacy with government for PE to design a programme of activities (and arguably need the support) or those and school sport was also raised and del- based on their needs and preferences. sports showing signs of continued and in- egates expressed substantial uncertainty Key learning points included: the need creased popularity? Sport perhaps needs about who will play this important role in for providers to understand the complex to learn from other areas of social policy the future. and multi-faceted reasons for disengage- (education, health and social services) ment by young women from sport and which have focussed resources on children Chris Cutforth is senior lecturer in sport physical activity as a basis for re-engage- at an early age to secure long-term out- development, policy and management ment; the significance of language, in comes, albeit with limited success. at Sheffield Hallam University

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 25 NEW OPENING BASILDON SPORTING VILLAGE

David Thompson reviews the Essex-based, Olympic- standard sporting facility that’s set to benefit both elite and community users

s London 2012 draws near, Paralympic Games, members will have a Essex is already enjoying its unique opportunity to train alongside share of Olympic legacy. Sat- Olympic and Paralympic athletes as A urday 30 April was the official the facility will be open to the public opening day for Basildon Sporting Vil- throughout elite training schedules. lage, a £38m state-of-the-art sport and “The Japanese athletes have not asked leisure complex, built on a scale matched for segregated training so it’s likely that by very few other sites in the UK. local swimmers will find an Olympic With approved Pre-Games Training athlete in the next lane,” says SLM Camp status for Olympic athletics, regional director Duncan Jefford. “We boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, hope that these international sportsmen rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, as well and women, as well as local and regional as Paralympic athletics, boccia, goalball, elite athletes, will inspire local users to be Agency (EEDA) and the Veolia ES Clean- judo, wheelchair fencing and swimming, active and make the most of the fantastic away Pitsea Marshes Trust, the project the site is destined to be a big draw for facilities on their doorstep.” has been carefully managed to ensure top level athletes and sports teams and the right results for all stakeholders. a major sporting hub for the Essex com- Starter’s orders Basildon Council set out to appoint munity. In fact, the Japanese swimming A joint venture between Community one company that could take the team has already signed up to use the Solutions for Leisure (CSL) and Basildon project from conception to completion village as its 2012 training venue. Council, the complex is operated by Sports and beyond, so CSL was formed by SLM Elite athletes, professional teams, and Leisure Management (SLM) under its and construction and regeneration amateur clubs and casual leisure centre ‘Everyone Active’ national brand. group Morgan Sindall to jointly provide users have equal access to the village’s Built on the site of a former swimming design, build and operation services for outstanding multi-sport facilities. And pool and gymnastics club, the village the sporting village. during the lead-up to the Olympic and was originally proposed back in 2000, but S&P Architects and PMP leisure consul- it took the success of London’s tants worked closely with the council and Olympic bid and the resulting the design team to ensure the aim of cre- increase in interest and fund- ating a centre of sporting excellence was ing to get the green light to realised in a way that would benefit the proceed in 2007. region as a whole, through consultations With funding obtained from and workshops with members of local Essex County Council, (through sports groups to identify and deliver the the Homes and Communities best outcomes for all interested parties. Agency), Sport England, the “One of the greatest challenges East of England Development was keeping the key partners happy about their investment in the project, A 10m climbing wall offers so good internal communications were visitors an impressive imperative. However, we also had a entrance into the facility responsibility to meet the needs of everyone who used the two previous

26 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 EVERYONE ACTIVE SWIMMING PROVISION LM has won the ASA award for the ‘Facility Operator of the Year’ two years running – in recognition of the work the operator does to increase S participation in swimming in pools across the UK. There are currently 77,000 people, from five-months and upwards, being taught each week at over 50 leisure centres by SLM’s Everyone Active’s ASA-qualified instructors – and Basildon Sporting Village is a flagship site. The swimming programme at Basildon offers annual, not termly, class timetables, which means that teachers can watch their pupils develop while they get the security of year-round employment. Rookie life-guarding, synchronised swimming and water polo lessons are also available. Another Everyone Active swimming innovation is the provision of colour-coded swimming caps to denote swimmers’ ability levels. As well as the obvious health and safety and pool hygiene benefits the caps are also a progressive reward incentive.

facilities at the site,” says Jefford. A major continuity bonus for the commu- nity is that most of the original pool and gymnastic club staff have now resumed their previous roles at the new set up.

Something for everyone A 10m-high climbing wall offers an eye-catching entrance into the sports complex. Designed by Rockworks, the wall includes a 7.4m wide bouldering Many NGBs are already looking to area and sets the tone of the high stan- host regional sports events within the dard of other sports and fitness facilities complex. Right: Olympic gymnast Max within the rest of the complex. Whitlock wows the crowds on open day One major attraction is the Olympic- sized pool. Measuring 50m x 21m with a depth of 1.8m, the pool is fitted with International standard starting blocks, Elsewhere in the facility, the gymnastic a dividing boom that can separate the supplied by Daktronics – identical to arena expands across an area equivalent space into two 25m pools, one of which those which will be used at the London to a 10-court sportshall. Home to South has an adjustable floor system to alter 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, are Essex Gymnastics Club, the gymnasium depth, which maximises the pool’s flex- attached to the pool edge, along with features a full spectrum of Olympic- ibility and usability. An additional 17m the touch pads fitted at both ends of the standard gymnastic equipment including x 9m teaching pool, with a depth of pool to keep both elite and recreational high and floor-based beams, vaults, 0.9m is also included. swimmers’ training times on track. asymmetric and parallel bars, pommel

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 27 NEW OPENING

OPENING ATTRACTIONS horses, a tumble track, a 12m sprung artistic floor and a 13m sq rhythmic floor. he grand opening day saw 10,000 local people visit the village to try out Other indoor facilities include an eight- the facilities and meet some of the sporting ambassadors who helped promote court, multi-use sports hall/theatre, two T the activity options on offer. Throughout the day, children were able multi-purpose studios, a cafeteria, two to perfect their swimming technique with Olympic swimmers Mark Foster, Chris conference meeting rooms, a crèche Cook and Jo Jackson, try synchronised swimming with former GB with an outside play area and sports Team member Jazmine Stansbury and water polo with interna- therapy treatment rooms. tional player Jake Vincent. The fitness suite has been designed Away from the pool, there were tag rugby and cheerleading for all abilities, with fitness equipment sessions with the Saracens, a penalty shootout with Neville that includes Trixter Xdream bikes, a Southall, a ‘try out the track’ with former elite long dis- TRX suspension area, a Zig Zag childrens’ tance runner Eamonn Martin and junior cricket coaching fitness sports wall, Power Plate vibration with Essex cricketers Graham Napier and James Foster. machines, and a functional training zone, While GB gymnastics Max Whitlock, Danny Lawrence, which includes ViPR free weights and Meanwhile, Becky Wing and Reiss Beckford opened the Kettlebells. This area also features 90 gymnasium with an inspiring gym display. pieces from Precor’s new range of fitness equipment, making the Sporting Village one of just two centres in the UK to offer the full range to its members. Set in 100 hectares of scenic parkland, the outside facilities are even more impressive. “It’s unusual for a local community to have access to such a Above: Former Olympic breas- wide variety of facilities in one venue,” troker Chris Cook and Essex says Jefford. “The village offers six 3G cricketer Graham Napier (left) synthetic turf five-a-side football pitches, inspire youngsters into sport 10 full-size natural turf football pitches, 12 outdoor netball courts, two cricket pitches, a hockey pitch and an athletics at the venue,” says former World and Village, along with swimming clubs stadium – all surrounded by acres of Paralympic athlete and Basildon resident from Basildon, Brentwood, Chelmsford, beautiful parkland,” he says. Danny Crates. “I do believe that if gyms Colchester, Epping Forest, Ipswich, Mal- and clubs invest in such facilities, a wider don, Redbridge, Romford and Thurrock. Easy access diversity of members will come. Basildon The Excel school swimming programme According to Jefford, many national Sporting Village offers a wide range of is also on the pool roster and 25 local governing bodies of sport are already accessible equipment and inclusive fit- primary schools also benefit from the aware of the complex’s potential for ness programmes designed for disabled huge range of activities on-site. hosting events. “Within the first week of athletes, and its staff are committed to Other sports clubs that will regularly use opening we were able to host an Ama- giving every user the encouragement the facilities include Essex Netball Club, teur Athletes Association (AAA) Regional and training they need.” South Essex Gymnastics Club, Essex County Athletics Meeting at the stadium, where Football Club, the regional water polo we witnessed more than 800 athletes Progressive programming squad and the regional triathlon club. compete. The site will also host regional With the only 50m pool in Essex, there Looking forward, the Everyone Active competitions in gymnastics, swimming has been obvious interest from clubs team has big plans for the centre’s first and netball – offering a spectator as far afield as Ipswich to get onto the year. It aims to attract up to one million capacity of 450 in the sports hall, 1,000 in swimming timetable. The decision was visitors and encourage up to 50 per cent the athletics stadium and 405 in the pool made by the Everyone Active team to of the local residents to sign up for an viewing areas,” says Jefford. open the facility at 5.30am for club use Everyone Active card, (a pass that allows Its status as an official training site for before opening to the public at 6.30am casual use of the centre’s facilities). the Paralympic Games is also testament to achieve the right balance of public Already 3,000 people have signed up as to the ease of access to facilities for swimming, club use and competitive members and 20,000 people have regis- disabled users. “It took a large leap of events within the pool area. tered for Everyone Active Gold cards. faith and significant investment to create The ASA regional and Essex squads There are also plans to host national the type of fully inclusive facilities found are now both based at Basildon Sporting athletics, swimming and gymnastics competitions at the centre, increase the number of under 5s in the learn to swim area and develop key strategic The greatest challenges are keeping the key partners partnerships with more schools, disabled happy about their investment and meeting the needs groups and sports clubs – to offer some- thing for everybody. of everyone who used the previous facilities L David Thompson is a freelance writer

28 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 CHANGING TIMES?

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BMXWING O TH R E

G GRASSROOTS

Since becoming an Olympic sport in 2008, BMX has flown over the ramps as one of the fastest growing disciplines in the sport of cycling. British Cycling’s Pete Maxwell looks at the reasons behind its rising popularity

uring the extreme sports boom of the 1970s, BMX riders were just starting to move from the D streets and dirt tracks and into dedicated clubs to join up with other like- minded enthusiasts. Fast forward to 2011, and British Cycling is now staging more nationwide BMX races than ever before, has a BMX World Champion, a new In- door BMX Centre nearing completion and will host the 2012 UCI BMX World Cham- pionships in Birmingham – months before the Olympic Games in London. Somewhere in between though, BMX has been through tough times. In the late 1980s the sport virtually disap- peared, and would have done but for the hard work of volunteers who remain cru- cial to every cycling discipline. While the 1996 World Championships were held in Britain, the sport had already suffered a huge decline, with a steep fall-off in rider numbers, a lack of new blood com- ing into the sport and existing facilities falling into disrepair.

Building on foundations Today, the growth of British Cycling as an organisation has been mirrored by the resurgence of interest in BMX. Many factors have contributed to this, but un- doubtedly the adoption of BMX as an Olympic sport in 2008 was a major factor. The inclusion of BMX biking as an Due to this Olympic status, funding Olympic sport in 2008 has for new facilities has become available contributed to its rise in popularity and a new focus and attitude has seen BMX become a creditable sport. Thus

30 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 GO-RIDE BMX SUCCESS The concept for Platt Fields BMX track in Fallowfield, Manchester rom 2009 to 2011, British Cycling stationed a Go-Ride coach at Platt Fields in has been devised through British Manchester, who set up multiple youth coaching programmes, such as a week- Cycling’s Excellence programme F ly youth club and regular holiday camps. After one year of inclusive coaching, six talented youngsters were in need of additional in- attracting new riders and allowing British tensive coaching. After attending these advanced Cycling’s BMX development to flourish. sessions, 13-year-old Valerie Zebrokova from Supported by Lottery funding through Fallowfield in Manchester, won Rounds seven and Sport England, the opportunities pro- 10 of the National BMX Series, gained Redline vided by British Cycling for people to get sponsorship and has been invited onto the re- involved in BMX are also increasing; the gional talent programme. Valerie’s success shows jurisdiction of national-level events being how structured Level 2 BMX coaching can help just one part of the jigsaw. Overseeing to provide a seamless pathway from grassroots such events in the UK is an important to the first step of talent identification. responsibility for British Cycling. By en- suring that there are national series’ across all disciplines that run smoothly put into achieving this coaching pathway The BMX Coach Academy and efficiently, means the sport has the within a period of four years. The development of young BMX riders chance to continue on its current trend. The need to deliver discipline-specific is vital to everyone involved in the sport, British Cycling has clubs in every sphere coaching awards at Level 2 and Level 3 but to British Cycling’s Talent Team BMX willing to put on a number of events was identified within British Cycling’s coach, Jeremy Hayes, it’s his passion. At throughout the country. These are run Whole Sport Plan (2008-2013). The focus the top of his agenda, Hayes is planning by a strong group of volunteers allowing of Level 2 is very much on coaching tech- a structured coaching pathway to help both the development and the perfor- niques to riders, with Level 3 developing develop the best crop of youngsters for mance side of the sport to flourish. this into a race performance context. BMX racing. “The first step of the process Thus extending the coaches’ knowledge is to analyse how coaches are working World-renowned coaching by covering areas such as how to plan and with young people within clubs,” he says. Underpinning this success is the delivery prescribe training, as well as including “The reason being that at the moment of coaching courses that have seen more advanced techniques. we’ve got a lot of coaches who are teach- British Cycling’s methods replicated by The Level 3 BMX Coaching Award ing kids at national level and that brings the UCI in Africa and South America is expected to be launched next year, with it new demands.” for world-class coaching programmes with the ultimate aim of continuing to To deal with these demands, Hayes of the highest calibre. help BMX riders to achieve success at has already selected an elite team of 16 In the last two years, British Cycling has all levels of competition. coaches in five regions, who share ideas succeeded in engaging with the BMX com- It’s also recognised that, as well as and learn new skills. These are broken munity – thanks to the launch of the Level qualifications, coaches require addition- down into Level 2 coaching modules to 2 BMX Coaching Award. Launched in 2009, al support; therefore joint programmes coach talented youngsters as a prelude those who attend this award are able to between British Cycling’s Coaching and to their entry onto the talent team. The go back to their BMX clubs and provide Education Excellence departments are in idea is to create a BMX Coach Academy structured coaching sessions to their riders. place to create a community of practice in each region of the UK. A considerable amount of investment in to help BMX coaches develop further be- Previously, Hayes ran up to 20 over- terms of both funding and manpower was yond their initial training. subscribed, regional coaching sessions

