Tag Archive for: Key

Diligent synthetic regimes key to mitigating microplastics concerns

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Diligent synthetic regimes key to mitigating microplastics concerns: Users of synthetic turf are being encouraged to show a much greater commitment to ongoing maintenance requirements to enable both the sports and landscaping sectors to mitigate concerns about microplastic contamination, according to ESTC (EMEA Synthetic Turf Council).

Having seen a European report suggest that synthetic turf fibres pose a seawater contamination risk, the trade association for the synthetic turf industry has highlighted the considerations and maintenance requirements users need to be aware of in order to maximise sustainability.

Diligent synthetic regimes key to mitigating microplastics concerns

Diligent synthetic regimes key to mitigating microplastics concerns

ESTC recently commissioned a preliminary study on yarn wear with the University of Osnabruck. The study found frequently used synthetic sports pitches generally start to weaken and wear in the second half of their service life, primarily due to sustained exposure to the sun. As the surfaces weaken, they become more susceptible to wear, especially in high-use areas such as goalmouths on sports fields and under play equipment in landscape and recreational applications.

As a result, Professor Alastair Cox, Technical Director at ESTC has reminded synthetic turf users of their maintenance obligations throughout the full lifespan of their surface.

Professor Cox said: “As an industry, we’re very aware that for the many benefits synthetic turf brings to communities, it is a plastic-based product that will degrade over time just like many other man-made products. It is imperative that those installing the surfaces remember that while synthetic turf has much lower maintenance requirements than natural grass, it is not completely maintenance-free. As a result, owners should be fully committed to implementing measures which ensure good performance and minimal environmental impact, as well as protecting user welfare and product warranties.”

“The first step is to identify high-wear areas – which will vary from field to field – and anticipate where and when they are most susceptible to the wearing of the turf fibres. From there, the owners should have a duty of care to maintain the surface in the correct manner. By investing in, and regularly using, specialist maintenance equipment that is capable of capturing loose fibres and fibre debris, synthetic turf owners are able to capture and dispose of them in a responsible way that prevents them from escaping into the environment and becoming microplastic pollution.”

The advice from ESTC follows its pledge to support sustainable alternatives to granular rubber infill (polymeric infill) as the synthetic turf industry navigates the EU restrictions set to be imposed on the product category. The European Commission’s decision to prohibit the sale of intentionally added microplastics including synthetic and recycled infill (polymeric infill) such as Styrol Butadiene Rubber (SBR) will come into effect from 2031. The Commission will prohibit the sale of microplastics and products to which microplastics have been deliberately added which could release those microplastics when used.

Professor Cox added: “Sustainable infills such as cork, wood, chip and natural plant mixes, as well as non-infill turf systems, have been available to buy for a number of years now, but we recognise the need to educate the marketplace on how important it is to look beyond the price of infill and consider environmental impact in order to establish these as the preferred options.

“As an industry, we will be working together closely to raise the profile of more sustainable infills and responsible maintenance regimes to ensure the market continues to reduce its environmental impact as quickly and as smoothly as possible.”

For more information on ESTC, visit www.estc.info.

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Suståne proves the key for consistency

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Suståne proves the key for consistency: A programme based around Suståne 5-2-4+Fe organic slow-release fertiliser is working wonders at Linköping Golf Club in Sweden – delivering enhanced consistency in plant health and growth for Head Greenkeeper Andreas Bergqvist and his team.

Now into their second year of pursuing a more natural approach to enhancing soil biology, not only are the greens performing better, the additional strength has seen improved resistance to Anthracnose.

Suståne proves the key for consistency

Suståne proves the key for consistency

Andreas has been in charge of the maintenance of the picturesque parkland course for the last five years, but has been at the club since 2001 as a deputy where he first gained experience of products from the Suståne range. “My approach to plant health is very much to work with nature and feed from the bottom up, rather than the top down” he explains. “We’d been using Suståne for a number of years, but when I took over I further reduced artificial inputs in favour of upping our Suståne programme to get better structure into our push-up greens.”

The current plan consists of 8-10 week applications of Suståne 5-2-4+Fe between the months of April and September; the long-lasting sources of organic nitrogen promoting greater root development and good colour. “The main benefit we’ve found is that you don’t get the flush of growth like you do with synthetic fertilisers. It keeps the greens consistent in terms of playability and means that we’re employing fewer mechanical practices such as verti-cutting to keep on top of rapid growth which, in turn, brings benefit for surface quality and health.”

