SAPCA Conference 2022 Programme

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SAPCA Conference and Anniversary Dinner 2022 PROGRAMME

SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

Welcome

T

It’s a great pleasure to welcome you to St George’s Park for this year’s SAPCA Conference and Dinner. he SAPCA Conference is

presented by our expert speakers, with

always a highlight in the

topics ranging from the role of the Football

industry’s calendar, but this

Foundation and the opportunities from

year particularly so. This is our

the rise of women’s sport, through to

first conference for more than

the design of facilities for active sports

two years, thanks to the forced interruption

and leisure and the challenges of climate

of the pandemic, so it will be especially

change and environmental sustainability.

pleasing to see our members and guests gathered together again at this great venue.

This year, 2022, is of course an important

The SAPCA Dinner is always a very enjoyable occasion and this special anniversary edition will be no exception,

year for SAPCA, as we celebrate the

providing an evening of excellent food, wine,

milestone of 25 years since the association

company and entertainment – including a

was formed. But while we will reflect on

chance to impress at the SAPCA casino!

the last quarter of a century, the theme

I would like to thank all of our speakers,

of the conference is very much about the

supporters, exhibitors, guests and, of course,

future, focusing on the important changes

our many delegates from across the industry,

to the marketplace, the challenges facing

for taking part in today’s event. I hope that

the industry, and how SAPCA will develop

everyone has a valuable and enjoyable day.

and strengthen in the future, building on the foundations of the last 25 years.

We are delighted to have a very full and diverse programme for you today,

Chris Trickey Chief Executive SAPCA

Contents 03 Welcome letter

07 Programme

Chris Trickey welcomes you to St George’s Park

Full details and timings of today’s events and sessions

05 Messages

08 SAPCA - 25 years

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston and former world record holder Dave Moorcroft OBE

Chris Trickey takes readers through the association’s first quarter of a century

06 Speakers

12 SAPCA Awards

An introduction to the industry leaders speaking during the event

A look at the five winners of the 2022 SAPCA Awards

SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

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People, Places, Policy Building Active Communitie s

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MUGAs

SAPCA AWARDS

How to turn a court into a hub for the community

The five winners revealed

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MINISTER FOR SPORT

We take look at the venues

Growing the game:

NIGEL FOOTBALL HUDDLESTON

“Sport will play a huge part in the government’s post-COVID19 recovery plans ” PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/MARCO

INTERVIEW

JON DUTTON

25 YEARS OF SAPCA

Chris Trickey outlines This year’s Rugby will the association’s Leag first ue World Cup quarter of a centubigg be ry est and best ever

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The official magazine of

SAPCA Conference 2022

Messages

“

SAPCA and its members have a really important part in the sports ecosystem and will play a key role in achieving the government’s goal of getting the nation more physically active.

Celebrating your 25th anniversary is a significant landmark. I want to offer my congratulations to everyone at SAPCA and thank the association for all it does to help create opportunities for people across the country to enjoy physical activity.

Through designing, building and maintaining

Nigel Huddlestone

the nation’s sports and play facilities, you

Sports Minister

change people’s lives, young and old. I’m

and your members have the power to sure that you will continue to do so – helping people to build healthy, active lifestyles – for the next 25 years and beyond.

“

Congratulations to SAPCA on celebrating your 25th Anniversary – what an achievement.

SAPCA and its members should feel justifiably proud of the massive impact you have made on people’s lives through sport and physical activity. From the smallest community facility, through to the most significant stadiums, venues and facilities that have hosted major sporting events and elite performers, SAPCA members have been at the heart of those projects.

The last 25 years have been transformational

Dave Moorcroft OBE

for sport in the UK. The massive boost of

Former UK Athletics CEO and world record holder

health and wellbeing and the ambition of

lottery funding, the focus on individuals' our nation to bid for, win and wonderfully host major world events like the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games and multiple world championships in so many sports, SAPCA has truly played a key role at every level and in every community.