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 31 GRASSROOTS

around the country, which allowed very little time for individual development. The newly structured programme will allow young riders to develop bike skills and an all-round knowledge of BMX rac- ing on a British Cycling platform aimed at developing the very best BMX riders. Hayes’ programme includes a BMX skills award badge system for riders at three different levels; beginner, in- termediate and expert. He says these progressive awards increase the riders’ skills base and allow regional coaches to Above: An artist’s impression of the “better evaluate riders’ progress, while new indoor BMX centre in Manchester. allowing young people and their parents Right: Building the Redditch BMX facility a proper guided pathway for their poten- tial progression to Talent Team and the for young people to link up with British Olympic Development Programme”. Cycling Talent Team coaches. All Go-Ride coaches support BMX Playground to podium through their activities in schools and British Cycling now offers people a community clubs. Former world cham- chance to develop their basic cycling skills pions, Dylan Clayton and Sam Foakes, through its Go-Ride national develop- act as inspirational athletes for the ment programme for schoolchildren and sport, while a third Go-Ride coach has club members. Within these sessions, also been employed through the sport’s qualified Go-Ride coaches pass on their legacy plan – associated with the BMX knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport World Championships. Organised by Brit- of national tracks, each requiring funding through interactive activities, which de- ish Cycling, UK Sport and Birmingham of up to £450,000 – to provide facilities velop bike riding skills and competition. City Council, the event will be held at the that include fences, floodlights and club- Links are made with local Go-Ride National Indoor Arena, Birmingham two houses etc. Assistance has also been given community clubs to help young people months ahead of the Olympics. It is ex- to clubs which put a sustainable business develop their skills across a network of pected to play a pivotal long-term role in plan in place to enable communities and more than 230 clubs around the country. taking the BMX discipline to a new level future cycling stars to use the facility for Additionally, with support from principal of public interest. generations to come. partner Sky, British Cycling has launched The first facility of this model was Platt Go-Ride Racing – a new youth entry Building for the future Fields in Manchester. Opened in June level competition programme designed Birmingham’s Perry Park will soon boast a 2008, in conjunction with Manchester to bridge the gap between school/club new international-standard outdoor BMX City Council, Platt Fields is now used coaching and open regional competi- track and will welcome the world’s best regularly by the local community and for tions. Talented riders are then nominated riders for the 2011 UEC European Champi- training purposes by the GB Cycling Team. by their club to attend Regional Schools onships in June this year – where a young It’s also used to host regional and nation- of Racing, which provide opportunities audience will be inspired by the likes of al events throughout the BMX calendar. BMX World Champions Shanaze Reade. British BMX World Champion Shanaze The track in Perry Park will be the new Indoor BMX centre Reade will ride at the 2011 UEC European home of Birmingham BMX club, while Funded in conjunction with Sport Eng- Championships in Birmingham a new BMX facility has also recently land and Manchester City Council, British opened in nearby Redditch, where it’s Cycling’s biggest facility investment is the hoped BMX racing will continue to in- £25m indoor BMX centre in Manchester – spire youngsters for generations to come. the first purpose built arena of its kind in Birmingham’s new tracks are just two of the world. Due for completion in August British Cycling’s most recent investments 2011, the venue will be capable of hold- into cycling facilities. Previously BMX ing major events while catering for the tracks had become unsustainable, due to local community and providing a base for a lack of funding and investment from lo- GB riders in their preparations for Lon- cal authorities. It wasn’t until the inclusion don 2012 and future Olympic Games. of BMX as an Olympic sport that these Located adjacent to the successful authorities realised current infrastructure Manchester Velodrome, which has al- would not deal with the sport’s growth in ready earned a worldwide reputation for popularity and investment was needed to hosting major events and providing op- ensure the sport moved forward. portunities for people to get involved in Since then, British Cycling has invested the sport, it’s hoped that this new BMX its capital funding to establish a network venue will enjoy the same success. L

32 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Book a stand

From indoor flooring and sports equipment suppliers to training and coaching providers Sport at LIW remains the leading meeting place for the UK sports industry to network with decision makers responsible for increasing participation and developing infrastructure for improving sport facilities. Exhibit in the Sport sector at Leisure Industry Week and get in front of people responsible for developing sport facilities and community sport opportunities. For more information on exhibiting contact Jonathan Monks on +44 (0)20 7955 3972 or email [email protected]

For more information visit www.liw.co.uk today STADIA Main pic and near right: Built to host the FINA World Swimming Championships, the Sports Complex in Dubai converts to a multi-purpose dry sport/exhibition arena

A LIVING LEGACY

FaulknerBrowns’ partner Mike Hall compares the design of two very different wet and dry facilities in which a common philosophy for extended use can be found

ith less than 450 days to international standards and large spec- UCI World Track Cycling Champion- go before London plays tator numbers – up to 2,500 for the ships in March 2011 host to the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. A community UÊ Valley White Water Centre, Brox- W Paralympic Games, it’s facility, on the other hand, requires pub- bourne, UK for the London 2012 been an opportunistic time for design- lic accessibility with intimate volumes and Olympic Games (designed) – which is ers and sports planners to showcase some natural daylight to provide a warm and already open to the general public for fine sporting venues at the Olympic Park friendly internal environment. use before the Games commence and deliver the legacy that has evaded The design of the aquatics centre re- There are some particular lessons from many post-Olympic cities. spected and integrated these two diverse Dubai and Apeldoorn where technical However, the post-Games day-to-day sets of criteria and the success of the innovation, combined with a strong op- usage of an Olympic facility represents building has been proven year on year, erational perspective, has underpinned more than 99 per cent of the life of the since completion, in both competition the desire to achieve the facilities’ effec- building and is often on a vastly different and legacy modes. tive longevity. scale to usage during the Games. Many designers claim to have designed sports SPORTS PROJECTS HAMDAN BIN MOHAMMED BIN buildings with legacy in mind but, in my Our practice has recently completed/de- RASHID SPORTS COMPLEX, DUBAI opinion, few have achieved it. signed four major sports facilities, all of In 2007, the Midde Eastern region set its Consideration and prioritisation of which have hosted, or will host, world sights on hosting major global sport- the critical success factors for any build- championship events. The critical issue in ing events, such as the FIFA World Cup ing should ensure that designing for the design of these venues was to ensure and potentially a future Olympic Games. legacy use is inherent within the solution their success for the limited time period of Securing the FINA World Swimming from the outset of the project and not an the competitions, as well as the remaining Championships was a further step- after-thought. life of the facility. These include: ping stone in this process and as part of Take the Manchester Aquatics Cen- UÊ Surrey Sports Park for the University of this aspiration the seating capacity of tre for example. Designed for the 2002 Surrey, UK which hosted the Women’s the aquatics centre grew from 6,000 to Commonwealth Games, the task was to Rugby World Cup in August 2010 15,000 seats during the design process. reconcile the requirements of a high per- UÊ Hamdam bin Mohammed bin Rashid Providing a venue for a major interna- formance competition pool with those Sports Complex in Dubai, UAE, which tional swimming event has, traditionally, for an attractive and easily accessible hosted, and was designed for, the FINA gone down one of two routes: a tempo- public asset after the Games. World Swimming Championships in rary pool in an existing arena, making A competition pool requires pri- December 2010 use of permanent spectator support vacy with minimal daylight to control UÊ Omnisportscentrum at Apeldoorn, The facilities or temporary seating around glare, along with large volumes to meet Netherlands, which played host to the an outdoor pool where the climate and

34 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Hinged flaps provide a level access route to the infield at the Omnisportcentrum in Apeldoorn

The collaboration of client, operator, contractor and design team ensured that maximum efficiency of use could be achieved throughout the building’s lifetime

space permits, has been a practical al- The sports complex now offers the ver- – allowing stage equipment and seat- ternative. The second approach is to satility to meet community, training and ing to be wheeled into place relatively build a purpose-built facility and reduce elite swimming and diving needs, as well quickly. In fact, two flaps are provided – the seating capacity down to a useable as the opportunity to host a variety of allowing a central axis running through amount after the event – a feat which is other events. the building, including the track, to very challenging without undermining provide the required versatility at both the long term viability of the building. OMNISPORTCENTRUM, front and back of house. However, rather than reduce the APELDOORN, THE NETHERLANDS There was some initial concern from spectator capacity of the Dubai Sports Building a velodrome for major interna- cyclists regarding the gap between the Complex, the building was designed to tional events poses a unique problem for flap and the adjoining track and a num- convert into a multi-purpose dry sport, an ongoing legacy. As a large volume, low ber of considerations were taken into exhibition or concert venue. The pool is sporting occupancy venue, they can be ex- account, including temperature and configured so that the 50m training pool pensive to build, operate and maintain. humidity, to keep the joint width down at the front of the building, which is used The continuous banked track or field to an acceptable 6mm. as warm up during events, can be a sepa- of play can make it challenging to gain The building also accommodates rate day-to-day training facility, while the access to the infield for other uses, which an indoor 200m athletics track to main competition and diving pools are is normally provided through a series provide a national ‘Category A’ status converted to other uses. of ramps and tunnels. However, 6,000 for cycling and athletics. This track A number of solutions were designed- seats for a major event, a velodrome can fits inside the safety zone of the 250m in to achieve this. Firstly, water – a become an attractive proposition as a cycle track. The collaboration of client, precious commodity that is extracted multi-purpose event venue. If the issue of operator, contractor and design team from the sea through desalination – can access can be resolved. It can actually pro- ensured that maximum efficiency of be transferred from the main pool tanks vide a large flat floor track centre – the use could be achieved throughout the to massive underground storage tanks equivalent of three basketball courts. The building’s lifetime. adjacent to the building. Secondly, a tres- challenge is how to make use of these While fine design is always an archi- tle system was designed to sit inside the large assets for uses other than cycling. tect’s aim, and its beauty enhances the pool tank to allow the pool to be floored The brief for Omnisportscentrum called lives of those who view and visit our over – providing a 15,000-seat perfor- for a velodrome that could be quick- buildings, this will not ensure the life- mance/exhibition arena. A third technical ly configured to support other events. time success of an international-standard innovation was to provide a double- Working with Dutch track designer Sanda sports complex. The focus must be on backed diving platform with access to the Douma, a system of carefully engineered both competition and legacy modes training tank as well as the main diving hinged flaps was devised that could pro- – and designing to deliver the require- tank from a common gantry. vide a level access route to the infield ments for both. L

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 35 BIG SCREENS

SCREEN TEST one are the days when a cold cup of tea and a meat pie at Robin Currie advises on how in-stadia digital half-time was the best a foot- G ball fan could expect from a solutions, such HD concourse TV, jumbo screens ‘match-day experience’. and digital perimeter advertising boards can Today’s fans not only expect to be en- tertained on the pitch but off it too, in deliver maximum return on investment state-of-the art stadia bristling with the latest multi-media technology. From jum- bo screens to concourse and handheld finance, which means it’s hard to justify. watch – such as player interviews, crucial devices, media is being used to engage Because of this, rights holders need to club information, scores and statistics. It’s and entertain fans at every opportunity. look at solutions that pay for themselves, all about the technology boosting, not In the current economic conditions even in the short term. interrupting, their match-day enjoyment. however, venues are increasingly look- The business model at Sports Revolu- This approach has the potential to cre- ing to see how they can make this new tion has been to partner with BEKO ate a virtuous circle. If fans, engaged by media investment pay its way. Outright to subsidise the deployment of more the content, are watching the screens, capital purchase of technology is hard to than 1,000 screens in stadia across the UK brands are keen to advertise on them. – creating a brand-enhancing platform It’s also worth noting that some pro- TV monitors in stadium concourses that generates revenue and provides viders have got it wrong in the past engage spectators away from the pitch match-day entertainment. from the other side, offering interest- Obviously this is a model that only suc- ing, tailored content, but on poor quality ceeds if the screen content can genuinely screens. The right model requires suffi- engage the fans and build an audience cient investment in both the content and that can attract advertising revenue. the front-end technology. It’s essential to ensure every aspect of Working in partnership with clubs’ the screen offering is compelling, both media departments is also essential to commercially for the club, but also in creating a joined-up communication terms of how it enhances fans’ match-day platform that complements each club’s experience. For example, it’s not enough existing media channels. to install the latest screens if the content doesn’t connect with the fans. A one- Camera-facing screens – size-fits-all approach simply won’t work. digital perimeter advertising Fans go to matches to watch games, In addition to ensuring stadia concourse not ads, so it’s important to ensure the TV gets it right in terms of the screens screens are full of content they want to and the content, rights holders should

36 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Camera-facing digital media at international and Premier League We need to continue to strive to reach as many games has the potential to attract global advertisers people as possible by using technology creatively

also consider how their screens fit increasing numbers of sports fans own- into the wider media mix. ing smartphones, the perennial ‘next For English Premier League (EPL) foot- big thing’ in marketing looks to have ball grounds in particular, global TV finally arrived. Of course, sport – and audiences mean that a sophisticated ap- football especially – provides the perfect proach to camera-facing digital media multimedia content for on-the-move has great potential to attract advertis- consumers. And it’s not just the action ers from across the world. Digital screens itself, but also products and services are not only attracting the eyeballs of based around the matches, interviews, thousands of fans inside the ground, but scores, stats, betting, promotions, millions more on TV. The Premier League surveys, quizzes, and even mobile game- is broadcast in over 200 territories and play based on live games. delivers over 120 million viewers each Some stadia owners – notably Wemb- week, so it’s an excellent space for major ley and the new Olympic Stadium – have international brands to reach a global already taken this into account in their audience, as well as consumers in local technology planning, with mobile capac- markets where interest in the EPL is high ity and coverage able to handle the many – particularly in Asia for example. thousands of fans now wanting to access Media intelligence is vital to understand- the mobile networks simultaneously. ing how to target and gain maximum Clubs and associations across the country value from this approach. Sports Revolu- will need to do the same if they’re to pro- tion has a monitoring tool called DigiTAR, vide a good service to the fans and tap in LED camera-facing digital media at which gives an in-depth insight into how to mobile’s excellent revenue generating Tottenham Hotspur’s home ground international TV audiences are consuming opportunities. UK football – allowing for the planning of Certainly, we’re more effectively en- advertising campaigns on digital perimeter Future developments gaging fans and the way we engage screens with minimum wastage. Stadia technology is full of exciting devel- global audiences is becoming more so- Careful targeting clearly trumps a opments, and screens are being used more phisticated. But the international value scattergun approach when it comes to intelligently. However, there’s still some of in-stadia media is huge. With the right ensuring return on investment and way to go before rights holders extract the technology in place and a more scientific extracting full value from digital media. full value from their stadia media space. approach to using it, there’s an opportu- Progress is constantly being made, nity waiting to be seized. L Mobile opportunities but we need to continue to strive to There is also another opportunity wait- reach as many people as possible, by Robin Currie is Stadia Solutions ing to be realised – mobile. With rapidly using technology creatively. general manager at Sports Revolution

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 37 FOOTBALL

Raising the Game

Pete Hayman looks at The FA’s National Game Strategy up to 2012, how it’ll be expanded towards 2015, and the NGB’s vision for the game in 2020

uring the unveiling of the Foot- coaches, administrators, local authorities; ball Association’s (FA) National education; and referees was a fundamen- Games Strategy (NGS) in 2008, tal part in developing the original NGS and D the FA’s director of football will form the basis of the new extension. development, Sir Trevor Brooking, said: Kelly Simmons, the FA’s head of na- “We want to raise standards in all areas tional game, explains: “We’re very much of football, including at the top. But guided by what our stakeholders want. it’s important to get the platform and With the last strategy, we undertook a the base right for that to happen.” This large period of consultation and research comment marked the start of a new ap- and we’re doing the same this time.” proach for the national governing body A survey of around 13,000 individuals (NGB) and one that sought to transform from the national game – The Grassroots England’s grassroots environment. Survey – is now complete and Simmons The national governing body proposed says that those opinions will help guide an investment of £200m over a four-year where the FA’s priorities will lie over period, with four main aims identified: the next three years; improved facili- to increase participation; to raise stan- ties, addressing poor behaviour and the dards; to develop better players; and promotion of the Respect programme re- to improve behaviour and discipline maining at the top of the agenda. through the Respect campaign. The FA has worked hard to ensure that Although initially drawn-up to cover its investment in the grassroots game has this time line, the successes of the NGS has been well spent. Mark Pover, national fa- Facilities need to led the FA to extend it by a further three cilities and investment manager, explains meet FA standards years to 2015. Consultation with players, how the FA’s funding – managed by the

38 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Right: Chelsea FC’s Frank Lampard at an FA Tesco Skills event. Below: Football is the largest participation sport among women and girls. ©WWW.SPORTENGLAND.ORG

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE n 13 April, Chelsea Ladies and women and girls and its research has Arsenal Ladies met each other revealed that an additional 180,000 O at the home of Tooting and females aged between 16- to 34-years Mitcham United in the inaugural match old are considering taking up the sport of the FA’s new Women’s Super League in the coming year. (WSL) – the competition the national Head of the national games, Kelly governing body hopes marked a mile- Simmons says: “It’s about putting a stone in the female game. platform in place upon which top-level Birmingham, Bristol, Doncaster, Ever- women’s football and clubs can help to ton, Liverpool and Lincoln will also com- develop a fanbase, commercial partners pete as part of the WSL, which has been and broadcast partners, and ultimately created with two primary objectives generate revenue to become semi-pro-

©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM – to professionalise women’s football in fessional and professional. England, and attract a new generation “That will be aspirational in terms of of female players and supporters to girls wanting to play the game and hav- the sport. ing a clear pathway through, being able According to the FA, football is the to look up and see they can become pro- largest participation sport among fessional footballers in their own right.”

