STIGA making a big impression at Keresley RFC

STIGA making a big impression at Keresley RFC

/in , /by

STIGA making a big impression at Keresley RFC

A winning combination: grassroots rugby, dedicated volunteers and a little robotic help!

STIGA making a big impression at Keresley RFC

STIGA making a big impression at Keresley RFC

At Keresley RFC, getting the pitch in tip-top condition is all part of the game. But when your grounds team is made up entirely of volunteers, keeping the grass match-ready can be a challenge in itself. Thankfully, the club has welcomed two new team members who are proving they can really cut it!

But these two new additions to the grounds team, from STIGA, have a story behind them that makes their arrival at Keresley RFC even more special.

For more than 49 years, Keith “Shakey” Shakespear dedicated himself to looking after the club’s pitches and grounds, playing a huge part in keeping Keresley RFC looking its best for generations of players. Sadly, Keith passed away in June, in his 80s, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and some very big boots to fill.

With the blessing of Keith’s family, the club has found a fitting way to honour its much-loved, long-serving head of grounds. The two STIGA robotic mowers have been named Shakey 2.0 and Shakey 3.0, ensuring that a little piece of Keith’s spirit lives on around the club he cared for so passionately.

It’s a heartfelt tribute to a man who gave so much of his time to Keresley RFC. And while the new recruits might not share Keith’s decades of experience just yet, they’re certainly doing their bit to keep his legacy alive, one perfectly cut pitch at a time.

The two robots are busy tackling the mowing across two of the club’s four pitches, cutting as frequently as possible to keep the grass in great condition. And the results are already making a real difference, saving the team an estimated five hours of work every week.

That’s five extra hours to get stuck into other essential groundskeeping jobs, from trimming hedges and strimming borders to sowing seed and applying fertiliser. In other words, less time pushing a mower and more time making sure every part of the club is ready for action.

The benefits are showing on the pitch, too. The grounds team has noticed improvements in grass quality and growth, with the frequent cutting helping to create a stronger, healthier-looking surface. And when it comes to cut quality, the verdict is that the team is delighted with the results.

It’s not just the grounds team that has noticed the difference. Players and coaches have been quick to praise the pitches, with the club’s two main playing surfaces now looking stunning and, in the team’s words, more like those of a professional club.

Better still, with the pitches consistently ready for use, Keresley RFC has greater flexibility to make the most of its available space. That means more freedom to organise training, accommodate players and get on with what rugby clubs do best: bringing people together through the game.

And while the robotic mowers are quietly getting on with their work, the volunteers can concentrate on the bigger picture, keeping the whole site in top shape and making sure Keresley RFC is ready for kick-off, whatever the fixture list brings.

It’s a great example of how a little technology can make a big difference at grassroots level, helping dedicated volunteers spend their time where it matters most.

That’s where STIGA is lending a helping hand. Through its multi-year partnership with England Rugby, STIGA is committed to supporting the volunteers and grounds teams who keep rugby thriving across the country, helping clubs maintain high-quality playing surfaces from grassroots rugby right through to the elite game.

As part of the partnership, STIGA is rolling out equipment to rugby clubs and sports facilities nationwide, helping pitches and green spaces look their best.

At Keresley RFC, the impact is clear: two new members of the grounds team, five hours saved every week and pitches that are looking better than ever.

Because in rugby, every player has a role to play. And at Keresley RFC, it seems the robots have well and truly earned their place in the squad!

Read more about the STIGA partnership with England Rugby, here: www.stiga.com/uk/stiga-x-rfu

You can read more about STIGA’s autonomous robot mowers and other STIGA products here: www.stiga.com/uk/

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

GMA achieves matrix standard accreditation for 12th consecutive year

GMA achieves matrix standard accreditation for 12th consecutive year

/in , /by

GMA achieves matrix standard accreditation for 12th consecutive year

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has successfully retained the matrix Standard accreditation for the 12th consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to providing high-quality information, advice, and guidance (IAG) to grounds management professionals across the UK.

GMA achieves matrix standard accreditation for 12th consecutive year

GMA achieves matrix standard accreditation for 12th consecutive year

The matrix Standard is the international quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice, and guidance services. Owned by the Department for Education, the accreditation recognises organisations that effectively support individuals in making informed decisions about learning, development, and career progression.

The GMA remains the only industry association to hold the prestigious accreditation, underlining its position as the leading professional body for the grounds management sector.

First achieved in 2015, the accreditation is maintained through a three-year cycle comprising a full assessment followed by two annual continuous improvement reviews. This year’s assessment expanded its focus beyond the GMA’s learning provision to evaluate the wider organisation’s delivery of information, advice and guidance across its activities and services.