Have a great day and night – I still miss attending the annual SAPCA conference and meeting old friends. All the best and here’s to the next 25!

SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

Speakers Sue Anstiss MBE

Andy Mytom

CEO Fearless Women

Partner David Morley Architects

Sue is an activist driving positive change

Andy has over 23 years architectural

in women’s sport. She is the co-founder

experience, creating environments

of the Women’s Sport Collective, a global network

that support sport and active lifestyles. His work

for women working in sport, and the author of Game

includes the London 2012 Olympic Waterpolo

On: The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport.

venue and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre.

Frank Dick OBE

Emma Ross

Frank is the President of the European

Co-founder, co-CEO The Well HQ

Athletics Coaches Association. From 1979 to 1994 he was the British Athletics

Dr Emma Ross was, until recently, the

Federation’s Director of Coaching,

Head of Physiology at the English

overseeing the British Athletics team into its “golden

Institute of Sport (EIS). Emma recently co-founded

era” with Olympic gold medallists such as Daley

The Well HQ, to continue this mission to educate

Thompson, Steve Ovett and Sebastian Coe.

and empower people in sport and beyond.

Jason Douglass

Dr Russel Seymour

Chair SAPCA

CEO BASIS

Jason is Group Director of S&C

Russell was the first Sustainability

Slatter and was named SAPCA Chair

Manager at a major UK sports venue

in December 2020. Jason is a highly experienced

– at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Russell

industry professional who has spent more than

founded BASIS in 2010 and is widely regarded as

20 years in the sports construction sector.

the leading UK voice on sustainability in sport.

Andy Gray

Sue Storey

Head of Grounds St George’s Park

CEO Badminton England

Andy is responsible for the grounds

Sue took up her role as CEO of

and estates for St. George’s

Badminton England on 9 May 2022.

Park – the home of 27 England teams and FA

She joined the NGB from Volleyball England,

Education. He joined the centre in 2020 from

where she was CEO and provided leadership in the

Southampton FC, where he spent 22 years.

collaborative development of a 10-year strategy.

Michelle Livings

Robert Sullivan

Broadcaster

CEO Football Foundation

With several years of professional experience in broadcasting behind the

Robert led the team that developed

camera, Michelle made the leap onto

and delivered the pioneering Football

TV screens nationally. Her TV work includes fronting

Foundation Hubs investment model which has already

the latest craze of Moto Hill Climb on Eurosport

seen the development of major facilities in five cities

and hosting the Mini Challenge Championship.

across the country, hosting over 1.5 million players.

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Programme From 8.30am

3.20 – 3.50pm

Delegate Registration & Exhibition

Interval & Exhibition

9.45 – 10.00am

3.50 – 4.05pm

Welcome and Introduction

The SAPCA Awards 2022

Speaker: Michelle Livings, Conference Moderator

Speaker: Chris Trickey, CEO, SAPCA

10.00 – 11.00am

4.05 – 4.45pm

Keynote: How to Win the Game of Change

Designing for Active Sports and Leisure

Guest Speaker: Frank Dick OBE

Speaker: Andy Mytom, Principal, David Morley Architects

11.00 – 11.30am Interval & Exhibition

4.45 – 5.15pm Open Forum: Building an Active Nation

11.30 – 12.00am

An open forum discussion with a panel

SAPCA Vision for the Future

of SAPCA Board members

Speaker: Jason Douglass, SAPCA Chair

Panel: Jason Douglass, SAPCA Chair

12.00 – 12.45pm

Garry Martin, SAPCA Vice-Chair

The Role of the Football Foundation

Paul Langford, Chair of Manufacturers Group

in Building Active Communities Speaker: Robert Sullivan, CEO,

5.15pm

The Football Foundation

Conference Close Speaker: Michelle Livings, Conference Moderator

12.45 – 1.00pm An Introduction to the National Football Centre

5.15 – 6.30pm

Speaker: Andy Gray, Head of Grounds, St George’s Park

Interval

1.00 – 2.00pm

6.30 – 7.30pm

Lunch & Exhibition

Anniversary Dinner Drinks Reception

2.00 – 2.40pm

7.30pm onwards

Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change

SAPCA ANNIVERSARY DINNER 2022

and Environmental Sustainability

Hosted by: Michelle Livings

Speaker: Dr Russell Seymour, CEO, BASIS

An evening of celebration with magic, music and the SAPCA Casino!