Football Foundation – comes with the mini-soccer – a role that is to play a cru- proviso that each football project has cial part in delivering revised aims of the targets that it aims to achieve. NGS and the implementation of some, “Everywhere we put investment, we if not all, of the recommendations to monitor and evaluate those projects on come out of the YDR. This month sees an annual basis and we’ll see a steady the launch of an extensive consultation growth in the increase in football. Al- exercise fronted by Levett, explaining though that’s not to say there might not the review’s findings. have been some displacement – it’s quite “Now is a case of implementing the a tricky one to manage because foot- youth development review alongside the ball’s pretty organic.” NGS,” Levett says. “It’s a real focus on looking at the player pathway for chil- Youth development dren and the experience when they come Moving forward into the three-year ex- into the game at Under 7 level. tension of the NGS, one of the primary “Last month, we organised 16 national areas of focus is to be the development events across the country to highlight the of youth and mini-soccer. The FA has com- fact that we’d had a year of input, and pleted the Youth Development Review where we thought football was heading, (YDR), which outlined 25 recommenda- moving forward.” tions covering grassroots football and Although Levett says that nothing has coaching and aims to give children ‘the been finalised at this stage, some of the best possible introduction to football.’ proposals could see a complete overhaul Nick Levett is the FA’s national de- of the youth footballing landscape. A velopment manager for youth and progressive approach from five-a-side

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 39 FOOTBALL

formats at Under 7 level up to adult 11-a- side from 2013 to 2014 is mooted, as are changes in selection that could see club age groups determined by the calendar, not academic, year. Another element of the future vision for youth football is the education of parents and coaches to ensure a more child-cen- tred environment. Levett says it will draw on the Respect campaign and the sharing of good practice: “It’s about making sure There should be a move we share the messages that children are away from the ‘win at all saying about their game and recognise costs’ culture so kids can that it’s ‘their’ game – not the adult game. just play the game

“Let the kids enjoy it and get away ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM from the win at all cost culture and teach kids to play the game. By virtue they’ll win got to look at the investment and the With the FA unable to cover the re- more because they’ll get better,” he says. stock of facilities and improve them.” mainder itself, it is looking to support Kelly Simmons argues that investment improvement projects being carried out Facility investment in pitches and facilities has benefited by schools, local authorities and other Something that will certainly help facili- greatly under the NGS, although she says groups across the country. A Technical tate the development of players from that more can be still be done. Pover Standards document is due to be re- an early age is the quality of pitches and backs that sentiment up, saying that leased later this year, which will contain training venues – an area, which Mark there has been nearly £750m invested in FA specifications for all aspects of a foot- Pover believes is vital: “It’s well under- facilities over the past decade. However, balling venue – from pitches, to changing stood in football that if you don’t have it is believed that only 5-6 per cent of rooms, through to floodlighting. the pitches, you don’t have a game. England’s facility stock has been covered “We would expect that, if we’re not Somewhere along the line, somebody’s with that spending. funding it, people would use what the

ST GEORGE’S PARK...

t George’s Park is the FA’s flagship Kelly Simmons, believes its value will be they can train at, and that everything development – a new national significant: “It’s about having a hub that’s is there that will help and support the S centre for football that will be a real focus for excellence and having the development of those players,” explains located near Burton-upon-Trent in best courses, research and materials and national facilities manager Mark Pover. Staffordshire. Construction is now un- cascading that down through the coaching “You won’t just have the pitches and derway on the venue, which will provide networks,” she says. video modules, but you’ll also have a base for the FA’s coach education St George’s Park has been a number of sport science, rehabilitation – all of the agenda and will provide a development years in planning, but it has been a project aspects of the professional game.” centre for refereeing, sports science and that the FA had to put on the backburner Pover says the centre could also administration. due to the construction of the new Wemb- have a positive impact on groundman- The complex will also provide a train- ley Stadium in London. Now, the complex ship: “We’ll use Burton as a centre for ing venue for each of the FA’s 22 repre- is set to provide a purpose-built venue to innovation, looking at new techniques sentative teams – including the England improve coaches and enhance the standard and supporting our partnership with senior men’s team. The of football in England. the Institute of Groundsmanship to FA’s head of the “It’s beneficial in that you have a central deliver and emphasise the importance of national game, location that you can take people to that groundsmanship as a profession.”

The national centre for football will be a hub for player development

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Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 41 FOOTBALL

JUST PLAY

arlier this year, the FA joined forms part of Mars’ continuing efforts forces with Mars to launch a new to invest in football and to work with E initiative designed to increase the FA. Just Play also forms part of the number of adults playing regular the national governing body’s National football in England. Just Play hopes to Game Strategy. tackle a decline in participation, with The FA’s head of the national game- a target of getting 150,000 more people Kelly Simmons says: “The 150,000 figure taking part in football for at least 30 represents adults whatever their level or minutes a week by September 2013. ability playing some form of football. The Figures from Sport England suggest FA Mars Just Play programme will help that the decline in adult participation us tackle the issues that are currently is due to the lack of sufficient facili- affecting adult grassroots football. ties; apathy; and logistical difficulties. “This programme builds on our work Through the new FA/Mars programme, a to encourage as many adults as possible total of 100 Just Play centres are to be to enjoy a wide range of footballing established across England delivering opportunities in their local communi- casual football sessions that benefit up ties. We believe its success will open up to 50 participants at a time. football to a whole new audience, which The scheme’s progress will be mea- might have been put off by barriers such sured through Sport England’s Active as lack of facilities, time or people to People Survey on a quarterly basis, and play with,” Simmons says. PIC: ©WWW.SPORTENGLAND.ORGPIC:

FA would recommend or certainly build of most of it, or a consultant being in Moving forward things to the standards that we expect,” charge of the design and implementa- Pover says that the FA is in a fairly robust explains Pover. “If you’re putting in an ar- tion, we’re asking the manufacturer position with regards to its ability to con- tificial pitch and it’s going to be used for to be responsible for the whole thing tinue with its work – particularly from an football, then you would naturally devel- – from design through to construction, investment side. While its spending may op a pitch that meets the FA standards.” installation and then maintenance. be more modest amid the current eco- Pover explains how artificial pitches “We’re working with six artificial pitch nomic climate, Pover explains that there’s has become the first particular aspect of manufacturers – they are what we now still money available. Further more, the FA’s spending programme to adopt consider to be our partners in the de- a funding deal with the government a framework approach – one carried out livery of artificial pitches through the – managed through the Football Founda- in partnership with the Rugby Football funding that we have available,” he adds. tion – has another two years to run. Union. “We turned the industry on its The partners are: TigerTurf; Greenfields; With that continued investment in head a bit by going down a manufac- SIS; Limonta; Lano Sports; and FieldTurf/ facilities, the FA looks on course to con- turer-led approach,” he says.“Instead of Tarkett – selected following an OJEU pro- tinue the progress it has made with the the contractor maybe being in charge cess and interview/selection criteria. NGS since 2008. “We’re currently de- veloping the targets, but it’s already a certainty that youth development will be even more of a cornerstone in the NGS’s evolution,” says Simmons. In the short term, Nick Levett says that May’s consultation into the proposed changes at youth football level will help the NGB explain what is being consid- ered, and the rationale behind it. “We rely heavily on volunteers who do a fantastic job in youth football, so we need to make sure we have a sensible lead-in period for those changes to hap- pen. Short term, it’s very much about having a debate around youth football. “If you don’t “Everything that we want to do is about have quality raising standards and I’m yet to find a pitches, you don’t compelling standard to lower them.” L have a game” Pete Hayman is a Leisure Media journalist

42 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Tw ist &

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Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 43 NATURAL TURF Reinforcements in natural turf pitches

Paul Flanagan, project manager at STRI, looks at the pros and cons of the different types of reinforced turf for pitch stability and playability

he quality of natural turf pitches existing pitch specification and infra- which the natural grass grows in. These has improved tremendously in structure; the geographical climate and products have been improved in recent recent years and, accordingly, the stadium microclimate. It’s generally years to allow for the addition of elastic T the expectations of stadia man- accepted that there is no one single polyurethane fibres. These significantly agers and players continue to grow. solution that can be provided to solve all reduce hardness, improve stability and Similarly, these pitch improvements can of the desirable characteristics required improve grass cover retention. To place be attributed to a better understanding from natural turf reinforcement. and install the fibre on the pitch, special- and management of natural turf speci- In recent years there have been many ist installation and finishing is required. fications, as well as the introduction of types of reinforcement technologies new turf technologies. utilised in pitches. Currently the most Pros The modern natural turf reinforce- common technologies are: UÊ Fast to install ments are one of the key factors driving UÊ Fibre systems – where various types UÊ Increases usage levels and stability the standards and tolerances of natural of fibres and elastic material are UÊ Non weather dependent on installation turf pitches forward. The modern sta- mixed into the soil homogenously and UÊ Can be returfed dium can create a heavily shaded static natural grass is grown in. UÊ Can be installed on soil-based lower- microenvironment in which to grow a UÊ Hybrid systems – where fibres are quality pitches pitch. Depriving grass plants of natural injected or stitched into the surface light and reduced airflow across the with the synthetic fibres proud on the Cons plant leaf can change the photosynthetic surface of the pitch, between which UÊ Higher maintenance than a non- rates from high to little to none. natural grass is grown. reinforced pitch And it’s in such environments where UÊ Filled carpet systems – where a carpet UÊ Intensive renovations needed yearly natural pitch reinforcements greatly backing supports the fibres, which UÊ Equipment needed for international enhance pitch stability and playability. are in-filled with various products and installations Hence the starting point for reinforce- natural grass is grown in. UÊ Cannot be installed after the grass ment is the ability of the product to is growing stabilise the surface without grass cover. FIBRE SYSTEMS UÊ Does not provide a green surface The decision to install a reinforced Fibre systems involve the mixing of when grass cover is lost pitch relies on the answers to many polypropylene and, in some cases, natural UÊ Surface stability is not as high as questions and differing scenarios, such fibres with sand to create a reinforcement some hybrid systems, so more as the usage levels and expectations; the matrix. The fibres interlock with the sand, time is needed before play resumes

The Kassam Stadium features a XtraGrass carpet system

44 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 A hybrid system, being installed at Mbombela Stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

A Fibre elastic system was used in the pitch installation at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin

HYBRID SYSTEMS Hybrid systems involve the injection of fibres into the surface, which stay approximately 20mm proud of the soil surface. The fibre is generally installed to a depth of 120-150mm below the surface. These systems can be installed into existing pitches and involve specialist mobile stitching equipment. The surface needs to be stable to facilitate movement of this equipment. Recent changes to UÊ Provides a partially green surface Pros the specification recommended for sand when grass cover is lost UÊ Fast to install selection and maintenance techniques UÊ Very high surface stability provided; UÊ International exportation of the prod- have meant improvement in the perfor- allows surface to be used with no grass uct and installation is simple; carpet mance of these systems. cover in some cases exportation rather than equipment From practical experience, the strength UÊ Increases usage levels and stability and stability provided at the surface with Cons UÊ Provides a partially green surface the hybrid reinforcement outweighs that UÊ Higher maintenance than a non- rein- when grass cover is lost of the other categories. It allows events forced pitch to be staged successfully on young grass, UÊ Large equipment importation needed Cons – some at just four weeks old in situations for installation UÊ Higher maintenance than a non- where grass growth rates are high. UÊ Intensive renovations needed annually reinforced pitch – particularly to control the build-up UÊ Backing degeneration technology Pros of organic matter still being developed; some practical UÊ Increases usage levels and stability UÊ Difficulty experienced in returfing problems have been noted with this UÊ Protects grass cover with some protec- in the past tion of the growing point of the plant FILLED CARPET SYSTEMS UÊ High weather dependence on installa- UÊ Successful installation is not weather Filled carpet systems involve the con- tion technique to achieve good levels dependent ventional construction of a suspended UÊ Cannot be re-turfed UÊ High increase in traction at surface water table pitch and the installation UÊ Specialist installation required and UÊ May allow very young grass pitches of a synthetic turf carpet or punched annual renovation needed to be played on membrane as a surface layer. Yarn is then UÊ Cannot be installed after the grass UÊ Can be installed into existing pitches stitched to this material and the carpet is is growing filled with selected materials, which can UÊ Can pose restrictions to maintenance Gravel raft profile with include cork, peat, sand, soil or a rubber procedures slit drains and fibresand mixture. The natural grass is grown in this filled layer and, in some cases, the carpet CONCLUSION backing is designed to break down over The addition of a reinforced natural time, leaving just the grass fibre in place. turf pitch to a facility will, in many The finished surface is a mixture of syn- circumstances, improve the playability thetic grass fibres and natural grass, with and increase the pitch’s usage levels. the fibres providing apparent surface However, the decision to install a pitch stability and wear improvements. These reinforcement and choose the right type types of systems can only be installed of reinforcement for your needs should in new pitch constructions and cannot be based on professional expert advice be installed into existing grass pitches in conjunction with the information without considerable work. provided in this article. L

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 45 TENNIS PHOTO: TOM LOVELOCK / AELTC LOVELOCK TOM PHOTO:

