www.sportsmanagement.co.uk @Sportsmag Vol 19 issue 3 2015

GRASS ROOTS SPECIAL

new opening DERBY TRACEY CROUCH ARENA New minister of sport plans to Futuristic in rewrite UK sports strategy appearance, sustainable in practice

ON THE COVER: ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FIFA Women’s World Cup champions USA UNIVERSITY SPORTS CENTRES EXAMINED

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EDITOR'S LETTER

NURTURING THE GRASSROOTS

Sport is an increasingly important part of the global economy. It's important, however, that those working in the industry don't lose sight of what makes economic success possible in the first place – the health of grassroots and community sport

port is growing globally, as developing nations Government support for community sport operators and thrive and generate middle classes eager to spend facilities is crucial. In the UK, the new Conservative government their newly found disposable income on sport and has wasted no time in making its case for a fresh sports strategy. S recreation. Evidence of this can be seen in the way Sports minister Tracey Crouch – a qualified grassroots football global sports market revenues are projected to reach US$145bn coach herself – has launched a consultation, A New Strategy for (€128bn, £94bn) by the end of 2015 – a 7 per cent increase Sport which will look to ensure that precious resources are used in from US$121bn (€107bn, £79bn) in 2011. a more targeted way to get people more active. Advanced economies are benefiting too. The sports industry is "The strapline of London 2012 was Inspire a Generation," now responsible for 2 per cent (€330bn) of the EU’s total GDP Crouch says. "Participation levels among 16- to 25-year-olds and the number of people employed remain steady across most sports. by sports-related activities within That’s good, but not good enough. the EU is estimated at 7.3 million The number of people When the last Active People Survey – equivalent to 3.5 per cent of employed by sports-related results were issued in June (2015), total employment. In the UK alone, I made it clear that I wasn't happy sport has become a £20bn-a-year activities within the EU is with the decline in the number industry, supporting 450,000 jobs. estimated at 7.3 million of people participating in sport." The impressive figures mean (To read more, see our profile of that the riches available for Crouch on page 38). those reaching the top of the sporting tree are becoming Both Crouch and secretary of state for sport, John unimaginable. Earlier this year the English Premier League – Whittingdale, have been vocal in their calls for the English where top players earn up to £250,000 a week – secured a Premier League – now the richest football league in the world £5.14bn TV rights deal, the largest in history. On an individual – to share more of its spoils with those further down the tree. level, tennis star Roger Federer earns an estimated US$58m Asked by MPs whether the Premier League – which currently (€51m, £38m) from endorsements alone, while the net worth invests around £60m a year on grassroots – should share more of the world’s richest athlete, boxer Floyd Mayweather, is of its TV revenue with grassroots football, Whittingdale replied: estimated at US$300m (€265m, £195m). "Without question. I believe the Premier League should at least While sport is generating wealth across the globe, we double what it currently contributes." shouldn’t, however, forget what makes elite sport possible and Whittingdale has a point. It's vital that everybody involved in feeds interest in sports in general – the grassroots. sport nurtures the roots – it's the only way to ensure the rest of In this issue, we celebrate community sport and highlight ways the tree will stay healthy. in which we can ensure a healthy future for all by making children active. We ask whether the industry is doing enough in using Tom Walker, managing editor technology to increase participation (page 32) and also look at twitter: @sportsmagtom programmes that have successfully tackled inactivity (page 58). email: [email protected]

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 3 WELCOME

PROFILE – NEWLY APPOINTED SPORTS MINISTER TRACEY CROUCH PAGE 38

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE – HOW TO BALANCE THE NEEDS OF A WIDE RANGE OF USERS PAGE 62

08 People profiles 20 News round up 38 Profile – Tracey Crouch Extreme endurance athlete Sean Conway; The new sports minister outlines government rector of Russia’s Olympic university Lev 28 News report – Canada 2015 WC plans for the future of sport in the UK Belousov; and Rugby World Cup’s head How this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup groundskeeper Keith Kent broke new ground for women’s sport 42 New opening: Derby Arena Futuristic in appearance, sustainable in

GRASS 16 Thought leaders 32 Talking point ROOTS practice – Derby’s new velodrome Views from Sunday Times journalist John Are sports facilities and operators SPECIAL Goodbody; Sports and Recreation Alliance embracing technology enough to avoid losing 46 Architect profile: Earl Santee CEO Emma Boggis; and Tanni Grey-Thompson an entire ‘tech generation’ to inactivity? Founder of Populous on how a well-designed stadium can transform an entire community 18 Mike Hall column 34 Interview – Michael Downey

GRASS Notes and analysis from the International The CEO of the Lawn Tennis Association is 50 City of Football ROOTS Union of Architects meeting in London on a quest to transform the sport Nottingham to embed the beautiful game SPECIAL

4 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 ISSUE 3 2015 www.sportsmanagement.co.uk @sportsmag

GRASSROOTS – DOES A FOCUS ON FUN, RATHER THAN COMPETITION, GET KIDS MORE ACTIVE? PAGE 54

UK CITY OF FOOTBALL – NOTTINGHAM SELECTED TO PIONEER NEW INITIATIVE PAGE 50

54 GRASS 66 80 Growing the grassroots ROOTS Swimming revenues LIW Preview and exhibitor news Kath Hudson on why more needs to be SPECIAL Swimming pools may be one of the most All the news from this year’s LIW event done to engage and encourage young children expensive overheads for sports and leisure operators, but innovative programming and 110 SAPCA Game On

58 GRASS Early childhood sport ROOTS outsourcing lessons can drive revenue SAPCA moves into new HQ, a look at the Figures suggest children in the UK are get- SPECIAL different types of yarn used in artificial turf ting increasingly inactive. Katherine Selby looks 70 Fitness in sport: tracking apps and an update on SAPCA’s tennis division at the initiatives which seek to buck the trend Calorie counters might be inaccurate – but does being able to tell whether you burnt 118 Sport-kit – SALTEX preview 62 University challenge 400 or 450 during a workout really matter? Kate Corney lists some of the products which Universities are investing heavily in sports will feature at this year’s SALTEX event. facilities to woo both students and outside 74 Sport surfaces users – but how do they balance the needs of A round-up of the latest artificial sports 122 Sports Management diary dates students with those of elite athletes? pitch installations from around the UK Listings of the most important sports events. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 5 the team

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 7 PEOPLE

“If you have an idea for a challenge, make it harder and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to get there.”

Sean Conway, extreme adventurer

I’m just the guy from the pub. If I End in 2013 and completed a seven-week through accumulating “stuff” but through can do it, anyone can,” says Sean run – the subject of a Discovery Channel undertaking challenges which are testing Conway, the first person to have documentary – across Britain (which took both mentally and physically. “cycled, swum and run the length two attempts) on 4 May this year. “We’re all a lot more physically and of Great Britain. An unlikely endurance Previously a school photographer, in mentally capable than we think we are,” he athlete in lots of ways, Conway isn’t 2011 Conway decided he had had enough says. “Exercise cures most of life’s minor ex-military or a former athlete and of chasing the money, sold his share of the little niggles. It offers perspective. If had never run a marathon nor had any business to his partner for £1 and became you’re running a marathon and hit mile 23, experience of sea swimming prior to a full time adventurer, financing his the colour you painted your living room, starting his challenges. simplified lifestyle with talks and writing which wasn’t quite right, doesn’t matter Now 34 years old, he admits he spent books about his experiences. Conway anymore. Being outdoors and undertaking most of his 20s being inactive and has believes the route to contentment is not a mental and physical challenge can solve a penchant for whisky and ale. He says many of life’s problems. what makes him able to complete his “I do appreciate we live in a country adventures is a talent for being cold, wet, SEAN’S ADVENTURES where it’s not always easy being outdoors, hungry and miserable. but no great adventure started on a fine, “I was new to each discipline when Q Cycled London to Paris in 24 hours sunny day. There’s no such thing as bad I started the Great Britain challenge, Q Cycled London to the Alps in mid- weather, just the wrong clothes.” but with each one I wasn’t breaking any winter, sleeping rough under a bivi Even though he did it, Conway claims records, so I knew I could afford to get fit Q Cycled around the world (getting you don’t need to give up the day job on the adventure itself,” he says. “I have hit by a truck in America) to find adventure, but just look for the learnt, however, that adventures are way Q Kayaked the River Thames adventure in everyday life. For example, more enjoyable when you’re really fit!” Q Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, instead of taking the train to London, Conway cycled the length of the UK in dressed as a penguin from Cheltenham, for a New Year’s Eve 2008 because he thought it would be a Q Three Peaks Cycle party, he decided to walk. And rather cheap holiday and an efficient way to see Q Strongman Run than fly to Geneva and get a bus to the the country. Other challenges followed Q Arctic Ironman Alps, he cycled, sleeping in a bivi on the – he swam from John O’Groats to Land’s way. “Adventure in its purest form is just

8 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Conway completed his run across the UK in May (above) and has previously taken part in extreme swimming and cycling challenges (right)

a way of thinking,” he says. “My mate, Al Humphries, always says that you might have to work nine to five, but you’ve still got the five to nine. There are so many things you can do to challenge yourself on a weekend, to live life more adventurously without sacrificing your personal life.” “If you have an idea for a challenge, make it harder and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to get there. If you’re thinking you can’t run a 5k race, sign up for a 10k. Once the bar is set up there you take it more seriously.” Conway’s next adventure is in September. Still under wraps, it will involve swimming, cycling and running. However, he also likes the idea of organising his own extreme Iron Man: “The sort of race where you’d need to train for six months solid. But, if I can do it, then anyone can. Because I’m not anything special.” ● sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 9 PEOPLE

“Hosting the Rugby World Cup is perhaps a once in a lifetime experience for the groundskeeper involved”

Keith Kent, head groundskeeper, RFU and Rugby World Cup 2015

s Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) the experience, they were given the years at Leicester City, most of that time head groundskeeper, Keith opportunity to inspect the pitch after as head groundskeeper. From there he Kent is responsible for the most the game to learn about the effects. I’ve went to become head groundskeeper of A hallowed turf in rugby – the also held seminars around the country, Manchester United where he spent 15 green grass of Twickenham. This year, inviting as many of the groundsmen from years. At Old Trafford, he worked on the his work will be under extra scrutiny, as the training venues as possible. There are Euro 96 tournament – another experience England hosts the Rugby World Cup. In 41 World Cup venues in total, so I’ve been he can draw on while preparing for this the run up to the showcase event, Kent unable to visit all of them. year’s Rugby World Cup. is being kept busy with extra work – he’s “However we’ve worked with a company “Learning from the Euro 96 tournament, been assisting the other World Cup venues called Professional Sportsturf Design I’ve been telling everyone involved with ensure their pitches will be ready in time to ensure each site has been visited the World Cup to enjoy the time that they and up to standard. and assessed by a team of experts to have with the teams,” Kent says. “We hosted the groundsmen of the ascertain what needs to be done.” “This is perhaps a once in a lifetime World Cup’s football venues – the likes Kent is in an ideal position to understand experience and although it takes years to of Manchester City, Aston Villa, Milton the differences between football and get here it’s gone in such a short space Keynes, Brighton and Leicester – at rugby pitches – he took the top job at of time. We hosted five games at Old Twickenham for the England vs South RFU following a 30-year career in football. Trafford in Euro 96 and I can remember it Africa game,” Kent says. “As part of After leaving school at 16, he spent 17 as though it were yesterday. “I’ve been pointing out to the groundskeeper that there will be cameras broadcasting their facilities and turfs into front rooms all over the world – and to remember that you only have one chance to make a first impression. It is important that we as groundsmen show the world just how good we are.” Kent says he’s proud of British groundsmen and what he’s seen during his travels around the country in preparation for the World Cup. “I’m always impressed PIC: ©NEIL BALDERSON_SHUTTERSTOCK with the skill, knowledge and dedication of the British groundskeeper. “We have a knack, a feel for the job and almost everyone that I know enjoys what he or she is doing. It’d be wrong of me to say we’re the best in the world but I’d paraphrase the late, great Brian Clough: “We’re certainly in the top one.” Kent is responsible for Twickenham but has also consulted on other World Cup venues Details: www.rugbyworldcup.com

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“RIOU is the world’s first university dedicated to sport business education and our programmes are strongly connected with Olympic values”

Lev Belousov, rector of the Russian International Olympic University

What is the Russian specialists in sports management International Olympic and our programmes cover University (RIOU) and when the main aspects of sport was it launched? business education: venue and RIOU was established in October infrastructure management, 2009 under a memorandum competitions, mass of understanding between the communications, diplomacy International Olympic Committee and administration, sports law, (IOC), the Sochi 2014 Organising security in sport and career Committee and the Russian management. As well as the Olympic Committee (ROC). MSA, we also run a wide range of It’s an autonomous, non-profit short-term programmes in areas organisation founded by the such as hospitality, barrier-free Russian Ministry of Sport, the environments, economics, the ROC, Sochi 2014 and private management of sporting venues, investment company Interros. sports law and sustainable In 2010, the university began development. Each year these running training programmes courses attract more than 150 for staff of Sochi 2014. The students from around the world. main educational product – the one-year Master of Sport Administration (MSA) Lev Belousov took charge of What does your role as rector entail? course – was launched in September 2013. RIOU in 2010, becoming the My key responsibilities include strategic institution’s first ever rector planning, interaction with the founders Were you actively involved in setting and state structures and, of course, up RIOU from the very beginning? operational management. I took charge of RIOU in June 2010 project of the Sochi 2014 Olympic and The structure of the RIOU team is at the initial stage of its development Paralympic Winter Games, we hope that aligned with our strategic duties. I have when there was neither a campus nor many of RIOU’s graduates will go on to four deputies (pro-rectors) who are re- educational programmes in place. The help develop the Russian sports market – sponsible for managing the following main management task then was the but we are also determined to raise the areas: administration, government rela- organisation of the university’s working level of sports management globally, tions, organisation of academic work, and processes. As Sochi 2014 approached, particularly within the Olympic movement. educational and research activities. RIOU started its educational activities RIOU is also the proud guardian of the by developing and implementing a range Sochi 2014 Archive: an invaluable bank of What makes RIOU unique? of exclusive educational programmes case studies and best-practice materials A lot of university sport-related for the staff of Sochi 2014, Sochi City on every aspect of the Sochi 2014 programmes focus on narrow areas within Administration and Olympstroy – the preparations since 2007. management, such as administration or state corporation responsible for the law or by specialising in a single sport construction of the Sochi 2014 venues. What are RIOU’s main activities? only, but our model combines a traditional It’s the world’s first university dedicated university curriculum with features What was the motivation behind RIOU? to sport business education and we offer commonly found on a career development The primary goal was to train the next unique programmes strongly connected programme. This broader approach allows generation of management professionals with Olympic values and experiences. us to provide high quality training in for the sports industry. As a legacy The principle focus is on training sports management to candidates from

12 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 a wide range of backgrounds. Many of planning and staging of the Paralympic our students have sport-related degrees RIOU’s inaugural MSA intake at Winter Games. This survey was compiled on their CVs already but we’re open the official opening of RIOU’s by our first intake of MSA students as to suitably qualified applicants of any campus in September 2013 part of their observer and participation experience. By casting the net wider, we programmes during the Games. produce more versatile sports managers as there will be a greater mix of ideas documents relating to Sochi’s staging How important will it be for future among the student community. of the Winter Games through our Games bids to include legacy plans? Sochi 2014 Archive. These documents There is certainly no doubting that the Who will RIOU be marketed at? are accessible in hard copy and digital IOC has underlined the importance of Our target audience are young and consist of audio, photo and video sustainability and legacy for any city professionals at sporting organisations materials as well as best-practice case thinking about hosting an Olympic looking to take their career to the studies of the Organising Committee’s Games. Whether a city is representing next level. This means people working operations for Sochi 2014. a developing or a developed country, it or volunteering with national Olympic Secondly, thanks to the Games, Sochi’s will have to prove that it can implement committees or sports federations. But it sporting infrastructure is world-class and effective legacy projects if it wants to also means people from sports clubs and means that our students have real-life host the Games. Developing nations marketing and communications agencies. examples of how venues can be utilised for naturally have less sporting infrastructure We also encourage athletes looking to the benefit of the local population after so may have an advantage in being able negotiate a career transition. the Games are over. to show the IOC that the legacy projects During the Games, we also carried attached to the bid will enhance more How will you utilise RIOU’s out a detailed survey of more than 200 lives in a more dramatic way than in a relationship with Sochi 2014? athletes and representatives of the media developed nation. It will certainly be Mainly in two ways. Firstly, our lecturers to collect valuable feedback on how these interesting to see how legacy influences and students have access at any time to groups perceived different aspects of the the future bidding process. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 13 PEOPLE

“Caribbean people love cricket and they also love a party – the CPL mixes these two elements”

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO, Caribbean Premier League

hen I first arrived in the by the 18 county cricket clubs in the chosen motto. “T20 cricket by its nature Caribbean, every kid was NatWest T20 Blast are responsible for a is very much a mix of entertainment and wearing a LeBron James, disproportionately large percentage of sport, so the format fits the Caribbean Dwayne Wade or some annual revenue for the clubs. In Australia, lifestyle perfectly,“ he says. “Caribbean “W the Big Blast League attracted average other NBA basketball shirt,” says Damien people love cricket and they also love O’Donohoe, the chief executive of the attendances of 23,500 during 2014-15 – to get dressed up, have a good time and Caribbean Premier League (CPL). “Now far exceeding the crowds watching the have a party. The CPL mixes cricket with you see kids running around wearing CPL longer forms of domestic cricket. the Caribbean culture – the sounds, the shirts – it gives me incredible satisfaction CPL aims to not only match the atmosphere, the food, the drink. When and pride to see that. It really makes our commercial successes of its counterparts, you put all that together it makes for a project worthwhile.” but rejuvenate West Indies cricket, which very unique experience for the players, CPL, now in its third year, is a Twenty20 has for long been losing ground to football the fans and the TV audience.” cricket league played over six weeks at and basketball as the region’s favourite As a product, the CPL has been pretty the end of the West Indies’ domestic sport. O’Donohoe believes his team will much an instant hit. In its first year, more cricket season. It is the brainchild of Denis be able to complete that task. than 90 per cent of all tickets to the O’Brien, head of communications firm This year, the CPL involved six games were sold. This year, all games were Digicel, and O’Donohoe, a qualified lawyer, franchises, with each team consisting of played at sold out stadiums, while a string who chose a career in events after his a mixture of world stars and local West of lucrative TV deals saw the matches dreams of becoming a professional rugby Indian players. The prospect of seeing beamed to a potential global audience player were ended by injury. the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Shahid of 300 million. As a result, the league In sporting terms, T20 cricket has Afridi, Chris Gayle and Jacques Kallis – all has now broken even and has recouped become big business in each country famous for their expressive playing style the initial investment of US$20m (€18m, which has embraced it. The Indian Premier – is reflected in the CPL’s tagline, “The £13m) made in 2013. League (IPL), the world’s most watched Biggest Party in Sport”. “The CPL creates excitement,” says T20 competition, has an estimated According to O’Donohoe, the O’Donohoe, “And people are passionate brand value of US$7.2bn. Meanwhile in opportunity to see global cricket about their local teams and its success.” England, the seven home games played stars wasn’t the only reason for the Details: www.cplt20.com

Now in its third year, the CPL attracts star names such as Kevin Pietersen (middle) and is becoming famous for its party atmosphere

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stand no: 278 M075 stand no: tbc www.duralock.com What are the Conservative government’s plans for sport?

John Goodbody, journalist, Sunday Times

New sports minister Tracey Crouch has announced there will be a new strategy for sport (for more, read interview with Crouch on page 38-40)

racey Crouch, the to exceed £8bn from 2016-17, Crouch was equally especially the Ministry of new sports minister, once foreign rights are signed, outspoken about the drop in Health. Crouch will also be has certainly not been and Crouch wants the Premier mass participation in physical talking to officials from national hesitant in voicing League to increase the £1bn activity. Sport England in June governing bodies, organisations strong opinions and it is planning to distribute to reported that 220,000 fewer such as Sport England, and Tconcerns since being appointed clubs and facilities, saying that people were taking regular anyone else who is considered in June (see interview with she is “genuinely appalled” at exercise than 12 months ago, relevant. It is expected to last Crouch on page 38-40). how small amount this is. although the number of regular several months with a possible Given her background as a She says: “The £1bn includes participants still exceeded 15.5 conclusion at the end of 2015. coach of a girl’s youth foot- parachute payments for million, more than it was before Among the areas the review ball team, it was not surprising relegated clubs, so we can the 2012 Olympics. could look at is how to use that her first pronouncements expect around a third to go to Most striking was the drop in social media, such as Facebook, dealt with the national game the grassroots. That is divided swimming with 144,200 fewer to attract youngsters into and specifically how little of in various ways so by the time people swimming on a weekly sport. Swimming, where the the Premier League’s television you get down to talking about basis than six months ago, ASA has a new CEO in Adam income goes to the grass- artificial pitches, it’s not very although it remains Britain’s Paker, needs to encourage roots to improve facilities. much money at all. I want to most popular participation more swimming pool operators The new TV deal is expected see a lot more from Europe’s activity with 2.5 million people to develop team-based wealthiest league.” taking part. Attending a gym activities for adults, particularly The Premier League says fell by 150,000. Running, the elderly. it already distributes more in basketball and tennis slightly At the moment, swimming is “good causes” than any other increased their numbers while largely divided between clubs, football league, that it’s not figures for most of the standard which cater for competition, a charity and the clubs need team games were static. leaving the vast majority of to keep so much money to Crouch said: “The recent recreational swimmers to their retain and attract the best downward trend in participation own devices. Athletics, with the players. Whenever there has has demonstrated the current success of the Saturday Park been a stand-off between approach has had its day. It’s Runs, should point the way for the government and football not the return we expect for swimming. More pools should authorities in the past, there a large investment of public have recreational sessions has always been the implied money. I’m going to develop for groups of people, with threat of the imposition of a new strategy for sport as a attendants helping individuals a Football Commissioner matter of urgency.” improve their stroke. on the game unless the Part of this formal review, One of the legacies of 2012 government gets its way. It which is already underway, was meant to be a rise in the

PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ MOOINBLACK ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK/ PIC: will be fascinating to see how will involve a more joined up number of people becoming Premier League: facing calls for it long it will be before this idea approach to sport and physical active. Crouch’s review must to contribute more to grassroots resurfaces. activity across Whitehall, ensure that this takes place.

16 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 In future, physical activity will play an increasingly prominent role in society

Sport is gaining traction – and the best is still ahead

Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, chair, ukactive

oming from a background of sport and competition, I’ve had to adjust Cto my new day job sitting in the House of Lords. It’s an incredible place and I feel honoured to be able to make a mark on the decision making process – but one thing is clear: the pace of the decision making can be tediously slow. We’re in the business of Businesses within the created tangible benefits for fundamental design of cities getting things right, of visiting physical activity sector have the sector, like the doubling and housing. Recent market and re-visiting policy and an incredible role to play as of public health spend; the developments have made the making what seem like endless innovators and incubators growth of National Fitness Day City of London prick up its ears, amendments to legislation. of new ideas, programmes and continued partnership of and powerful backing could But, we’re making new laws, so and practices. We’ve made Change 4 Life. But, I sincerely help accelerate progress. The it’s right that we get into the some excellent progress believe the best is yet to come. growth of what we have to detail. Personally though, I think in highlighting the issue of Physical activity will play offer will attract investors and there’s something to be said for physical inactivity at the highest an increasingly prominent speculators which will give the taking risks, for being bold. levels of government. We’ve role in society, including the sector an even bigger wingspan.

Time for the sports sector to get fit for the future

Emma Boggis, CEO, Sports and Recreation Alliance

igures from Sport In response to the latest is produced. Importantly we England’s latest figures the new minister want to see something which Active People Survey for sport, Tracey Crouch, reflects both the breadth of the show a very mixed has announced she’s going sport and recreation sector and picture. There are to bring forward a new the benefits it can bring. F1.4m more people playing sport cross government policy The picture of delivery is a regularly than in 2005, when for sport which joins up complex one and that is why London won the bid to host the government objectives. This we have just launched a new 2012 Games, but the number is welcome news. Like many programme of activity to has fallen since the Games. organisations the Alliance identify and address the key Sports clubs and has been advocating a cross- challenges for the sector. At organisations continue to departmental sport and our Sports Summit in June face a difficult environment they were at seven years ago. physical activity strategy for we published the first in what when it comes to increasing The fact is that many people some time. It is an obvious step will be a series of reports to participation, including wanting to play sport face for our sector and it makes help our members become countrywide falls in local increasing costs, while having sense for government, so we Fit for the Future. The aim authority funding which have less money in their pocket. look forward to working closely is to help NGBs to become implications for local facilities, Many are also time poor – with with our partners at DCMS better equipped to increase and real average incomes only a range of competing demands to ensure the views of our participation in their sport and just returning to the levels on their time. members are reflected in what help keep the nation active.