2.40 – 3.20pm Women’s Sport – Embracing the Opportunities Speakers: Sue Anstiss OBE, CEO, Fearless Women Dr Emma Ross, co-founder, The Well HQ Sue Storey, CEO, Badminton England

SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

SAPCA TURNS 25 The Sports and Play Construction Association was founded in 1997 by a group of specialist sports builders. CEO Chris Trickey outlines how the organisation has grown over the past quarter of a century into a thriving industry body, representing the companies that design, build and equip the UK’s sports facilities.

T CEO Chris Trickey

he 25th anniversary of the

together. While the association has evolved

Sports and Play Construction

and expanded, this same core purpose

Association (SAPCA) this year

remains the same today – 25 years later.

is a reminder of how quickly the last quarter of a century has

The founding members were mainly specialists in outdoor synthetic sports

passed by. In 1997, when SAPCA was launched,

surfaces. While surfacing remains at the

Tony Blair replaced John Major as PM, the first

core of SAPCA, that core has evolved as

Harry Potter book was published and Titanic

the range of companies and specialisms

hit our cinema screens. In sport, Pete Sampras

represented by SAPCA has grown. Today,

won at Wimbledon, Paul Gascoigne was still

it also includes natural sports turf, indoor

scoring goals for fun and Mike Tyson decided

sports floors and play surfaces.

to snack on Evander Holyfield’s ear during

In its early years, the initiative was driven

joined SAPCA as

their heavyweight title fight. The internet was

by people from across the industry – such

its first employee

a relatively new thing and it would be another

as Charles Lawrence, SAPCA’s first chair.

decade until social media really took off.

The organisation was formed as a non-

in 1997

profit company, with a board of directors

Setting up

elected by the first member companies.

The foundations of SAPCA were laid

first task being to register the company

sports builders joined forces to

– having previously worked for 10 years

create a new trade organisation

at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

for the industry. It came about

I had helped deliver the LTA’s facility

through the amalgamation of two

programme, through which I had worked

separate, smaller associations

with many founding members of SAPCA.

that had been running since 1986;

PHOTOS: © SAPCA

I joined as SAPCA’s first employee – my

when a small group of specialist

the Tennis Court Constructors’ Federation and the Synthetic

The early expansion of SAPCA’s membership base saw a much wider range of companies join, including a diverse range of contractors,

Sports Surfaces Association,

such as specialists in maintenance, lighting,

the latter mainly comprising

fencing and indoor structures. A new group was

builders of pitches and tracks.

also created for manufacturers and suppliers,

The rationale for launching

as well as a Professional Services Group to

SAPCA was to create an

represent consultants and test laboratories.

organisation through which specialist companies could

Sports councils and sports governing bodies also joined as affiliate members.

collaborate to promote

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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

high standards for the

Growing strong

design and construction of

SAPCA’s expansion led to a subtle but

sports and play facilities

significant name change, to the Sports and

and to work more closely

Play Construction Association. This greater

PHOTOS: © SAPCA

SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

SAPCA organises a number of industry events throughout the year

SAPCA’S CODES OF PRACTICE AND RANGE OF GUIDES HAVE MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE IMPROVEMENTS IN SPORTS AND PLAY FACILITIES IN THE UK breadth of interests and activities brought with it important benefits, such as a wider range of technical expertise to draw on. It also improved opportunities for developing working relationships between members.

The combined membership of SAPCA now stands at more than 200 companies and organisations. It underlines that, throughout the last 25 years, the association has maintained its original approach of being inclusive, rather than an exclusive “club”. However, while any relevant company may apply for membership, admission – and continued membership – has always been based on an ability to meet strict membership criteria. The fundamental prerequisites for membership are a company’s expertise and experience, in-house knowledge and an ability to maintain high standards of performance and conduct.

These criteria underpin the credibility of the “SAPCA Member” badge as a stamp of

SAPCA members specialise in the design and construction of sports and play facilities

approval in the sports and play marketplace.

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PHOTOS: © SAPCA

© SAPCA

◗

SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

SAPCA’S ACTIVITIES HAVE GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS One of our most important current projects

Continued growth

this year is the relaunch of the SAPCA Quality

SAPCA’s activities have grown significantly

System, which embraces all key aspects of

over the last 25 years, whether it is the

what it means to be a SAPCA member and

work of the technical programme and the

reinforces the benefits of choosing SAPCA

creation of impartial guidance, the delivery

member companies for projects. This ranges

of industry events, or the collaboration with

from the membership criteria to compliance

stakeholders and partners and representing

with the industry’s standards, and from the

members as the unified voice of the industry.

association’s annual inspection programme

There can be no doubt that SAPCA’s many

to our technical mediation service.

Codes of Practice – for the design, construction and maintenance of different types of facility – together with the ever-expanding range of guidance, have made a significant contribution

Networking opportunities are among the benefits of being a SAPCA member

to the improvements in sports and play facilities over the past 25 years. While there will always be an important need to create standards and to produce helpful guidance – in order to support those who are developing facilities and delivering projects – the industry is also now playing an important role in driving innovation and change, such as in response to the needs for environmental sustainability.

This is very much top of the agenda for SAPCA’s new environmental sustainability working group, as we work towards new solutions and share best practice in key areas such as facility design, recycling processes and maintenance techniques.

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SAPCA THROUGH THE YEARS

A number of chairs have served the association throughout the years: top left Charles Lawrence (middle); top right - Peter Wellington (left) and Tim Freeman; bottom left - Eric Page; bottom right - Andy Reed (right)

Resilience

include developing the benefits and services

Since the pandemic began last year we

for SAPCA members, supporting those

have often spoken of being in a period of

working across the SAPCA community and

change, whether that is the change taking

strengthening the association’s important role

place in the marketplace, the industry, or

within the sports and play facility marketplace.

within SAPCA itself. Reaching the milestone

With the prospect of significant new funding

of the 25th anniversary gives a reason to

for sports facilities in 2022, there is much to

reflect on what SAPCA has achieved in

look forward to. There may be challenges

that time, but more importantly it is an

and frustrations, but it’s important always to

opportunity to plan how the association

remember that what the industry provides

can build on these foundations and create a

in high quality sports and play facilities is of

stronger organisation for the years ahead.

enormous value – as an essential part of so

When the industry meets for the SAPCA

much sporting enjoyment and success, at all

Conference and Annual Dinner at St George’s

levels, and as a vital contribution to society

Park national football centre in May, as well

and the health of the country as a whole. ●

as celebrating SAPCA’s anniversary it will be the occasion to present the new strategy for how the association will change and progress over the next five years. This will

More information: www.sapca.org.uk

SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

Winners of SAPCA Awards 2022 announced The winners of the SAPCA Awards 2022 have been revealed, with the five winning entries being chosen by a panel of judges from a short list of 10 finalists

N

ow in their seventh year, the awards celebrate the achievements of SAPCA members across the sports and

play facility construction industry.

Each year, SAPCA members are invited to

submit entries to celebrate their successes, whether a new product or service, a technical innovation, a completed project, a research project or an achievement in sustainability.

SAPCA communication’s manager, Tom Walker, said: “The breadth and quality of entries we received for this year’s awards demonstrates how wide the expertise within the membership truly is. It also shows that, despite the ongoing pressures caused by

THIS YEAR’S AWARDS ALSO HAVE AN ADDED SIGNIFICANCE, AS 2022 MARKS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAPCA Tom Walker, SAPCA Communications Manager

the pandemic, Brexit and the volatility within the wider construction industry, the sports and play sector has remained robust.