The UK might not have produced a Grand Slam champion in a few years, but it’s still home to the world’s best tennis tournament. Kath Hudson finds out what goes on in the Wimbledon build up Gearing up for Wimbledon

reen grass, tennis whites, The oldest tennis tournament in the the experience – making sure it retains strawberries and cream, Cliff world, and widely considered the most its character, but also keeps up with the Richard, Murray Mound…. prestigious of the four Grand Slams, modern game. G Wimbledon has a massive Wimbledon is the only one still played sporting heritage and is an iconic event on grass (the game’s original surface). Ongoing improvement for the UK. Even those who don’t know Now gearing up for the 125th Cham- All England Lawn Tennis Club chief Alex Bogdanovic from Rafael Nadal start pionships, the management at the All executive, Ian Ritchie, emphasises the to show an interest when the sport hits England Lawn Tennis Club is continually importance of continual improvement: prime time TV in mid June. looking for ways to refine and improve “In recent years we’ve had a complete transformation of the grounds and ancil- lary facilities to enhance the customer experience,” he says. “We’ve added the Centre Court retractable roof for use in inclement weather, we’ve installed wider, padded seating for comfort and now of- fer a wider selection of catering choices. We’ve also enhanced the player and me- dia facilities – all of which have improved the tournament immeasurably.” Built in 1922 and arguably the most famous tennis court in the world, Cen- tre Court has been through major

The All England Tennis Club opens its doors to 40,000 spectators each day of the 13-day Wimbledon tournament

46 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 TENNIS FACILITIES

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Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 47 TENNIS

Centre Court’s £80m retractable roof was WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR? designed by Populous and installed in time for the 2009 Wimbledon championship UÊ An exhibition at the museum: The Queue UÊ A range of licensed merchandise featuring the 125th anniversary logo redevelopment in recent years. In 2008, UÊ New 2,000-seat No.3 Court equipped with Hawk-Eye line technology the seating capacity was increased to UÊ New Court 4 adjacent to No.3 Court 15,000 with the addition of a restaurant, UÊ Competitors’ restaurant food court redesigned to provide more space bar and waitress service. The most sig- UÊ Greater range of food for players, including fresh pasta prepared to order nificant improvement however, was the UÊ For Court No.1 there will be two balconies with permanent tensioned retractable roof installation in 2009, which fabric canopies for debenture holders featuring a new reception area, a means that rain no longer stops play. 140 cover restaurant and a new bar terrace In 2009, the 4,000-seat No. 2 Court UÊ Sony has signed an official agreement to be Official 3D Partner, with up was opened and a 2,000-seat No. 3 Court to 600 cinemas taking 3D coverage of Men’s Singles Semi-Finals and Men’s is being built. Other improvements, and Ladies Singles Finals. Sony 3D coverage will also be taken by a number which have taken place since include a of the club’s global broadcasters. new No.1 court, a broadcast centre and UÊ A new look website, www.wimbledon.com, has launched with a series of two extra grass courts, as well as the weekly competitions Millennium Building, which provides ex- tensive facilities for players, press, officials and members. queue overnight to get tickets to the £1.1m. More than 6,000 people work show courts – Wimbledon is the only on the championships, including the Gearing up for the big event Grand Slam tournament where fans can 250 ballgirls and boys who come from Wimbledon has come a long way since queue for tickets. The best players come local schools, 330 umpires, 700 security the first tournament in 1877. The only from 60 countries and this year the prize staff and 315 drivers. event was the Gentlemen’s Singles, money will amount to £14.6m: a 6.4 The organisation has to be meticulous won by Spencer Gore from a field of 22. per cent increase on last year to attract in order to bring all the elements togeth- Around 200 spectators paid one shil- the players with box office appeal. The er. “Having almost 40,000 guests to your ling to watch the final. Now people champions will each go home with party every day, for 13 days does present a major challenge,” says Ritchie. “We start We want media, officials and staff to have the best gearing up for the tournament in Septem- ber/October, making reports from all areas working conditions possible, to allow them to do and aspects of the event. Between No- their job well and enjoy being part of the occasion vember and February we discuss and plan improvements and from February onwards

48 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 IOG SALTEXshape your space

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Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 49 TENNIS

The turf on Centre Court and No.1 Court is re-sown each year, as soon as possible after The Wimbledon Championships we implement any changes.” Throughout LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS the year, there is ongoing dialogue with key groups like the police, local authori- imbledon will enjoy a double whammy next year, with the London Olympics ties, voluntary bodies, residents, transport taking place from 28 July to 5 August 2012. Twenty-six thousand spectators providers and other interested parties W are expected each day to watch a field of the world’s best tennis players. to consider matters arising and monitor Tennis has long been associated with the Olympic Games, being one of the origi- suggested improvements. nal nine sports, but it was sidelined between 1924 and 1988, when the Internation- “The challenges change each year, al Tennis Federation and the International Olympic Committee couldn’t agree over depending on what we are doing, but I the issue of amateur/professional competition. Since its return it has become an must stress how important it is to have a event taken seriously by players who work it into their schedules and so the best well oiled and experienced team,” says players are expected to compete at next year’s Games. Ritchie. “When Populous was design- The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) will move in ing the Centre Court roof, the challenge as soon as Wimbledon is over to put in its own infrastructure and overlay. LOCOG’s was to make sure we could still hold the director of sport, Debbie Jevans, says: “The fact that it hosts one of the best cham- championships each year, while the build pionships in the world makes it much easier for us. We won’t have to do a full test was going on, so the building work had event, which we do for some of our other venues, such as Horse Guards Parade.” to be meticulously planned to get the The biggest challenge is to make sure that the playing surface is ready. site ready. Otherwise all improvements LOCOG has been discussing this with head groundsman, Eddie Seaward, over require careful dovetailing into the ex- the past two years. The baselines will be resown, with fast growing grass, immedi- isting plan, so although we have the ately after the championships. advantage of being on the same site, we “We are very excited about using Wimbledon to host the Olympics two weeks are always changing something and in- after the championships,” says Jevans. “The attention to detail will be the same, evitably that can be a worry.” but it will have its own look, feel and atmosphere.”

Taking orders Another aspect of the tremendous Preparations start in September, af- Fringe benefits organisation is the catering. Head of ca- ter the veterans’, juniors’ and combined Ritchie agrees that overseeing one of tering, Jonathan Parker, has the annual services events, which follow Wimble- the world’s premier sporting events does challenge of overseeing 1,800 casual don, are over. The summer tournaments have huge payoffs: “The most fulfill- staff and feeding 38,500 people each are reviewed and accounts closed, after ing thing for me is that everyone who day. “Wimbledon is the best annual a holiday period in October, detailed comes here should enjoy their time. We sporting event in the world, so every- planning starts in November. Staff are re- want our spectators to go away thinking thing we do must complement that, cruited in January and by the spring the they have had the best possible day, in because we’re part of the experience,” preparations are really underway with the finest surroundings, for their money. he says. “Over the years it has changed tastings and menus being completed. We want the players to look forward to from being a picnic society to offering Setting up the areas begins in May. coming here, knowing they are going to the best of public catering.” “The biggest challenges are extended be well looked after and put in the right Apart from the perennial favourites: periods of rain, as everyone descends on frame of mind to play their best ten- strawberries and cream; Pimms; and the the catering areas,” says Parker. “Not to nis. And, we want all those who may be Duchy sausage, each year the menu is mention the logistics of getting 4,000 working here for the whole two weeks tweaked and the facilities are extended. product lines distributed around the site, – media, officials and staff – to have the New for this year is an Italian restaurant which happens at night. However, all best working conditions possible, to allow which is part of the debenture restaurant the staff actually love the pressure. If them to do their job well and enjoy being portfolio. Meanwhile the competitors’ res- we’ve done our job right prior to the part of the occasion.” L taurant has also been improved, to allow event we should be able to enjoy it, for pasta dishes to be cooked to order. which is very rewarding.” Kate Hudson is a freelance journalist

50 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE FREE SPORTS FENCING! Yes free! Self Funding Sports Fencing...

JB Corrie would like to introduce an exciting new product called Image Sports Fencing. Designed specifically for football and multi-use games areas, the fencing incorporates encapsulated rebound boards, which allow for bespoke digital images printed on them – making them ideal for advertising opportunities at your facility

uring these difficult financial This bought each advertiser printed times, we understand that board advertising for their organisation schools, colleges, universities, for a three-year period. In today’s market D councils and volunteer organi- there can’t be many marketing opportu- The Encapsulated rebound boards sations are struggling to grant fund new nities with such a low cost! As a matter of are ideal for advertising projects. However, our Image Fencing fact, why should they stop at one board? System helps to bridge this funding gap They might take one in each of the four advertisers and promote your project to through advertising opportunities. elevations to enable reach directly to the them. As soon as we have enough spon- An average-sized football area offers sports players and spectators whether sors to pay for the project we will be space for approximately 45 full-sized it is within a school, a college, a univer- able to accept an order from you for the boards at 2.5m wide x 1.2m high. These sity, a sports/leisure centre or local sports works. All you have to do is invoice the list boards are exterior quality birch wood club. Plus Image Sports Fencing offers of sponsors and the fencing will be paid with a special film on one face to al- the added benefit for advertisers to give for – and quite possibly a large sum of low any digital image to be reproduced. something back to their community – money will be generated too! Through innovative design we are able and helps you to improve your sports to encapsulate the boards within the facilities. The Corrie Image Rebound System fencing without the need for drilling and is our top of range sports fence bolting the boards in place. This means Local advertisers This patented system comprises of that the boards will not suffer from water Along with our contacts we will also strong twin bar Corrie play panels set ingress and because of this we are able to offer your advertising opportunity to level and flush over the Image rebound offer a three-year anti-fade guarantee on local firms. The more boards sold helps to- boards. The system is available in mul- the colour printing. wards club funding. For instance if the new tiple heights with single/double gates, Some organisations may not have the fencing cost £30,000 and 40 full boards goal recesses and multi goal /basket ball man power or know how to successful- sold at £1,000 you would not only receive sections, spectator / viewing areas. The ly sell the advertising boards so to help free top of the range fencing but you’ll steel posts and gates are hot dipped gal- kick-start this process we have compiled have an additional £10,000 for your funds. vanised to BSEN ISO 1461 then polyester a database of potential advertisers that powder coated to any standard colour to may be willing to invest in your project Repetitive revenue earner BSEN 6497 for longevity. (subject to location/organisation etc.) The advertising rebound boards can be The image boards are manufactured in A recent JB Corrie customer sold their sold on a time dependant contract. Once birchwood (From sustainably-managed boards to advertisers for £1,000 each. this agreed contract is completed the re- forests). The boards can have any digital bound boards would be available to be image printed on the inside face – an ad- sold again and again. This could regularly vert, a school crest or logo etc. The reverse add thousands of pounds to your funds. side of the boards are supplied green. JB Corrie & Co Ltd is a well respected How to kick start this process? family-owned UK company and has been Firstly, contact myself and I will arrange manufacturing and supplying steel prod- for one of our area managers to con- ucts and fencing for more than 80 years. duct a free site survey. They will measure the area/s required and report back to Please contact us with your enquiry. our head office. We will then send you a Peter Stone quotation for the fencing / ground works JB Corrie Sales Manager required. If you like what you see we will Tel 01730 237130 then contact our extensive list of potential Email [email protected]

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 51 All the space you need

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52 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 NON-TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES

Functional, eye-catching, temporary Building up to structures are a vital component to hosting a successful sports event. The following case studies highlight their different uses, set-up practicalities the big event and sustainable advantages

Neptunus’ Prestige Ticketing Doha Port in Qatar contract at London 2012

Neptunus has been contracted to sup- ply the venue for Prestige Ticketing, the official provider of corporate hospi- tality ticketing packages, at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Situated just metres from the Olympic Stadium, the three-storey glass-fronted structure will provide an exciting ex- perience for guests at the heart of the action. Construction of the 11,500sq m, 3,000-spectator venue will start in the Olympic Park early next year. Sue Creed, operations director at Prestige Ticketing, said she was im- pressed by Neptunus’ ability to meet the Games’ stringent sustainability pol- PIC: COPYRIGHT AS&P icy, in the design and construction of their structures, as well as deliver the project at a competitive price. April Trasler, UK managing director at Neptunus said: “Our structures are NUSSLI develops temporary structure concept for Qatar 2022 designed with modern recyclable com- ponents, which means that at the end In preparation for it’s (successful) bid to island at the harbour of Doha city. This of any hire period the equipment is host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Qa- stadium will have the capacity to be checked, cleaned and returned to our tar 2022 Bid Committee commissioned completely disassembled and recon- hire stock for the next use.” NUSSLI to develop sustainable concepts structed elsewhere. Meanwhile, Neptunus has recently for the modular extension of the coun- The 2022 Qatar Bid Committee launched the energy-efficient, semi- ty’s existing stadiums, in addition to the focused its event host candidacy en- permanent Flexolution structure. design for a stadium that will be con- tirely on sustainability: with innovative This new structure features superior structed entirely of modular systems. approaches in regard to climate, where acoustic and thermal properties and The concepts pertain to two existing one objective is to promote the gen- offers an A-rated energy performance stadiums, four newly-built football sta- eration of renewable energies in the under the EU Energy Performance in diums and the construction of two new Persian Gulf. The promotion of sports Buildings Directive. track and field stadiums. Bolstered participation in the whole Gulf region by the addition of modular systems, was also a key legacy objective linked The Flexolution Structure can house these facilities will double their host- to the hosting of this event. indoor sports, such as gymnastics ing capacities as well as the increased Within the conceptual plan, NUS- amount of spectator seating required SLI‘s designs included the intended use by FIFA in order to host this event. of the implemented modular systems NUSSLI also conducted a study on at smaller venues in the region after the sustainable and continued use of the World Cup event. For example, the extended grandstands following 99.5 per cent of the 250,000 additional the international football tournament. seats created for the FIFA World Cup, The tournament’s most sustainable will be used in smaller stadiums in the stadium will be a 45,000-seat structure, region to accommodate 15,000, 10,000 positioned prominently on an artificial and 5,000 spectators.