As part of the rigorous assessment process, the independent assessor gathered feedback from learners and end users of the GMA’s information, advice, and guidance services, alongside staff, Board representatives and National Governing Body partners.

The assessment highlighted the positive impact of the GMA’s support across the sector. Learners praised the ongoing guidance available to them, while the organisation’s robust approach to measuring learning outcomes was recognised as a key strength. One participant noted that, while grounds management can often be an isolating profession, the GMA helps individuals feel connected and included within a wider professional community.

The assessor also recognised the value of GMA Connect events in promoting inclusion and fostering professional networks across the industry.

Feedback from National Governing Bodies of Sport reinforced the GMA’s reputation as the sector’s trusted source of expertise, with one partner highlighting that there is “nowhere else to go for such expertise”.

The assessment also commended the organisation’s governance, recognising its strong strategic direction, clear alignment with organisational objectives and effective sector-wide leadership.

Across the organisation, staff were praised for their positivity, flexibility, and commitment to supporting those accessing GMA services. Their passion for helping individuals develop professionally was highlighted as a defining characteristic of the organisation.

Dan Prest, Training and Learning Manager at the GMA, said: “Retaining the matrix Standard accreditation for a twelfth consecutive year is a fantastic achievement and reflects the dedication of colleagues across the organisation to supporting grounds management professionals and volunteers throughout their careers.”

“This year’s assessment was particularly significant because it considered the wider information, advice and guidance offer delivered by the GMA. The feedback from learners, industry partners and stakeholders demonstrate the positive impact of our work and the value of creating opportunities for people to learn, connect and progress within the profession.”

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the GMA, and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service, and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available. The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, GMA working to provide the best possible support to their clients.”

Geoff Webb, Chief Executive Officer of the GMA, said: “As the only industry association to hold matrix Standard accreditation, this achievement highlights the important role the GMA plays in supporting the grounds management community.”

“From professional development and career guidance to industry networking and technical expertise, we are committed to helping individuals and organisations succeed. We are proud that our work continues to be recognised through this respected Department for Education-backed standard.”

The matrix Standard accreditation reflects the GMA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the professional development, wellbeing and career progression of grounds staff, volunteers, and industry professionals across all sectors of sport and amenity landscaping.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Aquatrols Company Launches VerdeLNX Tough Turf Pro Package Across the EU

Aquatrols Company Launches VerdeLNX Tough Turf Pro Package Across the EU

/in , /by

Aquatrols Company Launches VerdeLNX Tough Turf Pro Package Across the EU

Three-product autumn nutrition programme helps sports turf recover from summer stress and build resilience ahead of winter.

Aquatrols Company Launches VerdeLNX Tough Turf Pro Package Across the EU

Aquatrols Company Launches VerdeLNX Tough Turf Pro Package Across the EU

Aquatrols is pleased to announce that its VerdeLNX Tough Turf Pro package is now available to turf managers across Europe.

The programme combines Ferrosol Pro, Base Ca and Base K, supported by Aquatrols’ AquaVita® Nutrient Delivery and Nutrient Retention Technologies. Together, they maximise nutrient uptake through both leaves and roots while reducing losses through leaching, so more of every application is used by the plant.

The launch follows another summer of prolonged drought, high temperatures and restricted rainfall across Europe. Even where irrigation has kept surfaces looking acceptable, drought stress reduces root development, limits nutrient uptake and depletes the plant’s energy reserves. As temperatures fall and growth slows, turf has less opportunity to recover, just as football and rugby seasons get under way and winter sports return to schools, universities and community facilities.

The Tough Turf Pro package is designed to rebuild the plant rather than encourage excessive growth. Ferrosol Pro (5-0-0+7%Fe) is a lower-nitrogen iron product that provides rapid green-up and helps harden turf, without the blackening and wheel marking associated with traditional iron products. Base Ca (8-0-0+13%Ca) combines calcium with nitrogen and seaweed extract to reinforce cell walls in leaves, stems and roots. Base K (0-0-38) delivers potassium as potassium acetate for rapid, efficient absorption, supporting root development, vigour and tolerance of wear and changing weather.

The programme reflects a wider move towards preventative, Integrated Turf Management. With tighter pesticide legislation and increasingly unpredictable weather, healthier plants with strong roots and efficient nutrient use are better able to tolerate wear, recover quickly and cope with the disease pressure common in autumn and early winter.