“Prior to using Suståne we would also commonly see outbreaks of Anthracnose around the course. This appears to have decreased significantly, and when we do get a patch we can target treat with some additional 5-2-4+Fe and it’s seemingly resolved within a couple of days.”

He continues, “One of the biggest issues we face here in southern Sweden is drought. The Suståne product being naturally-derived means that we can apply when we need to, and not when the rainfall forecast is in our favour. The boost to root development also means we’re finding that the grass is more tolerant to the hot and dry conditions which means we’re well-placed to deal with the changing climate moving forwards.”

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MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

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MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence: Attendees at BTME 2024, visiting DLF’s stand 126 in Hall B, can anticipate a showcase of cutting-edge products from the world’s premier grass seed breeder and producer.

In the face of increasing demands and pressures on modern greenkeepers to maintain a consistent playing surface, the pivotal elements for a top-tier golf course are seed quality, purity, and vigour. The MM range of seed mixtures stands out by utilising materials from the DLF Select programme, ensuring high purity and germination rates.

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

For over three decades, greenkeepers and course managers have reaped the benefits of choosing the MM brand and its superior quality varieties. All MM varieties undergo thorough testing at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), guaranteeing that the final product meets the requirements for play, appearance, and maintenance.

Leading the way for golf greens is MM9, a three-way Browntop bent mixture that remains a top choice for renovations and species exchange. MM8, designed for links-style courses and sustainable golf, offers a three-way fescue mix with excellent disease resistance, drought tolerance, and minimal fertiliser requirements. MM Coastal is a great alternative to MM8 where salt spray is a concern, providing excellent salt tolerance for golf greens, tees, and fairways with its 100% Slender Creeping Red Fescue mix.

For golf course managers seeking a 100% Ryegrass Greens mix option, MM Supreme Ryegreen mix is the answer. It includes Singapore Perennial Ryegrass, known for its fine leaves, good shoot density, high disease resistance, and wear tolerance. This mix embodies the main benefits of perennial ryegrass, including fast establishment and wear tolerance in close mow situations.

If you’re in search of a mixture ideal for tees and fairways, consider MM50, a 100% ryegrass blend. It boasts rapid establishment, quick recovery from divot scarring, high wear tolerance, and an extremely fine appearance. Meanwhile, for links-style fairways where damage and wear are less prevalent, MM13 is well-suited. With a high percentage of Crystal Hard Fescue, it offers excellent drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements for this challenging environment.

DLF’s stand also provides information about the DLF Pro Flora and Colour Boost range of Wildflower mixtures, perfect for those looking to establish a traditional perennial flower meadow or create a vibrant display of annuals and perennials.

The MM team of amenity seed specialists will be present at BTME to discuss these products in more detail and offer their expertise to address any queries attendees may have.

For further information, please contact DLF UK on 01386 719758 or visit the MM website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

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Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment

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Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment: Cheshire West and Chester Council has cited communication as one of the key factors behind Duncan Ross Ltd.’ successful pitch refurbishment, which has seen an out-of-use football pitch turned into a ‘billiard table for rugby.’

For John Seiler CMLI, Landscape Architect at Cheshire West and Cheshire Council, this is the best quality pitch that he has worked on over his 19-year period with the council. The transformation was much needed, with the 40-year-old surface left unused for many years due to drainage problems.

Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment

Communication key to Duncan Ross pitch refurbishment

Thriving local rugby club, Northwich RUFC, who play on the Moss Farm Leisure Complex, wanted to use the pitch for their first 15, and after a competitive tender process, John began working with Duncan Ross Ltd for the first time.

“This was my first time working with Duncan Ross Ltd, and I’ve been very impressed,” John said.

“Communication was vital to the success of this project because of the challenges we faced. One of the drainage issues was the outlet, which was blocked. We had to collaborate with the other landowners to gain access to the blockage, and what could have been potentially very challenging felt easy because Duncan Ross Ltd handled it so well.

“Duncan and Joe Ross ran the site, and their expertise and attention to detail were extremely good. They were both very approachable, professional and easy to get on with, which made an enormous difference.