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 53 NON-TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES

A marathon job for the Arena Group Due to the sloping terrain, each structure was built on a platform

Seating was provided for supporters to watch the runners cross the finish line

The Arena Group provided 60 tem- porary tower structures and 1,450 temporary tiered seats overlooking the finish-line in front of Buckingham Palace for the capital’s largest sporting event, the Virgin London Marathon, in April this year. Arena supplied all of the mile and kilometre marker towers along the GL Events’ Absolute Multi-Deck Structures at the Ryder Cup 26.2-mile route, which the 36,000 run- ners passed by from Blackheath to Last year, GL Events Owen Brown erect- the action on the course. Two-storey the finish line in St James Park. Arena ed three Absolute double deck pavilions kitchen and washroom facilities were Group built the markers that signified on Celtic Manor Resort’s Twenty Ten attached to the structures. Plus, for the distance achieved, from the first mile golf course at the Ryder Cup. first time, a new automatic guest lift to ‘800m To Go’ on the main and Red The structures were used for The system was installed in each structure, Route, totalling approximately 60 indi- Kidwelly private hospitality suite locat- which will now feature in all double vidual constructions. ed above the 16th green and fairway and triple deck projects. Regarding the set-up procedure, as well as The Caerphilly private hospi- According to Darren Woodhouse, Arena’s project manager Martin Clark tality suite and The Conwy Club, which events director at GL Events, the con- says: “As the marathon route runs is a shared restaurant facility, located tinuous rain, before and during the straight through the extremely busy above the 17th green. event, made the installation more of centre of London, we needed to en- Due to the sloping terrain, each a challenge – particularly for the staff sure the build was quick and efficient of the Owen Brown structures were on-site,so four crew remained at the with minimal disruptions to traffic and constructed on raised platforms to course on standby in case there were other services. This is why we executed guarantee guests unrivalled views of any operational issues. L the majority of the build just the day before the race, with a number of our experienced project managers and 62 crew members ensuring the efficient, safe installation and de-rig.” The Arena Group also provided all of the finish line seating, which was situated along The Mall and consisted of 1,450 tiered, covered seats for sup- porters to watch runners cross the line. The towers and seating provided a platform for the marathon’s ma- jor sponsor, Virgin, to visibly display branding along the entire route. All markers were removed immedi- ately after the last runners passed each mile point and the seating structure was removed by late afternoon – ensuring that traffic returned to normal ready for Monday morning. The two-storey Absolute pavilions allowed guests an excellent view of the course

54 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011       

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TD'% %&!& H† „tipG4TD'!!% ""! y€ƒ„pxfy„ ƒ†h †ƒp„h€x FUNDING Places People Play

fter the excitement of Lon- don 2012, when the greatest Sport England chair Richard Lewis explains how the sporting spectacle on earth A has drawn to a close, how will £135m, Lottery-funded initiative will enhance existing the nation have benefited from the mass investment across the community sports sector, to participation legacy? And how will our sector harness the inspirational power of encourage more people to play and enjoy sport the Olympics and Paralympics? Sport England’s aim, through our Places People Play programme, is that hundreds We are very aware people will be fac- to protect and improve playing fields. of thousands more people will have a ing tough decisions as a result of the These natural assets are vital to a vibrant compelling answer to this question. economic climate; we had to make some grassroots sports environment, yet many Places People Play will bring the sport- hard decisions of our own last autumn. are allowed to fall into a poor state of re- ing legacy to life, delivering better This makes it more important than ever pair and others are earmarked as future facilities, more volunteers and greater that we all secure the maximum possible development opportunities. This pro- access to a variety of sports across the value from the £135m Places People Play gramme will identify and fund projects whole country, not just London. We initiative – made possible by the govern- that help communities realise the sport- came together with the government and ment’s National Lottery reforms, which ing benefits of playing field land. We’re the Olympic and Paralympic stakehold- are bringing additional funding into proposing to invest between £20,000 ers to announce the programme – but grassroots sport. and £50,000 in sports development-led successful delivery of the sporting legacy projects that provide strong evidence of will only be achieved through a far PLACES local need. This programme builds on our broader collaboration that includes With the construction of the Olympic existing role as statutory consultant on everyone involved in the sport sector. Park’s velodrome complete and the final planning applications affecting playing All of the Places People Play pro- piece of turf laid in the Olympic Stadi- fields and will secure the future of sites grammes will be fully inclusive and to um, we need help in transforming places for a minimum of 25 years. that end we are consulting with disabled where people play sport in cities, towns people and those who support them on and villages right across the country. Inspired facilities how we can best invest in tackling the Do you know of a sports club that barriers that a variety of people may face Protecting playing fields could radically improve local sporting when they want to play sport. Maybe you’re connected with a playing opportunities with a relatively modest in- Getting more people to play and enjoy field that could do with improvement, vestment? This programme will invest in sport is the cornerstone of Sport Eng- such as better drainage perhaps? the modernisation of community sports land’s work. It’s also the guiding principle This month, we are launching the first clubs and open up facilities for commu- of most people I meet in sport. of five £2m funding rounds for projects nity sport. We want local communities across the country to be touched by the magic of London 2012 in a tangible way, and this investment will bring National Lottery funding to many local groups and facilities that haven’t previously benefited from it. To reduce bureaucracy for applicants, we’re preparing a catalogue of many of the standard improvements clubs have told us they would like to make. We will enter into framework arrangements with suppliers to ensure we can benefit from economies of scale. So look out for what’s on offer when this fund opens in the summer.

Iconic facilities Sport England will invest in We’ll also invest in a small number of facilities that have the capability large, strategic facilities that significantly to attract more participation contribute to an increase in the number of people playing sport across England.

56 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 A person’s chosen sports should suit their abilities and interests

Places People Play will bring the sporting legacy to People can choose to take part in five life, delivering better facilities, more volunteers and a or more sports as an individual or as part of a team. We are supporting Gold greater access to a variety of sports across the country Challenge to drive participants towards the high-quality sport offered through Projects supported through this fund in the way that suits their abilities and national governing bodies and encourag- will set the standard for future facilities interests. Sportivate and Gold Challenge ing them to continue playing sport after development by providing a network of will create the sporting opportunities completing the challenge. regional sports hubs to ensure increased and challenges that give everyone the participation across a number of sports. chance to become part of the mass par- BUILDING ON ticipation legacy. FIRM FOUNDATIONS PEOPLE We’re excited about the opportuni- Do you want to support the legacy by be- Sportivate ties that will be created through Places coming, or deploying, a Sport Maker? This nationwide campaign will give any- People Play. But the real key is that this We plan to harness the inspirational one aged between the ages of 14 and 25 programme is enhancing the progress pull of London 2012 to recruit, train and the chance to receive six to eight weeks that is already being made through our deploy 40,000 new Sport Maker volun- of coaching in a sport of their choice. existing investment across the com- teers – aged 16 years and over – who will Delivered through the 49 Community munity sport sector. Our investment in organise and support hundreds of thou- Sports Partnerships and working with 46 national governing bodies of sport sands of hours of grassroots sport. a range of local providers, it aims to in- remains at the heart of this, as their net- Volunteers already play a massive role crease the participation rate of those who works of community clubs, coaches and in sport – more so than any other sector currently do not play sport in their own volunteers are key to a thriving grass- – and this programme will put us in the time or spend very little time doing it. roots sport environment. vanguard of the Big Society. The net- Sportivate will support those who take By focussing on the real needs of work of county sports partnerships (CSPs) part to continue playing sport by guiding community sport, investing wisely and across the country are currently working them into regular participation within promoting best practice, we will have with national governing bodies of sport their community. a long-term impact on the sporting and other partners to identify the places, behaviours of this generation and the projects and activities where Sport Mak- Gold Challenge participation of generations to come. ers will have the biggest impact. This independent initiative aims to mo- With the right blend of commitment, tivate more than 100,000 people to test expertise and a consistent approach, I’m PLAY themselves in multiple Olympic and confident that we will deliver a mass par- Ultimately, the legacy is about taking Paralympic sports while raising more than ticipation legacy from the London 2012 part – in the sport of a person’s choice £20m for charity by the end of 2012. Olympic and Paralympic Games. L

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 57 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Despite the harshest winter for many a year Scottish Swimming, the governing body for swimming in Scotland has been reaching out to its distant shores and islands and is undergoing an exciting revival Swimming in Scotland is alive and splashing!

cottish Swimming’s Learn to life at their first outing in East Dunbar- swimmers by rewarding them for their Swim and Awards Scheme has tonshire where a whole week of fun, hard work; while parents are reassured been revised and a raft of new aquatic activities were taking place at that we offer a quality programme S awards have been created at the their three facilities, organised by David backed by the NGB. In addition, our staff FUNdamentals stage to assist aquatic les- Walker, swimming development officer. have become more confident and have son providers to provide a wide range of More than 500 children had a great learned new skills as a consequence of swimming lessons to engage young chil- time and had the chance to meet our the support and encouragement from dren and to keep them in the wonderful aquatic double act and have their pho- Scottish Swimming. “ sport of swimming for as long as pos- tograph taken as they were presented More recently, we introduced a cute sible, whether for leisure, health or fun. with their Kellogg’s Scottish Swimming toddler Splish and Splash duo through Cartoon mascots, Splish and Splash Awards. David Walker said: “East our AquaFun Awards, aimed at our have been around since 2005 to guide Dunbartonshire Council are extremely younger swimmers. Scottish Swimming, in children through the challenges and proud to be in partnership with Scottish partnership with Glasgow Life, Glasgow pleasures of learning how to swim and to Swimming. The large range of awards Community Health partnerships and motivate them as they progress. As if by now available has enabled us to widen local nursery schools, piloted a programme magic, the charming duo bounced into the scope of our lessons and motivate our to encourage young children to learn to

“Highland Council’s (HC) relationship with Scottish Swimming has really developed at a fast pace. By revising our swimming provision to make use of the enhanced SS L2S structure, our teachers are much more confident in their approach to lesson delivery and progression. This has enabled HC lessons to evolve into a structured Swimmer Pathway that assists each centre to cater for a broad range of customers while encouraging individuals to progress and develop a wider variety of skills.” Jeff Tavendale, swimming development officer, Highland Council Aqua Fun Awards presented at Highlands

58 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 swim; all made possible by support from Above: Olympian Todd Cooper and Splish and Splash both NHS Health Scotland and Kellogg’s. with children from East Dunbartonshire. Right: Splish The initiative was part of Scottish and Splash keep their eye on young Glasgow swimmers Swimming’s healthy living programme ‘Just Add Water’ which aims to get more polo, canoeing and water skiing.” swimming provision in Scotland – people swimming for fitness, health and The enhanced Awards Scheme, conducted by Scottish Swimming in 2009 fun. Scottish Swimming’s Healthy Living generously sponsored by Kellogg’s, has – found that despite having taken part manager, Sharon MacDonald explains: been implemented in a number of local in a primary school swimming pro- “Swimming is a unique life-saving skill. authorities and leisure trusts across gramme approximately 25 – 30 per cent Our vision at Scottish Swimming is that Scotland, namely Argyle and Bute of children still could not swim. everyone can swim – whatever their age, Council, Borders Sport and Leisure Trust, In September 2010, the Scottish ethnicity or ability. Being able to swim not East and West Dunbartonshire Councils, Government announced an additional only provides children with an essential life Fife Community Use, Highland Council, £800,000 to implement a National Top Up skill, it also contributes to a child’s health Perth and Kinross Council and South Swimming Programme to help and well-being and at the same time, Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture. address this matter. This welcome provides a fun social environment. funding assists local authorities in “Since January 2010, we have devel- improving the opportunities for primary- oped the programme in three pools in “South Lanarkshire Leisure aged children to learn to swim and some of the more socially deprived areas and Culture is delighted to be contribute to increasing the number of of Glasgow and provided swimming working in close partnership children who can swim – giving them new lessons to over 500 children. For many Scottish Swimming. Our Swimming skills for safety, fitness, health and fun. of these children it was their first time in Development Programme will Richard Gordon, director of coaching a pool. We believe that by learning to benefit from this partnership by and development says: “Top up swim at an early age, the youngsters will gaining use of a recognised and swimming is an intervention to enable learn a skill, which will enable them to structured awards scheme as well every child to achieve the Scottish continue to swim and remain physically as support to deliver national Swimming National Swimming Award active now and in the future.” programmes and initiatives.” (NSA) at primary school. Pupils are Health improvement senior, for Glasgow Andy Figgins, swimming expected to swim a distance of 25m and and Greater Glasgow Health Board, John development co-ordinator, South develop the other range of skills related Harkins agrees: “Being physically active Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture to the NSA, which are about general at a young age can help youngsters water confidence and water safety. We remain physically active as they get older. Scotland does not have a school were delighted to receive the funding, Swimming is a great way of having fun, swimming entitlement, which ensures all this programme will work towards keeping fit and staying healthy. Learn- young people can swim before leaving delivering an essential swimming ing to swim now will also enable these primary school. As a result many of entitlement for the children in Scotland” L youngsters to take part in other water- young people are leaving school unable For more information tel: 01786 466520 based activities such as diving, water to swim. An audit into current school www.scottishswimming.com

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 59 “Linking the sports industry together”

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For supplier availability & costs call Charlotte Russell on 01992 374080 [email protected] CRICKET

INDOOR CRICKET

It may be a minority sport in this country, but the ECB’s indoor cricket arm is supporting and co-ordinating the game’s development as well as the indoor facility provision to increase participation. Tom Walker reports

ndoor cricket is a fast and furious (WICF), had dwindled from a high of sport that can be played by people around 60 to less than 10. of any age. It’s hugely popular in Although the sport and its develop- I countries such as Australia, New ment stalled in England, due to the lack Zealand and South Africa but in England of facilities, it kept expanding oversees. it’s still a minority sport. However, this South Africa now has a striving league A fully inclusive sport for keen cricketers is set to change. In 2009, the England system, as do India and Pakistan. Sri Lan- or those who just want to ‘have a go’ and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) launched ka and a number of emerging cricketing a dedicated indoor cricket arm and nations such as Namibia, Zimbabwe and announced its plans to increase participa- the United Arab Emirates are all member keep their fitness and skill levels up tion. The goal is to achieve similar success countries of the WICF. through the winter months.“ to the one the sport enjoys overseas. According to former England captain Mike Gatting, now the ECB’s managing FACILITY FOCUS WHERE IT ALL BEGAN director of cricket partnerships, indoor Although Australian cricket might be reel- Despite benefiting from climates that cricket’s popularity in other countries is ing from losing the Ashes at home for the allow all-year round cricket outdoors, it down to its inclusiveness – something first time in 26 years, the country is still was the southern hemisphere’s cricket- that the ECB is looking to extend in the head and shoulders above all other na- playing nations that were first to truly UK. “Indoor cricket is a fantastic game tions in the indoor game. The men’s and embrace the indoor game. that is open to all,” he says. women’s teams are the reigning WICF By 1984, a nationwide championship “The game is played by young and champions and the league structure is had been established in Australia and old and offers mixed gender leagues, so supported by a great network of indoor the sport also became popular in New it’s perfect for people looking to ‘have facilities. In total, there are now 80 dedi- Zealand. In England the game enjoyed a go’ at the sport. It’s popular with the cated indoor cricket arenas in Australia popularity throughout the 1980s and recreational cricketer who plays in the – with New South Wales alone boasting 30. much of the 1990s, but then fell into evenings, there are no weather or light New Zealand has also established itself decline. By the new millennium, the restrictions and a game only takes about as another powerhouse in world indoor centres where indoor cricket was played, 90 minutes to play so it fits well into cricket. The country currently boasts 29 according to the rules set out by the people’s busy lives. Plus it also offers indoor cricket centres with plans to fur- World Indoor Cricket Federation the opportunity for current players to ther increase the number of arenas.

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 61 CRICKET

Indoor cricket allows for all-year play with no weather or light restrictions

THE ORIGINS OF INDOOR CRICKET The origins of indoor cricket can be traced, if one version of history is to be believed, to the tiny town of Husum in Germany close to the Danish border, where an official tournament took place in the late 1960s. The modern, official format of indoor cricket, however, derives from the eight-a-side version that gained popularity in Australia in the 1970s.