Emma Beggs, Portfolio Manager at Aquatrols Europe Ltd, welcomed the launch:

“Recovery isn’t something that happens on its own once temperatures fall. Every application made in autumn is an investment in the following season. We’re delighted to make the Tough Turf Pro package available to turf managers across Europe, giving them a practical way to help turf recover, strengthen and perform when it matters most.”

The VerdeLNX Tough Turf Pro package is suitable for golf courses, football and rugby pitches, cricket squares, racecourses and community sports facilities.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

The Art of Fixture Management: Lessons from Edgbaston Stadium

The Art of Fixture Management: Lessons from Edgbaston Stadium

/in , /by

The Art of Fixture Management: Lessons from Edgbaston Stadium

Gary Barwell, Head of Sports Turf at Edgbaston Stadium, discusses how an increasingly complex cricket calendar is impacting groundcare, and offers his fixture management learnings from a 30-year career.

The Art of Fixture Management: Lessons from Edgbaston Stadium

The Art of Fixture Management: Lessons from Edgbaston Stadium

  1. How would you describe the scale and complexity of managing fixtures at Edgbaston Stadium today, and how has this changed since you started the job?

When I started at Edgbaston Stadium in 2011, we used to have 21 match days. Fast forward to 2026, and over the last couple of years we’ve consistently delivered 48 match days. To say we’ve virtually doubled – and a bit more – in just the time I’ve been here shows how unbelievably busy we are.

We now deliver tier one men’s and women’s fixtures, international men and women’s fixtures, and fixtures for The Hundred too. I think the scale of this growth and the added complexity that comes with it speaks for itself. We’ve now got less time than ever to turn around a field, while the increased usage naturally creates added stress on the plant that needs to be managed.

  1. With such a busy fixture calendar, how do you make sure the field remains healthy and presentable?

One of the key things that we do to ensure the field remains really healthy is extensive monitoring. We constantly monitor the field with moisture probes and Clegg readings, and we’ve also got a programme of when to fertilise, while keeping an eye on things like wetting agents and micronutrients. In my opinion, a data-driven approach should be the foundation of any good turf management strategy.

  1. How does preparing the field for The Hundred compare to preparing it for something like an international fixture?

It might come as a surprise, but every pitch is exactly the same. We don’t prepare anything any differently. The only thing that really changes is the height of the cut, which itself is dependent on the time of year, the weather conditions, and the type of match. We aim to maintain the same high standards regardless of the fixture or competition.

  1. In the 24 hours leading up to an international test match, what does your preparation look like?

The final 24 hours is all about final preparations. This is when we start to trim the pitch with the Dennis Razor Ultra, which is our fine turf mower, while one of my team will be out with a SISIS Combirake. When we’ve done all of that, depending on where the pitch is at, if we need to do that sort of process again then we will, but generally it’s about letting it dry and seeing where the pitch is ready for the following day.

  1. In your career, has there been a fixture or occasion that you have found particularly difficult to prepare for?

This is a question that comes up a lot for me. I remember we once played a test match, and a week later we had the England vs India one-day international (ODI). And then three days after that we had T20 finals day.

In my head at the time, because I was so tired, the T20 finals day field just wasn’t right. It didn’t look good, there was too much grass on it, and it was too green. On reflection though, I can see that it was probably one of the best T20 finals day pitches we’d ever produced.

Because I was mentally exhausted, everything that was a millimetre out of place was an inch, which I think really highlights the mental fatigue that we go under to produce a high-quality surface.

  1. How important is your kit in keeping to schedule, and what does your Dennis mower allow you to do that other machines can’t?

I did use a line once which was ‘behind every pitch is a person’, though I also believe that ‘behind every pitch is a piece of kit’ too. Simply put, the Dennis mowers have been amazing for the stadium.

This is firstly based on how good the staff’s feedback has been. They absolutely love the machines, and they love using them. The fact that an apprentice can join us, we can train them up over a couple of weeks, and then they’re off cutting the outfield like they’ve been doing it all their life. That’s all down to the ease-of-use of the mower.

More importantly, the level and quality of service is great – always delivered on time, and generally just a really professional company to work with.

  1. With the cricket calendar continuing to evolve, what fixture-management challenges do you see on the horizon?

Pitch performance is one of the highest priorities for cricket, and having a quality pitch to have quality games on is important. Currently, I think cricket around the country is at saturation point. We need to have a complete reset of how the summer looks so that we can deliver everything for everyone, but in a more manageable way. That goes for the players, ground staff, operations staff, and spectators that are coming to view the game.