“When running landscape contracts, we need to know what’s going on, and we can’t be on the site 24 hours a day. So, we need to have that level of trust, openness and transparency with regard to each work stage.

“They were also taking pictures of every stage of the process. So, from the grading, drains, and slitting works, they also had drone footage, which was fantastic for us and PR on the site.

“As a landscape architect having worked on many landscape and sports pitch contracts, I really value that close working relationship with a contractor.”

Investigation work revealed that the pitch’s drainage outlet was severed and blocked. Working with the landowner opposite, Duncan Ross addressed the issue and began installing the new outlet and carrier drains before constructing the pitch.

In mid-September 2023, a month after seeding, John describes the pitch as looking “absolutely beautiful.” Whilst he has been impressed by the communication and finished product, he also thinks Duncan Ross Ltd.’s high-quality machinery has heavily contributed to an outstanding product.

“The level on the pitch is absolutely incredible. It really is the best pitch I’ve worked on,” John said. “The rugby club are extremely grateful and have been blown away with the result, but so much of that is down to the professionalism of Duncan Ross Ltd and the machinery they use.

“It’s all absolutely first-class. For every single aspect of the various stages of the works, they have the equipment from laser-levels to trenchers to get the best results. What it also meant was they got the job done quickly. Because of the nature of the weather and having such a wet summer, it made it difficult, and potentially could have been very difficult, but because of the machines they had it enabled them to get the job done and to a high standard.”

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Cobra to showcase key products at Saltex and Groundsfest

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Cobra to showcase key products at Saltex and Groundsfest: Henton and Chattell has announced that it will be showcasing the Cobra brand at two upcoming events this year. The company will be returning to Saltex, held on 1st and 2nd November at the NEC in Birmingham, and is excited to announce its debut at GroundsFest, taking place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on 20th and 21st September.

The two events represent key industry opportunities to showcase the Cobra range to customers, dealers and stockists – as well as presenting invaluable chances to network, including directly with buyers.

Cobra to showcase key products at Saltex and Groundsfest

Cobra to showcase key products at Saltex and Groundsfest

Both Saltex and GroundsFest will also be a great chance for Cobra to demonstrate the capabilities of the Fortis cylinder mowers and lawn tractor ranges – both of which were launched earlier this year.

The Fortis range combines eight machines in one to give the ultimate package for creating picture perfect lawns, and are the first powered cylinder mowers to be launched by Cobra. It features four mowers, starting with a compact 14” model powered by a Loncin petrol engine, and then the 17”, 20” and 25” all featuring Briggs & Stratton engines for extra power for larger lawns.

What makes the Fortis machines the ultimate in lawncare however, is their ability to transform into seven other machines to ensure that lawns are immaculate and healthy. The Fortis six-bladed cassette can simply be removed and replaced with another accessory cassette in the range to switch its use. Other cartridges include a verticutter, scarifier, dethatcher, aerator, turf rake, lawn brush and 10-blade cassette.

For those with larger lawns to tend to, Cobra’s new range of ride-on lawnmowers provides a high-quality, yet wallet-friendly option. Starting with compact LT62 rider models, each with a 24” cutting width and comfortable seat, these have a particular focus on manoeuvrability, allowing gardeners to flow and mow around their lawns.

Those with larger areas to mow will appreciate one of the other new six ride-on tractors available. With cutting widths ranging from 33” up to 42”, and choices again being manual and hydrostatic gear changing, as well as a twin cutting blade and the option to collect the cuttings, release them back to the ground or turn them to mulch. They also offer enhanced comfort with a padded seat and easy electric key starting.

To find out more about these new ranges, to see them demonstrated, meet the team and discover the difference a Cobra lawnmower can make, be sure to visit GroundsFest and Saltex this year. GroundsFest combines indoor business and education opportunities with outdoor demonstrations, providing an interactive experience which strengthens the connection between exhibitors and visitors. Saltex is Europe’s largest free turf management show, where visitors can hear from industry experts, and see the latest technologies and product development from over 400 leading brands. To pick up tickets for Groundsfest, visit https://groundsfest.com/ and for Saltex visit https://www.saltex.org.uk/.

For further information about Cobra, please visit www.cobragarden.co.uk.

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Key appointment for GMA and SALTEX

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Key appointment for GMA and SALTEX: Jen Carter is the new head of communications at the Grounds Management Association, supporting the GMA’s five-year strategy which covers all the sectors of the groundscare industry, including the membership organisation’s flagship event SALTEX, with an expanded communications team.

Jen and her team’s work will focus on supporting the GMA to achieve its three long-term goals: to attract new talent and accelerate the growth of a diverse workforce; to support sustainable business growth and protect the sector’s interests, and to build the industry’s reputation and promote the sector’s contribution to society and the economy, and that cannot be done without the support of SALTEX.

Key appointment for GMA and SALTEX

Key appointment for GMA and SALTEX

The relationship between the GMA and SALTEX is inherently interlinked with the work done for both contributing significantly to the growth and success of the industry. The GMA and SALTEX work hand in hand – SALTEX is powered by the GMA and in turn SALTEX feeds into the GMA’s extensive work in supporting, and raising the profile of, the groundscare industry in all its guises.

Jen comments: “I’ve been aware of the work the GMA and SALTEX have done for the industry as my experience is rooted in the sports sector and I believe it’s essential for the long-term success of the industry that they function and flourish. I am really excited to play a part in their history and their future.”

Jen joins the GMA from Liverpool Football Club where she spent nearly eight years developing and executing strategic communications for the club’s major capital projects including the AXA Training Centre, the new Main Stand, LFC’s flagship retail store and for stadium developments such as concerts and major events.

Prior to that, she spent five years at a boutique sports marketing agency working with blue chip clients across golf, tennis, rugby, equestrianism, and swimming to deliver strategic PR, media relations and sponsorship activation at high profile sporting events such as Wimbledon, The Masters, The Open, US PGA Championship, The Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.

These credentials make Jen the ideal candidate to lead the GMA’s communications team and take on responsibility for all external and internal communications, including PR and media relations, marketing, events marketing, and brand management, as well as overseeing the successful implementation of the 77th SALTEX exhibition, which is the largest free sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade show in Europe.

She is supported by a strong marketing team which has recently expanded with the arrival of communications and marketing executive, Georgia Hadwin, joining Nathan Woodford-Rôtt as senior marketing executive and Ollie Swan as senior PR and communications executive.

Jen concludes: “As a team we’re very much focusing on raising the profile and increasing brand awareness and equity of the GMA and SALTEX. At the very heart of all of this we are supporting the GMA’s five-year strategy which supports all the sectors of the groundscare industry and to be involved in something so vast and important for so many is really exciting.”

As well as an expanded communications team to support delivery of GMA strategic objectives, the GMA’s Commercial & Events team has been bolstered by the addition of experienced Sales Manager, Jill Rodham who recently joined Sarah Cunningham’s team, having previously worked at BIGGA for over 9 years. Jill brings strong trade show experience of the grounds care sector and will support Sarah in building on SALTEX 2022’s success which has already seen a 20 per cent increase in show floor space to accommodate increasing demand for space from exhibitors.

SALTEX takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023. Exhibitors wishing to secure their place at Europe’s largest free sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, should contact GMA Sales Manager, Jill Rodham at jrodham@thegma.org.uk or 07754 552405.

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Convenience is key with Toro MVP kits

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Convenience is key with Toro MVP kits: Now more than ever, any opportunity for businesses to reduce the cost of goods is welcome, so Reesink Turfcare is reminding customers about its Toro MVP kits.

Standing for Multi Value Packs, these kits save 20 percent on the cost of the individual parts for over 100 different maintenance issues such as rebuilding rollers, replacing hydraulic hoses or overhauling cutting units.

Convenience is key with Toro MVP kits

Convenience is key with Toro MVP kits

Michael Hampton, Reesink Turfcare parts manager, comments: “One of the greatest money vacuums on the golf course is machinery downtime, but with an MVP kit ready to go you can both protect your equipment and see it working all season long. The thing about machinery parts is that they’re not really needed until something has already gone wrong. With Toro MVP packs, you’ll never be caught short in a crisis – any genuine Toro part you need is right there conveniently packaged in one handy box.”

Toro’s MVP packs are all about convenience and minimising downtime, enabling customers to respond quickly to problems so that their turfcare machinery can spend less time in the workshop and more time working. Having everything in a single package makes ordering and completing the job easier.

Michael continues: “At this time of year, productivity is key so machines need to be able to perform constantly and consistently. You can’t always prevent hiccups with machines, but having an MVP kit on the shelf means you can get a machine back up and running quickly without wasting time sourcing individual parts as issues arise.”

MVP kits are also ideal for keeping on top of routine maintenance, having parts to hand making the process hassle-free. And it’s not just the maintenance itself that’s made easier with MVP kits, they allow for more accurate forecasting when setting budget aside for parts and servicing too.

“When things get busy at this time of year, there’s always that temptation to run turf machinery harder and longer without proper maintenance. The kits also provide instructions on when to carry out maintenance depending on the model and number of hours of use so that operators can prevent issues before they ever happen,” Michael adds.

Toro MVP kits are a smart investment, ordering is easy and handy presentation boxes make storage easier. For more information contact distributor Reesink Turfcare’s Toro parts department on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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#GroundsWeek backed by key industry organisations

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#GroundsWeek backed by key industry organisations: The GMA announces #GroundsWeek 2023 sponsors: Barenbrug, Farol, Husqvarna, Infinicut, ISEKI, Kubota, Origin Amenity Solutions, Premier Pitches, Reesink Turfcare, Sports & Turf from British Sugar, and Turf Matters.

#GroundsWeek, returning from 20 – 26 March 2023 for its third year, is buoyed by support from key industry organisations representing all corners of the grounds care sector, from products and services to industry media.

#GroundsWeek backed by key industry organisations

#GroundsWeek backed by key industry organisations

The not-for-profit membership association launched #GroundsWeek two years ago amidst a challenging environment for the sector caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns. With the objective of raising awareness of the vital work of grounds care volunteers and professionals in the UK, and with a focus on inspiring new recruits to consider a career in the industry, #GroundsWeek has since caught the attention of the sporting world.

The awareness week has featured in BBC Sport, ITV News and Sky Sports, and earned support from leading sports organisations from England Rugby and England Football, to Ascot and Wimbledon.

Keen to recognise the important role of sponsors in #GroundsWeek, GMA CEO, Geoff Webb says:

“We launched #GroundsWeek at a time when the sector needed support and deserved recognition. By supporting the week and backing the industry, our #GroundsWeek sponsors have helped us invest in campaigns that catch the attention of the media, highlight the vital work of grounds staff, and introduce new people to careers and roles in the sector.

“As a not-for-profit, support from the broader industry is essential if we are to expand on activity that looks to promote the sector. Initiatives like #GroundsWeek simply wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors – we are extremely grateful to have them on board.”

For more information about #GroundsWeek, its sponsors, and how to get involved with the week, visit https://thegma.org.uk/groundsweek

A thank you to the official sponsors of #GroundsWeek 2023:

Barenbrug, Farol, Husqvarna, Infinicut, ISEKI, Kubota, Origin Amenity Solutions, Premier Pitches, Reesink Turfcare, Sports & Turf from British Sugar, and Turf Matters

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Consistency key for the open at St Andrews

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Consistency key for the open at St Andrews: St Andrews trusted Toro maintenance equipment to maintain ‘the home of golf’ for the 150th Open. And ahead of and throughout the week-long tournament in July 2022 distributor Reesink Turfcare was called upon to provide set-up procedure training to ensure consistency in after-cut appearance.  

Reesink provided five days of Cutting Technology training before the tournament as well as specialist technical staff on site throughout the tournament to support the team using a fleet of battery-powered mowers and riding greens mowers.

Consistency key for the open at St Andrews

Consistency key for the open at St Andrews

After-cut appearance training was vital to ensuring the perfect finish across the different courses as Stephen Terreblanche, technical trainer at Reesink Turfcare, explains: “The training was to prepare the team for the Open competition. But more than that, it was to achieve consistency in set-up procedures across all the different courses at St Andrews.

“To get the course ready and keep up with maintenance while the tournament was taking place multiple machines were being operated by different members of the turf professional team at the same time on a single green, and the cut delivered by each machine had to be perfect and consistent across all the machines in the fleet.

“To achieve this the machines had to be set up the same way to avoid different after-cut appearance issues, which would be easily visible if machines with different set-up adjustments were operated side-by-side.”

It was by all accounts a successful investment as the machines proved on the world stage how a golf course can use battery power and riding greens mowers to sustainably achieve ideal playing conditions to test the best golfers in the sport.