Contrast these numbers with the fact in 2009. The development of new According to Gatting there is a large that there are only nine indoor cricket arenas is one of its main priorities. support system to help operators and arenas in the whole of England and it’s Gatting says that plans are to improve developers get involved in indoor cricket. easy to see that the sport in this country current facilities as well as create new ones. “The ECB can assist in the development has its challenges – but also a potential “We’ve invested in the improvement plans of projects both technically and in terms for major growth. With this in mind, of existing affiliates with several indoor of business planning via national and the ECB set up an indoor cricket arm centres already having received financial county officers,” he says. “If centres affili- (ECBIC) to take over the co-ordination support and further facilities will be de- ate to the ECBIC a full explanation of the and development of indoor cricket veloped by 2014,” he says. “We want to relationship is stated within the agree- create an all-year-round offer to meet the ment so centres understand and are needs of cricketers who want to keep their supported in their development. The ECB skill levels up during the winter and those will then employ a national manager to who wish to play an informal, short format support the development of the plans for of the game in a safe, fun environment.” indoor cricket centres and the relation- ship with existing and future affiliates.” OFFERING A HELPING HAND For those looking to set up an indoor WHAT’S NEXT? arena capable of hosting cricket, the Looking towards the sport’s future, ECB has worked with the operators of Gatting sees the limited number of existing indoor facilities to produce a facilities as an opportunity rather than comprehensive guide, which outlines a hindrance. He says that the ECB is fully both a business plan and the technical re- committed to developing new facilities quirements of an indoor cricket arena. and improving existing ones, but that The ECB’s Indoor Cricket Facilities (TS7) it will need the support of dedicated document comes in two parts: A quick operators to do the ground work. “The Guide To Getting Business Started; and growth of centres across the country is Design Guidelines. The former sets out the not just dependent on investment, but business plan for aspiring operators while also on people wanting to take up the the second offers technical requirements business opportunity of running an In- for a fully-fledged indoor arena – the door sports centre,” he says. L guidelines of which were sourced through consultation with the Sport and Play Con- Tom Walker is the news editor struction Association (SAPCA). at Leisure Opportunities

62 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 MARK HARROD 2011/12 CRICKET EQUIPMENT

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Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 63 SPORTS FLOORING PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Safe, comfortable landings

“The comfort levels in sports flooring is often overlooked,” says Peter Daly as he summarises recent flooring research undertaken by the University of Poitiers in France

hen an educational estab- The profile of these users, and indeed findings on sports floors and force re- lishment or a local authority all facility users, needs to be clarified in duction. The study differentiated the draws up plans to build a order to make the right flooring decision. force reduction qualities of sports floors W sports hall, as floor man- Ultimately, the ideal sports floor should be and asked whether wood (area elastic) ufacturers we are usually asked the one that best accommodates and protects or synthetic (point elastic) was the best standard questions: “How durable is the players from short- and long-term injury. material. The study’s objective was firstly, flooring? Does it stand up to tables and to show in what situations a sports hall chairs? What’s the bounce like and what Sports flooring research floor can, and should, undertake a pro- maintenance is needed?” While all of Regarding safety, the ‘Berlin Athlete’ tective function and secondly, to contrast these are important, often the key issue apparatus is used to measure force re- the mechanical properties of wooden of safety and protection is not the first duction – commonly referred to as shock and synthetic floors – particularly in re- question that comes to the buyer’s mind absorption. The sports flooring industry gards to adult and children. in the decision making process. How- frequently refers to this piece of appara- The protective function of a sports- ever, this is understandable, when you tus, as it simulates the forces exerted on hall floor is the basic requirement of any consider the fact that the vast majority a sports floor by a national level sprinter, sports surface. However, the effects of of people involved in choosing a sports weighing approximately 11 stone. the upward forces a body incurs depends floor will only do so perhaps once in a Sports floors can be classified accord- on the duration of play and the physical building’s 25-year lifetime. ing to the force reduction properties structure of the person. While one can, and should, refer to of the floor, but the bigger question is The mechanical properties of area biomechanical or injury prevention whether a national level athlete is actu- elastic floors (typically wooden sprung studies that already exist, it is also the ally representative of the average profile floors) and point elastic floors (usually responsibility of the sports flooring in- of the people who regularly play sport cushion-backed synthetic floors) also dustry to educate potential buyers and in a particular sports hall? differ greatly. Given the differences in assist them in making the best possible In 1996 Müller and Denoth (Biome- size and weight between adults and choice for the floor users. chanics, ETH of Zurich) presented their children, impact velocities are obviously varied. So consequently, the force of the Engineers at the University of Poitiers developed impact is not always absorbed by an area elastic and a point elastic floor a spherical impactor, filled with sensors to enable as it will react in a similar manner to researchers to measure the comfort of sports floors children and adults – whether the force of impact is high or low.

64 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 WHY WEIGHT STACKS ARE HISTORY.

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A comfortable floor is a key factor when choosing a sports floor, as it helps prevent injury

Sports specific research Gerflor – the Flooring Group has played an active role in the development of flooring standards and player protec- tion, with one of the most recent being the EN14904 European sports flooring standard. While this stipulates that a sports floor in any of the European Union countries must offer a minimum of 25 per cent force reduction to those who will use the facility, it does not in any way Consequently, engineers were then The research findings showed that quantify the notion of contact with the able to determine the comfort levels ‘comfortable’ floors (ie Impact Comfort floor (impact comfort) – which is particu- of different types of sports floors – Index <15 per cent) to be, systematically, larly important for young users between ranging from timber sprung to several point elastic sports floors with a force the ages of two and 11 years. different types of synthetic sports floor- reduction of >45 per cent (according to A key issue has been to establish a way ing. These included: the Sports Flooring Standard 14904). in which one could quantify the differ- – Area elastic floors such as sprung Findings also showed that when ent levels of comfort (as opposed to force timber with force reduction >50 per cent encountering elbow or head impacts, reduction) of the various point and area – Point plastic floors such as poured children and adults experienced a elastic floors commonly found in the urethane, PVC and rubber greater comfort from point elastic market place. This research was carried The comfort index is the intensity of floors compared to area elastic floors. out by the biomechanics department at the force on impact. The intensity of im- Currently the French Ministry of the University of Poitiers in France, from pact depends on the contact area. The Education is keen to promote this type 2007 to 2011. higher the contact area, the lower the of sports floor testing – particularly The first challenge the research intensity (pain, risk of bruising and frac- when used in playrooms or small sports engineers were faced with was measur- tures) and the greater the comfort. halls in primary schools and crèches. ing the level of comfort of a floor. To this Consequently for harder floors, even The ministry recommends comfortable end, engineers at the University of Poit- though the force reduction properties floors with an Impact Comfort Index of iers developed a spherical impactor filled of a floor may be very high, the surface <15 per cent combined with a force re- with sensors to enable researchers to area of the spherical apparatus remains duction of >45 per cent. measure the comfort of sports floors. relatively low compared to softer floors. This spherical apparatus, with varying (The classification of the comfort index Study conclusion weights, simulates different parts of the is illustrated in the table below) The conclusion of the study is that com- body such as the knee/elbow versus the paring the force reduction properties head. The apparatus, through different Level of Impact Impact – while being essential in the determina- impact velocities, also simulates the dif- Comfort of a Floor Comfort Index tion of a safe sports floor (ie protection ferent types of users in a sports hall or Comfortable <15 against long term injuries) – is not neces- playroom – from young children to se- Medium Comfortable ≥15 - ≤35 sary the only comparison that needs to niors as defined by the ETH of Zurich. Uncomfortable >35 be made in the choice of adapted sports (See diagram 1 below) floors for use by a particular user profile. The comfort properties of a floor Diagram 1: Simulating different types of floor users should also be taken into account as it’s a crucial factor for protection against immediate injury risk, such as bruising, 1. Vertical deformation and even more importantly when for 2. Spherical impactor use by younger players. In my opinion, 3. Sports floor surface the comfort levels of a floor is a factor 4. Foam that is often neglected, basically be- 5. Concrete cause of the difficulty in determining “what is a comfortable floor?” Sc max Contact L area in mm2 Peter Daly is Western European sales manager at Gerflor

66 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Ask any female relative in your family and they will have probably played netball during their school years, but did you know that many are heading back to the sport in later life? In fact the sport is now played in 70 countries by over seven million people and its profile is gaining momentum The Netball Revolution

he 2011 season will soon be at an end for the Netball Super League (NSL) with nine franchises fight- T ing it out for the championship title. And this year the sport’s profile has been given a tremendous boost with the Taraflex™ sports floors. Super League is surface. For us, that meant Taraflex™. announcement of car manufacturer FIAT now played on Taraflex™ Sport M Evolu- Gerflor assisted in the event plan- as a main sponsor and the introduction of tion as the preferred surface. ning, the bespoke court manufacture, a brand new Taraflex™ sports surface for This is a new, improved sports prod- the logistics, the branding and even the televised games. uct from Gerflor that can be used in a sponsorship needed to help deliver a top Andy Crook, NSL general manager permanent installation – as a fast track class Northern Ireland event.” tells us why: “We needed to improve overlay for renovation work or a por- It’s no surprise then that Gerflor is the the profile of the sport,” he says. “Sky table solution for a number of sports. It’s approved manufacturer to both Netball Sports are the best in the world at tele- a 7mm synthetic product with HD (high England and Netball Northern Ireland. vising ‘live’ sport and we wanted to density) CXP (Cellular Xtreme Process) deliver a product to live audiences and foam. This gives the players additional Gerflor’s service committment direct into the home that is high quality, comfort underfoot and is particularly As well as offering a full consultation consistent and reflective of our ambitions suited to impact sports such as netball. service, transportation, full fit out, train- for the game.” According to Andy Crook, the feed- ing and technical support for temporary Part of the solution was to sign a back so far from the players, coaches and events and competitions, Gerflor can also partnership agreement with Gerflor umpires regarding the surface has been install a permanent Taraflex™ floor over to supply two brand new portable very encouraging. “It looks great on TV existing surfaces for court refurbishment and we feel it will have a positive effect with a new innovative system called ‘Eco- against some injuries usually sustained Fit’. This saves downtime, money and when playing on timber,” he says. environmental impact as no land fill is re- quired and very little adhesive is used. World class Irish tournament Taraflex™ was also the preferred sur- Call Darren Wood – Sport Manager on face at the Home Nations Internationals, 07836 366579, [email protected] or played at Antrim Forum in Northern visit www.gerflor.co.uk for more details Ireland, between England, Northern Ire- land, Scotland and Wales. Commenting on the flooring choice Netball Northern Ireland’s Clare McCau- ley says: “In order to host a world class tournament we needed a world class

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 67 SPORT SPECIFIC RUNNING ON YOUR MARKS

Want to help your club members improve their running technique? Kath Hudson looks at some of the options open to operators

or someone who could never be sport clubs to offer specialised running described as a gifted runner, I’ve programmes unless they have an expe- always been of the belief that rienced physiotherapist or podiatrist on F the world is made up of heavy- board who can assess the biomechanics footed plodders or light-footed bambis. of the lower limb and spine. Not so, according to the running experts. “Teaming up with local clinics or Running is a skill, like any other sports freelance physiotherapists and podia- skill, and working on the technique can trists could be an option however,” says improve speed, ability, enjoyment, stami- Coates. “Or perhaps setting up in-club na and also reduce the risk of injury. clinics where members can have an as- Perfecting running technique is still a sessment and learn about technique.” fairly niche concept. It’s rarely taught in Another option for an in-club clinic PE lessons at schools, and even running Star Track Coach offers personalised would be to host a visiting Feldenkrais clubs tend to focus on conditioning rath- treadmill workouts featuring US teacher. The UK is some way behind the er than technique. However there are a running coach Kimberley Shah US and Europe in embracing Feldenkrais growing number of running specialists – a mind-body approach to movement de- who are starting to reach out, both Expert events veloped by an Israeli doctor of physics and geographically and in terms of target Physiotherapist, author and eight-time structural engineer, Moshé Feldenkrais, in audience. Everyone – children, older marathon runner Paula Coates works at the 1940s – but it offers an interesting op- people, elite athletes, recreational London’s Balance Performance Physio- portunity for club operators. runners, post rehab clients and the de- therapy, which offers expert advice to According to long-established practi- conditioned market – can benefit from everyone from novices through to Olym- tioner, Vreni Booth, Feldenkrais looks at improving their running technique. pic athletes. She says it’s difficult for how the human skeleton functions in the field of gravity. “To cope with an injury, Feldenkrais sought a different way of moving, so he studied how the bones are linked and how the skeleton works as a self-balancing structure. It also teaches moving with awareness,” she says.

Left: The Running School analyses and reteaches running technique. Below: Self-balancing the body

68 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Below: MP3 programmes, such as Audiofuel, can create bespoke running and training programmes

For example, back and knee pain when child. Booth says she can work with any athletes, running can be alleviated by bringing body, but not any mind. “It does require recreational the hip joint into awareness and engag- an open-minded person to make chang- runners and ing it. “Pain means over-burdening one es. However, those changes can then be children for area because somewhere else isn’t doing profound,” she says. eight years prior to anything,” says Booth. “It’s like drawing the launch of his business. Franchisees on a bank account and pushing it into Franchise approach are also taught how to approach clients the red, when there is another account The Running School, which started in and how to how to help them change with a lot of money in it. My job as a London 10 years ago, launched a fran- and achieve their running objectives. Feldenkrais practitioner is to look at the chise business at the end of last year. “Most people think they naturally know discrepancies of over-charging one area Those buying into the franchise are how to run, but they don’t. Also, sitting and under-using another.” trained to use the protocols developed down for 10 hours a day turns a lot of The goal of Feldenkrais is to make the by company founder Mike Antoniades, muscles off. The Running School reteaches body move as well as it functioned as a which were tested on elite movement and has developed accelerat- ed learning techniques,” says Antoniades. EMMA MATTHEWS – FIRST-TIME MARATHON RUNNER “The common problems we find are that people don’t know how to use their aving enrolled for the Paris my toes to power myself arms, they land badly and shuffle rather Marathon, I started to get the forward. On a long than use rear muscles.” One of the tech- H jitters about getting an injury, distance run this would niques used by The Running School to so was keen to get my running tech- result in my legs getting correct this is biomechanical analysis. nique checked out. fatigued, as I put too “It’s the same technology that some I went to the original Running School much pressure on the front muscles. sports shops offer when fitting trainers,” in west London. To start with I was Also, I moved my arms from side to side, explains Antoniades. “But the Running observed, and videoed, running on a rather than forward to help power the School assesses the whole body rather treadmill. Watching it back was truly body. My core isn’t strong either, which than just looking at people’ technique cringeworthy! My assessor, Michael resulted in my left hip dropping. from the knee down.” Nicholls, the operations director, paused I felt inspired after the session. I had “Our programme has widespread the video at several points to make com- moments of doubt about my ability, but appeal ,” says Antoniades. “This morn- ments on my style. this session gave me confidence. I now ing, for example, I’ve worked with the There was a wallchart with about 15 know that I have to take this new way of one of the country’s top sprinters and different running styles on it and I rec- running on board and concentrate on my a 70-year-old woman who only started ognised myself as a shuffler: I don’t lift technique during my practice runs rather running 10 years ago.” L my feet up far enough, or push off from than just trying to get from A to B. Kath Hudson is a freelance journalist

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In light of Westminster Council’s launch of its flagship parkour facility last summer, the founder and director of Parkour UK, Dan Edwardes, talks to Magali Robathan about the urban sport

RUNNING FREE

Dan Edwardes, WHAT IS PARKOUR? Participants develop a kind of free- director, Parkour is a training discipline based on dom of mind. They start realising that Parkour UK moving over terrain with your body. It things they saw as obstacles become involves running, jumping and climb- stepping stones that can be used to get ing. The aim is to get from one point to to where they want to go. It gives prac- founders. People started setting up another safely, efficiently and gracefully. tioners a liberating view of the world. internet forums to meet up and It’s about physical completeness, about practice together, and the Parkour being strong, fit, fast and dynamic, and WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE community began to grow. being able to go anywhere you want. DISCIPLINE IN THE UK? After Jump London and Jump Britain, With that comes the accompanying Parkour started in France about 20 years these forums were suddenly inundated philosophy of being free – both physi- ago by a group of young men who called with people wanting to practice the cally and mentally – because Parkour themselves the Yamakasi. The sport be- sport. It was pretty chaotic until about requires a lot of mental strength in order came known outside of France through a 2005, when the first organised classes to overcome fear and inhibitions. 2001 Luc Besson movie about the group. were launched in London by Parkour In 2002, the BBC ran a trailer featuring Generations, an organisation dedicated David Belle, one of the sport’s found- to teaching the sport worldwide. Some ers. The Channel Four documentaries of the French founders came over to Jump London and Jump Britain in 2003 the UK to teach Parkour the original and 2005 launched the sport outside of way, and that’s how the discipline’s France on a big scale. popularity started to grow. The first practitioners in the UK were The first classes took place outdoors, people who’d found out about Park- then Westminster Council and a couple our through other means – there were of other councils got wind of the idea literally a handful of us. We started com- and thought it could be a good way to municating with some of the French engage young people in exercise. They asked Parkour instructors to teach the sport in leisure centres and in schools. Parkour participants can Once the councils had got behind it, it re- develop a freedom of mind ally started to gain momentum.