“This year’s awards also have an added significance, as 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of SAPCA. The winners and finalists exemplify how the association has grown in the past quarter of a century. It’s also encouraging that the entries reflect the significant recent progress that has been made within the industry in the development of innovative new products and solutions, especially those that support the drive towards greater environmental sustainability.”

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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

This year’s winners are:

PRODUCT CATEGORY: FieldTurf – SuReTec synthetic turf yarn FieldTurf’s new SuReTec synthetic turf fibres are created from recycled plastic waste, through a process of advanced recycling.

The result of the innovative approach ensures that SuReTec (which stands for Sustainable Recycling Technologies) fibres are engineered with identical quality and performance characteristics compared to fibres made from traditional fossil resources.

SuReTec has been designed with environmental sustainability in mind

PROJECT CATEGORY: S&C Slatter Ltd – “office of the future” sport and wellbeing facility at Winnersh Triangle Business Park Working collaboratively with clients, Frasers Property, S&C Slatter delivered a sustainable, multifaceted sports and recreation project at Winnersh Triangle Business Park. The trailblazing project serves as a blueprint for the office of the future, not only promoting – but providing for – health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The project serves as a blueprint for the “office of the future” SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK SAPCA CONFERENCE JAN/FEB 2022

51 13

SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

INNOVATION CATEGORY: TigerTurf UK Ltd & Fosse Contracts Ltd – a five-a-side Cruyff court project using Ecocept shockpad made from 3 million recycled crisp packets In conjunction with the Cruyff Foundation and snack food brand Walkers, TigerTurf and Fosse Contracts collaborated with a range of key partners to deliver a first of its kind pitch in the UK – made from 3 million 100 per cent recycled crisp packets. The pitch

More than 3m crisp packets were recycled for the pitch project

saves up to 190 tonnes of carbon emissions and diverts 100 tonnes of material from landfill compared to traditional methods.

EXPORT CATEGORY: Harrod Sport – growing export activities despite pandemic

Gretna FC’s natural pitch was converted into a 3G pitch

Despite ongoing difficulties for international sports events – due to pandemic lockdowns being in place throughout 2021 – Harrod Sport was able to maintain a thriving export business. The countries Harrod worked with during the year included France, Dubai, Spain, Qatar, Japan and Australia.

In addition, it was even able to add two entirely new territories it delivered its products to – Saudi Arabia and Chile.

SUSTAINABILITY CATEGORY: Sportex – A collaborative 3G pitch design at Gretna FC using a re-purposed Trocellen shockpad Sportex converted a natural pitch into a new FIFA Quality Pro accredited 3G field at Raydale Park Stadium, the home of Gretna Football Club. To keep the project within a limited budget, Sportex worked Harrod Sport added two entirely new territories to its exports business

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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022

collaboratively with partners to re-use an eight-year-old Trocellen shockpad from a previous project in Edinburgh.

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

BY JOINING SAPCA By becoming a member of SAPCA - the UK’s not-for-profit trade association for the sports and play facility construction industry – you’ll get instant benefits that will help you to build your business.

■ increase professional reputation ■ raise your profile ■ expand your knowledge

Through SAPCA, you will also be able to liaise and build relationships with national and international sports governing bodies, sports facility funding agencies, sports councils and other sports and play organisations and trade associations.

SAPCA membership ALSO offers invaluable access to: ■ Use of the official SAPCA logo on marketing collateral and tender documents, to demonstrate your high construction and customer service standards ■ Legal advice service, provided by specialist solicitors Hewitsons ■ HR Helpline, provided in partnership with specialists Clover

Want to join us?

For more information, call 024 7641 6316 or email info@sapca.org.uk and we’ll be happy to help

www.sapca.org.uk

© SAPCA

■ keep up on industry trends and policy

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