Reesink’s range of training courses are designed to be delivered on the customers’ premises and give the team the training it needs to ensure they can operate the chosen machinery safely and efficiently in an environment they are familiar with for the best possible results. (Disclaimer: This isn’t specific to world tournaments!)

For further information on the courses available and to book, visit https://www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk/resources/training-courses

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Role of grounds staff is key

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Role of grounds staff is key: With ‘no pitch no play’ one of the biggest barriers to levelling the playing field between women and men’s football, the success of the women’s game depends largely on the involvement of the grounds industry.

Ahead of speaking at SALTEX, the leading turf management show being held on Birmingham NEC from 02-03 November, on increasing pitch capacity for the women’s game, Hannah Buckley, senior facilities and project manager for the women’s professional game at The FA, shares why the importance of the pitch and ensuring the groundswell of forward movement for the womens’ and girls’ sport is not lost because of poor playing conditions.

Role of grounds staff is key

Role of grounds staff is key

“When any new sport or technology comes along, some people will be reluctant to embrace it, others will do so wholeheartedly. We all saw this with those who hosted women’s matches and practise for the Euros and those who didn’t.

“It’s important to remember the men’s game is over 150 years old, women’s is 50 and the young girls’ pro game is only 11 years old. At the start of our journey, all the infrastructure was built around 150 years of the men’s game.

“What’s important going forward is to remove the unknown entities when it comes to additional female users of any pitch. Everything is the same with regards to the pitch and its set up, it’s only the players who are different. Accommodating women’s sport causes far less damage than the men’s: the players weigh less, are smaller and therefore it is important to acknowledge different impacts against different users. Understanding differences provides opportunities for example professional training environments don’t need as much space in a natural pitch training environment – and that reduces the initial budget outlay and ongoing maintenance costs.

“Several women’s professional clubs have secured investment from the Premier League in the last three and a half years to improve pitch quality delivering new stitched and carpet hybrid products.

“Women’s football is here to stay and we’ve got to focus on the pitches we’ve got. England has its infrastructure challenges. We’re an island with limited land availability, with predominantly urban stadiums and training grounds. We are not going to start by building new pitches, so we need to understand the playing surface and the game and work with what we’ve got and make them work for the future of the sport. And all sports groundspeople have a role to play in this. The process starts in education settings, local authorities and clubs, and in.

“My talk at SALTEX in fact considers this very subject and looks at the impact of Leigh Sports Village in Wigan. This example shows the impact a focus on grass roots can have at its finest. The venue had the biggest investment in public sports, recreational and educational facilities in Wigan borough for many years and has transformed Leigh into one of the finest hubs of activity in the North West. Its multi-surfaces serve the whole community providing a range of activities for local people as well as hosting international sporting events. It attracts the next generation of sporting stars in the community but is also home to professional rugby league team Leigh Centurions and Manchester United’s Women’s, U23s and U19s teams. It’s been a host stadium for the Rugby League World Cup 2022 and UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. The plethora of sports they host is down to the quality of surfaces and I’ll look at the how and why they’re able to do that in my Learning LIVE seminar at SALTEX.

“It’s something we can all work together on too. And by that I don’t just mean by looking at the way other sports are incorporating this requirement into their plans going forward or even other countries, but how grounds teams need more diversity – opportunities exist for women in helping prepare the surfaces for the women’s sport, we need diversity to be reflected in that sector, there’s a whole career pathway that could be incredibly rewarding for women.

“What really puts it into perspective is the moment when the Lionness’ won the Euros it was years in the making for those working in the womens’ game – it was the moment we’d all been waiting for, and it came on home turf. That feeling was indescribable and something we want more and more people in the industry to be a part of, experience and celebrate. We now have the world’s best sporting women’s league and everything to play for in terms of continuing the momentum. We need others to join in with those who supported us then, to support us in the next chapter as we work towards the next international event.”

Hannah joins Ted Mitchell of the Rugby Football Union, Iain James from the England and Wales Cricket Board and Ashleigh Seddon form the Rugby Football League at SALTEX on Thursday in theatre 1 at 1.45pm as they look at how groundspeople can increase pitch capacity for the women’s game. Register for a free ticket at saltex.org.uk / register here

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