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NEWS ARTICLES

Hybrid Pitch Technology Set To Revolutionise Football

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Parched touchlines, bobbly goal mouths and penalties struck into Row Z – as entertaining as it might be for rival fans – are set to become a thing of the past.

Combining speed, mobility and laser precision, SIS Pitches’ game-changing hybrid pitch system, SISGrass Universal, is the latest addition to the company’s award-winning technology.

After a soft-launch at the Cobham training ground of Premier League highflyers Chelsea F.C. late last month, the global pitch specialists are now rolling out the compact machine for wider use.

SISGrass Universal is an advanced reinforced turf system featuring patented fibre injection technology, utilising yarn that is tested to FIFA recommendations, which offers increased pitch stability, more playing hours and faster recovery than 100% natural grass surfaces.

Just 1.20m wide, 2m in length and weighing a maximum of two tons, SISGrass Universal offers flexibility of stitching at every location quickly and accurately, with different depths, spacing or size using precise laser guidance, making it the perfect solution for groundskeepers who are challenged to maintain uniform grass quality in high-wear areas such as goalmouths, touchlines and warm up areas.

Phil Blackwell, UK Projects Director, commented: “On-going innovation, simplicity and a passion for performance is central to everything we do, and SISGrass Universal is the embodiment of that.

“We have taken the qualities of our award-winning flagship hybrid pitch system, SISGrass, to develop a fully electric, mobile and multifunctional machine open to football and a wider market, opening new possibilities for landscaping, golf, cricket and tennis. This is a unique and bespoke solution, that every club needs.”

SISGrass Universal is 100% electric, mobile and easy to transport. The machine is operated by two members of trained crew, under experienced supervision to deliver the best quality of reinforced turf surface, and is able to strengthen any natural grass surface such as:

  • Goalmouths
  • Touchlines
  • Warm up areas
  • Training grids
  • Golf tees
  • Tennis courts
  • Walkways
  • Cricket wickets and run-ups

ESSMA Pitch Management Workshop

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The European Stadium & Safety Management Association (ESSMA) will assemble for the Pitch Management Workshop taking place at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, from May 10 to 11, 2017. Delegates will enjoy panel discussions, pitch visits and workshops, as well as in-depth presentations and a networking dinner.

Last year’s keynote speaker, John Ledwidge, Grounds Manager at Leicester City Football Club (LCFC) and his team will welcome ESSMA members to the King Power Stadium and LCFC training centre. Official host of the event is Jonathan Calderwood, Grounds Manager at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Chairman of the ESSMA Pitch Management Expert Group and member of the ESSMA Advisory Committee.

After last year’s edition in Paris, which drew 36 pitch industry experts, the ESSMA Pitch Management Workshop will now take players to the home of Leicester City, visiting both the King Power Stadium and the LCFC training centre.

About the event:

What: ESSMA Pitch Management Workshop

Where: Leicester, Leicester City Football Club (King Power Stadium and LCFC training centre)
Date: 10-11 May 2017

Goal: To share valuable content, organise discussions on the future of pitch management and create strong networking opportunities between pitch industry peers

Topics: Pitch renovation, tools & technology, player injury management, budget control (pitch management & finances), training centre pitch management and managing & delivering events

Speakers: Arsenal FC, Manchester City, Leicester City FC, Paris Saint-Germain, the Institute of Groundsmanship,..

Participants: Representatives of ESSMA Leagues, Federations, Clubs, Stadiums & Stadium Partners, Strategic Partners

More information:

Speaking after the 2016 Pitch Management Workshop, Jonathan Calderwood, Grounds Manager, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), said:
ESSMA’s Pitch Management Workshop is a perfect platform for all European Grounds Managers to come together to share ideas and knowledge. The pitch has become a very important part of the stadium and ESSMA is building up awareness of the Grounds Manager’s role and the industry as a whole.

John Ledwidge, Grounds Manager, Leicester City FC (LCFC), said:
Events like these are really important for the networking element of the day, as I’ve been able to meet people I really wanted to meet. I’m sharing experiences with them about what we do and listening to how they manage things. Sharing experiences on how to overcome certain obstacles within pitch management with a group of experts was a big eye-opener for me.

For further information and the full program, visit the ESSMA Pitch Management Workshop page by http://pitch.essma-events.eu/

Etesia Launch MSC45 Pedestrian Scarifier

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Etesia has launched the MSC45 – a powered pedestrian scarifier for domestic and professional use on lawns and amenity areas.