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 17 ARCHITECT'S NOTEBOOK

CATCHING UP ON LEGACY

In his latest in a series of columns, FaulknerBrowns Architects' Mike Hall recounts the recent meeting of the Sport and Leisure Group of the International Union of Architects

n June 2015, I had the and permanent sporting facilities and the A particular and pertinent issue pleasure of meeting regeneration of the east end of London in all Olympic venues since 1996 has fellow members of the appears to be a success and Glasgow, been how to design an enclosed sports International Union very much in line with Manchester’s facility to accommodate both the special of Architects Sport Commonwealth Games in 2002, did requirements for the Games (six week Iand Leisure Working much to bolster the principle that careful period only) and also for the longer legacy Programme (UIA S+LWP) and pragmatic planning can produce an period of forty years or more, ie: 99.7 per at one of our regular seminars. The event economic yet highly effective solution. cent of its lifetime. For some sports, this was held in London and was themed While the debate rages on as to the problem has been exacerbated because the around the legacies of London 2012 and legacies in terms of national participation briefs for spectator numbers have spiralled, the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. in sports, the multi-purpose and specialist seemingly out of control and reason. Participants in the event included a broad facilities appear to be well-used and well- Take the London Aquatics Centre, for spectrum of specialist sports architects example, where the brief’s requirements from around the world, all of whom have an for 18,000 seats for the Games (compared interest in major events facilities and in the Sound and informed briefing with only 3,000 seats in legacy mode) not legacies which they leave behind. is critical to future Games only meant poor, constricted and long- Speakers at the seminar included distance views for spectators, but also representatives from London Legacy facilities – and more detailed required the eaves height to be almost Development Corporation, Lee Valley strategies are needed double required for an international pool. Regional Park Authority, University College This additional height inevitably left a London, and from Glasgow 2014. The lasting footprint on the permanent building seminar was followed the next day by a tour run. However, there are still lessons to – demanding both a higher capital cost of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. be learnt from the new London facilities budget and greater annual revenue costs. It was apparent from the seminar and in respect of future major events and it An alternative scenario would have been the visit that the organisers of both the is timely that the International Olympic for the brief to ask for 12,000 seats (still 2012 Olympic Games, and the 2014 Committee (IOC) is currently reviewing more than the 1992 Barcelona and 2004 Commonwealth Games, had taken the how the sustainability of future Olympic Athens pools) for the Games, giving an correct decisions in their legacy-planning Games can be improved, including a review option for either retaining capacity for strategies. The balance between temporary of the scale of spectator provision. future world class games, or reducing it to 6,000 seats for European/national events. Sound and informed briefing is critical to future major games facilities and our S+LWP members, collectively, felt even more detailed scrutiny of the briefing and design strategies for sustainable legacy use is required – particularly, the contribution that sound and prudent operational knowledge would bring. My own personal experience, from team discussions on the Lee Valley White Water Centre, was that the brief and the design of the facility benefitted greatly from excellent operational input from the outset. ●

Mike Hall, sports partner, FaulknerBrowns Architects. Tel: +44(0)191 2683007 e: [email protected] Members of UIA's Spor and Leisure Working Programme visiting the London Olympic Park w: www.faulknerbrowns.co.uk

18 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015

NEWS UPDATE

The US$200m stadium was designed by Populous and has been hailed as the most technologically advanced in the region

BBVA Bancomer stadium opens in Monterrey, Mexico

The US$200m (€184m, £128m) Estadio According to Lizarraga, the design has BBVA Bancomer, touted as the most been inspired by the region’s history of hospitality-driven soccer stadium in Latin brewing and steel manufacturing. America, has opened in Monterrey, Mexico. The structure is clad in metallic armature Designed by sports architects Populous, and aluminum, paying tribute to the steels the 51,000-capacity stadium will be the mills that once thrived in the city. The new home of Club de Fútbol Monterrey silhouette of brewing stills influenced the (CF Monterrey). What makes the stadium asymmetrical shape of the stadium that unique in the region is the emphasis on lowers to the south, framing the famous creating a premium fan experience. Cerro de la Silla Mountain. The stadium boasts 324 luxury suites – “The design was inspired by the aspects more than any other soccer stadium in the The design of the museum has been inspired of Monterrey that make it such a unique world – and 4,500 club seats, distributed by different aspects of the city of Monterrey city,” Lizarraga said. in two central club lounges which will “Monterrey has long been a major steel service all club seat holders. The premium generation of stadiums in Latin America. manufacturer and a city of “the brewery” ‘West Club’ houses a kids’ zone and a “The vision for the stadium will forever and provide some of the city’s most balcony with views to players’ tunnel. change what Latin American soccer fans interesting legacies. The design honours Each seating section has hawker’s expect in a stadium,” Lizarraga said. this with materials highlighting the heritage service points built into the seating bowl, “The level of comfort for fans and – such as the an aluminium façade and offering instant service for fans in their athletes will be unparalleled in Estadio crescent shaped openings that pay tribute seats. The proportion of restrooms and BBVA Bancomer. All seats will have to beer stills and steel mills.” points of sales per spectator exceeds the excellent views of the field and the stadium To add to the in-game experience, current standards for Mexican facilities. has been designed to be friendly and AV specialist Daktronics – working in Fans will also be closer to the pitch than welcoming for all members of society: partnership with Mexican partner Pantallas at most other stadia – nine meters on the children, women, elderly, families and Publitronics – has supplied two LED video side lines, the closest distance allowed people with disabilities.” displays, each measuring 19m wide and by FIFA. More than 800 high definition “Through creative urban planning, featuring 13HD pixel layouts. The displays televisions are located throughout the an understanding of global trends in feature variable content zoning, allowing concourses for continued connection with the fan experience and a progressive, each display to show one large image or to the action on the field. sophisticated vision for the sport’s future be divided into different ones to provide a David Lizarraga, lead architect on the in the region, Estadio BBVA Bancomer combination of live video, instant replays, project and senior associate at Populous, has the potential to transform an entire scoring information and animations. said Estadio BBVA will usher in the next region’s expectations.” Read more: http://lei.sr?a=M7F4g_P

20 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 NEWS UPDATE

Qatar to decide on its 2022 stadium plan “by end of year”

Qatar will decide the exact number of stadiums it will use during the FIFA World Cup 2022 by the end of the year. A spokesperson for the Qatar organizing committee said the final number hadn’t been finalised yet – and could be less than the 12 included in the original bid that controversially won the country the right to host the tournament. So far, Qatar has announced details for five stadiums but is obliged to use at least eight venues, according to FIFA guidelines. Foster + Partners are among the architects to have secured a stadium to design, with the UK-based practice chosen as lead architect for the Lusail Stadium, the centrepiece of the tournament. Working in conjunction with stadium The Al Rayyan Stadium will be renovated for the World Cup and is among the confirmed venues specialists Populous and ARUP on the project, the Foster + stadium in Lusail Initial designs have also been revealed (won by Russia) and 2022 tournaments. City, north of Doha, will have a capacity of for the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt stadium in Accusations of widespread corruption around 85,000 and is expected to host Qatar’s Al Khor district. The stadium is set within FIFA reached a dramatic pinnacle in both the opening game and the final. to host one of the two semi-finals and the May, when a number of top FIFA officials Elsewhere, multinational consultancy design of the stadium – created by a team were arrested ahead of the association’s Dar Al-Handasah has been appointed to of Qatari architects – has been modelled annual congress. undertake a complete revamp of Doha’s after Bayt Al Sha’ar, a traditional tent There have been suggestions that the existing Khalifa International Stadium. used by nomadic peoples in Qatar and results of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup The group intends to transform the dated neighbouring countries. voting should be annulled – due to fears Khalifa International Stadium, originally Qatari officials remain confident that that corruption and bribes played a part in constructed in 1976, into a 40,000 seat the 2022 World Cup will be staged in the how the 200+ FIFA member nations voted venue, with the addition of a roof to cover country, despite an ongoing Swiss probe – and the bidding processes restarted. the entire seating area. into the bidding processes for the 2018 Read more: http://lei.sr?a=P3q3K_P

The Al Bayt stadium in Qatar’s Al Khor district has been designed by a team of local architects and is modelled after a traditional tent used by nomads sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 21 O’BRIEN CONTRACTORS PROMOTION

WHY 3G IS THE FUTURE FOR SUCCESSFUL SPORTS CLUBS

With the new majority Conservative government in place, a consultation has been launched this month for a new sports strategy to replace the previous one developed by the coalition. It wants to identify ways to help make participation in sports more accessible for all; to enable sports clubs to be financially sustainable; and to help people be fitter and healthier.

ne easy way to achieve these Finding the right sports pitch specialist playing 11 and 5/7 aside football matches and goals is with a 3G synthetic Investing in new sports facilities has to be done the FIFA Quality Concept. sports pitch. Across Europe, right for two important reasons: so that crucial George Dorwell, Chairman, Worthing 3G pitches are helping funding is put to best use, and so that people Football Club, said: “The feedback from the sports clubs to provide can and will use them for years to come. fans, players and local community has been Obetter facilities, make more money and get To do it right you need to work with the very positive and I am extremely optimistic more involved with their local communities. best sports pitch providers. O’Brien Sports is about the coming season and the future.” The UK’s climate means that sports clubs one of the first large civil engineering firms can often find that their natural turf pitches in the UK able to offer turnkey solutions for O’Brien Sports delivers: are water-logged, completely flooded, or a range of sports pitch installations, from QFull design and build construction projects frozen. We have no control over the weather stadiums and arenas through to sports tracks QSynthetic and multi-use games area but it has a big impact on revenue and a and football pitches, tailored to meet your (MUGA) pitches club’s financial sustainability so this is where individual needs. QPitch renovations a 3G pitch can help. O’Brien’s team of experts has a proven QNatural sports pitches The latest developments in synthetic track record of delivering design and build QTotal sports pitches solutions sports pitch solutions means that they sports projects to a diverse range of exacting provide all of the benefits of natural turf client specifications and all of the work is pitches without any of the drawbacks. They completed in-house with no outsourcing last longer with less maintenance so are required, meaning you get better value for available for use more often, meaning sports money and projects are always delivered on clubs can generate more revenue and con- time and on budget. centrate on developing strategies for growth Recent projects that O’Brien has worked on rather than worrying whether the pitch is include the construction of a 3G football pitch going to be available when it needs to be. at Worthing FC, a Lano 3G synthetic pitch at To find out how O’Brien Sports can The porous layers that the artificial turf Westfield Academy, a sand dressed hockey deliver facilities tailored to your needs sits on mean that the water drains straight pitch at Oswestry School, two natural turf and budget call 01926 423 918 or through into the subsoil foundation, which pitches for Rugby Town Junior Football Club email [email protected] has a drainage system built into it when the and preparation works for the replacement of or visit www.obriensports.co.uk new pitch is installed. The result – no more Wasps’ Ricoh Arena natural turf pitch. flooded pitches. Meaning fewer postpone- ments and cancellations of matches, leading Worthing Football Club to more revenue, happier teams and fans, O’Brien Sports constructed a fully porous, and more chances for the community to use 60mm ACT Global 3G synthetic grass pitch Tomorrow’s Company the facilities. designed to meet the requirements for

22 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 NEWS UPDATE

FA to invest record £260m in grassroots football

The Football Association (FA) will invest a record £260m into grassroots football over the next four years – a £60m increase on the funding allotted for the previous four-year period. Announcing the funding at the launch of the National Game Strategy for Participation and Development, FA chief executive Martin Glenn said the association plans to target four key areas of the amateur game – facilities, coaching, participation and developing the football The grassroots funding will focus on participation, facilities and coaching workforce. “Our goals are ambitious, but achievable,” Glenn said. Kelly Simmons, FA director for city hubs, but also investing in improving “Grassroots football faces challenges participation and development, added: what already exists. both in terms of facilities and coaching. “It is no secret that facilities need to “Our relationship with the Premier We’ve now set out how we’ll tackle the get better – today we set out clearly and League and DCMS, through the Football challenges and identified the four key areas unequivocally how we can make that Foundation, is key to achieving this. in which we’ll invest £260m until 2019.” happen – not only through the creation of Read more: http://lei.sr?a=n8f7x_P

Forest Green Rovers reveal £100m Eco Park plans

Forest Green Rovers Football Club (FGR) has revealed ambitious plans to build a £100m, eco-friendly sports and green technology complex which would include a new 5,000-capacity stadium. The club currently plays in the National League – the fifth tier of English football – and the The Games attracted 690,000 visitors Eco Park project is part of a strategy to establish FGR as a Football League club. Glasgow 2014 worth FGR is working with green energy com- £740m to economy pany Ecotricity on the plans. Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, is also chair of FGR. The Eco Park will include a “flexible football The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Read more: http://lei.sr?a=E9V7c_P stadium” and a green technology park Games has provided the Scottish economy with a £740m boost over the past eight years. The Post-Games Report, pub- Zaha Hadid bids to win back Tokyo stadium contract lished by the Scottish Government, charts the impact of the Games Zaha Hadid Architects is working with since 2007 – the year Glasgow Japanese architecture and engineering won the bid to host the event – and firm Nikken Sekkei to submit a fresh bid shows that the Games have also for the Tokyo Olympic stadium project after supported, on average, 2,100 jobs their first design was dropped in July. each year. As well as the direct A new design-and-build competition for economic boost, the Games also the stadium, which is set to host events helped Scotland’s labour market, during the 2020 Olympic games, was particularly in Glasgow, with more launched on 1 September, with a much than 11,000 young people benefit- shorter design and construction sched- ting from a range of national and ule. Revised guidelines will cap the cost at local employability programmes. Japanese premier Shinzo Abe dropped Zaha ¥155bn (US$1.3bn, €1.2bn, £850m). Read more: http://lei.sr?a=V5F2b_P Hadid’s original plans for the Olympic Stadium Read more: http://lei.sr?a=T5R4m_P sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 23 NEWS REPORT

Fitness First to Tottenham Hotspur help members fi nd confi rms NFL plans hidden talents Tottenham Hotspur FC (THFC) will install an innovative multi-use pitch Fitness First has kicked off the count- at its 61,000-capacity stadium in down to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by North London – allowing it to host working with Team GB to launch a new a minimum of two National Football Sports Profi ler Tool at its fl agship gym in League (NFL) games each season. Bishopsgate, London. The club will use a retractable The tool has been specifi cally designed grass fi eld at its new £400m venue, to help people fi nd new sports to try out with an artifi cial surface underneath and receive Olympic-level training advice that will be used for NFL games. from Team GB. The tool matches peo- The design will allow greater ple to the Olympic sport they’re most fl exibility in the scheduling of games, suited to, based on their speed, stamina, with the NFL having its own playing strength, power and agility. surface for games held at the Based on fi ndings that the majority of venue. The artifi cial playing surface people in the UK train for just four dis- Helen Glover won gold at London 2012 after will also be capable of hosting ciplines that feature at the Olympics being selected via a talent identifi cation scheme other sporting, entertainment and – cycling, football, swimming and run- community events. ning – the initiative is designed to engage identifi ed as a potential rower via a talent Read more: http://lei.sr?a=p7Y4x_P members with the full 28 Summer Olympic identifi cation scheme. sports. There is even hope that sifting “The tool is a similar concept to the way through untapped potential could lead I fi rst got into rowing having never thought to the discovery of future Olympic medal about trying the sport before,” said Glover. prospects. One example of this is Helen “It’s great for people who are interested in Glover, who won gold in the Women’s trying something new because you never Coxless Pairs at London 2012. Originally know what it’s going to suggest.” a runner and hockey player, Glover was Read more: http://lei.sr?a=f9v4J

There are now 3,265 swimming sites in the UK, down from 3,287 last year

Number of swimming pools keeps falling

More than twice as many swim- ming pools have closed in the last 12 months as have opened, accord- ing to the 2015 State of the UK Swimming Industry Report. The report reveals that the num- ber of swimming sites in the UK fell 0.7 per cent over the twelve-month period to the end of March 2015, The high-profi le intervention by Cantona has off ered a welcomed boost for the campaign representing a third straight year of decline. There are now 3,265 swim- Man U legend Cantona backs Bath City FC project ming sites in the UK, down from 3,287 last year, with private sites Manchester United legend Eric Cantona to complete a community takeover of closing at a faster rate than pub- has lent his support to a community share BCFC. Cantona’s involvement is a result of lic facilities. It was also highlighted initiative hoping to complete a takeover of his friendship with fi lm director and Bath that public pay and play fees have Bath City Football Club (BCFC). City supporter Ken Loach. Organisers are increased by 3 per cent. Cantona is backing The Big Bath City hoping that with Cantona’s support, the Read more: http://lei.sr?a=b3C6n_P Bid, launched in June, which aims to raise campaign will secure the club’s future. between £750,000 and £1.25m in order Read more: http://lei.sr?a=k5j6r_P

24 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The meeng of the Maor Sporng Eents industry The leading forum for the business of maor sporng eents from Olympic & Commonwealth Games to World Cup Series. roiding the plaorm to enhance prole and strengthen MAJOR EVENTS SUMMIT relaonships in a peertopeer enironment, this eent is designed for interacon and is not a conference. 26 & 27 October 2015 Minster Exchange, London The event will explore themes of Safety, Security & #MEISummit esilience Oct) an enue Technoloy & Operaons Oct). @major_events

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London’s Olympic Park to host UK’s largest- ever snowsport event

London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will host the UK’s largest-ever snowsport and music festival in November (2015). Freeze Big Air will see more than 60 of the world’s best snowboarders and skiers compete in a number of disciplines – including taking on a huge real snow jump created out of 360 tonnes of snow. Olympic bronze medallist Jenny Jones has been confirmed as an ambassador for the festival, which will take place on 14 November and forms part of UK Sport’s major events programme. Olympic medallist Jenny Jones will compete at the event and is also an official ambassador As snowboard big air is likely to become an official Olympic event at the 2018 Freeze Big Air is being organised in by “Hosting a Big Air World Cup in London is Winter Olympics, the London Freeze Big Air event operator Vision Nine, in partnership a massive boost for winter sport in Great will be seen as one of the most important with the Mayor of London, UK Sport and Britain and showcases some of the world’s qualifiers on the calendar in the lead up to British Ski & Snowboard. Simon Morton, most exciting winter sport athletes.” the 2018 Games. director of major events at UK Sport, said: Read more: http://lei.sr?a=X6Z2s_P

Bath Rugby stadium plans back on track

Plans to build a new rugby stadium on the historic Recreation Ground site in Bath, Somerset are back on track following the overturning of a court order which would have limited the size of land available for any stadium development. The Recreation Ground Trust (RGT) Mo Farah – can he repeat London 2012 – which owns the land – is looking to heroics at the Rio 2016 Games? lease more land to Bath Rugby than it currently occupies, paving the way for a Team GB: on target to larger rugby stadium with a capacity of meet Rio 2016 target about 16,500. The Recreation Ground stadium currently has Read more: http://lei.sr?a=A7S8u_P a maximum capacity of 14,000 As sports enter the final year of preparation for Rio 2016, UK Sport has said Team GB remains on tar- get to achieving its goal of becoming Los Angeles to replace Boston for 2024 Olympic bid the first host nation to win both more medals at the next Olympics Los Angeles is finalising a deal with the Games. The high performance US Olympic Committee to become the sports agency, which funds Team country’s new candidate city for the 2024 GB, has invested £347m in summer Olympics. The city – which has held the Olympic and Paralympic sports and Olympic Games twice, in 1932 and 1984 – athletes for the Rio 2016 cycle. has prepared a US$4bn bid, which mayor British Olympic sports are aiming Eric Garcetti said will include a guarantee for between 39 and 71 medals at to cover any “financial overruns”. their targeted events in 2015, and The move follows last month’s collapse so far diving, fencing, hockey and of Boston’s Olympic ambitions, as the city taekwondo have met their perfor- was forced to withdraw its bid following a mance targets for the year. The US Olympic Committee will need to lack of public support. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=y4P3N_P submit its official bid before 15 September Read more: http://lei.sr?a=s9Z4m_P

26 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 SPORTS SURFACE TESTING AND CONSULTANCY

Laboratory Evaluation of Sports Surfaces, Products and their Constituent’s

Sports Labs operate one of the Research and development best-equipped specialist sports Sports Labs have a dedicated R&D surfaces Laboratory globally. We departments to evaluate new products, provide services to contractors, testing protocols or forensic analysis to manufacturers, suppliers, private support manufacturers develop the next clients and Governing Bodies. The generations of sports surfaces systems. most common call for Laboratory Testing is the certifi cation of products Sports Labs Ltd, accredited for FIFA, for manufacturers to FIFA, World FIH, IAAF, World Rugby testing Rugby, EN or FIH requirements. Sports servicing customers globally with a Labs offer fast turnaround times for local dimension. samples submitted and the most cost effective service. CONTACT US

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 27 NEWS REPORT TOM WALKER, MANAGING EDITOR, SPORTS MANAGEMENT

The FIFA Women’s World Cup generated unprecedented interest in women’s football, with games beamed live to more than 100 countries Women’s World Cup breaks new boundaries

Women’s football seizes the moment on a global stage with final game watched by TV audience of 23 million in US, the record for any live game of “soccer” in the country

his year’s FIFA Women’s World “Football must continue to be the major women’s tournament, but the most Cup created unprecedented number one team sport in the world,” controversial technical decision was to play interest for live coverage across she said. “Participation levels still need all games on artificial turf. the world – partly thanks to to improve, and we need to stimulate Prior to the tournament, 50 top women a new rights deals brokered discussion and action on topics such as players threatened legal action if matches Tby FIFA. The live games attracted peak governance, structures, competitions, were not played on natural grass. The audiences of up to 23 million in the US, commercial development, promotion, group accused FIFA and the organising while in many countries – such as the media coverage and sponsorship.” committee of “discrimination”. The threats UK and Australia – all 52 matches were The event was a commercial success were, however, dropped by lawyers shortly aired live. The interest in the games was too. Peter Montopoli, general secretary of before the tournament. accompanied by a social media avalanche Canada Soccer and CEO of the organising As it turned out, the surfaces helped – during the world cup month, tweets with produce the most memorable Women’s the tournament’s hashtag #FIFAWWC were World Cup of all time, as Eric O’Donnell, viewed more than 9 billion times. managing director of sports surface Speaking at the tournament’s closing “IN TERMS OF TICKETING, development and testing company press conference, Lydia Nsekera, chair Sports Labs, points out. Sports Labs was of the Committee for Women’s Football WE ATTRACTED 1.35 MILLION appointed to test the playing surfaces and and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, said verify the accuracy of the goal line tech- the 2015 event was a watershed for the FANS, THE HIGHEST FOR nology at all six World Cup venues. women’s game. A FIFA EVENT OUTSIDE “Now that the legends have been created “I said at the opening press conference and the dust settled on an incredibly that every Women’s World Cup is an THE MEN’S WORLD CUP” successful Women’s World Cup in Canada, opportunity to show as many people as it is a good time to reflect,” O’Donnell said. possible how our game has improved,” “There has been universal acceptance Nsekera said. “I’m delighted to confirm, a by teams and officials that the playing month later, that the seventh edition of the committee, confirmed the event had surfaces presented to the players tournament has been a roaring success.” met its targets. “In terms of ticketing, we throughout the tournament were excellent. Nsekera warned, however, that there was attracted 1.35 million fans, the highest for a There were no injuries directly attributed to no time for complacency and the effects FIFA event outside the men’s World Cup.” the pitches and no game was decided due should be put to good use. “30 million to the condition of the playing surface. women play football worldwide and we PIONEERING “The surface went from being the story must strive to increase the number. We The tournament was also important to being part of the success story. It is the need this motivational atmosphere to lead from a technical point of view. Goal-line latest phase in the rise in status of artificial to tangible and long-lasting decisions. technology was used for the first time in a turf on the global stage.” ●

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he Sports, Amenities, Landscaping Trade Exhibition’s Mark Saggers will (SALTEX) move from an outdoor host this year’s environment into the halls of Gaining Ground turf the NEC Birmingham on the 4 management debates Tand 5 November 2015 has been met with support from both exhibitors and visitors alike. A packed exhibitor list along with new exciting features has ensured this year’s SALTEX is set to be the biggest to date. The new, centrally located, national exhibition venue and the more convenient time of year has attracted more than 200 exhibitors representing sectors ranging from forestry, play and groundscare to machinery, artificial surfaces, natural turf and landscaping products. Show organisers had to extend the show footprint by adding an extra hall to accommodate the increased interest. SALTEX is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and will feature The Learning Live programme will feature a variety of a comprehensive programme of free seminars, including a look at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, educational seminars and will, for the first time, combine with the Institute of the world’s only natural turf pitch under a permanent roof Groundsmanship’s (IOG) annual Industry Awards dinner. Visitors can attend any of the 47 educational seminars on the Engineers Association, The British bizarre turf management experiences he show floor, hosted by partner associations and International Golf Greenkeepers’ encountered while working at the Africa and industry experts, within the two-day Association, The Amenity Forum, The Cup of Nations 2015. Learning Live programme – many of which Institute for Occupational Health, and Hosted on the evening of the first day (4 has CPD points connected to them. Safety, British Agricultural & Garden November), the IOG Industry Awards at the Mark Saggers, journalist and radio Machinery Association and the Sports and Hilton Metropole is set to be a celebration presenter on talkSPORT will host the Play Construction Association (SAPCA). in groundsmanship; with 19 awards up for ‘Gaining Ground’ turf management The Chartered Institute of Horticulture will grabs, Alistair McGowan providing the after debates. The Gaining Ground theatre also host its annual conference at SALTEX. dinner entertainment and talkSPORT’s will offer visitors the opportunity to From an international perspective the Mark Saggers hosting the event. ● choose from a range of informative Learning Live programme will feature an seminar sessions presented by some of in-depth look at the Forsyth Barr Stadium the industry’s national and international in New Zealand – the world’s only natural MORE INFORMATION experts including Mark Pover, national turf playing surface under a permanently facilities manager at the FA; Lee Jackson, fixed roof – by STRI’s Dr Richard Gibbs. Phil Visitor registration to SALTEX 2015 head groundsman at Manchester City; Sharples, currently the director of pitches is FREE. To confirm your attendance Chris Wood, pitch consultant for the for Gabala FC in Azerbaijan, will focus visit www.iogsaltex.com where the full ECB and Simon Winman, head of club on some of the challenges he has faced programme of SALTEX events will be development at Rugby Football Union. while working overseas. Bertrand Picard regularly updated. Other professional bodies supporting from Natural Grass will offer a French Follow SALTEX on Twitter: @iog_saltex the show and contributing to the Learning perspective on turfcare, while Ian Craig, Facebook: www.facebook.com/iogsaltex Live programme include: The Agricultural regional agronomist for STRI, will relay the

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 31 TALKING POINT GRASS ROOTS SPECIAL

Should sport better embrace technology to engage kids?

A Youth Sport Trust report, entitled Class of 2035, warns that the sports sector is in danger of losing a generation to inactivity unless it is better able to utilise smart phones and handheld devices

n June, the Youth Sport Trust technology. As young people are more widely used in sport, gamification published The Class of 2035 report, becoming increasingly dependent on has been heralded as a potential game which stated that PE and school smartphones and tablets, the report changer when it comes to combining I sport are at a critical crossroads. warns that ignoring the potential which physical activity and mobile technology. Conducted for the Youth Sport Trust these devices could have in physical Then there are the 'disruptors' such by the Future Foundation to mark the education could be a mistake. as Sportarian, an online sports social charity's 20th anniversary, the report It is certainly true that the lives of platform which allows people to find provides a unique insight into young young people are now so entwined with rated and reviewed sports coaches – and people's relationship with physical technology that for many it is almost winner of the Sports Technology Award activity today and 20 years from now. counter-intuitive to assume that their for the best technology to promote The findings suggests that the sports sporting life won’t be too. As well as participation in sport. We asked sports industry needs to better embrace wearable technology and apps becoming sector leaders for their views.

ALI OLIVER SUE CAMPBELL &KLHIH[HFXWLYHŤ

he world has evolved considerably he report presents four opposing in the last 20 years and will change visions of what the Class of 2035 further over the next 20. The digital could look like, based on the current Trevolution presents opportunities Tlong term trends and drivers and challenges with young people potential predicted today. The best case scenario hostages to their handheld devices. sees the UK head towards a bright future whereby the Class of This report clearly signals that action is needed now to mod- 2035 is healthy and active – undertaking PE, sport and physical ernise the approach to PE and school sport and in doing so, activity on a regular basis in their schools. guarantee the best possible future for generations to come. The worst case scenario worryingly shows a ‘sidelined If we are to avoid a future whereby young people are generation’ consumed by technology, living increasingly disengaged from physical activity, living increasingly sedentary lifestyles and unmotivated to take part in PE sedentary lifestyles, we must recognise their needs today, and school sport. At present, both scenarios are distinct working with government and partners within the education, possibilities but the long term structural changes to UK sport and health sectors to improve opportunities for young society forecasted in this work show that, although significant people through PE and school sport. changes are on the horizon, this should not impede our ability Government investment through the PE and Sport to shape a better future for the youth of tomorrow. Premium in recent years has helped to improve the Sadly it is equally possible that those same developments physical literacy of young people and has laid some strong could lead us to the worst-case scenario if we do not act foundations to ensure a more physically active nation in the decisively. The future is in the balance and the best and most future. The challenge is to maintain these gains as children desired outcome will only be possible if action is taken now become more engaged with digital technology. to enhance the wellbeing, achievement and leadership of the The findings from the Class of 2035 report will be at the next generation of young people. forefront of future planning for the Youth Sport Trust and I believe physical education, sport and physical activity are the organisation is already considering how best to support central to achieving that outcome and giving our young people schools to embrace technology further through its network. the best possible opportunity to fulfil their potential.

32 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Young people's lives are LQFUHDVLQJO\LQWHUWZLQHGZLWK WHFKQRORJ\ŢVKRXOGVSRUWVGR PRUHWRXVHWHFKWRHQJDJHNLGV"

NICO CURIA ROSS WALKER )RXQGHUŤ6SRUWDULDQ 0'Ť7HDFK6SRUW

ome people love technology. y 12-year-old stepson recently Others hate it. The truth is that you asked me – after learning can't avoid it and whether we like that we’re launching a new Sit or not, technology is changing MGet Active initiative – which our lives – and how we communicate mobile apps we'd be using to deliver it. and socialise. This is particularly true for young people, who When my response was “none”, his opinion was that without are growing up in the technology era, and can't imagine life, utilising the likes of Zombies Run! or RunKeeper, the initiative particularly a social life, without it. wouldn’t be a success. When I asked him why, if tech was so Sports technology is relatively new and children are the ones important, did he and his friends so enjoy doing the long jump who'll benefit the most from it as they'll grow together with – an activity for which they most definitely left their phones in it. Sports will naturally always attract kids as they use movement their bags – his answer was telling: “We saw the coaches running to release energy, have fun, socialise, win, lose and learn. and jumping, having a laugh and getting competitive. We The addition of technology to their sports life has the wanted to have fun too and see who could jump the furthest.” potential to make sports better (more fun) and more engaging. This prompted me to read up on how tech should be used to It can assist in forming friendships and setting challenges. increase physical activity – and I asked my coaching staff for This can be through incentives and virtual rewards through their opinions. It’s no surprise that there’s a huge gap between gamification; through the creation of challenges (such as a the “expert” ideas and the practitioners. "strava" for kids); being part of an interactive story (such as The consensus among our team was that it’s time to put the imaginactive-fitness.com); through helping find the right coach tech down and commit to physical activity in whatever form (our own sportarian.com) and online coaching. it takes. Technology can be fun, but the two just don’t mix. Parents, teachers and other influencers should encourage We need to separate the two worlds and balance the benefits children to experiment with technology and movement so of both. We need well trained, highly-motivated supportive, they learn that the two can go hand in hand. My view is that, positive role models who influence people to welcome sport far from encouraging sedentary behaviours, technology can and physical activity into their lives. If we can get society to promote and inspire activity. take its jobs as seriously as it takes Zombies Run! we'll succeed. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 33 INTERVIEW TOM WALKER, MANAGING EDITOR, SPORTS MANAGEMENT

MICHAEL DOWNEY

Tom Walker speaks to the man charged with reinvigorating British tennis – the new CEO of the Lawn Tennis Association

love a challenge,” says Michael ENTERING THE LTA Downey, CEO of the Lawn Tennis Downey took the reigns at the LTA at a Association (LTA) when asked for his time when the organisation faced intense motivation in leaving Tennis Canada pressure to reverse a steep decline in and accepting the task of rejuvenating participation numbers and to improve IBritish tennis. “The UK is a bigger market its elite performance programmes. than Canada and tennis is more important Sport England was threatening to cut its to people. I was keen to see if I could investment in tennis by £10.3m, while leverage what I’ve learned and use it to questions were also being asked over an make a difference here.” elite performance programme that had Downey’s nine-year stint as CEO of failed (Andy Murray aside) to produce Tennis Canada was impressive and he players who could break into the world’s has been credited with transforming the top 50. Downey says walking into that fortunes of Canadian tennis. Grassroots environment wasn’t easy. participation has grown by at least 3 “I felt for the colleagues here, because per cent each year since 2008 and there was a lot of external pressure and more than 1.2 million Canadians now that can sometimes cause you to lose play regularly – with another 3.8 million focus on what you’re doing,” he says. “One Downey transformed Canadian tennis identifying themselves as “occasional of the first things I wanted to do was to during his nine-year tenure as CEO players”. Meanwhile, Milos Raonic shift the focus back on to the job at hand (ranked number eight in the world) and and for the staff not to worry about what Eugenie Bouchard (No. 26) are quickly Tennis Canada is full of great people and the external world was saying. There was becoming household names as a result we were doing great things,” he says. good work being done at the LTA and I of Tennis Canada’s rejuvenated elite “There’s an old saying, however, in think there just needed to be a calming performance programme, which included which I believe – ‘move when things are voice saying ‘hey, look, these are things the construction of two national training good’. I felt the organisation was in a good that every organisation goes through and facilities in Montreal and Toronto. place and we’d seen great results across we will come out of it okay’”. grassroots participation and the elite Downey recognised the size of the task LEAVING IT BEHIND programme. Even though I think I was a at hand and while he was keen to shield A Canadian himself, Downey’s background good leader – the board believed in me, I staff from external pressures, there was is a mixture of corporate and sporting had a great relationship with the staff and no escaping cold hard truths about the experience. Before becoming CEO at players – I’m sure they’re going to benefit state of tennis. Sport England's figures Tennis Canada he held leadership roles from fresh leadership. I genuinely think showed that the number of people at Molson Coors Brewing, the world's no one should stay in these leadership playing tennis once a week had fallen seventh largest brewer, as well as senior roles forever and 10 years is a long time.” nearly 5 per cent (from 445,100 to executive roles at Maple Leaf 424,300) between 2011 and Sports & Entertainment – 2013. The decline mirrored owners of the Toronto Maple a longer-term problem Leafs ice hockey (NHL) and – 530,900 people had Toronto Raptors basketball played tennis once a week (NBA) franchises. The between October 2008 and decision to leave his native October 2009. “Looking country and jump across the at the figures it’s obvious pond wasn’t an easy one – that tennis isn’t currently a partly due to his success. The LTA’s Try Tennis for Free campaign was launched this year growing sport in the UK,” he “It was a tough decision as says. “It hasn’t been growing

34 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 for years and we’ve got to accept that them as passion, excellence, integrity it’s going to take time to turn it around. At the heart of the LTA’s strategy is and teamwork. So for us, outlining our No business can turn fast if it’s suffering getting more young people into tennis. values wasn’t a top down exercise, but a from a long term decline.” Downey plans to do this by focusing on collective effort. We’re now embedding the sport’s ‘bedrocks’ – clubs and parks those values to ensure they are reflected SETTLING IN in everything we do.” Downey has now been in his role for just Downey believes his previous over a year and, while accepting that that we want to get more people playing experience in the corporate world has there’s a long journey ahead, he believes tennis more often? I don’t think anyone helped him to plan a new way forward the work is already well underway in laying had that answer, nor had even truly for the LTA. “To get more people to play the foundations for the LTA to improve thought about it. One of the first things tennis, we need to operate like a business, as an organisation – and for tennis to we did after I started last year was to with strategies and objectives and all the benefit as a result. His emphasis, he come up with a purpose statement which discipline that goes into it. says, will be to build from the bottom answered that question – which is that we “The LTA had gone six years without up and create sustainable growth in want to get more people to play tennis renewing its strategic plan before I grassroots participation and improve the because it will enrich their lives physically, arrived, something I wanted to tackle in development of elite players. emotionally and behaviourally.” my first year. I’m a firm believer that every A crucial part of the process has been Once the vision statement was member of an organisation needs to know to identify what actually needs to be established, the first step was to make sure not just what they are doing but why they done – to determine a mission statement. every member of staff was fully briefed are doing it. These things may not be sexy, “When I took up the role, the LTA’s mission and felt a part of it. but they are all fundamental to running was to get more people to play tennis “I believe every organisation needs a set a really good organisation. It’s crucial for more often,” he says. of values which dictate how it operates. each staff member to understand where “That’s fine, but you also should be able After asking our staff what they saw this organisation is going, what their role is to answer the question ‘why’? Why is it as the LTA’s core values, we identified and how they are going to be measured.” sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 35 INTERVIEW

Tennis is a product – a brand – and we need to build an image for tennis because consumers love brands. It’ll help us use marketing to create a demand for tennis

CREATING A VISION on tennis and they’re part of an existing While Downey has identified the LTA’s The Andy Murray effect: Downey network. But we need to start building core values and provided it with a clearer believes the success of leading players a greater provision in parks, a network vision, he has also begun working with can result in more children and of courts, because at the moment that the more concrete aspects of the task. In teenagers taking up the sport simply doesn’t exist. We plan to do that March 2015 Downey revealed a four-year through partnerships with the local strategy which included increasing the authorities which own the parks.” budget for participation by more than 50 The strategy published in March can It is clear that Downey has created a per cent, adding £9m by 2018 and taking fit on a single sheet of double-sided strong vision and strategy for the LTA to the total to £26m. That figure, however, A4 paper – an intentional move which work with and his business-like approach doesn’t include all of the investment Downey says will “force people to focus” has already scored some early wins. In planned for facilities, so the funding – but is rich in detail and ambition. Two January 2015, Sport England announced earmarked for participation is, in fact, areas stand out as having central roles in that it had been “convinced” by the new even more substantial. rejuvenating tennis – clubs and parks. focus on increasing participation and as “Some grant programmes will be “Clubs are the bedrock of tennis and a result the LTA has secured its current included in the £26m, but we also have what we want to do is become a better funding levels until March 2017. initiatives – such as the no-interest service organisation for the country’s The corporate approach is likely to loan programmes for clubs who wish to 3,000 clubs. We want to help them not continue too: “Tennis is a product, it’s a improve their facilities – which do not only attract but retain members. brand,” Downey says. come out of the operating budget. So “I also believe that parks will play an “And we need to build an image for facility spending is largely outside the important role. It is easy for us to reach tennis because consumers love brands. £26m, which we are planning on investing and engage with the clubs because they That will help us use marketing to create a mainly in people and activators.” are populated by people who are fixated demand for tennis.” ●

36 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 www.fsb-cologne.com

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 37 PROFILE

TRACEY CROUCH

The newly appointed sports minister is a self-confessed sports nut and an FA-qualified football coach. She is now on a mission to create a new strategy for sport with the focus on grassroots, fairness, the welfare of athletes and the continued success of Team GB

TOM WALKER, MANAGING EDITOR, SPORTS MANAGEMENT

racey Crouch, named sports for sport and then as Olympics minister, Labour’s shadow sports and culture minister in May, is likely to be was heavily involved in the London 2012 minister, who has attacked the government more knowledgeable about project before Labour’s election defeat for its “complacency” in the House of her sector than many of her in 2010. Jowell claimed that a “once in a Commons. Crouch says the attacks are predecessors. An enthusiastic lifetime” opportunity to use the London unfortunate and – at times – wholly unfair. Tfan of all sports, the MP for Chatham and Games to inspire children to play sport had “If unnecessary attempts at political Aylesford fell in love with football at a been squandered and blamed her “wicked point-scoring were an Olympic sport, young age and managed an under-18 team and negligent” successors – namely the Chris Bryant would win gold every time,” in her native Kent for nearly a decade. Conservatives – for the perceived failure. Crouch says. “He has done his best to Her passion for sport has been evident Another critic has been Chris Bryant, impugn the legacy of London 2012, but during her time in Parliament. First the simple truth is that we have a great elected in 2010, Crouch has been a deal to be proud of and it’s a shame that member of the Culture, Media and Sport the consensus has been shattered. Select Committee since 2013 and has also “Despite the opposition’s attempts to served as vice chair for the All Party Group say otherwise, we have a good story to for Women in Sport. tell about London 2012 and its legacy. “Ever since I was a kid I played sport – The Games were the perfect showcase every sport you could possibly imagine,” for the skills of our people and our says Crouch. “It was a passion I took businesses, which led to £14.2bn of trade throughout school into university and and investment benefits to the UK. British then adult life. I also cultivated my love of business has already won £60m-worth of politics during that time so it’s incredible to contracts for the Rio 2016 games, with have a job in which the two meet.” another £100m to come. About 200 people who worked at London 2012 helped ENTERING THE FRAY deliver the European games in Baku and are One of the first things Crouch has had to assisting Rio in its preparations.” deal with since her appointment is criticism Facing down criticism from Labour over the London 2012 Olympic Games’ Crouch, here with Stoke and England quarters hasn’t, however, affected legacy. One of the most vocal detractors international striker Peter Crouch (no Crouch’s view that the future of British has been Labour’s Tessa Jowell, who in relation), is a passionate football fan sport relies on having cross-party support her former roles as secretary of state and input. Crouch is adamant that the

38 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Part of the UK’s new sports strategy will be an enhanced focus on participation across all ages

We’ve come a long way since a teacher broke my heart by telling me I couldn’t play football because I was a girl

opposition will have its chance to influence after highlighting Football Association (FA) into the discussion. Jowell hasn’t been the action plans for sport. “There will be a rules which prevented her from playing for the only voice to suggest that the failure proper cross-departmental approach to the the parliamentary football team because to encourage more young people to play strategy,” Crouch says, and adds that she she was a woman – and it wasn’t the first more sport in the aftermath of the Games has already established strong ties with a time she had been told that. represents a missed opportunity. number of Labour members. “Even though it’s 2015, sport is still For Crouch, to say that there has been “John Mann (Labour MP for Bassetlaw) not as open and welcoming for female no improvement at all – and to suggest the is incredibly passionate about sport,” she athletes and spectators as it is for men,” chance offered by 2012 has been squan- says. “He is a man of great foresight too Crouch says. “We’ve come a long way since dered – is too simplistic. “I’m happy to have – we spent 21 days climbing a volcano a teacher broke my heart by telling me I an open and honest debate on participa- for charity, during which he lobbied me couldn’t play football because I was a girl. tion,” she says. on facilities for his constituency, a full 12 Britain’s female sports stars are among the “The fact is that 1.4 million more people months before I was even sports minister. best in the world, regularly outperforming are playing sport than in 2005 and sport “I’ve also worked closely with Labour’s their male counterparts. participation has increased by 300,000 Barbara Keeley on the issue of women in “Earlier this summer we had Women’s since October 2010. While it is right to sport and she has raised some important Sport Week – an idea that would have been say that is not enough, London 2012 has, issues. We both agree that while there has laughed out of the room not so very long without doubt, inspired many people to get been progress, challenges remain, and I ago. But there’s still a lot more work to do, involved in Olympic and Paralympic sports. look forward to working with her on those.” and we all need to work together in order “There has been an increase in the to achieve success.” number of people doing athletics, cycling, THIS WOMAN CAN archery, judo, sailing and many other Women’s sport is clearly something which GET THEM ON BOARD sports. Let us not forget that inspiration is close to Crouch’s heart – not least due When talk turns to participation in sport and measurement do not always run to her background in being a passionate – whether female or male – it is inevitable concurrently. A group of girls I met athlete herself. In 2011 she hit the headlines that London 2012 and its impact is brought recently in my local boxing gym are in the sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 39 PROFILE

ring because of Nicola Adams. They are far from level. Disabled fans are too often not measured on any survey because they Crouch was elected MP in 2010 and denied the right to take part in active sport, are under 14. We will have examples like describes herself as a “compassionate, or even to access stadiums as a spectator. that from all over the country. one-nation Conservative” There’s a huge amount of money at the top “The strapline of London 2012 was of the sporting pyramid, but precious little ‘Inspire a Generation’. The participation trickles down to the lower levels. results show that our 16- to 25-year-olds STRATEGIC APPROACH “Third, I want to see a greater focus on are, on the whole, ‘steady’. That’s good, While exact details of the new strategy the welfare and wellbeing of athletes. It but not good enough. When the last won’t be revealed until its publication later doesn’t matter whether you’re turning out active people survey results were issued in the year, it is likely to be based on four for your pub team or for your country. If in June (2015), I made it clear that I’m not key points already identified by Crouch. you’re involved in sport at any level, you happy with the decline in the number of These are the importance of grassroots, a deserve to know that the government, the people participating in sport. drive for fairness in sport, the safeguarding sports industry and the governing bodies However, the last time an all- of all athletes and ensuring Team GB’s are looking out for your safety. encompassing sports strategy was drawn successes at major events. “Finally, I want to see Team GB continue up was in 2002, and it has been the “The first of those points is recognising its staggering success at the highest level, template for sport delivery since then.” the importance of the grassroots and the whether it’s the Olympics and Paralympics For Crouch, this means that when fact that it’s not just about the players,” or the women’s football World Cup. And Labour criticises the government’s says Crouch. “We also need coaches, I don’t just want us winning on the field. I strategy, it is criticising something that it officials and volunteers, all the people that want Britain to carry on winning the right created. “We’ve been working on the basis modern sport needs in order to function. to host world-class sporting events. of a strategy that was delivered in 2002 Nor am I only focused on organised, “Last year we had the Giro, the Tour de and is no longer fit for purpose,” Crouch competitive sport. I know that’s not for France and the Commonwealth Games and says. “So I have ripped up the old strategy, everyone. What matters to me is getting this year we host the Rugby World Cup.” and before the recess began (on 21 July) people active and if that means someone’s It is clear that Crouch is passionate about I published a consultation on a brand new registering 10,000 steps a day on their sport and has a vision of how to improve it. sport strategy which will reform how we smart phone then that’s fine with me. She is excited about being in a position in deliver sport in this country. “The second area, fairness, is that sport which she can make a difference. “I am sure the opposition parties will should be the ultimate meritocracy. “This is my dream job. It gives me the embrace this opportunity to revive the Everyone competes on the same terms and chance to help people up and down the consensus that helped deliver such a the best player or team comes out on top. country to have the same opportunity to successful Games.” But for too many people the playing field is experience and enjoy sport that I did.” ●

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01299 253 966 | www.tigerturf.com | [email protected] NEW OPENING TOM WALKER, EDITOR, SPORTS MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE

The decision to build the cycling track above ground floor level allows unimpeded access to the multi-use infield and its 12 sports courts CYCLING AHEAD Dave Brailsford called it a “statement of intent” and Derby Arena definitely has the appearance of one. Tom Walker takes a closer look at the UK’s newest velodrome and its innovative design

lad in gold, silver and bronze, badminton court hall space and extensive Derby Arena has a slightly Derby Arena in short event overlay potential. otherworldly look to it. With Michael Hall, FaulknerBrowns’ project an emphasis on inclusive Description: Only the fifth national partner, says the arena is not just a regional design and an innovative standard 250m indoor cycling track landmark but an example of how local Capproach to sustainability, it has been in the UK. The infield is can host authorities can up their game when it described as a facility which pushes the a variety of sports – badminton, comes to providing leisure facilities for the boundaries of public sector building design basketball, netball, volleyball future. “Derby Arena represents a new era in the UK. Located in Derby’s Pride Park and martial arts (all which can be and sets new standards in both multi-use next to the iPro Stadium, it’s one of the played by wheelchair users). velodrome and local authority community most significant 2012 Olympic legacy Cost: £24m building cost, with sports facility design,” Hall says. projects to be completed outside London. another £3.5m spent on external/ “The arena is a striking, inviting and enabling works. With support from motivating place to participate in sport and GETTING GOING Sport England’s Iconic Facilities Fund. also to visit as a spectator.” Derby Arena is the flagship project of Internal floor area: 14,500sq m Derby City Council’s (DCC) £50m leisure Architect: FaulknerBrowns DESIGNED TO IMPRESS strategy, announced in 2010 and drawn (Michael Hall and Nigel Tye) The budget for the building – £24m – was up in order to upgrade the city’s leisure Project manager: Mace relatively modest, considering the scale facilities. A feasibility study had suggested Engineers: Arup and the complex geometry created by the that the creation of a new, iconic, dry Contractor: Bowmer & Kirkland cycle track. The layout and form of the sports hub with an indoor 250m velodrome arena wraps the track with four storeys cycling track should be at the heart of the of supporting services and amenities – on plans. The idea was to produce a world to provide a multi-use facility capable one side there is a café foyer, gym, multi- class venue with the capacity to host elite of catering for the local community’s function spaces with a 200-seat balcony competitions, inspire people to take up needs as well as hosting high-profile, and plant room, while on the other sits the sport and help Derby achieve its target of national events. FaulknerBrowns’ plans 1,500-capacity spectator grandstand. becoming the “most active city in England”. also included a radical solution – to build A key requirement of DCC was to create When the tender was launched and the the cycle track above ground floor level a ‘wow factor’ on entering the building design bids came in, one – by architects and allow unimpeded access below to a and arena space. “Architecturally we made FaulknerBrowns – stood out. It promised central multi-use infield, providing a 12 a conscious decision that the building

42 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The main spectator stand has a capacity of 1,500 (left). The Arena has been designed to act as a community sports hub for local residents

design should be bold, simple and dynamic velodrome in the Netherlands has a 200m reflecting the internal sporting function Facilities running track – but access is usually only and a sense of movement,” says Hall. accessible by a bewildering route of ramps “The ‘wow’ factor that DCC wanted was Q 250m indoor cycling track and unpleasant tunnels. achieved by the axial route into the arena Q Cycle hub with hire, repair & storage “At Derby, by raising the cycle track, we infield with the spectator seat backdrop.” Q 140-station health club and gym were able to provide flexibility and vastly There were challenges too, as the site supplied by Technogym increased accessibility of the infield which area for the venue was limited. “The site Q Watt bike and exercise studios opened up the opportunity for the facility required the 250m cycle track and the Q Sports infield the size of 12 to deliver a vast range of events alongside arena had to be rotated 45 degrees to badminton courts the day-to-day sporting output.” make the building fit within the site area Q Fixed seating for 1,600 spectators The lifted design of the track – alongside width,” project architect Nigel Tye explains. Q Events and conferencing facilities the integration of acoustics, catering and “The spaces around and beneath the Q Meeting and hospitality rooms toilet facilities – has helped create a very raised cycle track also had to be carefully Q Café and bar flexible venue. As well as being able to hold optimised – we had to keep the size of Q Fully accessible changing rooms 1,700 fans for cycling, the arena is able to the building small enough to deliver the host music and entertainment events for car parking requirements leased to Derby up to 5,000 people. County FC on match days.” For Tye, the overriding challenge underutilised. The day-to-day cyclists only SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS however, was to create a facility which require a small area to prepare for training, While economic sustainability was was sustainable in operation. “Velodromes which is usually to one semi-circle end of a key priority, the arena also has are generally underused and expensive the infield. There are many velodromes impressive credentials when it comes to buildings to operate and construct,” he where the infield is used for other activities environmental sustainability and energy says. “The infield area within a 250m cycle – Manchester Velodrome has a two-court saving. A low energy displacement heating track is 3,000sqm and in many facilities is sports hall space and the Apeldoorn and ventilation system installed in the sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 43 NEW OPENING

The infield can be used for court-based sports and educational sessions even when the Velodrome is being used by cyclists

The efficiencies of the compact design could set the future standards for sustainable, multi-use velodrome design

main arena space allows stratification of MULTIPLE USES temperature, meaning that the sports in In the architect’s words: Nigel Tye The unique plans have delivered – Derby the middle will benefit from cooler air Arena is a truly multi-sport venue and had while a warmer temperature – preferred by The upper façade of the arena is more than 13,000 visitors in its first month cyclists – can be maintained on the track. expressed as a ribbon of material of operation. While the velodrome has All energy and water systems are which wraps (or spins) around the been received enthusiastically by cyclists, submetered and linked to a comprehensive building. The geometry created the opening of the arena has also given a building energy management system. Low between the curving roof profile and boost to DCC’s fitness memberships. energy LED technology has been used the lifting of the building front and Spectator events are being lined for all general lighting and the foyer is back has been deliberate to create a up too. The arena recently hosted the naturally ventilated. consistent height to the upper layer. Sky=sponsored national badminton The building’s form also helps with This consistency allows a horizontal competition and in August held cycling’s energy saving. The layout tightly wraps the strip cladding to be used akin to the 2015-16 Revolution Series – featuring internal facilities around the fixed form and boarding of the velodrome track. The Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish, Jason dimensions of the cycle track to reduce aluminium shingles received a high Kenny and Laura Trott. And It’s not just the arena volume and its energy loads. quality anodised finish in three colours sport that is benefitting from the The Additionally, the building’s shape minimises reflecting sporting success as ‘gold, Arena. It has already hosted a diverse surface areas and reduces embodied silver and bronze medals’. The soft range of events including Derby University carbon within the substructure. metal cladding has a subtle distortion graduation, a BBC Symphony Orchestra Savings are also made on lighting, as / rippling which create a shimmering concert and a Jimmy Carr comedy event. natural light floods in from three, large surface appearance which adds to the Not to mention the Aladdin Panto, ‘eye-lid’ windows which permeate deep feeling of movement. scheduled for later in the year! into the facility. While reducing the reliance Sir Dave Brailsford, who was born in on artificial lighting, the windows also allow Derbyshire and lives on the outskirts of a passive connection with the outside. the city, is impressed. “When I heard they Tye says the building has been wanted to create this (the Arena) I thought deliberately designed in a simple and they were taking the mick,” he said. “But robust manner to provide ease of use they’ve done an absolutely fantastic job. of environmental systems – as well “This is a statement of intent from Derby as maintenance and operation. “The and the city council to invest in the future. efficiencies of the compact design could Now people have to use this facility and set the future standards for sustainable, as long as the opportunities are there for The gold, silver and bronze exterior multi-use velodrome design.” people, they will take them.” ●

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 45 ARCHITECT PROFILE MAGALI ROBATHAN, SPORTS MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE

First published in EARL SANTEE CLADMag 1 2015

A well-designed sports stadium can transform a community, but there are no shortcuts to making it authentic, Populous principal Earl Santee tells Magali Robathan

Why did you become an architect? about how we can connect the community impactful experiences that have a real I’ve always loved to draw and through to the building and the sporting events it definite spirit to them and last a long time. my teenage years I helped my dad with will host. I think they have to be more than his construction firm. My love of art just connected; they have to be completely How do you achieve that? and building gave me the passion for linked in all aspects from transportation to I spend a tremendous amount of time in the architecture. I studied architecture and community development. cities and towns I work in. I need to fully environmental design at the University understand a place so that I can appreciate of Kansas. I was always a big sports fan so Why is it so important that the buildings the client’s comments about their desires, when the opportunity to join HOK Sport are rooted in their communities? goals and objectives for the project. presented itself in 1985 I didn’t hesitate. It’s what gives a spirit to a place. Our work I try to experience the communities as is about more than just the building itself the people who live there experience them. How do you approach your projects? – it’s about how people feel about it and I stay there, use the public transportation When I’m faced with a new project, I start by about how it fits into the community it system, go to the restaurants and bars, looking at the local community and thinking sits in. Our goal is to create sustainable, the public activities and sporting events.

Target Field in Minneapolis is located on a very tight urban site, surrounded by parking and mass transportation

46 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 ABOUT POPULOUS Stadium in New York and the O2 Arenas in London, Dublin and Berlin. Global architecture firm Populous is Populous started out as HOK Sport, responsible for some of the world’s which was founded in 1983 as a division of best known sports and entertainment US-based HOK group. In 2009, Populous buildings, including the Sochi 2014 was created through a management Olympic Stadium in Russia, the Arena buyout and now operates as an indepen- das Dunas stadium for the FIFA World dently owned collective with more than Cup 2014 in Rio, Brazil; the London 500 staff worldwide. 2012 Olympic stadium, the new Yankee Q More: populous.com Earl Santee PHOTO: POPULOUS PHOTO:

I want to fully understand the unique to understand how that works – to completely connected to all possible differences between that community and understand that the moment when we modes of transport. We built a pedestrian others – what’s great about that city, what take the subway to a stadium or ballpark is skywalk that links the stadium to the city, the aspirations of the people who live there the first moment of our experience. we have bike trails running under the are. It’s also about the art of possibility. The culmination of that is the event itself, site, we built in access to light rail and What can that community become? You but at the end of that, it doesn’t stop – commuter rail connected to the bus service have to have a really deep understanding you go back out into the community, back and there’s also a car park on site. of all of these things in order to make a on the subway, back to the restaurants This had a big impact on the architecture, project authentic – you can’t make it up. or bars, back home or to your hotel. because we wanted to design something Understanding the synergy of all those that was iconic no matter how you How does the design of a sports building experiences, both inside and outside of approached it. We had to think about affect the experience of the fans? the stadia, is so important. how people would see the park from the Having a stadium changes the dynamics At Target Field in Minneapolis (2010), highway system three or four miles away, of a community completely. It’s important we designed a baseball stadium that was from mass transit 10 miles away, or from

Target Field is easily accessible on foot and by public transport – an important part of the brief BOTH PHOTO: PAUL CROSBY

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 47 ARCHITECT PROFILE

The Populous-designed McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas, which opened in 2014 PHOTO: CHRISTY RADECIC

It’s definitely a challenging time for sports architecture right now – we really have to focus and innovate constantly. Every detail counts close up as they approached it on foot or plant – among other things. Making the by bike. Part of the design is manifested by EARL SANTEE BIO project fit within the site was a huge the opportunities created by the site. challenge. We built under the bridges and Earl Santee received a bachelor’s vertically in some places, we built out What have you been working on over the degree in architecture and environ- over the street where we could. We took past 12 months? mental design from the University advantage of every nook and cranny on the We recently completed Baylor University’s of Kansas, and joined Populous (then site to make it work. McLane Stadium [a new 45,000-seat HOK Sport) in 1985. The renovation and redevelopment American football stadium that opened in Describing himself as an urban of the Kyle Field stadium at Texas A&M Waco, Texas in August 2014]. designer first and an architect second, University was also a huge challenge. We I’m currently working on the design of Santee’s philosophy is that urban sites were faced with a building that had been the Atlanta Braves stadium, a baseball shape the buildings he designs. designed by five or six different architects stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, and we’re in Santee has designed more than 40 since the 1920s – trying to find a way the middle of construction on the Kyle sports venues across the US, including to unify the architecture in and around Field [American] football stadium at Texas the new Yankee Stadium, New York pre-existing conditions was tricky. The A&M University, which is the largest (2009), Marlins Park, Miami (2012), scale of the project was also a challenge renovation project in collegiate sports Target Field, Minneapolis (2010), – it’s a $450m renovation, which takes history. It will open during 2015. McLane Stadium at Baylor Univer- the capacity from 82,000 to 102,500 sity, Waco (2014) and the Texas A&M seats, and the work is being done without What have been your the most Kyle Field redevelopement in College interrupting the team’s schedule. challenging projects in your career? Station (due for completion in 2015). Target Field in Minneapolis was one of our A senior principal at Populous, Do you have a favourite project? most challenging projects, because we had Santee is a member of the American I couldn’t choose a favourite, but I do to put a 41,000-seat, 13-acre ballpark on an Institute of Architects, the Society have moments in each that are personally 8,5-acre site which is very tight. for American Baseball Research, the powerful. Walking up on Babe Ruth We had to make do with what we had Stadium Managers’ Association and Plaza at the new Yankee Stadium is a real space-wise – it was a very urban site, the Urban Land Institute. moment for me. I have a very strong and was surrounded by a railway line, a In 2014, he was named a Fellow of emotional connection to it. We wanted to federal highway, viaducts, an interstate, an the American Institute of Architects. capture the legacy of the Yankees and I underground creek and a waste incinerator think we did it in a strong way.

48 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The materials and detailing of the new Yankee Stadium were inspired by the original 1923 stadium PHOTO: CHRISTY RADECIC

What have been the highest and lowest PHOTO: ESTO PHOTOGRAPHICS How has the focus on sports legacy points in your career? changed during your career? This year I was named a Fellow of the Together with our partners in London, American Institute of Architects – that we’ve been thinking hard about the was a great moment. I don’t often look adaptability of our projects as they move backwards in my career, I just take one on in their lives. The London Olympic project at a time, so it was great to Stadium [designed by Populous] was a good stop and think: Wow, maybe I really did example of this. accomplish something. The lowest points have been whenever What’s the best part of your job? we’ve had to lay anyone off. I love our I love when I’m in a meeting with a client staff, I love the work they do and the and they’re finding something impossible commitment and passion they all bring to and we find a solution. the projects we work on, so having to let Santee says the Yankee Stadium, New York There’s a magic moment when everyone anyone go is really hard. City, captures the legacy of the Yankees gets it at the same time. These moments are what really builds the relationship with What are the biggest trends in sports How do you judge whether a building a client; they bind you forever. architecture at the moment? has been a success or not? We’re going through a really dynamic If you can create great experiences outside And the worst part of your job? change in the industry because of a building, it’s easier to create them I’m not a morning person. I do my best to technology. The experience people can inside. You have to focus on tying the two all my work after noon. have at home is so much greater than it together. On greenfield sites it’s more used to be, so the challenge is competing challenging because everything’s new, you Which other architects do you admire? with that and giving as much impact to have to understand connected moments – I’ve always liked the simplicity of César the experience of watching a live sporting how people arrive, their experience as they Pelli’s work. I like the work of Santiago event as possible. approach and once they get inside. Calatrava and I’m also a fan of the clarity It’s definitely a challenging time for With urban sites, one of the biggest of IM Pei’s work. sports architecture right now with so much factors is whether people can get there competition – we really have to focus and easily. You have to give them every reason What three words sum you up? innovate constantly. Every detail counts. to come and remove reasons not to. Passionate, engaged and optimistic. ● sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 49 INCREASING PARTICIPATION BEN THOMPSON, NOTTINGHAM CITY OF FOOTBALL

GRASS ROOTS SPECIAL CITY OF DREAMS Nottingham was named the first ever UK City of Football – a pilot initiative launched by Sport England to increase the number of people playing football

here were 2.2 million adults and outside the traditional footballing partnerships, supported better planning (over 16s) playing football family. These included the Creative of football events and is driving the city regularly in 2012. Just 18 Quarter – the city’s creative network to having the fastest growing number of months later, that figure had where business, art and technology come female and BME players. fallen to 1.8 million. Something together – local sports clubs, schools, As well as promoting initiatives to Tneeded to be done and that “something” colleges and universities as well as large support the diversity of the groups was Sport England announcing it would local businesses such as retailer Boots and participating in football, Nottingham City invest £1.6m of National Lottery funding banking company Capital One. of Football (NCF) is also promoting the into creating the first ever UK City of cultural, social, health and educational Football. The aim was to choose a city FOOTBALLING EXPLOSION benefits of participating in all forms of to host a pilot scheme, designed to find Announcing the winner, Sport England football for people of all abilities. new ways to get more people playing the said Nottingham’s use of insight and NCF managing director, Amanda sport regularly – with a particular focus understanding of its target audiences was Chambers, says the programme’s main on those aged 14- to 25-years-old. “most impressive”. The City of Football purpose is to ensure more people play took lessons from Nottingham’s annual football regularly (at least 30 minutes a BID TIME GameCity Festival, which successfully week), reversing the trend of declining In the initial application stage, 22 cities draws young people into digital participation. “Our overall ambition is to submitted expressions of interest and technology by showcasing the cultural spark an explosion of grassroots football three were shortlisted. From that group, side of video games. participation, by people of all ages, but Nottingham overcame competition from As the first City of Football in England, particularly by young people,” she said. Manchester and Portsmouth and was the Nottingham team’s chosen mission “However, we do not just want to chosen as the one to drive the two-year statement was to help people ‘find their engage with people who are currently experiment. Nottingham’s winning bid football’. Since delivery of the initiative playing football, or just get more of the brought together partners from both inside began in April, it has created new football same people participating.

The initiative will look to utilise rolemodels such as Alex Greenwood, the Notts County Ladies defender who was part of the bronze-winning England World Cup squad this year (in white, right)

50 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 NCF managing director, Amanda Chambers

The initiative has recruited a number of former top-flight players, including Nottingham-born former Notts County player Michael Johnson

“We want to reach those who are not currently taking part and are not engaged in football at all.” NCF chair Jeff Moore is also keen to reach out to the communities which the established game fails to influence. We want to widen and deepen engagement with the communities and groups of people which the established game of football does not reach. We think there are limitations in the traditional ‘targeted interventions’,” he said. all communities. While we will only get Sport England and the money is being “There is a need to focus on a change to keep the title of City of Football spent carefully and in ways which will in behaviour, not just within individuals, for two years, it’s not over for us after directly increase participation in football but within the football infrastructure and that. We want to ensure the increase in across their key target audiences. organisations currently leading, managing participation is sustained and that football For example, many of the events and delivering activity in the city. will be embedded in the lives of people.” have been highly targeted and involved “We’d also like to reach people who are localised activities with 14 to 25- inactive and get them active, providing FUNDING THE GAME year-olds, black and minority ethnic equality of access and opportunity and The group is currently only funded communities, women and girls and ensure our activities are inclusive to through National Lottery backing from disabled people. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 51 INCREASING PARTICIPATION

NCF chair Jeff Moore (above). The programme looks to attract more BME people to play football (right)

“Our goal is to reverse the trend of declining participation. We’re taking all the right steps to see a fundamental change in football participation across Nottingham” - Amanda Chambers

Over the two years of the project, the greatest barriers to participation by to use Nottingham’s experiences and NCF also aims to achieve a shift in the making football sessions available and lessons to implement a new strategy for gender, ethnicity and demographic accessible for all. football in the future. With the project profiles of people playing, coaching and already seeing improvements in football volunteering in football in the city to LASTING EFFECT participation across the city, Chambers better reflect the diversity of people Chambers and Moore share the same is confident that the initiative will help living in Nottingham. The team is creating hope that Nottingham’s time as the first drive a radical change in football across new approaches to how football is City of Football will leave behind a great the region and beyond. “There’s already delivered, including the development of a legacy for the city’s grassroots football been a real buzz around the city since we new planning tool called Playbook. at the end of the two years. The ideal began implementing the project in April, A digital platform, Playbook will help outcome would be more people playing she said. “There are some amazing role providers planning to put on football football, a more diverse demographic of models within our local football sides activities in the city target the right players and coaches, and the creation and the success of the women’s teams people, in the right places, at the right of a more accessible local football recently, both nationally and locally, has time, with relevant offers. infrastructure. The team accepts that it helped us inspire more women and girls Playbook will allow the NCF to will face challenges as it has a relatively to get into the game, which is fantastic. communicate its football offers more short time span to deliver its goals “We’ve seen a similar rise in thenumber effectively and more coherently across a to positively alter and challenge the of BME communities getting involved broad range of communication platforms. structure of how football is delivered and in local football sessions and coaching It will also mean that football activity viewed in the city. courses, which is great for the future of programmes can be designed around The team also hopes that future football at all levels. specific user needs. participation projects will be able to learn “We want this increase to continue It’s hoped that Playbook will become an from what is achieved by Nottingham’s and particularly with those young people open football platform, allowing people tenure as City of Football – and that aged 14 to 25. Our goals will always be and communities to identify where other cities and national governing set around the need to reverse the trend football events or coaching sessions are bodies can take on board the key of declining participation and I truly feel happening, who they can play with and conclusions as they implement their that we’re taking all the right steps to how to get there. By doing so, the NCF own plans across the UK. Sport England see a fundamental change in football believes Playbook will remove some of has already announced that it plans participation across Nottingham.” ●

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GRASS ROOTS SPECIAL GROWING SPORT To get the nation active, more needs to be done to engage and encourage young children, especially the less confident. Kath Hudson reports

or the first time in history, we are Swimming and fitness suffered the facing a situation where parents biggest casualties. Although swimming are likely to outlive their children. is the most popular participation sport, One third of children are leaving almost 400,000 have stopped swimming primary school overweight or over the past year. This has raised some Fobese and physically illiterate. eyebrows. Sport England CEO, Jennie Recent research from Essex University – Price, has said this “serious, long-term which previously charted schoolchildren’s decline needs to be reversed.” fitness levels in 1998 and 2008 – has found Horridge reiterates his point about that children’s activity levels are waning engaging children earlier. “Many clubs are and fitness levels are declining by 0.95 not hitting their targets for participation, per cent annually. Ukactive’s Generation so are having funding clawbacks,” says Inactive report, launched in June, draws Horridge. “There’s got to be a catalyst similarly disappointing conclusions: only for change from the top down, to engage half of seven-year-olds are meeting the children when they’re younger and sustain recommended guidelines of 60 minutes of that as a teen and an adult.” physical activity a day. COMMUNICATION CATCH THEM EARLY As a parent with two primary school aged With school sport diminishing and children who between them have tried generally skewed towards the most able, football, rugby, athletics, swimming, the less confident frequently fall by the gymnastics, triathlon and cycling, which has wayside, becoming inactive children and Engaging children early is the key led to much volunteering on my behalf, I then inactive adults. If they were helped to ensuring they develop a life-long have noticed a few common pitfalls, which to find the sport which suits them, which relationship with sport translate into barriers to participation. they find fun and which they are given Communication is the first issue. Enquiry confidence to play, this could change. emails often go unanswered, because this It’s crucial to give primary aged volunteers to run the clubs,” he says. “But is left to a volunteer who is too busy to children a positive introduction to sport, if you haven’t engaged them by the time keep on top of them. I’m not criticising because if you miss out on sport as a child they are 14, it’s unlikely you ever will. It’s volunteers – I know first hand how hard you it’s far harder to pick it up as an adult. not rocket science: University College have to work to be a volunteer – I’m saying Money is a key issue. The funding for London research, which looked at the they should be given more support. clubs affiliated to the national governing 1970 British Cohort Study, shows that if If there was funding available for bodies of sport doesn’t start until age 14. you engage children at an early age then under-14s then clubs could consider paying While Sport England hands more than they’re more likely to continue to play someone for a few hours a week to keep £500m each year to NGBs to engage the sport as adults.” on top of queries, and also be in charge of over 14s, there is no funding allocation for other important admin tasks, such as time the under 14s, except for school sport, PARTICIPATION DOWN consuming funding and grant applications, which means places available in out-of- It’s not just the health of children and as well as seeking sponsorship, CSR and school clubs are limited. the nation which is suffering, sports are partnership opportunities, which could Former PE teacher and CEO of Fit losing out as well, with many (excepting then lead to more opportunities being for Sport, Dean Horridge, argues there tennis, cycling, basketball and running) offered. In the current situation most clubs should be some funding for the under in decline. According to Sport England’s have to run lengthy waiting lists. 14s. “The NGBs have no remit to engage Active People Survey, the number of “Volunteers are great and our grassroots those under 14. The younger children people engaged in regular physical sports rely on them, but that comes with have a few grants here and there, activity in England fell 1.4 per cent the pitfall that communication is not great,” but have to rely on subscriptions and between October 2014 and March 2015. says Horridge. “Consumers expect a bit of

54 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 A sporty child can make a sporty adult, so it’s crucial to give young people a positive introduction to sport

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 55 GRASSROOTS

Offering children a wide range of sports means it’s more likely they will find an activity they enjoy and pick up a lifelong habit

professionalism around the sports which focus on technique which they couldn’t RIDING HIGH we see as core sports and the non-payment grasp. “You see it all the time at football: Boosted by the medal haul at the London element leads to a lack of professionalism.” two lines of 10, rather than 10 lines of 2012 Olympics and Bradley Wiggins’ The British Gymnastics-affiliated club two,” says Horridge. “Young children success in the Tour de France, cycling is my daughter attends is a very professional just want to be involved, they want to enjoying an upsurge. It is a great activity set up, thanks to its paid staff. However, be running around and they have short for families to enjoy together, the the price charged for the sessions reflects attention spans. If they’re not busy they downside is that it requires investment this. If all sports were to pay staff under start to misbehave.” in kit and a safe place to cycle, which is the current structure, then subscriptions Because the NGBs remit is to teach the harder to find now than in the 1970s. would rise considerably, presenting another sport correctly and find talent for county The number of people cycling barrier to participation – but it might and national teams, coaches are taught to recreationally once a week has increased improve the quality of the sessions. put more emphasis on teaching technique by 17 per cent since 2008 according to and less on engaging children. This policy the Active People Survey. DCMS figures ENGAGEMENT might be good for elite sport but is less estimate 31.8 per cent of five- to 10-year- While learning the correct set of skills effective in getting children moving and olds (1.3 million) participate in cycling, or and techniques are undoubtedly very mobilising the masses. Perhaps a two ride a bike once a month. important –and not just for the talented – pronged approach could work better to Sarah Lewis, British Cycling’s senior at a young age the focus should be more keep the less competitive engaged. marketing and communications officer, on fun and engagement to ensure all kids The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has says it is important for children to be given taking part get moving and involved. been tweaking its coaching over the last a positive experience of cycling at a young “I’ve really got an issue with someone few years to boost continual involvement. age: “People are far more likely to have a spending 20 minutes explaining to a six My son has enjoyed training sessions sporting habit for life if they are engaged year old how to hold a hockey stick,” where he’s kept occupied, the coaches early on. Time spent playing sport as a kid is says Horridge. “It’s better to ask them to are encouraging and the atmosphere is an important factor in adult participation.” dribble a ball around a cone with their stick inclusive. Also good to see is the Amateur Although reliant on its network of 6,000 as many times as they can and try and beat Swimming Association’s (ASA) recent volunteers at its 300 clubs, British Cycling last week’s score. Make it fun.” partnership with the British Sub-Aqua has been successful in finding sponsors, My children were turned off both Club, to introduce children to snorkeling in a competitive market, to implement swimming and football because the and aquatic sports. This injects a fun its initiatives, which include bike handling sessions involved too much time waiting element and also illustrates how swimming workshops, entry level competitions and for a turn and getting cold, and too much is a gateway to other sports. holiday coaching programmes.

56 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The number of people cycling recreationally once a week has increased by 17 per cent since 2008

Local clubs are starved of cash and provision is often targeted towards bringing on talent, rather than encouraging broad participation

British Cycling has also been pro-active and steel company, Tata, has offered current approach has had its day. It’s not about forming partnerships with schools 66,000 children, aged eight to 13, the the return we expect to see for a large and local authorities and implementing opportunity to sample triathlon in the investment of public money. outreach programmes, which Horridge world’s biggest mini series. “I am going to develop a new strategy says is something more NGBs should be It is apparent that local clubs are starved for sport, as a matter of urgency. I will doing. In my view the reason they are not is of cash, and provision is targeted towards consult with the sector on a new approach lack of time and not lack of need, because bringing on talent, rather than encouraging that will strengthen sport across the they all run waiting lists. broad participation. The decision to do this country, focus support on those that can goes all the way up to central government, deliver the goods and look to take a more COLLABORATION which gives the direction on how Sport joined-up approach to sport and physical Triathlon is another fast growing sport England and NGBs spend their funding. activity across Whitehall.” and Britain now has more world and The results from the Active People Something needs to change and I Olympic triathlon champions than any Survey, as well as recent research into believe there should be more investment other nation. However, the British Triathlon children’s activity levels, illustrates that the in engaging children, and providing funding model is targeted at elite level and current approach isn’t working. The DCMS opportunities for younger children. We boosting adult participation, not bringing has pledged to change the current model. need to find a way of encouraging the less young children into the sport. Sports Minister Tracey Crouch sporty to stay active. Triathlon is an intimidating sport, so acknowledges that participation levels At the moment it is left largely to starting early has got to be an advantage. shown in the Active People survey are not schools and as Tam Fry, spokesperson Fortunately, a number of race organisers, good enough: “I am very disappointed for the Child Obesity Forum says, this is including Tempus Leisure, Castles and by these numbers. A significant amount inadequate. “Schools are not preparing Human Race are running mini triathlons of public funding has been invested in children for adult life, there has been too alongside their adult races, and so the sport in the last decade but the results much focus put on academic achievement opportunities to participate are starting simply aren’t good enough. It’s time for at the expense of lifestyle choices. to trickle down to children. Also, a CSR a change. The recent downward trend Schools have got rid of playing fields and programme between British Triathlon in participation has demonstrated the discarded physical education.” ● sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 57 YOUTH SPORT

GRASS ROOTS SPECIAL CHILD’S PLAY

A key legacy pledge of London 2012 was to inspire a generation and get the nation physically active. Katherine Selby looks at the initiatives.

KATHERINE SELBY, ACTION PR

his year marks the 10th party commission on physical activity and anniversary of London winning ukactive Kids – a newly launched, children- the bid to host the 2012 Olympic specific division of industry body ukactive Games. At the time, Lord Coe – are encouraging. So while there remains promised the Games would a gap between the legacy aspirations Tinspire a generation and create a legacy announced in 2005 and reality, the of physical activity and sporting success continued emergence of activity projects – pledges which were embraced by those and programmes indicate there is a real working in the sport and physical activity desire to tackle the issue. It seems that sector. Yet a decade later, physical activity for every damning report on how inactive in the UK has fallen by more than 20 per children are, there’s an exciting new cent – and is forecast to drop a further 35 programme underway. For every critic, an per cent from current levels by 2030. inspirational individual or company coming Of major concern is that inactivity starts up with new ideas. Look closely and you’ll in early childhood. Only half of seven-year- see that some of Britain’s finest physical olds are meeting recommended physical activity ‘architects’ are successfully building activity guidelines of 60 minutes per day bridges to close the gap. and less than half of schools record the length of time children actually spend CATCH THEM YOUNG being physically active in PE lessons. Older As the challenge of inactivity starts young, children’s activity levels don’t fare well it makes sense to start the solution when either, with secondary school aged children children are young. Chris Wright, head dropping out of sport at an alarming rate. of health at the Youth Sport Trust (YST), The problem of inactive kids has been says that a good age could be as young as YMCA works with all ages and, with recognised, with the leisure industry, two. YST created the Smart Start Club for The Youth Sport Trust, created a Smart government and numerous professional pre-school children – in partnership with Start Club for pre-school children bodies taking steps to address the YMCA – which supports the Early Years challenges. Initiatives such as the cross Foundation Stage framework and gets

58 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 All Above: Fit for Sport’s Engage to Compete initiative is aimed at primary school children Right: Only half of seven-year-olds in the UK are meeting recommended physical activity guidelines

kids ready for school by developing their cognitive and social development. “At this very young age children love to be on the move and we aim to get them moving correctly,” says Wright. “We are looking to develop co-ordination, cognitive skills and enjoyment in activity so they can maximise the opportunities when they join believes Wright. “It’s never too early to 10,000 children and 600 teachers across primary school. Currently the Early Years offer children structured activities.” 66 schools in London and Birmingham Foundation curriculum doesn’t have a took part in the programme which section for physical activity and we believe PHYSICAL LITERACY was supported by nearly £200,000 of it needs to be added in order to be taken Primary school children are measured National Lottery funding from Sport seriously, measured and valued.” in subjects such as maths, English and England. Engage to Compete brings Working with pre-school children science but when it comes to physical structure, focus and fresh new activities to inevitably requires buy-in from parents, literacy, parents and teachers are the playground. It is designed to engage all so the Smart Start Club provides plenty completely in the dark and this concerns children and trains teaching assistants to of simple activities for families to do at Dean Horridge, chair of ukactive Kids and deliver the activities. The key partners in home. Not only does this help children CEO of Fit For Sport. “We must bring the the programme include local councils and learn through play, but parents gain an measurement of PE in line with that of leisure centre providers. Their involvement appreciation of the difference activity academic subjects. All involved – including includes providing services and facilities makes and instills in them a desire to parents – need to recognise the impact for large scale, motivational events – such encourage their child for years to come. good physical and cognitive health can as bringing together 1,000 children from The Youth Sport Trust trains early years have on a child’s life”, he says. local schools for a Legacy Games Day, teachers to implement their programme, Fit For Sport recently completed a hosting family activity days and offering giving them enhanced skills and additional second successful pilot of its Engage incentives and discounts to encourage qualifications. “Everyone must take early To Compete programme which boosts further activity out of school. years activity seriously and prioritise and measures levels of physical activity “Fit For Sport is a valued partner it: from Public Health England down,” among primary school children. More than for GLL and the Engage to Compete sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 59 YOUTH SPORT

Early teens should be offered a varied range of physical activities

A shift of emphasis away from ‘pure sport’ towards more fun, engaging activities can help create environments in which younger people can get physically active programme has proved to be an innovative and deliver programmes. It is seeing request of the Northampton public health way to engage primary school pupils more and more schools choosing to use team to run in partnership with the local in challenging, fun activities with a their legacy funding to pay for sports charity Young Healthy Minds. More than measurable outcome,” says Phil Lane, head activity and training. Danny Potts, Y just a physical activity project, it is a of sport & community participation for Active programme manager at the YMCA bespoke strategy for secondary schools GLL. “The large numbers involved in the welcomes this and believes a more joined – each school has activities developed London Borough of Tower Hamlets are up approach working with schools and individually for them to meet their exact hugely encouraging and we are looking to partners is needed. “Leisure providers are needs – which helps improve the social and build on this success with Fit For Sport.” definitely ready to help and the best way emotional wellbeing of pupils. “Fit For Sport is working to broaden for schools to access these services is from This is an excellent example of bringing attitudes towards physical activity so that a consistent sustainable funding stream together local partners from sport, people see it as more than just PE lessons earmarked for such activities,” he says. “A education and health fields. The collective or sports training,” says Horridge. key aspect to success is offering a variety response to local issues not only makes it “Engage to Compete shows how of activities, not just conventional sports, of immediate relevance and benefit, it also successful realignment of attitudes to appeal to all children.” ensures the various interested parties help among teachers, teaching assistants and support and implement it. head teachers ensures every child can be THE TROUBLE WITH TEENAGERS “This project is fulfilling a local need to engaged in fun activities at school, even if Establishing healthy habits early on is one help teenagers navigate this tricky stage they shy away from team sports or more thing: engaging teenagers in activity needs of their life by easing stress, building traditional forms of exercise.” a very different approach. Older children’s confidence and creating friendships,” says Engage to Compete meets several of activity levels drop dramatically, unless Wright. “I’d love to see similar programmes the recommendations listed in the ukactive they play school or club sport. set up but fear that until physical activity Generation Inactive report released in Physical activity can benefit teenagers is valued and measured like academic May, including: adopting a whole school in many ways and should not be singular subjects, head teachers will struggle to approach, ensuring an effective PE in its approach. Developing programmes prioritise it,” he warns. curriculum is built into teacher training, simply to get teenagers fit is to miss the Local partnerships, intuitive programmes, providing support, measuring improvement point: physical activity has great potential tailored training support and a shift away and giving guidance to schools. to help teens build life skills and cope with from ‘pure sport’ towards engaging activity issues they typically face – such as stress, seem to be the way forward to bridging the FUN AND FUNDING body image issues, self-confidence and gap. The leisure industry has the necessary The YMCA works with a number of exam pressure. In May 2015, YST started skills and tools. If put in the right hands, the schools and leisure partners to create the PE 2020 programme at the specific new approach could be a game changer. ●

60 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Advantage Tennis Fencing NOW available with Super Rebound

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 61 FACILITY MANAGEMENT RHIANON HOWELLS, BIG FISH PR

UNIVERSITY SPORT SPECIAL PART 1

Sheffield Hallam University currently has 4,759 paying sport and fitness members at its clubs, across all user categories UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE

Universities are investing heavily in sports facilities to woo both students and outside users. But how do they balance the needs of students with those of elite athletes and the wider community? We look at how three universities are rising to the challenge

ext year, the University of University, which spent £11m in the last who want to play sport, while continuing Birmingham will open a new five years improving its already extensive to nurture the elite athletes who help raise £55m indoor sports centre facilities. “It’s made universities commercial their profile. The new developments are to replace its existing, ageing and competitive with each other.” also pushing university sports centres to re- facility. It’s a huge investment On this new playing field, sporting evaluate how they operate commercially, Nfor the renowned sporting university – universities have to work harder to meet particularly with regard to usage by Birmingham is currently fifth in the British the expectations of fee-paying students external organisations and the public. Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) points table – the financial commitment to BREADTH OF OPPORTUNITY sport that it reflects, however, is not unique So how do university sports operations within the higher education (HE) sector. balance the needs of such different In 2016, Nottingham University will open groups while staying financially viable? At its own £40m sports centre, while in 2010 Loughborough, Garfield and his colleagues Northumbria spent £30m on its flagship pride themselves on the university’s range Sport Central. In the intervening period, of sport-specific facilities, in contrast with many other universities have invested the multi-sport buildings of most of its significant sums in building, developing and competitors. “The focus is unashamedly upgrading sports facilities. our students and elite athletes,” he says. This recent surge of investment in With centres dedicated to athletics, university sport is inextricably linked to badminton, cricket, football, gymnastics, the sweeping changes taking place across hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, netball, higher education as a whole. swimming, squash, tennis and table tennis, “For many parts of the university the reach is vast. “Even though these are sector, the introduction of £9k tuition specialist facilities, the vast majority cater fees has been a real game-changer,” for the full range of abilities and interest Loughborough has dedicated centres for says Tim Garfield, director of the sports in that sport,” says Garfield. “It’s this a range of sports – including netball development centre at Loughborough breadth of opportunity, for novices and

62 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The UK’s leading sporting university, Loughborough, has invested £11m in its Holywell Sports Complex since 2010

elite athletes, that makes us so inspiring.” During term-time there’s some, limited We have a very healthy sporting eco-system in which community usage of the facilities – for example, Charnwood Athletics Club there’s a large amount of mutual respect between users regularly uses the athletics track while the 50m pool hosts regular casual swimming sessions and community swimming galas. Centre, opened in October 2014. The COMMUNITY OUTREACH But it’s in the holidays that the figures support Loughborough’s claim At the University of Durham, second only university focuses on optimising to be catering for all levels of interest – to Loughborough in the BUCS rankings, commercial opportunities. It hosts three 70 per cent of the 17,000 students play there are three competing priorities, says national camps for the Youth Sport Trust sport regularly: 6,000 are members of head of sport Quentin Sloper: meeting the each year, and will be the team base for its gyms, 4,500 are members of its 54 needs of elite athletes, increasing student Tonga, Namibia and Uruguay during the sports clubs, 2,500 take part in intramural participation and providing high-quality 2015 Rugby World Cup. sports and 3,000 participate in non- facilities to community groups. While Loughborough has a long history competitive sports. All organised sport To support these aims, the university of catering for elite athletes – some is free of charge, with a “modest fee” has spent £12m on its facilities since 2011, of its facilities are funded by NGBs, charged for casual use. including £6.7m on a new indoor sports requiring the university to provide some With such demand, a scheduling group centre and £1.6m on two rubber-crumb priority use to performance athletes meets regularly to diffuse potential surfaces. Facilities now include a £1m – the introduction of tuition fees has clashes: “There is constant tension, but indoor rowing tank and a 28-station ‘ergo’ sharpened its focus on students who want not conflict, between the demands of gallery; a world-class fencing salle, home to play sport recreationally. Since 2010, different user groups,” admits Mark to British Fencing; a sports hall; a high- £11m has been invested in the Holywell Davies, Loughborough’s strategic manager performance weights room and a fitness Sports Complex, now home not only to for sports operations. “[But] despite suite. There is also an aerobics studio, two an upgraded stadium, eight grass pitches the tensions, we believe we have a very squash courts and three physio rooms. and the university’s fifth floodlit artificial healthy sporting eco-system in which Outdoor facilities include multiple grass pitch, but also the new Holywell Fitness there’s a large amount of mutual respect.” pitches, a water-based hockey surface and sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 63 FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Out of Durham University’s 12,000 students, 90 per cent regularly take part in sport and physical activities

a sand-dressed artificial pitch. If a key aim given a level of priority, but it’s always and this is agreed prior to selling space to of the new centre was to increase student a compromise,” says Sloper. Another individuals,” he says. “But some contracts participation, this has certainly been challenge is how to be commercial. are done prior to athletes’ bookings. achieved: more than 12,000 (90 per cent) “During term time, our facilities are used Nobody is given priority.” of Durham’s students regularly engage in constantly, seven days a week,” he says. “It’s At present, SHU has around 350 sport. Of these 2,000 compete for the difficult to grow a commercial programme community members. As part of its efforts university across 45 clubs and 10,000 take when users want access 50 weeks a year.” to remain competitive, SHU has signed up part in intramural or non-competitive sport. While the fitness suite does offer to two national schemes: Sport England’s Durham also places great emphasis memberships to locals as well as students, quality scheme Quest and the National on making its facilities available to the community members only account for Benchmarking Service (NBS), administered wider community – and not only for the around 10 per cent of the 700-strong by Leisure-net Solution in partnership with commercial benefits. Its University Sport membership base. SHU’s own Sport Industry Research Centre. programme involves 47 local schools and Designed to be both a badge of all the city’s major clubs. More than 200 VALUE FOR MONEY accreditation and a tool for continuous student volunteers coach within schools Another university balancing the needs improvement, Quest Plus involves an each year and 2,000 children have access of different user groups is Sheffield initial two-day assessment and mystery to the university’s sporting facilities. Hallam University (SHU), which has also visit, followed by a one-day review a year “Community outreach is a key committed to upgrading its sports offering. later. NBS, meanwhile, is used by facilities component of our overall programme,” In October 2013, SHU invested £6m in a to identify how they are performing says Sloper. “It’s integral for the personal 22-acre outdoor facility, Sportspark, with a compared to their competitors. development of our students, who have the further £1m spent on indoor facilities and According to Miller, a key goal of signing opportunity to coach, organise, lead and £325,000 on refurbishing and rebranding up to the benchmarking system was to interact with people who they might not the Sheffield Hallam athletics stadium. demonstrate SHU’s value for money. otherwise engage with at university.” The policy at SHU is that all facilities Quest, meanwhile, helps develop formal Catering effectively for all these should be available for community use. structures that support best practice. different groups means not only extended It currently has 4,759 paying sport and As the different approaches of these opening hours, but also templating fitness members, across all user categories. three universities show, there’s no one- programmes for an entire academic year According to operations manager Andrew size-fits-all solution when it comes to so everyone’s clear about what they can Miller, keeping so many different user balancing not only the varied needs access and when. “The requirements of groups happy is a constant balancing act. of their different users but also their our performance clubs and athletes are “Athletes want free access to the facilities commercial aims. ●

64 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Creating sustainable, supportive long term solutions for Q Bespoke sport structures leisure operators Q Glulam wood, aluminium or steel frames The proven STA Swim Academy model is about working in partnership with Q Sliding side walls for natural leisure providers to raise standards ventilation and provide more opportunities for people to access swimming lesson Q Short delivery and build time programmes at their local pool. Q Conforming with building codes With the STA Academy Programme, you can: Q Experienced and dynamic team • Raise standards Q Affordable and sustainable • Maximise your pool space • Increase participation Q Finance options • Develop an exciting, varied aquatic DESIGNED programme • Increase income TO BE BETTER To find out more, and to see how other leisure providers have positively transformed their pool programme, call our Academy team today on 01922 645097 or email [email protected]

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 65 POOL MANAGEMENT VICKY KIERNANDER, KIERCOMMS PR

By running swimming classes for families, centres can generate thousands of pounds each year

POOL PROGRAMMING Swimming pools may be one of the most expensive overheads for sports and leisure operators, but clever programming and subcontracting swimming lessons can help maximise usage and drive revenue

here can be a general 1,300 bespoke one on one and small says Eduardo Ferré, founder of Swimming reluctance to embrace change, group classes in 50 venues across London Nature. Group classes are typically two especially at a time of financial and Edinburgh using its own teachers. It or three to one, and no more than six to uncertainty or when budgets partnered with Fitness First earlier this one for adults, so they only require a small are being cut,” says Kayle year to offer private adult swimming section of the pool, meaning regular use “Burgham,T technical manager for aquatics lessons at 11 clubs, and is currently rolling isn’t disrupted. Children’s programmes at Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA). the scheme out to other sites. are tied to the school calendar, which is “But this should be the catalyst to be “We teach more than 4,700 people a generally 15 weeks in the autumn, 12 in creative and explore new ways to maximise week, from babies through to adults. This spring and 12 in summer. The company also pool space and increase revenue.” provides a regular revenue stream for our runs fast track courses during the school Operators who adopt a commercial pool partners, as our students commit to holidays which take place daily for five days. view and diversify their pool programmes a full term in advance and we currently Adult lessons are more flexible and are can create value around their pools, make have over 85 per cent retention rate,” purchased in blocks. better use of pool time, “The beauty of our and increase usage as well lessons is the simplicity; as drive income. we teach people to swim “Having a structured and naturally without flotation well organised swimming devices or aids,” says Ferré. scheme can create massive “We can tailor each lesson income for a leisure to each student, tracking centre. A programme with their progress in the pool correct classes and good on waterproof tablet teachers mean learners devices for efficiency. We will progress to the next focus on breathing and group, creating more flotation first and only space at the lower levels when that is established, where new learners can do we move onto actual join,” says Burgham. swimming. The benefit of One on one lessons this is that there are no are also a valuable way additional apparatus/tools of generating income. for the pool operator to Swimming Nature delivers Adult learner classes are popular and often lead to regular memberships provide or authorise.”

66 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The Rookie Lifeguard scheme aims to retain children after learn-to-swim programmes

Operated by PfP, Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre runs four 30-minute Rookie classes each week, generating up to £9,000 per year

As well as generating revenue – one Programme is an awards scheme for and a lifesaving qualification can qualify partner experienced a 25 per increase eight to 12-year-olds teaching lifesaving as a Rookie Lifeguard Instructor without across four sites in one year – the skills. Designed to help operators retain needing to attend a course. Operated by company supports partners with proactive children for a further three years, the PfP, Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness marketing and PR initiatives. nine awards contain survival, rescue and Centre runs four half hour Rookie classes sports skills as well as life support and each week, 50 weeks a year generating BEYOND LEARN-TO-SWIM water safety elements. Staff who hold a between £4,500 to £9,000 per annum. The STA conducted a national baby swim Level 2 swimming teacher qualification The STA’s new Junior Lifeguard Academy, school survey this year, which confirmed which is also aimed at youngsters aged substantial growth in the demand for baby eight years and above, offers more than swimming over the last five years. 40 different aquatic and fitness activities, Seventy per cent of respondents said which can be programmed in the shallow they have waiting lists for baby swimming and deep end to maximise pool space, as lessons and almost 86 per cent believed well as on dryside with a junior medic. the market had not yet reached its peak, For older children (12 years and above) although many warned that growth could and adults, the RLSS UK offers the Survive be capped because of pool time availabil- & Save lifesaving awards programme. The ity. “There is a real opportunity for pool awards teach lifesaving rescue, self-rescue, owners to maximise income in this growth survival and lifesaving sport skills, and also area,” says Burgham. develop swimming ability and fitness. The STA’s Baby and Pre-School “The programme allows operators to add qualification gives teachers the skills to another six awards to their pool programme teach aquatic activities to babies and to help attract new swimmers and retain pre-school children. Retaining children those from other programmes. One after learn-to-swim programmes can 10-week course for 12 pupils can potentially be a challenge. The Royal Life Saving achieve an income of more than £1,000,” Society UK’s (RLSS UK) Rookie Lifeguard STA offers pre-school swim teacher training says Martin Symcox, director of the sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 67 POOL MANAGEMENT

charity’s training subsidiary, IQL UK. Any member of staff can qualify to deliver the Survive and Save awards by qualifying as a lifesaving instructor. Young people from the age of 16 can qualify as a lifeguard, which provides another opportunity to engage young people. The RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland and is also recognised internationally. Operators can market the qualification as a way for students to fund their studies – or even as a stepping stone for them to enter into a career in leisure. STA also offers accredited lifeguarding qualifications. There are a host of other programmes WATER BABIES benefits to pools, helping to secure operators can offer. Open water swimming ongoing additional revenue through is the second fastest growing mass sport Water Babies is the UK’s largest baby pool hire and associated supplementary in the UK and STA’s Pool to Open Water and toddler swim school. Run as a series income, including potential membership Swimming Coaching qualification helps of franchises, it teaches more than conversions and hire of dry side facilities. teachers prepare individuals for open 45,000 children in the pool every year. Classes can be scheduled to run during water swimming in a swimming pool Each franchise has relationships with quiet pool times, which wouldn’t usually setting; creating new class opportunities. local pools and buys pool time to run generate income for pool operators. The Meanwhile, the RLSS UK has teamed up its classes. Water Babies spends around classes encourage a natural progression with Surf Life Saving Association Wales and £2.5m on pool hire in the UK every year. into pools’ own existing learn2swim pro- Surf Life Saving GB to develop the National The programme is endorsed by the grammes. Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification, Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) The Water Babies’ pool doctor service which launched this spring. All of the and Water Babies teachers obtain a provides technical support and guidance above programmes are supported by a wide nationally recognised diploma in baby to operators, helping to improve range of quality teaching resources and swimming approved by SkillsActive. standards of operation and reduce the marketing materials. Water Babies lessons can bring significant amount of down time.

GOING IN HOUSE Getting accredited to deliver training including swimming and lifesaving, to the community or external candidates in-house can provide a variety of benefits deliver a flexible and versatile programme. to generate income. An operator can for operators. “Training an in-house aquatic The tutor can also deliver CPD and keep generate £3,000 from running a National tutor means more staff can be trained in staff up-skilled to the highest quality, which Pool Lifeguard Qualification course. swimming to support lesson cover,” says will benefit the reputation of the centre.” The RLSS UK has 1,000 Approved Burgham. “This reduces the number of The STA do not charge approved centre Training Centres covering 2,500 pools; cancelled lessons. It also means teachers fees, which brings further cost savings. which are accredited to deliver the RLSS can be trained in all aquatic disciplines, Operators can also open up courses to UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification as well as other RLSS UK qualifications. “The breadth and diversity of our Approved Training Centre network is a major strength and enables us to ensure that our qualifications are accessible and relevant to today’s leisure market. Approved Training Centres enjoy a range of benefits from their approved status such as advertising opportunities, marketing support and technical advice and guidance,” says Symcox. There’s no doubt that pools are an expensive overhead, but taking an innovative approach to managing pool programming can help them to pay their way. “Offering a diverse mix of programmes is key to retaining customers, attracting new ones and maximising RLSS currently has 1,000 approved training centres covering 2,500 pools across the UK revenue,” says Burgham. ●

68 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Are your pool lifeguards RLSS UK trained?

The RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the leading and most awarded lifeguard qualification in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

• 95% of all pool lifeguards hold the NPLQ

• There are around 90,000 RLSS UK trained pool lifeguards in the UK Did you know that RLSS UK offers the National Pool Management Qualification (NPMQ) and First Aid qualifications? To find out more about getting your staff Visit www.rlss.org.uk trained in the NPLQ, visit www.rlss.org.uk or call 01789 773994 or call 01789 773994 for more information. to find out more. ACTIVITY TRACKING CRISPIN ANDREWS, JOURNALIST, SPORTS MANAGEMENT SHOULD WE TRUST TRACKING?

Recent research casts doubt on the ability of existing technology to accurately count the calories burned during exercise. But does being able to tell whether you’ve burnt off 400 calories or 450 during a workout actually matter? Crispin Andrews reports

arlier this year, BBC TV to see what the apps and wearables had least 15 per cent inaccurate, with the worst technology presenter Lara recorded. They found that wearables offender out by 40 per cent. Lewington decided to find logged between 22.7 per cent and 1.5 per out whether wearable activity cent less than the observed step count, ACCEPTABLE MARGINS OF ERROR trackers gave people an accurate while apps recorded between 6.7 per cent Newspaper headlines made much of the Eindication of the exercise they do. She less and 6.2 per cent more. inaccuracies and discrepancies. However, spent a week wearing four of the latest The researchers concluded that, if Greg Welk, an Iowa State University trackers and found that they each gave everyone has a smartphone and can professor of kinesiology, says a device that a different record of how many calories download free apps, why – if there’s not is 10–15 per cent out is actually providing she’d burnt off and the steps she’d taken: much difference in accuracy – would you a reasonably accurate estimate of calories the range was 2,649 calories, with a 23 per pay for a wearable device? burnt. Mitesh Patel, from the University of cent difference in the recorded number In January 2015 there was more bad Pennsylvania, also said the devices his team of steps. Not long afterwards, researchers news for wearables. Iowa State University tested were “all pretty accurate”. at the Perelman School of Medicine and announced that seven of the most popular “You can’t expect a perfect the Center for Health Incentives and wearable devices provided inaccurate measurement,” comments Yang Bai, the Behavioral Economics at the University of readings. The Iowa researchers gave 50 lead Iowa State University researcher. “Ten Pennsylvania, US, claimed that smartphone participants seven wearable devices each, to 15 per cent out is good – 5 per cent is apps are just as capable of accurately and recorded how many calories the difficult to achieve.” tracking physical activity as fitness trackers devices said each individual burned off. Bai explains that the actual number of and other wearables. As a control, they simultaneously calories a person burns during exercise Participants in this study walked on tested each participant with a system varies depending on the person and what a treadmill wearing a pedometer, two that determines calorie burn by analysing they’re doing during the workout. She adds accelerometers, three wearables and oxygen levels in exhaled breath – widely that tracking technology in fitness devices two smartphones running four apps. The recognised as the most accurate way to doesn’t take the amount of resistance researchers counted people walking 500 measure calorie consumption. The Iowa into account – say, for instance, if you’re steps and 1,500 steps and then checked team found that all seven devices were at running up a hill or lifting a heavier weight.

Even if not 100 per cent accurate, tracking data offers users a A study at Iowa University tested 10 trackers – a pedometer, benchmark against which to measure their future performance accelerometers, wearables and apps – and none was accurate

70 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The MioFuse is able to monitor heart rate by measuring the volume of blood under the skin

You can’t expect a perfect measurement. Ten to 15 per cent out is good – 5 per cent is difficult to achieve

“When the activity changes, or you change Wright also believes some equipment general purpose tracker, MioFuse, use speeds, this will affect how many calories manufacturers overstate the number of more advanced technology to measure you burn off,” she adds. calories burned. “It makes members feel heart rate. In the case of MioFuse, the better on their piece of equipment, which technology measures the volume of OVERSTATING CALORIES? helps the supplier sell more of its brand blood under the skin, with an algorithm The challenge of accurately measuring to health clubs,” he says. “But if you want calculating the heartbeat during the calories isn’t limited to trackers, as Liz accuracy, the more data points you collect, workout. “This technology doesn’t Dickinson, CEO of wearable company the more accurate the equation and the calculate heart rate from an electrical beat MioGlobal, explains, pointing out that more precise the calorie count.” of the heart, though, which would be more counting calories based on steps taken accurate still,” comments Wright. gives only an indication of what an average EVERYDAY ACTIVITY VS EXERCISE “It also relies on the person’s arms person of average fitness might burn off Returning specifically to the trackers vs staying still and the device being tight during the exercise. “It’s imprecise,” she apps debate, Doug McClure, executive enough not to let light in from the says. “Calories actually burn off depending VP of product marketing at FitLinxx – outside. The algorithm predicts the on metabolic expenditure, which varies which has recently launched its AmpStrip movement of the wrist, which is OK for with age, fitness level and gender. device – doesn’t accept that smartphone regular movement – running or walking. “If you input all this information it gives apps do as effective a job as wearables in But if the movement is irregular, it can’t a picture of who you are, but you still only tracking fitness. “People might carry their measure heart rate in real time and will be get a crude reading.” phones with them all day, but the phone inaccurate during vigorous exercise.” So if the reading is only crude when all isn’t always on their person – it’s sitting Wright believes these devices are good this data is inputted, what happens when on a desk, in a bag, or a drawer,” he points for the 23 hours of the day when someone people using fitness equipment in a gym out. “If you’re running on a treadmill for an isn’t exercising, but says they will need an just press ‘quick start’, or at most input hour, then a phone app will do a similar job, accurate device, such as a chest strap, to their age and weight? Dave Wright, CEO but in the real world phone apps fall down.” more accurately measure what goes on of heart rate system MYZONE, believes Dickinson says another drawback to during vigorous activity. 99 per cent of people using a piece of smartphone apps is that – at least for now Even then there are challenges to fitness equipment don’t provide enough – they tend to measure steps, not heart obtaining accurate data, because the information to get any sort of accurate rate. Meanwhile, new wearables such as analogue chips in cardio equipment indication of the calories they burn. the Apple Watch and MioGlobal’s latest rely on the heart rate belts that come sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 71 ACTIVITY TRACKING

FitLinxx’s AmpStrip sticks to the body, so it tracks activity 24/7

with this chip, says Wright. “The issue with analogue chest straps is that, with multiple people exercising across numerous pieces of cardio equipment, you get cross-talk – your heart rate PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/SYDA PRODUCTIONS appears on someone else’s machine. You can’t guarantee the readings are yours.”

PROGRESS OR ACCURACY? When it comes to accuracy of calculating calories, it seems the main issue is not whether the device is wearable, an app or a piece of gym equipment. It’s more that, with current tech – or at least tech that’s appropriate for everyday use – it’s very hard to calculate calories accurately. Mick Rice, operations director at Pulse, Trackers are great in helping to motivate users and measuring users’ progress confirms: “There’s lots of data we don’t know and can’t get at – for instance, a person’s BMI. Anything other than an If you can’t get perfect data, don’t worry about oxygen mask to some degree gives you an perfect data. Instead, measure relevant data average.” McClure agrees: “The question is: how close can we get to that gold standard in a consumer-friendly environment?” activity and track trends,” he says. “Time, better algorithms and better ways of But if existing technology can’t measure distance travelled or intensity provide more communicating this to users in meaningful calorie count and heart rate accurately, accurate indicators. Calories burned gives and useful ways,” says McClure. “Today’s how – short of people running around an indicator of sorts, so too heart rate and technology is much more accurate than with oxygen masks on – can technology step count. So why not put them all into a early tracking tech and I don’t see any measure fitness progress? “If you can’t get wearable device? People are motivated by reason why this trend wouldn’t continue.” perfect data, don’t worry about perfect different things. We want users to hold on Bartree believes people, and headline data,” suggests Jeff Bartree, networked to some method of keeping up an active, writers, need to be more patient: “This fitness product manager at Precor US. healthy lifestyle, so we should offer them technology is a relatively new thing for “Instead, measure relevant data. as many indicators as possible.” mass market fitness. It might not be 100 “If you walk 10,000 steps or do 45 Bartree agrees, adding: “It’s also per cent accurate at the moment, but now minutes on a cardio machine and you’re useful if technology allows the user to it’s caught on there will be lots of clever told you’ve burnt 450 calories, you also record what they do across a number of people looking at it and improving it.” know you’ll burn even more if you increase different types of exercise.” Currently, the general consensus is that the intensity. You may not know exactly tracking relative progress and offering how many calories you burn off, but you’ll WATCH THIS SPACE people different measures to motivate get in better shape, and that’s the real aim.” Eventually, technological advances will them – to be used as an index against which Rice agrees. “All this is just an index that enable trackers to be more accurate. to measure progress – should be more encourages people to keep up levels of “We’ll get better data recording, important than absolute accuracy. ●

72 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 THE ONE CROSS-TRAINER THAT DOES IT ALL Experience the neXT generation of cross-trainers with choose from all the different adaptations of an the XT-One, the all-in-one machine that lets members elliptical – this one does it all in one compact footprint. move any way they want and target different muscles This ultimate multi-tasker delivers valuable results for for customised effectiveness. No more trying to pick and members and returns for clubs. © Copyright 2015. All rights reserved by Octane Fitness.

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September 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Read Health Club Management online at healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital 91 SURFACES TOM WALKER, MANAGING EDITOR, SPORTS MANAGEMENT

PERFECT PITCH Artificial sports surfaces are becoming increasingly popular as facilities and clubs seek to ensure maximum usage from their pitches. We look at some of the most recent installations across different types of venues

The indoor 3G pitch at Largs

QTAKING IT INDOORS

he opening of a new a £1.75m vision of Inverclyde to have this indoor indoor 3G pitch at Inverclyde Project: New 3G sports centre facility and this development will now Sports Centre in Largs, Scotland, Client: Sportscotland enhance opportunities for sports people is set to transform community from all over Scotland, as well as the local T Design and build: Collinson sport in the area. Designed and built by community, to come and enjoy sport in an Collinson, the 60x40m hall features a 3G surface: Allsports indoor environment. playing surface supplied and installed by Called Weir 3G Indoor Hall, the facility Construction and Maintenance Allsports Construction & Maintenance. The has been named after local Euromillions- pitch meets IRB and FIFA standards and winning couple Christine and Colin Weir, can be configured as a single seven-a-side who donated £1.5m towards the building. pitch or two five-a-side pitches using a re- John Kent, sportscotland’s principal The Weirs, who won a total of £161m in tractable dividing curtain. Facilities include of the National Sports Training Centre 2011, have previously funded tennis courts a spectator area and changing rooms. at Inverclyde, said: “It has always been a and a five-a-side pitch in the area.

74 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Q RECYCLING FIT FOR CHAMPIONS

The Chelsea FC pitch being removed using SMS’ Turf Muncher machine

Project: Removing and reusing 3G pitch Client: Chelsea FC By: Sports Maintenance Services

helsea Football Club will become one of the first clubs in the English CPremier League (EPL) to install a 4G pitch for its young academy players. The 3G pitch being replaced at the club’s youth training facility in Cobham, Surrey, won’t go to waste either, thanks to Sports Maintenance Services (SMS). The project has breathed new life to the Nursery Ground pitch adjacent to the main ground A sports centre in Rotherham and a school in Hertfordshire will benefit QNEW SURFACE FOR CLASSIC VENUE from the EPL champions’ decision to upgrade – with the old pitch being ynthetic cricket surfacing reused at the two locations. systems supplier Notts Sport Project: Three new cricket SMS director Tim Gallagher has installed a new pitch and pitches at the home of cricket explained: “We’ve taken care of refurbished two existing ones at the Chelsea Academy surface for S Client: Lord’s Cricket Ground Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. the past seven years and kept it in The work included the replacement By: Notts Sport excellent condition. So when the club of the match pitch on the Nursery announced its plans to upgrade to a Ground, with the former synthetic system new infill-free 4G pitch, we wanted excavated, removed and replaced by The work was carried out in just four to avoid a negative waste story and a NottsBase D System NG12 over an days and the new match pitch will be ensure a positive environmentally- Envelope Base. The aim was to provide a used by youth teams, while the practice friendly outcome for all concerned. playing surface providing performance facilities will be used by Middlesex and “Using a Turf Muncher machine we as close as possible to that of a covered national teams before and after a match lifted the old carpet and extracted first-class cricket square. at Lord’s main pitch. the infill on-site, both of which were The refurbishment of the two practice Alex Bennett, cricket sales director then independently tested. The pitch lanes, also on the Nursery Ground, for Notts Sport Cricket South, said: “The was found to be fit for reuse, so a included extending the length of the ultra-low maintenance and performance sports centre in Rotherham has taken areas, rebuilding the base aggregate, of the NottsBase D System and the 2,500sq m of it to create four five-a- adding new NottsBase performance pads durability of the tufted NottsGrass side pitches and a school in Herts will and laying new NottsGrass NG7 carpets. surface provided the perfect solution.” reuse a further 5,000sq m.” sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 75 SURFACES

QCOMMUNITY MATTERS

itch construction company O’Brien Sports has been awarded a contract to replace the main P playing surface at Worthing FC’s Woodside Road stadium with a 3G pitch. O’Brien will install a new 60mm ACT Global surface at the stadium, which the club plans to use as a springboard to Worthing is looking to use the new 3G pitch to create a community hub at Woodside Road increase its profile and provide a hub for the community. The project will see the conversion of the natural turf pitch into 1,500 more players to use the new facili- an all-weather surface that meets the re- Project: Replacing main grass ties each week – ranging from toddler quirements of the FIFA quality concept. pitch with 3G surface groups to first team training sessions. The works will also include drainage kerbs O’Brien Sports expects the new surface Client: Worthing FC and a dynamic aggregate sub base. to generate around £200,000 of The club, which currently plays in the By: O’Brien revenue each year for the club, based on Isthmian League Division One, expects 50 hours of use per week.

QACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

fter 10 years of loyal service, long-lasting pitch able to cope with a a well-used synthetic pitch at Project: Replacing a hockey and high level of use. Specialist contractor Aston University had come football pitch McArdle Sport-Tec was selected to install to the end of its natural life the new surface, and the 97.4m x 62m A Client: Aston University and began experiencing a number of full-size pitch was successfully completed performance issues owing to its age. By: McArdle Sport-Tec and ahead of schedule in just ten weeks. The pitch was condemned and could TigerTurf Clive Eals, project manager for Estates no longer stage hockey games, but its and Capital Development at Aston continued importance for the university’s University, said: “We were keen to use a staff and students, as well as for the local new surface which could accommodate product which was manufactured in the community, meant that a swift replace- hockey and football at both recreational UK, as this meant we wouldn’t have to pay ment would be necessary. and competitive level. for the turf to be shipped from the other Having successfully applied for funding With each sport placing very different side of the world and also that we could from Sport England’s Community Sports demands on a surface, the university rely on delivery times. Improvement Fund – thanks in part to worked with a consultant who specified “Whereas the old pitch had a longer the facility’s extensive community use – TigerTurf’s Evo Pro as the perfect solution length and rubber crumb infill which the university went out to tender for a to bridge this gap, while offering a wasn’t ideal for playing hockey, the new surface is made with a sand infill – although you wouldn’t know it as you have to go looking for the sand. It’s a beautiful, even surface and it just makes you to want to get out there and play sport, which is what we want for our students and the community.” Paul Langford, managing director at TigerTurf UK added: “It can be tricky for those investing in new facilities to cater for a number of different sports, especially when they will be used by such a large and varied number of people, as was the case at Aston University. “We’re committed to developing long lasting products to suit the needs of those in every field of sport and have The new pitch is able to cater for hockey and football at both recreational and club level experts on-hand for each sector.”

76 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 ATHLETICS TRACKS SYNTHETIC PITCHES INDOOR

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EDUCATION, INNOVTION & INSPIRATION

Leisure Industry Week (LIW) relaunches under new management this month, having been acquired by BodyPower – the company behind the BodyPower Expo series in the UK, Ireland and India. We look ahead to LIW 2015

n all-new LIW will open its director of Europe Hans Muench and Ray doors at the NEC Birming- Algar, MD of Oxygen Consulting, which ham in September, led by a specialises in the fitness sector. team that has a remit to build High profile names aside, organisers on the positives of previous have gone to great lengths to ensure the Ayears. The aim: to deliver a world-class education at LIW has received a thorough trade show and networking event to key shake-up. Beyond the Keynote Theatre are associations, brands and decision-makers, two areas dedicated to tackling the most and provide an educational programme prevalent issues in the leisure industry that brings valuable knowledge and insight head-on. to leisure professionals. The Operators Conference will be LIW CEO Nick Orton says: “We’re specifically aimed at industry operators delighted by the response we’ve had to looking to increase their knowledge our acquisition of LIW. Our philosophy, in- and skills in a wide range of topics, from The LIW Pool will featureZoggs UK novative approach and fresh thinking seem digital marketing to wearable technol- ambassador and endurance swimmer to have been embraced by key personnel ogy. CIMSPA CEO Tara Dillon, Jaguar Adam Walker (pictured) and organisations within the leisure sector, Land Rover and Rolex digital expert Chris and it has created an added air of anticipa- Woods, and former ukactive CEO Dave tion before this year’s event.” 21’s manager Stuart Pearce, and boxing Stalker will be among those delivering promoter Kellie Maloney – who managed sessions on wellness, retention, marketing EDUCATION Lennox Lewis to become the undisputed and operations. Meanwhile, for those in a Feedback from thousands of previous LIW heavyweight champion of the world. This hurry – or with a full schedule of meetings attendees was collated during mid-2015, line-up will be complemented by fitness – the quick-fire Industry Theatre will be an with the aim of ensuring that the free LIW industry heavyweights such as IHRSA interesting prospect. Covering the entire educational programme delivered the spectrum of leisure, these 30-minute talks kind of knowledge and practical insights will be sector-specific and will deal with that could be applied by a wide range VISITING LIW issues, trends and future-proofing for all of employees, from personal trainers to sectors, including wet leisure, play, sport managing directors. Venue: Hall 4, NEC, Birmingham, UK and physical activity, facilities manage- Featuring a plethora of well-known Dates: Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 ment and much more – all in a slightly less names, the Keynote Theatre will therefore September 2015 formal environment. be a headline act at Leisure Industry Week There will also be a dedicated confer- Opening times: 09:00 – 17:00 2015. ence for independent operators, Delegates will be treated to a compre- Registration: Pre-register for the as well as a conference solely targeted hensive programme featuring the likes show for free before 7 September, at at personal trainers. liw.online-registration.co.uk of Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen, In addition, delegates will be able to former chief of UK Athletics David Website: www.liw.co.uk tap in to the Fitness and Nutrition stream Moorcroft, the ECB’s most successful of educational sessions, which will offer Get involved using #LIW2015 chair of selectors Geoff Miller, former and by following @L_I_W training and nutrition knowledge designed England football international and Under to boost professional development. This

80 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Stuart Pearce

David Moorcraft

will include cutting-edge training infor- mation and a balanced mix of ideologies and views surrounding the complex topic of nutrition, training and fat loss. These seminars will be delivered by leading fitness professionals including Mark Coles, Jamie Alderton, GB Weightlifting coach Sam Dovey, Commonwealth champion Zoe Smith and many more.

DEMONSTRATION AREAS Featuring a plethora of well-known This year’s show will include a number of demonstration areas – including the names, the Keynote Theatre will Jordan Fitness Functional Zone – that will put a spotlight on the latest trends in be a headline act at this year’s LIW Ben Cohen group training and functional fitness. Featuring live workouts and interactive ‘have-a-go’ sessions encompassing the latest techniques, equipment and trends in functional training, Jordan Fitness will deliver a high-energy programme designed to highlight ways in which leisure operators can maximise the revenue from Hans Muench Ray Algar Kellie Maloney Geoff Miller their fitness classes – and indeed use functional fitness as a secondary spend opportunity. NETWORKING refreshments and a comfortable meeting The LIW pool will take centre stage once Given the prominence of LIW as a world- lounge off the show floor. again, with a number of live swimming, class meeting place for trade professionals The VIP Lounge is part of a two-day aquatic, lifesaving and pool plant demon- in the leisure sector, networking retains programme run by sponsors Leisure- strations. This year’s sessions will include huge importance in the revitalised net Solutions, Right Directions, Bigwave demonstrations from Adam Walker – programme. LIW will offer a number of media and Lifetime Training. Leisure-net the first Briton to swim the toughest networking events over the two days, and Bigwave will also run a seminar for seven oceans in the world – and Simone including the ukactive VIP Connect marketing professionals and customer Benhayon, former ASA swim teacher of programme, featuring a hosted lunch on insight specialists, and Right Directions the year. the ukactive stand, speed networking and will run a Quest training session. All sessions are designed to show leisure a reception on Tuesday 22 September. On Wednesday, the VIP lounge will host operators how they can increase par- LIW will also be running the VIP 1000 an active-net pop-up networking lunch for ticipation and swimming frequency to Club, sponsored by XN Leisure, which invited delegates, followed by a quick-fire cost-effectively maximise the revenue offers exhibitors the chance to register networking programme consisting of five from their pool facility. their key clients and accounts for free 10-minute meetings. ● sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 81 iDEA PROMOTION

The content for the classes will focus on engaging kids on three important levels: physically, mentally and socially

Switched on kids For budget-conscious facilities looking to expand their customer base, virtual classes are still a largely untapped market, particularly in the children and families segment. Classes can be run with little investment, with a facilitator rather than an instructor, and most importantly, can get less sporty kids moving in a fun way

hile rising obesity rates seven-year-olds are meeting current and declining physical activity guidelines of an hour a day. activity levels represent &ut rather than point the ½nger a huge challenge for at ‘culprits’ like computers, iPads and Wgovernment, the problem also presents PlayStations, more enlightened leisure a great opportunity for leisure providers facilities are starting to embrace the to become more involved in the public popularity of technology to attract more health agenda and deliver potentially life- children and families into their facilities. changing results. Virtual classes, which are becoming The spotlight has more recently shone established among adults at many clubs on childhood inactivity in particular. and leisure facilities, have the potential to There’s a generation at risk of longer- impact on children’s programming too. term health problems due to sedentary Children’s activity specialist Chris lifestyles, often compounded by the Sharman, who heads up the iKidz Training While iDEA helps kids to get over-use of technology. ukactive’s recent and Consultancy, is currently developing physically active, there are also Generation Inactive report, for instance, exciting new content for a virtual classes teaching skills like magic showed that only 50 per cent of the UK’s kids class product, called iDEA, to be

82 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 MD and co-founder Jane Maguire and creative director and co-founder Ben O’Hara on the launch of iDEA, their new virtual class concept for kids

What’s the idea behind iDEA? Talent on our martial arts offering, and It’s about using the latest technology to with the latest street dance stars. help people reconnect to family values. We’ll launch with seven offers that Through virtual classes, we wanted will range from magic tricks to tutting to reignite those retro playground (a kind of dance using intricate hand activities that mums and dads and movements, currently being used by grandparents could relate to, but that Taylor Swift on her new video), but would also engage today’s kids. Our we’ll be ½lming and adding new content virtual yet traditional concepts include on a regular basis and can be very Hula Hooping and Jump Rope, which reactive to what activities are trending are now Uuite current urban sports. and what kids ‘experts’ are in the news. Some of our ½rst concepts were developed for holiday park operator How ½e[ible is the content? Haven, and were a storming success. It’s totally ¾exible, depending on launched (see interview, right) at Leisure The parks saw a massive increase in whether it’s a school, leisure centre, Industry Week 2015. attendance to these activities and, health club or holiday park using As someone who started out as a instead of parents simply dropping their it. A park might want a 45 minute lifeguard, rising through the ranks of both kids off at the club for the day, they session, whereas a school might public and private leisure operations, were staying to participate, along with want to break the content up into 15 becoming head of family activities for the grandparents, uncles and aunts. minutes segments to teach as lessons Esporta chain, Sharman is well aware of over three days. A lot of our content the challenges of catering to this segment What are your backgrounds? has been developed in line with the of the market. We both have around 20 years of 2ational Curriculum, but the emphasis He says: “One of the biggest challenges experience in the ½elds of leisure and is always on fun. providers face is ½nding the right people entertainment having worked for large Facilities can get really creative with to deliver a variety of kids programmes, organisations such as The Tussauds the content and our specialists will help and to do it consistently well. It’s never +roup and the Thomas Cook +roup. them do that. A health club might want been a well paid activity, earnings are We founded The Business Creative to offer our circus skills class as a series commonly close to the minimum wage, in 2010, and specialise in creating and leading to a certi½cation, for example. so you’ll often ½nd that instructors Uuickly producing world-class entertainment We’ve ensured that classes can move on to teach aerobics or PT where experiences. iDEA is our new virtual be run with little or very low cost they can earn upwards of £25 an hour. class product for the kids and family eUuipment, and facilities simply pay a “So there’s a huge gap in instructor market and we’re so excited to be subscription fee of £48 per month. availability, which makes programming launching it at LIW this month. extremely dif½cult. Class cancellations are What’s the future for iDEA? common due to the reliance on such a How have you developed the There are so many possibilities. small pool of people for just a couple of virtual class content? Currently there are three virtual hours each day, and many classes never When we did our research, we felt that channels, Activate for 5-11 year-olds, get off the ground because clubs don’t some of the offerings for kids were Together for families and Zest that can attract the numbers to make running limited and not very current. We’ve involve the more mature market, either them economically viable.” listened to what kids and families really alone or with the kids. In the future we By contrast, he says, virtual classes want and iDEA will present content also plan to develop concepts targeted reUuire no specialist instructor, simply that’s exciting, engaging and on trend. at teens and pre-schoolers and some of a facilitator to run the technology (any For instance we’ve been working the content could even be adapted for internet-enabled device and a screen) with Liam Richards from Britain’s Got use in care homes. and guide the participants enthusiastically sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 83 iDEA PROMOTION

HOLIDAY CLUB FUN iDEA plans to bring Jamie Thomson the most current Entertainments experience activity trends to manager, Bourne Leisure the virtual screen, alongside more I’ve turned to Jane Maguire and timeless activities CASE STUDIES CASE Ben O’Hara (founders of iDEA) to develop virtual kids class content at both my current position with Butlin’s, and also my previous role with Haven. Both times what they’ve put together has proved a huge success. This is particularly so with Butlin’s kids clubs at our three resorts, where we’ve been focusing on creating their own identity. In my role I’ve been able to see that being able to offer kids exciting classes like Yoyo or Diablo has greatly increased the kids clubs’ credibility and popularity. We also noticed that instead of simply dropping off their kids at as they follow simple instructions on the Sharman adds: “There have also been the club for the day, parents and screen. Clubs and centres have more studies done on club retention, which extended families will start to join ¾ exibility to run these classes anywhere show that families who exercise together in. Classes were often full with – perhaps in a studio, a conference room have far great rates of retention than around 40-50 people, and when or even an old squash court – depending those who don’t.” run four times a week for 40 weeks upon the weekly demand. So it really makes good business at all our parks, that’s a lot of Sharman continues: “Participating in sense, he says, to attract families people we’ve interacted with. a virtual kids class should be as easy to your facility. While waiting as watching a YouTube video and for their kids, parents might following along. Done correctly and be encouraged to try a work timetabled intelligently, out for themselves, or spend ATTRACTING FAMILIES I think virtual more time and money in the Mark McMahon classes can be a catering areas. GM, Village Hotel, Farnborough game changer for “For leisure facilities the children’s that are already We have a large ½ tness facility, with market.” doing children’s around 3,000 members in addition There is programming well, to hotel guests. Because of our no need to virtual classes can business park location, a lot of our send your grow their business members are from the corporate instructors rather than replace sector visiting through the week. off on special current content. Our weekends can be quite quiet training “If kids are visiting and that’s why I started to look at courses the twice a week for football what we could do to attract the moment a new and swimming, a virtual family market. When I came across type of class comes out. class could tempt them to the iDEA virtual classes it looked They simply need to be come a third time. liked the perfect concept to try. versed in the content “For those sites who We’ll be starting a pilot at being screened, and any struggle with family content, the club within the next few member of staff could ½ ll virtual classes could offer months, offering all seven activity this role. This alone could a great kick start to programmes and seeing how it save a centre thousands attracting this market, at is received. The classes could of pounds each year in very little investment and easily appeal to both our regular training fees.” ongoing cost.” members and families staying at the hotel on weekends and holidays. With increased competition Done correctly and timetabled intelligently, from the budget sector, we must ½ nd ways to increase revenues by I think virtual classes can be a game offering greater value for money and innovative programming. changer for the children’s market

84 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The concept will launch at LIW with seven class concepts, but the iDEA library will continue XSKVS[[MXLRI[½PQMRK

The new virtual offer that Sharman is “Many kids today are not at all sporty, wellbeing is dependent on all these needs working on – called iDEA – will bring a so operators should draw them in with being nurtured and developed,” he says. host of new activities for kids, from magic other fun offers, like juggling, that don’t “In doing so, facilities can make a and card tricks, to martial arts and army require any physical ½tness or even valuable contribution to the health and bootcamp, and he feels that it’s really special equipment, to be enjoyed. “It’s social agenda, raise their pro½le in the important that classes should appeal to essential to engage kids physically, socially community, increase their revenues and all children’s tastes. and mentally, because their long term diversify their business at the same time.”

September 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Read Health Club Management online at healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital 95 LIW 2015 EXHIBITOR NEWS EXHIBITOR NEWS

The latest news from exhibitors at LIW 2015

Ashbourne Membership body composition is easy to carry out Management using the Bodystat 1500 hand-held Tel: 0871 271 2088 (UK number) unit. Our clients use Bodystat as a www.ashbourne-memberships.co.uk valuable revenue earner or as a There’s no need to waste money on promotional tool, providing a value- costly monthly licences with our suite of added service. With our new optional Cybex will be launching its new club software, which gives you full entry Windows software program and SPARC Trainer at LIW 2015 control and all the recruitment and thermal printer, the system offers a retention data you need – and it’s all comprehensive service. part of our All-Inclusive+ service. SECTION: FITNESS AND NUTRITION Ashbourne provides a direct debit Cybex International UK collection service and debt recovery Tel: 0845 606 0228 (UK number) with all the software needed to run ClubWise www.cybexintl.com your club, all for a small fixed fee per Tel: +44 (0)1844 348300 Cybex is a leading manufacturer of member per month, with no hidden www.clubwise.com premium commercial fitness equipment extras. Visit us on stand D2 at LIW to Take the heavy lifting out of the designed to improve physical wellbeing, find out more about our latest services, administration and management of function and performance. With a full including Scheduler+, which allows you your memberships with ClubWise. range of cardiovascular equipment and the to plan facilities, classes and staffing. ClubWise integrates direct debit industry’s largest range of strength SECTION: FITNESS AND NUTRITION collection, club management software, equipment, Cybex’s products are designed sales, marketing and retention tools to to deliver unparalleled results for provide health, fitness and leisure first-time users to professional athletes, Bodystat Ltd clubs with a truly all-in-one solution. backed by the Cybex Research Institute. Tel: +44 (0)1624 629571 ClubWise allows you to optimise cash Launching at LIW 2015 is the new SPARC www.bodystat.com flow, generate new business, manage Trainer, combining the innovative features Bodystat is a leader in bioimpedance memberships and undertake club of Cybex’s Arc Trainer with fan-based systems, which measure muscle, fat and management tasks with ease – all resistance to provide immediate water levels. Regular monitoring of stored and managed from a cloud- resistance with no power requirements. based system. Find out more about the The intuitive ‘get on and go’ design invites extensive suite of ClubWise services, users to simply choose their incline whilst including: prospect tracking, member their speed determines their intensity to management, staff management, POS, deliver powerful interval workouts for the diary and booking, automated most effective resisted cardio workout communication scheduling with Active users will get from any cross trainer. Also CRM, a comprehensive KPI dashboard, on the stand will be equipment from reporting, email & SMS campaign Cybex’s Prestige VRS and Eagle NX creation, promotion management, selectorised strength lines, the Bravo online joining, online member area Functional Training system and Big Iron (optimised for both desktop and platform. Visitors can also learn more mobile) and our unique member about Cybex Care, the new Web-based rewards referral programme. Visit us asset management system designed to on stand D49 at LIW for product reduce equipment downtime and manage demonstrations, where you can meet usage efficiently and effectively. British our friendly team and learn more Weight Lifting athletes will also be training Bodystat 1500 is a portable device about how ClubWise can help you to on Big Iron platforms adjacent to the which monitors body composition take control of your business. Cybex stand. SECTION: LEISURE FACILITIES SECTION: FITNESS AND NUTRITION

86 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 BEEF UP YOUR BOTTOM LINE WITH NFC TECHNOLOGY

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Checksportsmanagement.co.uk us out issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 87 on youtube LIW 2015 EXHIBITOR NEWS

DaleSauna the Breck and The Abbey spa. We are Tel: +44 (0)1423 798630 very proud to announce that we have Gantner offers a battery- www.dalesauna.co.uk secured the prestigious industry quality operated locking system DaleSauna is the ideal solution partner standard ISO9001 for meeting customer for your spa project. Whether you are expectations and delivering customer investing in a new, full service spa with a satisfaction. We were awarded the range of thermal experiences, certification after demonstrating clear retrofitting facilities into an existing site quality standards and a focus on or just want to update your offering, we continuous improvement to ensure the can advise you on the best facilities, best quality products and services for design and layout to suit your site, our customers. budget and clientele to maximise the SECTION: SPA AND WELLNESS return on your investment. We work with operators in both the public and private sector with recent projects Gantner Electronics GmbH including the new Center Parcs Woburn Tel: +44 (0)1245 697588 membership card, wristband or NFC- Village, Gainsborough Bath Spa, Spa on www.gantner.com enabled smartphone. Multiple operating Gantner’s new battery-operated locking modes and easy retrofitting help simplify DaleSauna works with operators in system Ideal for health and fitness operations, reduce maintenance and staff both the public and private sector facilities, the new Gantner Battery costs and increase your non-due Locking System GAT ECO.Side Lock is a revenues. The system offers up to safe and sound choice. It is the world’s 10-year battery life (due to low power first battery lock to include up to a technology); acoustic and visual alarm 10-year battery life, acoustic alarm function at the locker; multiple operating function , and can be mounted in the modes – free, personal, and timed; locker rather than on the door, making it electronic master keys for club vandal-proof and ideal for the high operators; and sleek and elegant design aesthetic demands of architects. To open It also operates with all NFC credentials and close the locker, members simply (mobile phone, card, wristband, key tag). swipe any available locker with their SECTION: LEISURE FACILITIES

“We researched all the bikes on the market VISIT US before purchasing. Keiser’s M3 was ON STAND E58 consistently thought of as the best bike. When we then tested the new M3i at an M3 i exhibition, it was obvious why. Keiser’s INDOOR CYCLE bikes are built to last, easy to maintain and WITH BLUETOOTH compatible with IQ technology, providing TECHNOLOGY us with the best performance and minimal FOR INTELLIGENT maintenance.” CYCLING Lucy Edwards Project Manager Cycle Rhythm

0845 612 1102 [email protected] www.keiseruk.com

88 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 See us at stand 22nd-23rd September 2015 D56 LIW 2015 EXHIBITOR NEWS

Harlands Group Horne Engineering Ltd on-demand access to entertainment, Tel: + 44 (0)1444 449157 Tel: +44 (0)1505 321455 dance and fitness activities for health www.harlandsgroup.co.uk www.horne.co.uk clubs, leisure centres, holiday resorts Harlands Group is the UK’s leading Horne Engineering’s range of pre-plumbed and schools. It is instant and unlimited direct debit and membership shower panels provides your most meaning you can give your customers management provider. Our cost-effective solution for new-build or flexible and easy access to the latest fun affordable service includes fully refurbishment projects. Highly robust, and on-trend activities such as street managed collection, call centre, easy to install and maintain, Horne offers dance and martial arts. It’s about online sign up and debt recovery timed flow control ‘group’ or user- maximizing fun, interaction and delivered to a diverse range of operated flow and thermostatic control engagement regardless of customer age clients. Harlands provides third party showers as well as for DDA/Equalities Act or skill level. Plus, to keep things simple collection and a bureau service to compliance. Recently installed at Widnes all that’s needed to run the activities is a clients who already have a BACS Sports Pavilion and the new Welsh facilitator, a bit of space and a screen service user number. Our Snap 2EXMSREP7EMPMRK%GEHIQ]XLI(YWS[MXLĂ which can be connected to the internet. system introduced online sign up to its striking and robust design is ideal for Most don’t require any equipment, and the UK in 2005 and the recent communal, team, poolside and outdoor those that do only need basic things release of version 2 brings even settings. Water and energy efficient, such as hula hoops, skipping ropes or more features. Our systems Horne showers also offer tax relief via balls. Additionally everything is led by integrated seamlessly with many enhanced capital allowances water on-screen experts, at the top of their leading CRM solutions, ensuring Technology List. Stand C72. field, so there’s no need for qualified that administration is maintained SECTION: LEISURE FACILITIES in-house staff – activities can be at a minimum and the use of scheduled whenever and wherever technology brings significant needed. All of which means not only is efficiencies to your business. iDEA iDEA flexible, but it’s also highly cost Harlands is now the only UK Tel: +44 (0)1273 324418 effective. We’ll be showcasing our company providing direct debit www.ideagetactive.com current range of activities at LiW this across the EU using the SEPA iDEA is on a mission to get people year, come and visit us at stand platform. active, physically, mentally and socially. SECTION: SPORTS AND PHYSICAL SECTION: LEISURE FACILITIES Our subscription-based service provides ACTIVITY

90 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 PARTNER WITH SPEEDFLEX TO ENHANCE YOUR OFFERING

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sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 91 CYBEXLIW 2015 PROMOTION EXHIBITOR NEWS

HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING EVOLVED

ross trainers are a staple BASED ON THE BEST the biomechanical design of the Arc feature in every gym’s cardio Modelled on Cybex’s Arc Trainer, SPARC Motion – means users can work at a section; but ever since the incorporates the design features that higher intensity, resulting in a higher level launch of the Arc Trainer, makes the Arc so iconic; its unique of calorie burn. Cpremium fitness equipment supplier patented Reverse Arc Motion places less Also integral to the design of SPARC Cybex has been offering a unique training stress on the user’s knees and is – and another feature that has been option for the fitness industry. scientifically proven to be gentler on adopted from the Arc Trainer - is And now there’s something new; joints, explains Dr. Paul Juris, executive its ability to provide a multi-faceted launching in the UK this September, the director of the Cybex Research Institute: workout: “SPARC doesn’t just train for SPARC Trainer combines the innovative “Unlike other cross trainers, the Arc cardio and weight loss; users can really features of the Arc Trainer with fan- pattern of motion allows the hip and boost metabolism, build muscle and gain based resistance providing immediate knee to move synchronously while the power by moving faster against the fan resistance with no power requirements. foot stays under the knee - so when the resistance to generate over 1200 watts The intuitive ‘get on and go’ design invites user pushes down and back, the opposite of power,” explains Rob Thurston, Cybex users to simply choose their incline while footplate is already up and in position, UK commercial director. their speed determines their intensity to severely reducing the load and stress Where the two differ is what makes deliver the most powerful and effective levels placed on key joints.” SPARC so unique; SPARC is self- resisted cardio workout users will get Its activation of the glutes, quads and powered, aligning itself closer to fan- from any cross trainer. hamstrings – as a direct consequent of based rowers and bikes than treadmills

92 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The SPARC’s ‘get on and go’ design makes it SPARC TRAINER: BENEFITS suitable for all levels O Record results Five benefits in just five minute workouts: cardio, shape, strength, endurance, stamina. SPARC does it all OExceptional ROI Get more for less. SPARC’s short burst workouts offer maximal results in minimal time O High interest in HIIT According to ACSM’s worldwide survey of fitness trends for 2015, high-intensity interval training is soaring in popularity O Get On and Go Simple to adjust. Simple to use. Simply amazing O Versatility SPARC is the perfect all-around high-intensity training machine for all fitness members and traditional cross trainers. And it’s this “Members are also wising up to the fact O Safety feature, combined with everything else that they don’t necessarily need to spend SPARC is biomechanically engineered that makes SPARC so revolutionary, that hours in the gym to reach their goals; if to be gentler on joints, and a superior has led Cybex to launch a product that they train smarter and with focus, they choice for long-term health supports one of the industry’s current can often achieve greater results in a biggest trends; high intensity training. shorter time.” This booming trend is now starting keep their existing members engaged but THE HIT TREND to impact on how operators and gym to also attract new members who are High intensity training is by no means a owners are designing their facilities: seeking something different from a new phenomenon; it rose to significance “There is very much still a place for a training facility. following Roger Bannister’s sub four- traditional cardio setup in gyms but Its biomechanically correct design and minute mile success, as he was credited more recently, we’re seeing an increasing straightforward programme features with using HIT training as his preferred number of facilities creating a space means that it can be incorporated into and consistent training method. HIT dedicated to circuits and high intensity a workout for almost all gym users; further gained popularity and standing, training for both individual users and for regardless of training ability or goal. when, in the 1970s, middle-distance small group classes,” adds Thurston. As the SPARC uses a fan as its primary runner Sebastian Coe trained via this method of resistance and is self-powered method. Then in the 1990s, Izumi SPARC & HIT it doesn’t require a mains supply; this Tabata’s research evidenced that using SPARC has been designed to meet the gives clubs maximum versatility in where HIT protocols generated greater aerobic soaring popularity of HIT; it offers it can be used and also permits it to be gains than steady state aerobic training. Cybex’s quickest, safest and most manufactured and, consequently, sold at Interest, and application, of many effective cardio experience and its small a lower price point than most traditional different protocols have now been footprint, ease of use and ‘Touch and cardio equipment. adopted throughout the fitness industry Train’ console means it’s ideally suited for “The SPARC Trainer offers health and utilising a mix of machines, body weight use in training zones and group classes. ½tness clubs something that no other and variety of small equipment. “By minimising perceived exertion, ½tness equipment manufacturer can,” High intensity interval training (HIIT) SPARC encourages harder work; it concludes Thurston. remains the most popular training differentiates itself from other resisted “Its evolution from the Arc Trainer method; so much so that it was named cardio pieces such as ellipticals with its proves its effectiveness as a tool as #2 in The American College of Sports sprint-like mechanics with exceptional for training not only for cardio and Medicine’s (ACSM) Worldwide Survey of biomechanics,” adds Dalgleish. weight loss, but also strength, power Fitness Trends for 2015. It’s ‘get on and go’ design means and endurance, and its ¾exibility and “The concept of HIT has grown in not only can it be incorporated in a versatility will provide operators with the popularity over recent years; it’s widely traditional cardio area but integrated opportunity to transform group exercise accessible with a vast and ever-increasing as part of a functional training zone; and functional training zones.” number of training protocols and can combining SPARC with kettlebells, be used by anyone at any age provided medicine balls, plyo boxes, battle ropes appropriate equipment and methods of and suspension trainers to create a monitoring intensity are used,” explains workout space which challenges even the Julia Dalgleish, Cybex UK master trainer. most devoted gym goer. “There’s extensive research that proves Find out more about the the health bene½ts of HIT and it’s fast OPERATOR BENEFITS SPARC Trainer by visiting becoming the training method of choice By introducing SPARC, gyms are able to www.cybexintl.com/sparc for time-poor gym goers. expand their service offering to not only

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 93 LIW 2015 EXHIBITOR NEWS

Jordan Fitness Tel: +44 (0)1553 763285 www.jordanfi tness.co.uk Jordan Fitness is launching its new custom powder coating colour service at LIW, to complement its already extensive range of custom branding options. The custom branding services offered by Jordan Fitness are designed to give facilities the option of ensuring their Jordan product is entirely consistent with their own brand image, and the tone and experience that they are trying to create for their members. The new custom powder coating solution will enable customers to colour all steel elements of Jordan Fitness products and will work in harmony with existing Jordan Fitness custom design and branding options. SECTION: FITNESS AND NUTRITION

Jordan customises products to keep them in line with clubs’ brands

Direct Debit solutions for all clubs STAN T D

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94 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 & RELAX

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With over 40 years experience, we have carved out a reputation as one of the country’s experts in the design, installation and maintenance of luxury relaxation Grimbald Crag Close T: +44 [0] 1423 798630 spaces; from domestic saunas to commercial steam rooms and spa pools. St James Business Park F: +44 [0] 1423 798670 Knaresborough, - From conception to completion, our aim is to make every part of your project as North Yorkshire, HG5 8PJ dalesauna.co.uk stress free as possible. Please get in touch to see what we can do for you. LIW 2015 EXHIBITOR NEWS

Master trainers will offer training sessions on the Keiser stand

Keiser UK Tel: +44 (0)1666 504710 www.keiser.com At Keiser our passion is to challenge the barriers of traditional thinking to continually expand the limits of human performance. The Keiser stand will feature the Warrior Challenge where visitors can test their strength curve using the Keiser Air Resistance against a conventional weight stack system. Keiser Master Trainers will be putting visitors through a dynamic 90 second power circuit using the Keiser Functional Trainer. The stand will also feature the Keiser M3i studio cycles with Bluetooth technology for connectivity to smartphone apps and virtual cycling projection systems. Today, Keiser is the leader in top sport training across the world. SECTION: FITNESS AND NUTRITION

Lucozade Ribena Suntory Tel: +44 (0)1594 812800 www.lrsuntory.com Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ltd will be showcasing its popular product range, including the UK’s number one sports drink Lucozade Sport, and best in class vending solutions at this year’s Leisure Industry Week - stand D38. The machines feature cashless payment compatible with Apple Pay and will display a range of product samples including the new Lucozade Sport Mango & Passion Fruit. As front of entrance sponsors at the show, the supplier will be encouraging trial of its portfolio, which also includes Lucozade Energy, Ribena and Orangina, by handing out interactive wristbands which are compatible with its vending machines, allowing visitors to purchase a free drink. With the new Multi-Brand machine now available there is a solution for a wide range of outlets. Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ltd will also be looking ahead and presenting the vending machines of the future within the Club Lucozade’s product range will Showcase area which is not to be missed. be showcased on stand D38 SECTION: LEISURE FACILITIES

96 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015

LIW 2015 EXHIBITOR NEWS

Matrix Fitness Tel: +44 (0)7870 899 814 www.uk.matrixfi tness.com Xn Leisure Matrix Fitness is proud to be hosting The Matrix International Show at The Vox, running in conjunction with LIW 2015. Software Solution The Vox, a newly opened, purpose built conference centre inside Resorts World Provider is a short walk away from the NEC and is where we will showcase our full range of equipment including our very latest partner products such as In-Trinity, Connexus & eGym. The Matrix International Show will also consist of STAND NUMBER F4 open education seminars available to all attendees hosted by Lifetime Training, our Education Partner. Take the opportunity to meet and greet our ambassadors and sporting partners who will also be on hand to answer your questions, expand your knowledge, and to help you really understand the Matrix brand. Alongside our ambassadors and sporting partners there will be a Matrix crew available to assist with queries and share knowledge. Not only will we be at The Vox, Matrix Fitness have their very own VIP lounge at LIW (stand E48). Come and see our cutting-edge equipment, our experts, ambassadors and sporting partners who will be available to offer support and expertise, The Matrix International Show everybody is welcome! will be held at The Vox SECTION: FITNESS AND NUTRITION

Octane Fitness UK Ltd Tel: +44 (0)20 3463 8542 www.octanefi tness.com A portfolio of LMS Experience the next generation of Octane Fitness cross-trainers with the XT-One, the all-in-one machine that lets members move any way they want and target different solutions to include muscles. This one x-trainer does it all in one compact footprint. This ultimate multi-tasker delivers valuable results for members in all clubs. The LateralX brings a new dimension ‘Award winning’ self with a 3D lateral movement, nothing else feels like a LateralX. There’s also 10 variable width settings to add variety to all users. The ‘seated x-trainer’, the Octane xR6000 is service modules to unique and very different to anything in your gym. The xR6000 can be easy for de- conditioned users or incredibly tough for advanced users. The Pro 3700IFI model was the oýer Æetter leverage first elliptical to receive IFI Stage 2 accreditation, making it ideal for beginners, IFI users of your existing and GP referrals. Cross Circuit gives a buzz to small group or personal training. SECTION: FITNESS AND NUTRITION resources, increasing proĀtaÆility and eþciency.

T +44 (0)870 80 30 700 E [email protected] Octane will be exhibiting the next generation of its cross-trainers at LIW xnleisure98 .com sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 STANDand see C57come us on HYDRO+ MORE THAN JUST a vending machine HYDRO+ THE INTELLIGENT HYDRATION SYSTEM

HydrO+ is a revolutionary INTELLIGENT DRINKS DISPENSING SYSTEM that provides your health & fitness club with a unique solution to generate significant and sustainable secondary spend income, whilst at the same time, providing your members with an optimum rehydration drink containing added vitamins and minerals. WHAT IS HYDRO+

HydrO+ is a low calorie, low sugar, electrolyte drink, which is available in a range of mouth-watering flavours that can be consumed before, during and after exercise to avoid the negative effects of dehydration. HYDRO+ MORE THAN JUST OUTSTANDING ROI

Would you like to increase your secondary spend income in an intelligent way?

HydrO+ has proven to significantly generate secondary spend income in excess of £50,000 per annum in some UK Health Clubs. Not only that but hydrated members are more likely to achieve their goals, meaning increased member satisfaction, which increases member retention!

IF THE ABOVE HAS GIVEN YOU A THIRST FOR MORE INFORMATION…

Why not come and see us on STAND C57 and find out how we can help your business substantially increase its secondary spend income.

+ 01865 987910 [email protected] ydry www.hydroplus.co.uk more than just water MAXIMISE YOUR DRINKS SALES WITH LUCOZADE VENDING WHY CHOOSE SOLUTIONS LUCOZADE VENDING?

A Lucozade vending machine offers a LUCOZADE SPORT, THE UK’S NUMBER great sales opportunity, as it provides 1 ONE SPORTS DRINK availability and visibility of the number one sports drink1, Lucozade » Lucozade Sport is an isotonic sports drink which provides carbohydrates Sport, which meets the nutritional and electrolytes to enhance hydration and help maintain performance during needs of members exercising. prolonged endurance exercise We know that 15% of people will not » Lucozade Sport Lite is ideal for activities lasting less than an hour buy if they can’t find the product they want2, so it’s really important to stock the leading brands.

LUCOZADE VENDING - INNOVATIVE AND MARKET-LEADING

» Interactive touch screen offers a shopping cart functionality allowing members to purchase multiple products in a single transaction and read nutritional information about the products

» Cashless payment delivers a 23% sales uplift, providing a solution when members don’t have change with them3

» Lucozade vending solutions are energy efficient and have a large capacity, ranging between 220 – 340 bottles

COMMITTED TO CUSTOMER SERVICE The maker of Lucozade, LR Suntory, offers the reassurance that GET IN TOUCH your Lucozade vending machines will be maintained – minimising Our LR Suntory Support team are downtime and maximising your sales. available to help answer your questions. Contact them on: » Customer Helpline available 7 days a week for technical and general queries 0870 2435599 » UK’s largest team of specialist field engineers, meaning a local engineer can be with you quickly – 6 days a week

1 Nielsen, Total Coverage, MAT to 25.04.15 2Spa Future Thinking: Shopper Insights – Soft Drinks Category Strategy & Drivers August 2012 3Internal LRS data LIW 2015 EXHIBITOR NEWS

NEW PAVIGYM PERFORMANCE. BUDGET VIRGIN RUBBER FLOORING.

Physical Company is debuting 11 new products at this year’s LIW

Physical Company Tel: +44 (0)1494 769 222 www.physicalcompany.co.uk Physical Company, producer and distributor of innovative commercial fitness equipment, is unveiling 11 new products and demonstrating its new APEX Gym Floor Programming solutions on stand E50 at LIW. Expanding its ever-growing portfolio, Physical Company is launching a mix of kit manufactured by the company and in partnership with new suppliers to boost its strength and functional training lines. Physical Company is also introducing ‘The Bolt’ and ‘The Forge’ – two brand new customisable, modular functional training rigs. The newly-launched APEX Gym Floor Programming Solution will be demonstrated live on the stand throughout the show. Set to revitalise the gym floor, the series of six 30-minute sessions are designed to be delivered by personal trainers ensuring high-level interaction with small groups to give members personal attention without the price tag of a one-to-one session. Master Trainers from Physical Company will also be delivering sneak-peek taster sessions in the Group Training Area for everyone to come and try. The sessions will be at 12:00 and 15:30 each day and people are advised to sign up in advance by emailing [email protected] to secure their place and avoid disappointment. SECTION: FITNESS AND NUTRITION

CONTACT US: PAVIGYM UK.

Physical Company’s trainers will be Tel: 01223 969 870 running demo sessions at the show [email protected] WWW.PAVIGYM.COM sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 EXHIBITOR NEWS

Precor Tel: +44 (0)1276 404900 www.precor.com Precor challenges the fitness industry to go the distance! LIW visitors are invited to take on the AMT 3 Challenge, brought 3D Design to you by leading fitness Rendering equipment manufacturer and supplier Precor. Open to gyms Lockers and health clubs across the UK, Locking Systems the challenge runs from 3 Cubicles September until 3pm at LIW on 23 September when the Washrooms winners will be announced. Participants and LIW attendees are challenged to see how far Precor’s AMT3 challenge they can travel in just three has prizes up for grabs minutes on the award-winning Adaptive Motion Trainer by stepping, up and encourage existing members back See us at stand climbing, striding or sprinting the furthest after the summer. Nothing fuels F48 distance. A selection of prizes are on offer engagement more than healthy including a bundle of sporting goods competition, particularly when there are featuring items from Salomon, Suunto and great prizes to be won. LIW participants Wilson worth over £1,000. Jonathan can join in during the show to win prizes Griffiths, marketing manager for Precor and the coveted title of LIW Champion.” UK said: “This exciting national campaign Visit Precor on stand D56 to meet the is a fantastic way for operators to engage team and join in. their members, entice new people to sign SECTION: FITNESS AND NUTRITION

Purus Limited steel sanitaryware, interiors and Tel: +44 (0)113 289 3172 much more. For example, the www.purusgroup.com popular Channel 100 is a stainless Purus Limited manufactures stainless steel channel suitable for many floor steel drainage channels, stainless types, including tiles, which can be installed with a choice of grates including the Tile Insert. Purus’ products have been installed at the Wilton Centre Gym, Stoke City FC and Southampton FC training ground. They also offer bespoke and modular systems – giving your leisure project Visit Purus Limited at stand B92 the choice and quality it deserves. SECTION: LEISURE FACILITIES

Safe Space Lockers Tel: 0870 990 7989 (UK number) www.safespacelockers.co.uk Safe Space Lockers is showcasing a fantastic array of high quality lockers at LIW this year. The products are available in a variety of finishes, Safe Space Lockers Ltd including MFC laminate, wood veneer, solid wood and glass. Managing director Dominic Hyett is also offering premium locking solutions from Ojmar, including the OCS Digital Lock and the OTS Please call 0870 990 7989 Electronic Lock. Visit Safe Space for more details Lockers on stand F48 at LIW to E: [email protected] discuss your project. Safe Space: A variety of finishes LEISURE FACILITIES www.safespacelockers.co.uk SECTION:

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 OUR KIT. YOUR COLOURS.

Customise the equipment in your facility with Jordan Fitness’ Custom Branding Service. Hundreds of colours and branding options available across the Jordan product range.

01553 763285 | jordanfitness.co.uk

SEE US AT LEISURE INDUSTRY WEEK 2015, BIRMINGHAM NEC | 22-23 SEPT | STAND C38

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 103 LIW 2015 EXHIBITOR NEWS

Speedfl ex Tel: 0844 543 3631 (UK number) www.speedfl ex.com Speedflex is launching a new business model at LIW. Following the successful national and global launch of Speedflex studios, this unique circuit-based training concept is set to expand its footprint in health clubs and gyms nationwide, creating standalone Speedflex studios within existing facilities. The concept taps into the growing trend of HIT training and group exercise, offering individuals an effective alternative to conventional exercise with exceptional results. With an emphasis on motivational group exercise, each 30 or 45 minute circuit- based group session, which is led by an experienced personal trainer, combines a low impact, high intensity, cardiovascular and resistance workout for optimum calorie burn. Each circuit features a Speedflex machine which will automatically respond to – and create resistance levels based on – the individual’s force, enabling users of all ages and abilities to work out together, at their own pace, with a reduced risk of Speedflex’s circuit-based training injury and no muscle pain or soreness. concept suits users of all abilities SECTION: LEISURE FACILITIES

Leisure, gym, shower & poolside drainage solutions and stainless steel sanitaryware

Standard & bespoke products for leisure projects including gyms, leisure centres, spas and much more Visit us at stand B92 at LIW!

0113 289 3172 [email protected] www.purusgroup.com Leisure Industry Week 2015 - Birmingham NEC - 22-23 September - Stand B92

104 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 TVS SPORTS SURFACES Providing practical and protective fl ooring solutions

Q FITNESS FLOORING SPECIALISTS Come and visit us at STAND F40 at Leisure Industry Week at the NEC Q CREATIVE FLOOR DESIGNS in Birmingham on the 22nd - 23rd Sept 2015 Q IMPACT ABSORBING MATERIALS where we’ll be showcasing a range of fl ooring materials suitable for sports and leisure facilities. QCUSTOMISED COLOURS AVAILABLE To fi nd out more call us on +44 (0) 1706 260 220 Q PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION or visit our website at www.fl oors4gyms.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1706 260 220 Fax: +44 (0) 1706 260 240 Email: sales@fl oors4gyms.com Web: www.fl oors4gyms.com LIW 2015 EXHIBITOR NEWS

fitness products to commercial health clubs, Star Trac / StairMaster / community recreational centers, hotels, TVS Sports Surfaces Nautilus / Schwinn governments and more. Headquartered in Tel: +44 (0)1706 260 220 Tel: +44 (0)1494 688260 Vancouver, Washington, US, we employ www.fl oors4gyms.com www.startrac.com and over 400 people worldwide and serve TVS Sports Surfaces is a leading supplier www.stairmaster.com customers in over 80 countries. We of bespoke flooring solutions to the Core Health & Fitness is a leader in operate regional sales, engineering or sports, leisure and fitness industry. developing and marketing advanced cardio service offices in the United States; the Specialising in rubber flooring TVS training and strength training products for United Kingdom; Germany; Spain and offers a range of surfaces and elastic the commercial fitness industry. We offer Brazil. Our vision is to be focused on the layers suitable for commercial health the commercial fitness and health club success of our partners. We facilitate their clubs as well as sports halls, synthetic marketplace an unmatched portfolio of success by being incredibly responsive and turf pitches, tennis courts, athletic brands including Star Trac fitness easy to work with, and by maintaining the tracks, sprint lanes, basketball and equipment solutions, StairMaster cardio highest level of integrity. volleyball arenas, sled lanes, cross-fit, products, Nautilus commercial strength SECTION: LEISURE FACILITIES strength and conditioning and general products and Schwinn indoor cycling bikes. multi-activity areas. For customers who Today, we are the world’s fifth largest All four Core Health & Fitness want to create a unique look, and stand marketer and distributor of commercial brands will be on show out from the crowd, customisable floor colours are available on selected products. Precision line marking to designate areas of activity and field of play are also part of what we do while installation is carried out by one of our experienced and professional flooring specialists, ensuring the end result is both fit for purpose and the finish first-class. Products are available for both indoor and outdoor applications. SECTION: LEISURE FACILITIES

Sports Shower

Making Waves

SEE US AT STAND C72

Take the Duso^ tour at www.horne.co.uk/Products/duso

106 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 YOU DESERVE MORE FROM YOUR TREADMILL SEE WHAT WE’RE MADE OF

RELIABILITY INNOVATION DURABILITY EASE OF USE

E-TRxe by Star Trac

The sleek and innovated E-TRxe is the product of 20 years of dedication and experience from Star Trac. At first glance, it boasts having great looks with an eye-catching modern design. Under the surface you will find an abundance of easy to use features that cater to all types of users. This E Series treadmill has fully integrated fitness training and entertainment solutions including an embedded HD 15” touch screen and the Star Trac Coach® personal trainer. The Hot Bar® one-finger controls make it easy to adjust the speed and elevation while on the move. Personal comfort should never be a compromise, so included are dual-adjustable personal fans and Soft Trac® triple cushioning to keep cool and receive maximum shock absorption. The E-TRxe offers the complete user experience with a durable, low maintenance design, ensuring your members and machines will always be running.

COME SEE US AT LIW BOOTH #E10

©2015 Star Trac All right reserved. Star Trac, the Star Trac logo, Star Trac Coach, Hot Bar and Soft Trac are registered trademarks of Core Health & Fitness, LLC. StairMaster is a sportsmanagement.co.ukregistered Trademark of Core issueHealth 3 & 2015Fitness ©LLC. Cybertrek Schwinn and 2015 Nautilus are registered trademarks of Nautilus Inc. used under license to Core Health & Fitness LLC. #15-00237107 LIW 2015 EXHIBITOR NEWS

WaterRower says it’s “the closest thing Xn Leisure Systems Ltd to rowing without getting in a boat” Tel: 0870 8030 700 (UK number) www.xnleisure.com Xn Leisure improves customer service through technology with a range of products designed to work with your business, delivering enhanced service to your customers. Xn is also an integrated part of the Sports Intelligence DataHub; part of an ongoing partnership with 4Global. We provide a centralised set of web business intelligence tools based around consistent sector wide standards. Aligned with NGB participation and programming it allows operators to target and track interventions and monitor outcomes. WaterRower SECTION: LEISURE FACILITIES Tel: +44 (0)20 8749 9090 www.waterrower.co.uk The rowing sector is expanding. As fitness professionals and gym members alike wake up to the undisputed benefits of this full body, low impact exercise WaterRower is offering options never seen before on the gym floor. Long regarded as the closest thing to rowing without getting in a boat, recent years have seen the WaterRower presence steadily grow in the commercial gym environment. At the forefront of this expansion is the WaterRower M1 series, crafted from tubular aluminium and available in custom colours. See this and our latest ’Nohrd’ range on stand F44 at LIW this year. Xn: Tech to improve customer service SECTION: FITNESS AND NUTRITION

Give your body the workout it craves! ORunning surface unlike any other OLower running costs OUp to 150,000 miles

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108 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 For sports managers and policy makers who want to keep briefed on the latest developments in facility provision, funding, policy partnerships and development HTTP://WWW.LEISURESUBS.COM SUBSCRIBE ONLINE WWW.LEISURESUBS.COM

OR CALL OUR SUBSLINE +44 (0)1462 471930 THE LATEST NEWS FROM SAPCA AND ITS MEMBERS

Get Berkshire Active New HQ for SAPCA tackles the physical inactivity epidemic

At SAPCA’s Sports Facility Show on 9 June, Get Berkshire Active gave a presentation about the worryingly low levels of physical activity in the younger generation and the cost of this lack of exercise, from a healthcare and a finan- cial perspective. Among Get Berkshire Active’s find- ings were that 46 per cent of physically inactive boys are more likely to con- sider themselves poor students. In later life, physical inactivity leads to workers taking approximately one week extra off work a year than their more active colleagues for illnesses and, ultimately, leads to 5.3 million premature deaths, all due to inactivity. Brett Nicholls, CEO of Get Berkshire Active, said: “The country is experienc- ing an epidemic of physical inactivity that is having a devastating effect on our children and young people with After sharing offices in Stoneleigh Park, Colin Hooper, left, estates director at tragic consequences to their health, and Warwickshire, since 1997, the Sports and Stoneleigh Park and Chris Trickey, right, at the same time creating an unsus- Play Construction Association (SAPCA) has outside SAPCA’s new headquarters. tainable burden on the NHS and local now moved into its own headquarters for services. We bring funding and exper- the first time. tise down from national sources to The move reflects the growth of the on bigger premises and doing so under our inspire, enhance, co-ordinate and deliver Association and is the next step in its aim of own steam, but it is also key to our plan to physical activity and sporting outcomes broadening its reach across the industry. grow and develop as an association. where they matter locally.” The new HQ, called the Hexangle due The not-for-profit organisation has more Ť)RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQDERXW*HW to its unusual shape, has undergone a than 220 members involved in sports Berkshire Active, visit www.getberkshi- full refurbishment by LaSalle Investment and play facilities including contractors, reactive.org. To see the presentation in Management as part of an on-going manufacturers, suppliers, consultants and full and to download other helpful sports transformation of Stoneleigh Park. sports governing bodies. and play resources, visit sapca.org.uk. The refurbishment has dramatically Trickey said: “As a trade association we transformed the building with a modern are here to deliver benefits and services to open plan office space, meeting rooms our members, but our most important role and storage facilities. The overhaul also is to promote high quality sports and play included the installation of environmentally facilities at all levels, from grassroots to friendly systems including energy efficient elite, across the country. LED lighting and air source heating. “Our plan is to increase our membership Chris Trickey, CEO of SAPCA, said: “It by reaching more parts of the industry is a coming of age for us. SAPCA has been and continuing to develop standards and in existence for 18 years and during that guidance for different types of sports and time has been based in a small office in play facilities. Stoneleigh Park was always a shared building at Stoneleigh Park, but going to be first choice for our new base. we have outgrown that space. Now we’re As a national organisation hosting meetings Brett Nicholls and Get Berkshire Active spreading our wings and moving into our and conferences for companies based all encourage sport and physical activity own headquarters for the first time. This is over the country, being in a central location across the county quite a milestone – not only are we taking with excellent transportation links is key.”

110 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The latest news and views from SAPCA

‘What has PE and sport ever done for us?’

This was the question raised by Derek Peaple, headteacher of Park House School & Sports College, Newbury, at SAPCA’s Sports Facility Show in Reading’s Madjeski stadium in June. “Those of a certain age – or with a particular taste for British comedy – will remember an iconic scene from the popular 1979 Monty Python Film, The Life of Brian,” explains Derek. Sport is used at the school to enrich and innovate within the official UK curriculum “Members of The People’s Front of Judea debate what ‘benefits’ their Roman delegates at June’s Sports Facility Show: curriculum innovation and enrichment; oppressors have brought them, ironically what has the use of PE and school sport students’ social, moral and cultural concluding, ‘All right – but apart from ever done for us?” development; an inclusive praise and the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, Based on his own experiences as reward system; and partnership working. public order, irrigation, the roads, the Headteacher at Park House School, Derek Examples of how Park House School fresh water system and public health, what summarised that it has shaped learning in uses PE and sport beyond the normal have the Romans ever done for us?’ a wide range of related areas, providing curriculum can be seen in Mr Peaple’s “It was with equal irony that I therefore a framework for: the development of presentation, available in the “events” recently posed a re-phrased question to values-based whole school culture; section at www.sapca.org.uk.

SAPCA PRESENTS AWARD TO SHROPSHIRE CPFA

At the recent National Conference of the Stretton town area as it evolves into the County Playing Fields Associations, the future. Identifying new ideas, aspirations Sports And Play Construction Association and opportunities that will help increase (SAPCA) presented an award for levels of participation and new sources of outstanding achievement to shropshire income generation,” he added. CPFA in recognition of its valuable Shropshire Playing Fields Association work to support the development and are taking the lead on delivery of the protection of local sports facilities and project which includes working closely open spaces. with the local town council, local schools, The Shropshire CPFA is leading a survey leisure centre, sports clubs, Shropshire of facilities within Church Stretton that Council and, most importantly, the local will provide a robust assessment of local community. The National Conference was needs and support planning and funding held on 17th June at the Ramada Hotel in applications for future projects. Kenilworth, and was supported by SAPCA. Receiving the award, David Kilby of Local residents help Dave Kilby of Shropshire Delegates from CPFAs and local Shropshire CPFA said, “We are delighted PFA with information on usage of the town park authorities gathered from across that this important project has been the country to debate the key issues recognised through the Award, and very sports and play. The outcomes will provide affecting the future protection and use much hope that the model will be repeated evidence to help protect, enhance and of playing fields, and to promote the vital across the country, and therefore make improve open spaces, sport, play and importance of the sport, play and physical a significant contribution to grassroots recreational facilities for the Church activity sectors. sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 111 The latest news and views from SAPCA

FOOTBALL & SYNTHETIC TURF – A MAJOR STEP FORWARD

Across football the acceptance and popularity of synthetic surfaces continues to grow, with 3G pitches now seen as a valuable asset for any club. But how many buyers understand the different yarn options and the impact they have on the final playing surface? Bonar Yarns tells us more

ore clubs, communities and schools are interested in installing high performance football surfaces that are free from Mmud, slippage and cancelled/postponed games. Within the synthetic turf industry, a multitude of systems exist to meet the needs outlined by end users – whether they are looking for durability, resilience, softness or enhanced performance. Whether the needs are met can be significantly impacted by the choice of yarn used. SAPCA member Bonar Yarns takes us An increasing number PIC: ©QOSFC.COM through the four main types of synthetic of professional clubs are grass yarn used in mainstream football. choosing synthetic pitches

Monofilament yarns In the last decade monofilament yarns have become the preferred choice for most A hybrid surface possess major advantages artificial pitches, as they are the best at meeting the stringent safety and quality over regular natural turf pitches, such as requirements set by governing bodies including FIFA and World Rugby. increased durability and weather resistance The individual monofilament fibres increase strength and resilience, facilitating improved ball roll and body-surface The web of fibres also encapsulates rubber Reinforced natural turf/hybrid yarns interaction with dense monofilament infill reducing rubber splash, allowing Reinforced natural turf, sometimes also surfaces offering fantastic protection surfaces to have a lush, natural appearance referred to as hybrid, infuses a natural against the weather and intense use, – not to mention providing exceptional tuft grass surface with synthetic fibres, whilst offering amazing comfort. These lock to maintain its high quality. The surface making it perfect for those looking for a types of constructions also self-support, also requires less maintenance. pitch that provides a natural look and feel allowing yarns to stay upright for longer whilst delivering far greater use. increasing its life expectancy, particularly Combination thatch yarns The resulting surface possesses major for intensively used football fields. The more fibre ends a surface has, the advantages over regular natural turf pitch- more natural the pitch looks and feels, es such as increased durability, weather Fibrillated yarns which is precisely what a thatch system resistance and the ability to access new Recent technological developments in offers. Combining monofilament yarns with revenue streams. fibrillated yarns has extended the lifetime a twisted, thinner fibre known as ‘thatch’, Whatever yarn is being considered, of synthetic pitches beyond what was mimics the roots of natural turf providing SAPCA would recommend that buyers previously possible. Perfect for facilities a more stable playing surface. The thatch consult its Code of Practice for the that will be subjected to intensive use, support also reduces rubber splash, Construction and Maintenance of some fibrillated yarns can withstand up to providing a more natural looking pitch Synthetic Turf Sports Pitches. 140,000 Lisport cycles, which is a durability whilst providing a ‘spring-like’ feel, which In addition, details of SAPCA approved test, before any effects are seen, delivering reinforces support underfoot – enhancing manufacturers and installers can be found greater playing time and increased ROI. safety and comfort for top-flight football. on its website – www.sapca.org.uk ●

112 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 Supported by: THE SPORTS AND PLAY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION THE SPORTS FACILITY SHOW AJ BELL STADIUM, SALFORD TUESDAY 24 NOV 2015 FREE SEMINAR, EXHIBITION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR ANYONE INVOLVED IN SPORTS FACILITY FUNDING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT. FEATURING KEY SPEAKERS FROM THE WORLD OF SPORTS FACILITY DEVELOPMENT.

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BUILDING BETTER SPORTS AND PLAY

The Sports and Play Construction Association, The Hexangle, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG. The latest news and views from SAPCA PIC: ©SHUTTERSTOCK_KARRAMBA PRODUCTION

Ensuring the quality of tennis courts As part of its new Quality System, the Sports and Play Construction Association has confirmed the 2015 inspection programme for tennis court projects

elected members of SAPCA’s precise requirements for financial stability. Quality System helps to ensure that the Tennis Court Division will have SAPCA works closely with credit experts industry continues to deliver the high examples of their projects Experian, using the Commercial Delphi quality of tennis courts demanded by the audited in September, with system with Experian’s risk reports, to marketplace. It also plays a valuable role in facilities inspected by a team ensure all contractors meet the required providing valuable, constructive feedback Sincluding SAPCA’s project manager standards for financial strength both to members, and sharing best practice.” and a representative of the Lawn Tennis on admission to SAPCA and to retain Each tennis court and MUGA project Association – a supporter of the initiative. membership each year. being inspected is rated using an agreed This year’s inspection programme will scoring system, with various aspects of follow the format introduced in 2014, the completed facility being assessed, when the first eight specialist tennis court from overall aesthetic appearance through contractors were audited. Under the “It’s vital SAPCA takes to the quality of the playing surface and Quality System, approximately a third of workmanship. Courts are evaluated against the members of the Tennis Court Division a robust approach to agreed project specifications and standards will take part in the audit each year, set out in the code of practice. meaning that all recognised tennis court standards by members of Minimum acceptable scores for projects builders within SAPCA will have their work the Tennis Court Division” have been agreed by the industry, and inspected at least every three years. any company not able to meet the The inspection of completed tennis requirements of the Quality System will court projects has been an essential part face suspension or removal from the Tennis of the application process for potential As part of its code of professional Court Division. members of the Tennis Court Division since conduct, SAPCA operates a technical Tom Ralph continues: “It’s vital that SAPCA was formed in 1997. Together with mediation service, through which SAPCA takes a robust approach to the other strict membership criteria, the impartial advice can be used to assist in standards by its members. We have mandatory inspection of applicants’ work the resolution of any disputes between worked hard over many years to establish a has helped to ensure that only contractors members of the Tennis Court Division and reputation for high quality and the Quality with the requisite expertise and experience their clients. System is an important means of providing are accepted into the Tennis Court Division. SAPCA has been very keen to ensure reassurance to tennis clubs, schools, local Other membership criteria include that all Tennis Court Division members authorities and all of our other clients that compliance with both the association’s continue to comply with the standards they should choose members of the Tennis code of professional conduct and the required of them, and the Quality System Court Division for their projects.” ● industry’s code of practice for the design will play a key role in this. SAPCA’s Further information about the Quality System and construction of tennis courts, as well as Tennis Chairman, Tom Ralph, said: “The and Tennis Court Division, see sapca.org.uk.

114 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 The Sports and Play Construction in order to provide the high quality from tennis courts and sports pitches Association, SAPCA, is the recognised facilities necessary for the success of to playgrounds and sports halls. trade organisation for the sports and British sport. SAPCA also represents manufacturers play facility construction industry in SAPCA represents a wide range of and suppliers of related products, the UK. SAPCA fosters excellence, specialist constructors of natural and and independent consultants that professionalism and continuous synthetic sports surfaces, including offer professional advice on the improvement throughout the industry, both outdoor and indoor facilities, development of projects.

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS KEY

Charles Lawrence Tennis Honours Yard, A Tennis Courts Courts Lodge Lane, 4 Rupert Law Close, Quorn, Chalfont St Giles, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 8PE Bucks HP84AJ B Synthetic Pitches T: 01494 766673 F: 01494 766674 Tel: 0800 294 8066 tel: +44(0)1636 615866 E: [email protected] C Athletics Tracks Fax: 01509 558691 www.charleslawrencesurfaces.co.uk www.thechilterngroup.co.uk email: [email protected] D Multi Sports A D I J K P A B C D O Q A D I J K O Q S E Natural Sportsturf F Play Surfaces

To book your advertisement in the SAPCA To book your advertisement Design, Build & Maintain the Finest Ten- directory call John on nis Courts & Sports Surfaces in the SAPCA directory call 01621 85 86 86 John on www.etcsports.co.uk +44 (0)1202 742968 +44 (0)1202 742968 A B D

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

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

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

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

Newbury Berkshire Design, Build and LOOKING FOR A SUPPLIER? t: 01635 34521 Maintenance Service www.sandcslatter.com for all Sports Surfaces [email protected] INTERESTED IN BECOMING SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SURFACES AND For help & advice call us on 01529 461 500 EQUIPMENT FOR: ● Multi-Sport Facilities Email: [email protected] A SAPCA MEMBER? ● Cricket Facilities ● Play and Educational Facilities Web: www.smithsportscivils.co.uk D F A B C D C F Q S Tel: 024 7641 6316 Email: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk Quality contractors at affordable prices tel 01865 736272 www.whitehorsecontractors.co.uk

A B C D B D E

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 115 ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS KEY

Northern Office G Adhesives Synthetic 11 Enterprise Way To book your B&L Fencing Services Ltd Jubilee Business Park Phone: 01527 882101 multi-sport Derby. DE21 4BB advertisement in the H Aggregate Producers 0800 587 0290 Fax: 01527 882123 surfaces [email protected] SAPCA DIRECTORY www.blfencing.co.uk I Equipment Suppliers www.sport-top.co.uk call John on INVEST IN BETTER PLAY SURFACING, FROM THE GROUND UP. Fencing Specialists to the Sports Industry J Fencing Systems +44 (0)1202 742968 K S J K Floodlighting L Indoor Structures

ADVANCED COATING Sports flooring · Sports surfaces BRITANNIA SYSTEMS FOR SPORTS AND M Paint Manufacturers RECREATION SURFACES Tracks for champions Britannia Paints Limited Unit 7 and 8, King Street Trading Estate N Screening/Windbreaks Bridome Ltd, The Courtyard, Wisley, Surrey GU23 6QL Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 9LF www.berleburger.com T: 01606 834015 F: 01606 837006 Tel +44 (0)1932 350365 Fax +44 (0)1932 350375 E: [email protected] Tel: 01422 200 143 O Sports Surface Suppliers e. [email protected] www.bridome.co.uk www.britanniapaints.co.uk Email: [email protected] P L M P O Surface painting/Line Marking Q Civil Engineers & Groundworks R Irrigation & Pumping LEADING AIR DOME MANUFACTURERS T: 01883 743988 F: 01883 744076 S E: [email protected] Maintenance Tel: 0800 9886370 www.collinson.co.uk 01794 301 000 www.coprisystems.com www.covairdomes.co.uk T Professional services L L L

Sports Lighting Specialists Suppliers of Adhesives www.cuphosco.com Leading in Artificial for all applications in Turf Systems the sports surface industry

Design . Manufacture . Install . Maintain Phone: +31 (0) 384250050 Tel: 01920 860600 E-mail : [email protected] Tel: 01889 271751 Tel: +44 (0) 131 629 0437 Fax: 01920 485915 www.fieldturf.com Email: [email protected] www.edelgrass.com www.envirostik.com

K O G O

The leading manufacturer of netting, MULTI-USE SPORTS To book your FLOORING FOR ALL posts & sports ground equipment ROUND PERFORMANCE TARAFLEXTM advertisement in the COMMUNITY Call: +44 01926 622600 SAPCA DIRECTORY Email: contractuk@gerflor.com call John on Visit: www.gerflor.co.uk www.harrod.uk.com O Tel: 01502 583515 +44 (0)1202 742968 O I O P I

THE SPORTS AND PLAY Manufacturers of high quality sports equipment and tennis court products T: 0121 783 0312 CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION F: 0121 786 2472 E: [email protected] CAN BE CONTACTED ON: www.hexasports.co.uk

I K Tel: 024 7641 6316 Email: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk

www.markharrod.comwww.mamarkharrod.com Products for Sport www.mri-polytech.com

I O

To subscribe to Sports Management, log on to www.leisuresubs.com email [email protected] tel +44 1462 471930. Annual subscription rates are UK £27, Europe £37 rest of world £58, students UK £13 Sports Management is published four time a year by The Leisure Media Co Ltd, Portmill House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1DJ, UK. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher The Leisure Media Co Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recorded or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright holder, Cybertrek Ltd. Printed by Manson Group Printers. Distributed by Royal Mail Group Ltd and Whistl Ltd in the UK and Total Mail Ltd globally. ©Cybertrek Ltd 2015 ISSN 1479/9146

116 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 ANCILLARY CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS CONTINUED

1YV½XXW-RHYWXVMIW0XH 7XEXMSR6SEH0EOIRLIEXL7YJJSPO-4%( Temporary LOOKING Tel: 01842 860220 Fax: 01842 863300 buildings FOR A Email: [email protected] www.neptunus.co.uk SUPPLIER?

O L O INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SAPCA MEMBER? www.playrite.co.uk

Complete lighting solutions for all sports venues www.progame-shockpads.com www.philips.com/lighting Contact: Martin Laidler – Sales Manager Tel: 024 7641 6316 Tel: 07831 178690 t: +44 (0)7920 711442 e: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.sapca.org.uk O K O

Market leaders in the Celebrating 20 years manufacture, supply, providing durable, . installation & maintenance resilient & quality PRESERVING PLAY of synthetic and natural multi use sports floors sports surfaces. 01636 640506 [email protected] we will never stop innovating 01244 321200 www.replaymaintenance.co.uk Tel: 01900 817837 Email: [email protected] [email protected] MAINTENANCE FOR SYNTHETIC SPORTS SURFACES www.rubb.co.uk www.sispitches.com www.sportssurfacesuk.com

I P S L B D E J K O P Q R S O

SPORTS LABS Sports Turf Research Institute surface testing & consultancy DESIGN & ADVICE To book your FOR SPORTS SURFACES Synthetics sports pitch mainenance experts Tel: 0845 602 6354 t. +44 (0)1274 565131 tel:// 08702 400 700 fax:// 08702 400 701 advertisement Email: [email protected] e. [email protected] email:// [email protected] Web: www.sportslabs.co.uk www.stri.co.uk web:// www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk in the SAPCA T T S directory call John on Tiger Turf TM UK LTD The future of fencing TM t: +44 (0)1299 253966 Sports +44 (0)1202 Buildings e: [email protected] tel: 01902 796699 742968 www.tigerturf.com +44 28 9264 8344 | [email protected] email: [email protected] www.veldemangroup.com www.zaun.co.uk

O L J

EXHIBITIONS & SEMINARS: SPORTS FACILITY SHOWS

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

Forthcoming shows in 2015: Tuesday 24 November: AJ Bell Stadium, (formerly Salford City Stadium), Salford

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

www.sapca.org.uk GREATNESS IN THE DETAIL

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 117 Product round-up SALTEX Preview sport-kit.net the search engine for leisure buyers

Wherever you are in WKHZRUOG¿QGWKHULJKW products and services 24 / 7 Xtraction Ltd puts in a by logging on to Sport premiership performance Management’s free search

The Xtraction Turf Muncher machine engine www.sport-kit.net was recently used to reclaim valuable infill from All Weather Pitches at Premier League Champions Chelsea Are outdoor spaces FC’s academy in Cobham, Surrey. The important for your work? UKAS laboratory-tested infill and carpet were reused. Xtraction director Tim Fields in Trust, the national charity Gallagher said: “On-site reclamation working to ensure UK communities reduces the carbon footprint linked to have access to free, local transportation and creates a viable recreational space, has launched product that might otherwise be new guidance. The charity describes disposed of in an unethical way.” the new guidance as a one-stop shop for the practitioners – local planning sport-kit.net KEYWORD authorities, developers, planners Xtraction and urban designers, landscape architects and town and parish councils – in the planning and design of outdoor sport, play and informal open space. The guidance is sport-kit.net KEYWORD online at www.fieldsintrust.org Fields in Trust

Harrod UK to display new bespoke range Fleet offers free upgrades to machinery Harrod UK will promote the bespoke design services that are now avail- Fleet Line Markers is offering free able on its weighted hockey goal and upgrades for purchases of all of Fibretech team shelter ranges at its machinery for grass, hard and the upcoming Saltex exhibition. The synthetic surfaces at Saltex 2015. This company will be showcasing a full includes its Ki, Kombi and BeamRider size bespoke weighted hockey goal line markers as well as the company’s with a sample book and portfolio solid transfer wheel machines and presenting the array of options and Fastliner kits. Fleet Line Markers has capabilities on offer. Personalisa- more than 62 years of experience in tion options include a wide range of the line marking industry with users RAL framework colours, the ability to from grass roots and all the way up to screen print club logos onto the side the world’s largest stadiums. and back boards, and the choice of a preferred carpet colour and wheth- sport-kit.net KEYWORD sport-kit.net KEYWORD er to have a club, school, college or Fleet Harrod university name added via laser.

118 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 log on to www.sport-kit.net and type the company name under ‘keyword search’

*IRRWEDOOWXUISLWFK IRU6XWWRQ8QLWHG

Sutton United plays in The National League South and has a new 3G Football Turf match pitch designed and installed by S&C Slatter. The work features a state-of-the-art FieldTurf &RQLFDXQYHLOVSHUPHDEOHSDYLQJVROXWLRQDW6DOWH[ Vertex 3G Football Turf installed over a 25mm E-Layer performance base. The As a first time exhibitor at Saltex, Conica will be showcasing its CONIPAVE eight week fast-track works programme permeable paving systems for sustainable urban drainage solutions. The slip- involved significant earthworks and resistant paving solution is part recycled with rubber granules from end-of-life sub-base construction incorporating tyres. It does not necessarily require a newly engineered base and can be piped lateral drainage. S&C Slatter will installed with minimal groundwork, and may not need planning permission in be showcasing its work at Saltex 2015. the UK, according to the company. Conica will also be exhibiting its surfacing solutions for indoor and outdoor athletics tracks and sports surfaces. sport-kit.net KEYWORD S&C Slatter sport-kit.net KEYWORD Conica 1HZV\QWKHWLFOLQHSDLQW

A new synthetic line marking paint has been launched by Rigby Taylor. Duraline Synthetic is the lat- est addition to the company’s range of Duraline and Impact products. The advanced and ready-to- use paint formulation has improved flow properties and is specially de- signed for use on synthetic playing %RVWLN¶VÀRRULQJIRU)&8QLWHGRI0DQFKHVWHU surfaces, according to Rigby Taylor. Acrylic-based and available in a range Bostik UK has supplied the flooring room. Bostik’s local technical of colours, it has been created to offer at FC United of Manchester’s new representative worked in partnership better surface adhesion and stronger £5.5m, 4,440 capacity stadium, with Stockport-based flooring water repellency. Available in 10 litre which was officially opened earlier contractors Siteform to oversee the containers, it can be applied straight this year. The company supplied installation at the stadium. from the pack through iGO markers. enough material to cover flooring in the Broadhurst Park stadium’s sport-kit.net KEYWORDS sport-kit.net KEYWORD main 250sq m (2,691sq ft) function Bostik Rigby Taylor

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 119 SPORTS MANAGEMENT DIRECTORY

AV/Lighting/Sound Indoor sports halls/temporary or non - traditional structures

Temporary buildings

[email protected] www.lightmasters.co.uk www.neptunus.co.uk

exercise equipment PRACTICE MADE PERFECT Tel: 0800 3891490 www.norsemanstructures.com COME OUTSIDE & PLAY Taking fitness outside is just one step in the Life Fitness evolution.

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

© 2014 Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corporation. All rights reserved. Life Fitness is a registered trademark of Brunswick Corporation. DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE

Ready for a new experience? excellence in engineering +44 191 482 2211 | www.rubbuk.com

lockers/changing rooms

Craft sman creating great changing precor.com · 08448 480101 · [email protected] environments  Lockers  Cubicles  Vanity units  Bench seating  Ancillary furniture To advertise here, call John now on Call 01480 405396 +44 (0)1202 742968 [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.cqlockers.co.uk

120 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 BE SEEN BY OVER 5,500 ACTIVE BUYERS IN EACH ISSUE

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

sports equipment suppliers & manufacturers sports surface maintenance

The new

. 3 PRESERVING PLAY R’s MAINTENANCE FOR REPAIR tel: 01904 468551 | SYNTHETIC SPORTS SURFACES REVIVE web: www.newitts.com | email: [email protected] [email protected] 01636 www.replaymaintenance.co.uk 640506 REJUVENATE

sports flooring

SANDING SEALING COURT MARKINGS NATIONWIDE SPECIALISTS Tel: 01684 567504 sports lighting Email: [email protected] www. peterdorrell.co.uk the night sky in safe hands MULTI-USE SPORTS TARAFLEXTM FLOORING FOR ALL COMMUNITY ROUND PERFORMANCE T: +44 01926 622600 E: [email protected] W: www.gerflor.co.uk Tel: 01623 511111 Email: [email protected] www.abacuslighting.com Quality Picture courtesy of Cheshire County Sports Club Innovation Value

^ports >iŐhƟnŐ ^pecialists www.cuphosco.com wet leisure play products

Interactive Water Play Flume Slides Design . Manufacture . Install . Maintain Safety Solutions Contact us now for your Tel: 01920 860600 Fax: 01920 485915 Filtration Service & Maintenance &rĞĞ >ŝŐŚƟnŐ ĞsŝŐn Email: [email protected] T: +44 (0) 1752 771740 E: [email protected] W: www.hippoleisure.com

To advertise here, call John now on +44 (0)1202 742968

sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 121 POWERED BY leisurediary.com

05-09 SEP 2015 28-30 SEP 2015 04-05 NOV 2015

Soccerex Global Convention Stadia & Arena Asia Pacific IOG Saltex Manchester Central Convention Singapore Sports Hub, Singapore NEC, Birmingham, UK Complex, UK The Stadia & Arena annual conference The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) The Soccerex Global Convention is and exhibition is an annual meeting of the has announced that its annual SALTEX the world’s largest football-related world’s sports venue owners, operators and event will be moving indoors – to the business event, with the global developers as well as the sector’s leading National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in leaders of the sport come together to architects, designers, contractors, producers Birmingham – for the first time in the debate, network and do business. and suppliers. More than 400 high-ranking event's history. This year's show marks Lasting five days – and including a two industry attendees representing 35 the 70th anniversary of SALTEX and it is day Football Festival – the 2015 edition countries, alongside are expected to attend, expected that more than 250 exhibitors will again take place in Manchester. The alongside 50 industry elite speakers and will be showcasing their products and event brings together businesses of all 50 industry leading exhibitors & sponsors. services – ranging from natural turf care, sizes that work in the football industry, Launched in 1999 in London, the event artificial sport pitches and specialist as well as many of football’s current attracts a high quality audience of industry machinery to landscaping and playgrounds. stars and living legends of the game. decision-makers from around the world. In Tel: +44 20 7973 6401 Tel: +44 208 742 7100 the past, the event has taken place in cities www.iog-saltex.com www.soccerex.com as diverse as Barcelona, Geneva, Milan, Munich, Rome, Prague and Bordeaux. 22-24 NOV 2015 16-17 SEP 2015 Tel: +44 (0)208 133 7678 www.saevents.uk.com UK Pool and Spa Expo Sports Matters Asia NEC, Birmingham, UK Sands Expo and Convention Center 7-8 OCT 2015 UK Pool & Spa Expo is the UK’s only Sports Matters is a conference which independent trade show for the wet aims to build the foundations for a The Sport Business Summit leisure industry and offers manufacturers healthy and sustainable Asian sports Stamford Bridge Stadium, London, UK and suppliers to this sector the greatest industry. The 2014 edition of the event The Sport Business Summit attracts more opportunity of reaching a National witnessed the launch of the Sports than 100 world class speakers and an and International audience. Matters Academy and the gathering of invitation-only audience of 1,800 director The 4th Edition of UK Pool & Spa more than 420 senior executives from level executives across 45 sports representing Expo will be at the NEC and will 220 companies (including 67 speakers) more than 50 countries. The event is covered once again host to a larger selection for two days of networking and insight in by around 150 international media across of exhibitors than ever before. Singapore. Confirmed speakers for the TV, radio, print and online and offers sports The New Product Zone will be featuring 2015 event include entrepreneur Victor leaders to gather knowledge and insight. the cutting edge technology from the Cui, owner of ONE Championship. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7042 8666 industry and training and networking Tel: +852 2167 8040 www.leadersinsport.com opportunities will be plentiful. www.sportsmatters.asia Tel: +44 (0) 1483 420 229 27-30 OCT 2015 www.ukpoolspa-expo.co.uk 22-23 SEP 2015 FSB / Aquanale 24 NOV 2015 Leisure Industry Week (LIW) Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany The NEC, Birmingham, UK Covering an exhibition area of around Sports Facility Show Leisure Industry Week (LIW) is a trade 80,000sq m (861,112sq ft), FSB – the AJ Bell Stadium Barton-upon-Irwell, show covering a wide range of engaging International Trade Fair for Amenity Areas, Salford, UK topics and interactive seminars in the Sports and Pool Facilities – is among the Organised by The Sports and Play fields of sport and recreation, facilities, world's largest sport-related trade shows. Construction Association (SAPCA), fitness & nutrition, group training, , pool From 2015, FSB will occupy Koelnmesse's the Sports Facility Show, a special one- & spa and the club showcase. LIW offers modern North Halls. Having adopted a day event that comprises a series of tailored educational streams aimed at new themed hall concept, FSB will share informative and educational seminars all roles and positions within a leisure the location and dates with its sister together with an exhibition featuring centre to benefit leisure professionals. show Aquanale (the International Trade specialists in the design, construction Tel: +44 (0)1926 484954 Fair for Sauna, Pool and Ambience). and maintenance of sports facilities. www.liw.co.uk Tel: +49 1806 603 500 Tel: +44 (0) 24 7641 6316 www.fsb-cologne.com www.sapca.org.uk

122 sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 DECEMBER 7-8, 2016 PALEXPO, GENEVA

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