70 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Due to high demand, a Parkour qualification has been specifically developed for sport teachers in schools ALL PICS: ©WWW.PARKOURGENERATIONS.COM PICS: ALL

PARKOUR UK

ational governing body Parkour our and who have been instrumental in UK (PKUK) was established in introducing the regular teaching of the WHAT DOES PARKOUR N 2009. It is a not for profit organi- sport in nationwide schools and local OFFER PARTICIPANTS? sation responsible for the administra- authorities during the last four years. It has great physical benefits – it helps peo- tion, development and promotion of Parkour UK is in charge of the ple lose weight and become strong and the discipline in the UK. It officially administration of the ADAPT (Art du flexible. It’s a natural, holistic type of train- became a member of Skills Active in Deplacement and Parkour Teaching) ing. Young people move around in this July 2010 and it is also a member of the qualification programme, which has manner anyway, so it can focus their natu- Sport and Recreation Alliance. been developed with 1st4sport Qualifi- ral desire to explore their surroundings. This vision is fuelled by a team of cations – the awarding body for active It also has mental benefits. Because full-time practitioners and part-time learning and leisure. you start to do things you didn’t think volunteers who share a passion for Park- Details: www.parkourgenerations.com were possible, you develop confidence and an improved sense of self. You rea- lise that your potential is much more statutory boards saw its potential for buildings, but is a very rigorous men- than you thought. growth and wanted to see some sort of tal and physical discipline that’s about A lot of the young people who get national governing body in place to reg- self-improvement. That’s pretty much involved in the Parkour classes in schools ulate the coaching of the sport as well as been achieved, and most of the councils, aren’t that confident, and are often the development and promotion of it. schools and governing bodies are now not keen on team sports. They come A few of the senior instructors in happy to work with Parkour UK. to Parkour, which is not competitive or the UK, including some of the French The main challenge facing us now is team based and is very much about self- founders, decided to create a national getting enough qualified coaches, be- improvement, and they like that. They governing body that would regulate, cause there’s a massive demand. These begin to see they have a physicality, promote and maintain the ethics and statutory bodies have told us they would which they may not have explored, and standards of the discipline. like Parkour to be offered in every sec- their confidence starts to skyrocket. ondary school in the country. However, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES there’s nowhere near enough coaches WHAT ARE THE AIMS FACING THE SPORT? for that at the moment. OF PARKOUR UK? One of the biggest challenges was get- We need to try and get as many good Parkour UK came about as a result of its ting recognition that Parkour is not a practitioners as possible to become quali- mainstream attention. The UK sporting crazy sport that’s about jumping off fied via the new recognised coaching

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 71 PLAY

Participants focus on their desire FLAGSHIP FACILITY FOR WESTBOURNE GREEN to explore their surroundings

n June last year, Westminster Coun- can combine a range of moves and test cil announced plans to build an their skills to the limit. I outdoor managed Parkour facility in Users can either prove their com- London’s Westbourne Green. petence to qualified instructors from The site aims to mimic an urban Parkour UK in order to use the facility landscape and will contain dozens of unsupervised, or attend classes which objects commonly found in a real city will run at least five nights a week in environment including walls, rails and addition to classes for schools. Anyone stairs that Parkour or freerunning prac- over the age of eight can attend the titioners can use to practice their sport classes, which will start at £1. within a safe environment. Up to 100 people can use the facility The new facility, which will be based at any time with the maximum capacity at Westminster Academy in Westbourne of the junior area being 60 people and 40 Green, will feature obstacles for are allowed in the more advanced area. individuals of all abilities and ages and Westminster Council has invested at its heart will showcase an 80m free £90,000 in the facility and the London flow area where practitioners Marathon Trust £80,000.

qualification so that they can meet the a long time to get these things going, demand. That’s a big challenge and it will and it took quite a while getting the take several years to fill that shortfall. qualifications officially stamped and rec- Sport England would very much like to ognised by all the sporting bodies in the see Parkour spread as it recognises the UK but we’re there now. benefits in the schools it’s already taught We want to get as many dedicated in. More and more schools want it: it people doing the Level One qualification ticks all the boxes for what the govern- as possible, and expand the number of ment wants to see in sport education in Level 2 courses accordingly. One of the schools now. And the kids like it, so it’s a projects is the development of a qualifi- win-win situation. cation specifically for sports teachers in schools because there’s a huge demand WHAT IS PARKOUR UK among PE teachers to be able to deliver WORKING ON DURING the basics, and that will begin to be THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? delivered this year. The main focus is getting as many people qualified to teach Parkour as possible WHAT’S THE FUTURE so that the sport can develop in a posi- FOR PARKOUR? tive way. The Level One ADAPT (Art du We’d like to see the discipline continue to Deplacement and Parkour Teaching) spread in a good way, so that the original instructor qualification programme spirit of Parkour isn’t diluted or lost and launched in January 2010, and the Level it continues to grow in popularity. L Two course launched in the summer of that year. We’ve done about 15 Level Magali Robathan is managing editor of One courses since it launched. It takes Leisure Management magazine

72 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 New Fun,
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P A R K O U R by Wicksteed enters the urban world of freerunning with their Parkour zones

Wicksteed enters the edgy and exciting world of parkour with schemes designed by the world’s leading professionals – Parkour Generations. Also known as freerunning, this exhilarating sport is beginning to take off in the UK – both in schools and community areas. Wicksteed’s specially designed zones - for free use of all budding parkour lovers – are set to draw in practitioners from far and wide! Parkour engages, inspires and motivates young people for whom more traditional sports and physical education has less appeal. Wicksteed’s parkour training facilities have been designed to comply with the proposed British Standard tabled by the National Governing Body. So, if you want to see people from all walks of life out there practising their Tic Tacs or polishing up their Speed Vault techniques, get a Wicksteed parkour facility sorted! www.wicksteed.co.uk

Wicksteed Leisure Limited Digby Street Kettering Northamptonshire NN16 8YJ Call and get your Wicksteed Parkour T: +44(0)1536 517028 brochure now! E: [email protected]

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 73 Product round-up sport-kit.net the search engine for leisure buyers

Wherever you are in the world, fi nd the right products and services 24 / 7 Ryesport signed by logging onto Sports up for Everton Management’s free search

British Seed Houses’ (BSH) A20 engine www.sport-kit.net Ryesport has been selected to keep Everton’s Goodison Park pitch and Finch Farm training ground green – Arena seats Docklands despite a punishing schedule for the squash classic premiership club. BSH identified the perfect sports ground solution in the Arena Seating supplied 200 seats four-rye blend, as it offers a high toler- on three tiered grandstands for the ance to wear, a rapid establishment annual ISS Canary Wharf Squash and great winter colour. Classic that took place at East Win- tergarden, London’s Docklands in sport-kit.net KEYWORDS March this year. british seed houses By carefully constructing the grand- stands surrounding the court’s glass walls, Arena was able to offer specta- tors the best possible comfort and viewing experience as the world’s greatest squash players fought for the title of champion – eventually sport-kit.net KEYWORDS won by England’s Nick Matthew. arena seating

A concrete proposal from Wicksteed

Shock news Wicksteed Playscapes has entered from Trocellen the exciting world of parkour, with schemes created in conjunction with New from Trocellen is its ProGame leading designers Parkour Genera- brand, a system of shock pads de- tions. The company’s parkour zones signed to maximise the stability and are designed using a mixture of long lasting performance of artificial pre-cast concrete walls and galva- turf installations. Presented on a roll, nised steel bars – both which fit into the pads offer constant performance a 15m x 10m space. Constructed to across the whole installed area – inde- BS8110 standard, the walls range pendent of weather conditions. It also in height from 0.5m to a maximum meets the requirements of differing of 1.2m with widths ranging from systems, such as sand and rubber infill 100mm to 150mm. A thorough site – and even those without infill. survey is required first, but the zones are designed to be installed into a sport-kit.net KEYWORDS sport-kit.net KEYWORDS range of different surfaces, for which trocellen wicksteed playscapes all applications can be catered.

74 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 log on to www.sport-kit.net and type the company name under ‘keyword search’

Front line support from Tarkett

When the old floor of the gym at the RAF Odiham front-line helicopter support base in Hampshire needed replacing, a Tarkett Sports Flooring System was found to be the best solution. Incorporating InstaSport sprung sub-floors, the system is ideal for use where the subfloor is not level Weatherproof sport or the height of the finished floor needs to be raised. When combined Norseman Structures has supplied with a Tarkett vinyl or engineered a new Jubilee Dome indoor sports sport-kit.net KEYWORDS wood sports surface, the system is facility for Spratton Hall School in tarkett sports fl ooring fully compliant with EN14904. Northamptonshire. Included within the 19.8m x 34.7m structure are netball, tennis and volleyball courts, Twice the productivity with the Double Renew2 together with four badminton courts. The facility provides a building solution Artificial Grass Maintenance has that enables sports activities and launched The Double Renew2. lessons to continue throughout the Based on the original Renew2 modu- year – even in poor weather. lar design and developed for sand dressed, sand filled and 3G surfaces, sport-kit.net KEYWORDS it offers twice the productivity, ideal norseman structures for full sized pitches. An increased working width brushes, decompacts, distributes and finishes a full-sized pitch in 45 minutes. Special brushes lift the pile and loosen the infill, while fully adjustable angled tines offer ac- curate depth adjustment – giving a sport-kit.net KEYWORDS softer rejuvenated playing surface. double renew 2

Lappset’s urban inspiration Hippo combines the New from Lappset Playworld is highs and the lows Lappset Parkour Solutions, a range of urban-inspired recreational Hippo Leisure has installed a new equipment. The Pyramid Climber water play design at Concordia Leisure is ideal for practising vaulting; the Centre in Cramlington, Northumberland. Spider Cage (left) allows users to try Combining low and high level features different moves on one piece of kit, in vibrant colours, the feature creates including underbars and wall runs; water action in two main areas and and the Tic-Tac Cube forms the basis mixes different interactive elements to of many parkour routes, allowing provide an inclusive play scenario for practitioners to jump to and from it. all ages and abilities. The equipment Both the Spider Cage and the Tic- is surrounded by an Aquatrol pregnated Tac Cube are available in a range of safety surface. sizes. The equipment is made from sport-kit.net KEYWORDS high quality materials and mounted sport-kit.net KEYWORDS lappset playworld securely in concrete. hippo leisure

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 75 Principal contractors A Tennis Courts B Synthetic Pitches SAPCA C Athletics Tracks D Multi Sports E Natural Sportsturf DIRECTORY F Play Surfaces Ancillary Contractors, Manufacturers & suppliers The Sports and Play Construction SAPCA represents a wide range of G Adhesives Association, SAPCA, is the specialist constructors of natural and H Aggregate Producers recognised trade organisation synthetic sports surfaces, including I Equipment Suppliers for the sports and play facility both outdoor and indoor facilities, J Fencing Systems K Floodlighting construction industry in the from tennis courts and sports pitches L Indoor Structures UK. SAPCA fosters excellence, to playgrounds and sports halls. M Paint Manufacturers professionalism and continuous SAPCA also represents manufacturers N Screening/Windbreaks improvement throughout the and suppliers of related products, O Sports Surface Suppliers industry, in order to provide the and independent consultants that P Surface painting/Line Marking high quality facilities necessary for offer professional advice on the Q Civil Engineers & Groundworks the success of British sport. development of projects. R Irrigation & Pumping S Maintenance

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS

Construction, Design & Braithwaites Yard, Surfacing of all Sports Facilities. Hallow, Telephone: 0844 448 4370 Worcester, WR2 6PW sports grounds L soft landscaping & reclemation L hard landscaping Fax: 0844 448 4371 L environmental improvements L grounds maintenance email: [email protected] T: 01905 640671 F: 01905 640621 E: [email protected] T 0191 3782288 F 0191 3789962 Web: www.ambsports.com E [email protected]

A D A B C D I J K N O P A D J K P A B D E

Charles Lawrence Tennis Courts Honours Yard, 4 Allen Avenue, Quorn, Loughborough, Lodge Lane, Leicester LE12 8TR Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP84AJ Design, Build & Maintain the Finest Tel: 01509 563212 T: 01494 766673 F: 01494 766674 Tennis Courts & Sports Surfaces Fax: 01509 561325 E: [email protected] 01621 85 86 86 email: [email protected] www.thechilterngroup.co.uk www.etcsports.co.uk

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

construction maintenance equipment

Tel: (0116) 246 0500 Fax: (0116) 246 1561 St. Peter’s Works, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham GL51 9AL Email: [email protected] Tel: 01242 513251 Fax: 01242 226396 www.fossecontracts.co.uk www.grimshawgroup.co.uk

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

Hunter Construction (Aberdeen) Ltd, Unit 32, Clwyd Close, Centaur House, Tel: 01491 827810 Hawarden Industrial Est, Thainstone Manor Lane, Hawarden, CH5 3PZ, Business Park, Inverurie Fax: 01491 827830 T: 01244 533184 Hanslope, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK19 7BX, AB51 5GT F: 01244 533184 Tel: 01908 510414 / 511155 Fax: 01908 511056 E: [email protected] Tel: 01467 627290 Fax: 01467 625791 Email: [email protected], E-mail:[email protected] www.landunitconstruction.co.uk www.mcardle-astroturf.co.uk www.plattconstruction.co.uk

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

Newbury Berkshire 280 Watford Road, St Albans, Herts, t: 01635 34521 AL2 3DN www.sandcslatter.com Support in Sport (UK) Ltd Market leaders in the manufacture, design and construction Specialists in Tennis Courts and POLYTAN SPORTS SURFACES LIMITED [email protected] of sports fi elds and training complexes Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA’s) Phone: 0845 224 1416 Fax: 0845 224 1617 SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SURFACES AND Tel: 01900 817837 Fax: 01900 817605 Tel: 01727 730707 Email: [email protected] EQUIPMENT FOR: L Multi-Sport Facilities email: sales@supportin sport.com [email protected] www.polytansports.co.uk LCricket Facilities LPlay and Educational Facilities www.supportinsport.com www.sportscourts.co.uk

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

76 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS

G Adhesives L Indoor Structures Q Civil Engineers & Groundworks H Aggregate Producers M Paint Manufacturers R Irrigation & Pumping I Equipment Suppliers N Screening/Windbreaks S Maintenance J Fencing Systems O Sports Surface Suppliers K Floodlighting P Surface painting/Line Marking

Abacus Lighting Limited B&L Fencing Services Ltd  Sutton in Ashfield
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      Tel: 01623 511111 Bridome Ltd, The Courtyard, Wisley, Surrey GU23 6QL   Fax: 01623 552133 www.blfencing.co.uk     !"#    !  Tel +44 (0)1932 350365 Fax +44 (0)1932 350375  $%&'(')* Email: [email protected] Fencing Specialists to the Sports Industry e. [email protected] www.bridome.co.uk '%&'(')*

K S J L M P

Sports flooring · Sports surfaces GET UNDERCOVER With a CopriSystems sports dome - Tracks for champions for year round protection BASF Construction Chemicals (UK) Ltd from the weather www.berleburger.com Tel: 0161 727 2864 Fax: 01527 503576 Tel: 01794 301 000 Fax: 01794 301 342 Tel: 01422 200 143 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.conica.basf.com Tel: 0800 9886370 www.collinson.co.uk www.coprisystems.com

O G O P L L

Fabrieksstraat 13, Tel: 01920 860600 8281 BW Genemuiden, The Netherlands. Fax: 01920 485915 Email: T: +31 (0)38 425 00 50 F: +31 (0)38 425 00 51 SUPPLIERS OF ADHESIVES FOR ALL APPLICATIONS IN THE SPORTS SURFACE INDUSTRY [email protected] E: [email protected] Tel: 01889 271751 Fax: 01889 271161 www.cuphosco.com www.edelgrass.com www.envirostik.com Email: [email protected]

K O G O

Leading Manufacturer of innovative premium- quality vinyl fl ooring

O O M P S O

GOALS MAKE GAMES. WE MAKE GOALS. GEZOLAN AG T: +41 748 3040 Switzerland email: www.gezolan.ch [email protected] 01502 710039

O I O P I I

Sports Facility Construction: Exhibitions & Seminars SAPCA regional exhibitions featuring the leading constructors of sports facilities and suppliers of related products and services, together with seminars on key aspects of sports facility design and construction.

FOR FUTURE EXHIBITIONS AND SEMINARS Tel: 024 7641 6316 or Email: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 77 SAPCA DIRECTORY ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS

" !#$  Suppliers of sports  ! $  surfacing materials High quality sports posts, Polytech International Ltd and Millennium Rubber Ltd, nets and tennis court equipment  $ Nab Works, Pott Shrigley, Macclesfi eld, Cheshire SK10 5SD T: 0121 783 0312 "$"$ 
F: 0121 786 2472 T: +44 (0) 1625 575737 E: [email protected] 
   E: [email protected] www.hexasports.co.uk  $$$$$  $   " www.mri-polytech.com

I J K O

Murfi tts Industries Limited To book your advertisement Station Road, Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9AD Temporary in the SAPCA directory call Tel: 01842 860220 David on Fax: 01842 863300 buildings Email: [email protected] www.neptunus.co.uk +44 (0)1462 471902

O L O

RUBB REPLAY Maintenance Ltd Wesley House, Whittle Close, Newark, NG24 2DY PO Box 7, Wellington Mills, Liversedge, W Yorks WF15 7FH UK BUILDING SYSTEMS Tel: +44 (0) 1636 640506 www.nottssport.com Tel: +44 (0)1924 412488 we will never stop...innovating Email: [email protected] T: +44 [0] 1455 883 730 e-mail: [email protected] www.play-rite.co.uk www.replaymaintenance.co.uk www.rubb.com

O O I P S L

Surfaces and Thorn Lighting, equipment for sport, Elstree Way, Borehamwood play and leisure. Hertfordshire WD6 1FE     @E;FFIÛJGFIKJÛJLI=8:

I O L O K

Get it right the fi rst time, use British Sugar TOPSOIL Fencing, Gates and Vehicle Control Phone: +44 (0)845 607 6308 The Sports and Play Construction Association Fax: +44 (0)845 607 6307 can be contacted on: 024 7641 6316 Email: [email protected] Web: www.werra.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 0870 2402314 www.bstopsoil.co.uk www.sapca.org.uk O J

Wright & Maclennan Ltd To book your advertisement Camps Industrial Estate Kirknewton, Midlothian, EH27 8DF in the SAPCA directory call T: 01506 881486 F: 01506 883669 Cleaning, marking and lining of sports surfaces David on E: [email protected] Tel: 01342 311155 Fax: 01342 311156 www.wrightandmaclennan.co.uk www.white-line-services.com +44 (0)1462 471902 www.whitehorsecontractors.co.uk

I P S B D E Q R J

To subscribe to Sports Management, log on to www.leisuresubs.com email subs@leisuremedia. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES com 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 Hedgihhjg[VXZiZhi^c\VcYVcVanh^h and is distributed in the USA by SPP, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. Periodicals IZa ))%&,,(,+*%%, postage paid @ Manchester, PA. POSTMASTER. Send US address changes to Sports Management, ;Vm ))%&,,(,+*%%. c/o PO Box 437, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. lll#aVWdhedgi#Xd#j` The views expressed in print are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher The Leisure Media Company Limited. Sports To book your advertisement All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or Construction Consultancy in the SAPCA directory call transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recorded or otherwise Tel: 01403 259400 Fax: 01403 261250 David on without the prior permission of the copyright email: [email protected] Tel: 01536 400012 Fax: 01536 401953 holder. Printed by Manson Group Printers. Email: [email protected] +44 (0)1462 471902 © Cybertrek Ltd 2011 ISSN 1479/9146 Tracks - Pitches - Courts & MUGA’S www.surfacingstandards.co.uk

78 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 DIRECTORY sports management directory Be seen by over 5,500 active buyers in the most exciting full colour buyer’s guide in the sports industry. Call the Sports Management team now on +44 (0)1462 431385 Email: [email protected]

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advert in the consultants sports management directory

Interior Call David now on "" " "" !""!" Solutions +44 (0)1462 471902 Tel: 01730 237100  
   

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For expert advice or a free brochure: Tel: 01902 796 699 [email protected]

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Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 79 DIRECTORY

indoor/outdoor surface line Indoor sports halls/temporary lockers/changing rooms marking & maintenance or non - traditional structures

Cleaning, lining and resurfacing Temporary buildings of sports surfaces FITLOCKERS Quality Affordable Timber Lockers c\`jli\d\[`X Tel: 44 (0)1342 311155 Fax: 44 (0)1342 311156 T: 01923 770435 JKL;@F Email: [email protected] www.neptunus.co.uk sales@fi tlockers.co.uk www.white-line-services.com www.fi tlockers.co.uk

Indoor sports halls/temporary lockers/changing rooms @e[ljkip$c\X[`e^ or non - traditional structures dXib\k`e^Xe[ [\j`^ej\im`Z\j UK BASED MANUFACTURERS OF: ❖ Wooden & laminate lockers N`k_dfi\k_Xe*'p\XijË ❖ Toilet Cubicles & IPS Systems GET UNDERCOVER ❖ Reception Counters \og\i`\eZ\#c\`jli\d\[`X With a CopriSystems sports dome - RIDGEWAY FURNITURE ❖ Any other wood based product jkl[`fn`ccnfibn`k_pfl for year round protection from the weather Tel: 01794 301 000 Fax: 01794 301 342 kfZi\Xk\Y\jgfb\gi`ek Xe[n\Yjfclk`fejkf gfn\ipflidXib\k`e^

◗ N\Y[\j`^e www.coprisystems.com ◗ iXg_`Z[\j`^e RUBB ◗ ;`^`kXcklie`e^gX^\j BUILDING SYSTEMS ◗ @dX^\i\kflZ_`e^ we will never stop T 0870 420 7818 [email protected] ◗ @ccljkiXk`fe ...innovating ◗ 8[m\ik`j`e^[\j`^e www.rubb.com sports buildings ◗ ;`i\ZkdX`c Book your advert on our website ◗ Gi`ek and be seen by SPORTS over 14,000 buyers C

80 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 sports flooring sports lighting sports surface maintenance

Tel: 01623 511111 Fax: 01623 552133 High performance fl ooring Email: [email protected] solutions for ALL indoor sport Picture courtesy of Call +44 (0)1926 622600 Cheshire County Sports Club email: [email protected] www.gerflor.co.uk Fully compliant www.abacuslighting.com with EN14904 Maintaining Synthetic Sports Surfaces Recreational We specialise in the maintenance of all types of synthetic surfaces. We COATINGS deploy a wide range of specialised machines, processes and techniques LIMITED in order to keep sports facilities in the best possible condition at every stage of their life. Sports Lighting Specialists Please contact us for a FREE site visit or for further information. All Aspects of Indoor Sports Surface Installation Design . Installation . Maintenance REPLAY Maintenance Ltd (to meet all specifi cation and budgetary requirements) Nationwide Service Tel: 0161 484 0111 Fax: 0161 484 0222 Wesley House, Whittle Close, Newark, NG24 2DY Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1636 640506 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01920 860600 www.rec-coatings.co.uk Fax: 01920 485915 Fax: +44 (0) 1636 612860 www.replaymaintenance.co.uk Email: [email protected] www.cuphosco.com sports equipment suppliers & manufacturers synthetic sports surfaces tennis court construction & surface coatings maintenance The leading manufacturer of netting, posts & sports ground equipment
 Specialists in Tennis Court   Construction & Maintenance for ! " #$ $  Local authorities, Councils, Schools, $$ %$# Tel 01502 583515 Tennis Clubs & the Private Sector

  01727 730707 www.harrod.uk.com
        Tel: 01491 827810 www.sportscourts.co.uk     !"#     !   $%&'(')* Fax: 01491 827830


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wet leisure play products GOALS MAKE GAMES. beauty WE MAKE GOALS. leisure-kit.net fitness www.leisure-kit.net TALK TO MARK HARROD fun The website, email and search engine for leisure buyers 01502 710039 gaming www.markharrod.com golf www.leisure-kit.netVisit leisure-kit.net for the sports ground construction green latest news about products hospitality and services for the leisure leisure industry. museum To advertise your product and reach over 20,000 spa leisure buyers call now on sport +44 (0)1462 431385 or email water [email protected] Hippo Leisure Products Ltd, Unit 18, Estover Road, Estover, Plymouth PL6 7PY subscribe online at www.leisuresubs.com Tel: +44 (0) 1752 313075 E: [email protected] or call +44 (0)1462 431385 W: www.hippoleisure.com www.whitehorsecontractors.co.uk

Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 81 powered by leisurediary.com

DIARY DATES Worldwide events listings for leisure professionals

3-5 JUNE 2011 21-22 JUNE 2011 Grassroots Football Live PlayFair 2011 The NEC, Birmingham Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire This event offers something for every- The UK’s trade event for all those one involved in football – including involved in the selection, purchase, up- ADVERTISERS INDEX players, managers, coaches, referees keep and replacement of children’s play and volunteers. It features practical equipment. This outdoor event is totally AMB Sports 47 demonstrations and inspirational discus- dedicated to the play sector. It’s free Artifi cial Grass Maintenance 11 sions presented by football experts Chris to visit and offers a series of seminars Coleman, Peter Taylor, Tosh Farrell, Bill designed to keep delegates up to date British Seed Houses 41 Beswick and Richard Beale. with the latest thinking and demands British Sugar Topsoil 43 www.grassrootsfootball.co.uk affecting the country’s play spaces. http.//2011.playfairuk.com Charterhouse 43 7 JUNE 2011 SAPCA Exhibition 5-7 JULY 2011 Collinson 47 Aston Villa FC, Birmingham CIPFA Annual Conference 2011 FieldTurf OBC This free Sport and Play Construction Birmingham ICC Association (SAPCA) event offers educa- The Chartered Institute of Public Forum Events 60 tional seminars, which provide guidance Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Gen 3 Kinematics 69 on all aspects of the delivery of new and conference will explore the full conse- upgraded sports facilities. It also includes quences of the spending cuts as the new Gerfl or 17/67 an exhibition featuring specialist con- public services landscape takes shape. Hippo Leisure 73 structors of sport facilities and suppliers Speakers will include Rt Hon Eric Pickles of related products and services. MP, political broadcaster Daisy McAn- IOG SALTEX 51 www.sapca.org.uk drews and Richard Koo – chief econo- mist of the Nomura Research Institute. JB Corrie 49 7-8 JUNE 2011 www.cipfaannualconference.org.uk Lapsett Playworld 73 UK Coaching Summit Europa Hotel, Belfast 6-8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Limonta Sport IFC An annual opportunity for sporting IOG SALTEX LIW 33 NGBs and public and private coaching Windsor Racecourse, Berkshire providers to share best practice and Organised by the Institute of Mark Harrod 41/63 focus on the common coaching agenda. Groundsmanship (IOG), this www.sportscoachuk.org outdoor show highlights fi ne turf, Milon 65 sports surfaces, maintenance equip- Neptunus Structures 52 14-16 JUNE 2011 ment, children’s outdoor play and Stadium Business Summit safety surfacing, landscaping, commer- Norseman Structures 55 Hesperia Tower, Barcelona, Spain cial vehicles, outdoor leisure and facili- Recreational Coatings 63 In partnership with the city of Barcelo- ties management, as well as software na, leading football clubs FC Barcelona and security equipment. It’s attended Replay Maintenance 41 and RCD Espanyol and a host of industry by managers of open spaces – Rubb Buildings 52 backers, this event will explore the including groundsmen, greenkeepers, critical issues facing the stadium and contractors, local authority and leisure S&P Architects 29 major sports venue sector. facility managers. www.stadiumbusinesssummit.com www.iog.org Scottish Swimming 58/59 Sports Courts UK 47 15-17 JUNE 2011 20-22 SEPTEMBER 2011 Stadia & Arena Marseille Sport (at LIW) Sports Surfaces UK 63 Marseille, France The NEC, Birmingham Stadia and Arena, Marseille IBC Playing host to the 2016 European Foot- Formerly known as Sport Development ball Championships, the French Football week, this event offers an ideal meeting The Grass Group 43 Federation bid included 12 stadiums, place for the UK sports industry to net- of which four will be new and seven work and look into new ways to extend Wicksteed Playscapes 73 requiring major renovations – includ- sports participation. The show’s new Zaun Fencing 51 ing a major renovation of Marseille’s Youth Engagement Zone will highlight Velodrome Stadium. Construction work innovative ways to engage children in should have commenced by June 2011 physical activity and the Flow Rider sport-kit.net and delegates will have an opportunity artifi cial wave machine will make its to view its progress during the event. second annual appearance at the show. For more information on our advertisers’ www.sam.uk.com/2011 www.liw.co.uk products log on to www.sport-kit.net

82 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011 MARSEILLE 70% Sold! 15-17 JUNE 2011 announcing... Europe’s exhibition and conference for the entertainment and sports venue industry

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

www.sam.uk.com I was impressed not only by “the number and diversity of the 2010 delegates, but also their enthusiasm during my address and their appetite for further information during open questions and when talking to me privately afterwards. Jim Maietta NaCTSO (National Counter Terrorism Security Office) ”

Book your stand now!

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FieldTurf in the UK is pleased to provide unrivalled technical support across all areas of your synthetic turf project from construction through installation and maintenance. For more information, please contact us at: [email protected]

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