The machine has a working width of 45cm comes complete with a Honda GX160 5.5hp engine ensuring that it will be suitable for applications ranging from treating the average lawn to rejuvenating estates and formal grounds.

Scarification is one of the most essential lawn care tasks. The Etesia MSC45 pedestrian scarifier can be used for regular use or as part of a maintenance programme at different depth settings with the use of interchangeable reels that can be swapped without the use of any tools allowing the spring mounted tine reel to remove thatch and the scarifier unit to take out more of the bulk. The raking action removes thatch and organic debris to improve drainage characteristics and to allow more oxygen and water into the root zone.

The new model in the new scarifier range has been built for dependable operation and durability which has become synonymous with the Etesia brand.

Specifications include:

Working width

45 cm

Area coverage

up to 1500 m²/h

Motor

Honda GX 160

Capacity

5.5hp

Scarifier unit

Scarifier unit with fixed blades and torque overload safety clutch

Accessories

Scarifier unit with loose blades or spring mounted tines

Special features

Steel rims with ball bearings, step-less adjustment of operating height

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk

Laurence Gale Joins Turf Matters

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Turf Matters is delighted to announce that Laurence Gale has joined the editorial team as Executive Editor.

Laurence, pictured right, is a respected and familiar figure within the sports turf industry and his knowledge, experience and contacts will be a very welcome addition to both the Turf Matters magazine and the website www.turfmatters.co.uk

“Laurence and I have been friends for almost 15 years and I know that he will bring a great deal to Turf Matters as we develop and grow over the next few months and years. His love of the industry, and those people who participate within it, is there for all to see while, as we all know, his enthusiasm is downright infectious,” said Scott MacCallum, Turf Matters Editor.

“With Laurence on board we will be featuring more of the work of sports turf professionals in different areas of the industry and it will help us meet our objective of ensuring that Turf Matters really is the must read title in our industry,” explained Scott.

“I am really delighted to be joining Scott and the team at Turf Matters. While we are both all-rounders Scott is best known within the golf sector, while I am known best in the groundsman side, so I believe that we will make a formidable team,” said Laurence.

Foley’s Reel Science Technology Seminar

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Renowned grinder manufacturer Foley United UK held a successful Reel Science and Optimum Cut Technology seminar at The Grove Golf Club last month.

The day was organised by ProSport UK Ltd Managing Director Ian Robson and Regional BIGGA committee member; Adam McColl course superintendent of Gerards Cross Golf Club. The event was hosted by The Grove course superintendent Phil Chiverton.

Greg Turner, Global Sales Manager for Foley United with support from Arjen Spek Foley’s European Manager, delivered the seminar which is designed for course managers, head greenkeepers and technicians and centres on providing critical knowledge, backed up with technical studies and verified data on grinding research at the highest level.

Greg explains the thinking behind the presentation. “Investment in cutting equipment ranges from £15K to in excess of £40k, so we look at evaluating the grinding practices that will protect your investment and provide optimum returns. We evaluate the best grinding techniques for new grass strains and how minor changes in workshop grinding practices can have a direct impact on your machinery and agronomic investment decisions.

The Reel Science and Optimum Cut Technology seminar is approved for BIGGA CPDs and GCSAA CEUs. Foley United has conducted these accredited training sessions worldwide.

The Grove was the first club in the UK to have the top of the range Foley 653 fully automatic reel grinder and the 673 bed knife grinder the first in the UK. Both were installed in time for the recent British Masters and provided the seminar attendees with an excellent opportunity to see the latest technology in action. Jonathan Taylor Head Greenkeeper was on hand while Head Mechanic Neil Corley and Assistant Chris Sudeka put the machines through their paces.

Reaction to the seminar from attendees was enthusiastic across the board and as Sam Evans representing Fullwell GC said “We have been given a different perspective on grinding today, particularly in relation to increasing the longevity of staying on cut. It was impressive. I can really relate what I have seen and heard to our own practices and can see some definite benefits.”

Jason Horwood from West Hertfordshire GC agreed “It has been very worthwhile and given us some excellent information which we can incorporate into our current grinding schedules to improve the performance of our cutting equipment.”

“It has been a fantastic day” concluded Adam McColl “A brilliant venue and the seminar delivered factual content with scientific data to back it up. I have always been a fan of relief grinding, and the facts as they have been presented, confirm that to be the right choice. I would like to thank all those who attended and Greg Turner in particular for taking time to travel to the UK to deliver an excellent seminar.”