Find out more about Dennis mowers.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Sport's Governing Bodies Back SALTEX as Landmark 80th Edition Approaches

Sport’s Governing Bodies Back SALTEX as Landmark 80th Edition Approaches

/in , , /by

Sport’s Governing Bodies Back SALTEX as Landmark 80th Edition Approaches

With the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Rugby Football League (RFL), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), The Football Association (FA) and Football Foundation represented, SALTEX continues to provide a unique platform where grounds professionals, volunteers, clubs and sporting organisations come together to share knowledge, discover innovation and access expertise that supports sport from grassroots to elite level.

Sport's Governing Bodies Back SALTEX as Landmark 80th Edition Approaches

Sport’s Governing Bodies Back SALTEX as Landmark 80th Edition Approaches

Ted Mitchell, National Facilities Development Manager, England Rugby, said: “The quality of a playing surface has a direct impact on the experience of everyone involved in rugby union, from the players taking to the pitch to the volunteers and grounds teams working tirelessly behind the scenes. SALTEX provides an important opportunity for the rugby community to share knowledge, explore new approaches and understand the developments that can help improve facilities at every level of the game.

“The RFU is pleased to continue its support of SALTEX in 2026 and to be part of an event that brings together the people, expertise and ideas helping to shape the future of sports grounds management.”

John McMullen, National Clubs Manager at Rugby Football League, said: “Rugby league clubs operate in a wide range of environments, but the importance of well-maintained, safe and sustainable facilities is universal. SALTEX gives clubs and grounds teams an opportunity to see what is changing across the industry, learn from others and access practical ideas that can make a real difference to their facilities.

“The strength of SALTEX is the breadth of people it brings together, from professional venues to community clubs and volunteers, creating a valuable space for collaboration and sharing knowledge across the game.”

Dr Iain James, Head of Facilities Services at The England & Wales Cricket Board said: ‘Following a year of record fixture numbers, delivered in a very challenging drought, ECB are acutely aware of how vital volunteer and employed grounds managers are to making cricket happen across the country. We work with our partners, the GMA, to deliver training and create local events for grounds managers to meet and share ideas.

SALTEX provides an excellent opportunity for grounds managers in cricket to get face to face with the industry that supports what they do, to see the latest technology and look at the solutions to those pitch challenges such as drought. It is also a great place to hear from grounds managers and other experts who are facing the same challenges, meet the GMA team working to support cricket grounds managers and most importantly to meet and network with other grounds managers just like you, facing the same challenges and making cricket happen.’

Chris Smith, Head of Programmes at the Football Foundation said: “Great football starts with great facilities, and the people responsible for maintaining those facilities play a hugely important role in making football possible in communities across the country. With the support of our partners, the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is working with the individuals in communities across the country who make sure pitches are ready for action, week in, week out.

“We are on a mission to improve the standard of pitches across the country, with an aim of ensuring grassroots football has 20,000 good-quality pitches by 2030. We know that the hard work of volunteers across the country will be vital in helping us achieve this aim. Having access to the right knowledge, equipment and funding can make a significant difference to pitch quality.

“We’re pleased to support SALTEX 2026 and help ensure that the people maintaining pitches at every level have the information and connections they need to ensure everyone has access to a great place to play.”

Bringing the Industry Together

One of SALTEX’s greatest strengths is its ability to unite every part of the sports grounds sector under one roof. Alongside leading governing bodies and industry organisations, visitors can engage with hundreds of exhibitors, explore the latest machinery, technologies and sustainable solutions, benefit from more than 30 hours of free Learning LIVE educational content, and connect with peers facing similar challenges across the industry.

Whether responsible for a professional stadium, school or college sports facility, local authority venue or volunteer-led community club, attendees can access practical advice, discover new solutions and build valuable connections that help create safer, more sustainable and higher-quality playing environments.
Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer of the Grounds Management Association, said: “The organisations represented at SALTEX share a common ambition: creating better places for people to play sport. By bringing together governing bodies, funding organisations, grounds professionals, volunteers, educators and suppliers, SALTEX creates an unrivalled environment for collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.

“As we celebrate the event’s 80th edition, we’re proud to welcome the organisations that play such an important role in supporting facilities, participation and the long-term sustainability of sport across the UK. Their continued support reflects the value SALTEX provides to everyone involved in the delivery and maintenance of sports facilities.”
As the sports grounds community comes together for the landmark 80th edition, SALTEX 2026 will once again serve as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation and professional development, helping ensure that sports facilities across the UK continue to meet the evolving needs of players, clubs and communities.

Join the organisations helping to shape the future of sports facilities and grounds management. Register for free to attend SALTEX 2026, taking place on 11-12 November at the NEC Birmingham.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters