GaNTIP UPDATE
“All clubs should use PIP” John Murray MBE, treasurer at Nailsea and Tickenham FC in Somerset, says The Football Association’s Pitch Improvement Programme has “transformed our playing surface” and reduced the number of postponed matches NAI LSE A AND TIC K EN HAM F C has a team of willing volunteers who maintain the club’s pitch in Nailsea, Somerset and, wanting a maintenance plan and advice on what machinery to acquire, the club asked Somerset FA for an FA Pitch Improvement Programme (PIP) visit. This PIP investigation, in November 2018, revealed high levels of surface compaction with a hard soil pan at 100mm and the grass was unhealthy, shallow rooted and included a high percentage of weed. This compaction and slow percolation of rainfall was causing lots of games to be cancelled. Also, there were bare patches in the high-wear areas and it was found that minimal maintenance, other than cutting, was being undertaken. The initial report suggested that the club introduced an aeration and decompaction programme to
Visit www.thegma.org.uk/about for details of the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme
increase root depth and improve surface drainage, plus instigate an overseeding programme to increase the dwarf perennial ryegrass. Controlled-release fertiliser and an application of selective herbicide was also recommended. Having purchased a mower, aerator and brush, the club also engaged with a contractor to perform the deep spiking, selective herbicide application and overseeding.
Reaping the rewards I returned 12 months later with Brendan Dix of Somerset CFA and we couldn’t believe the improvement – for example, grass cover had gone from 75% to 100% and the weeds, formerly at 20%, had been eliminated. Brendan commented: “The club utilised PIP to seek support and guidance, after experiencing numerous postponements. Following the initial visit, and a grant from The Football Stadia Improvement Fund to purchase machinery to support an enhanced maintenance programme, upon our return visit there were outstanding improvements to the pitch and,
Simon Johnson Regional pitch advisor, South West
more importantly, the club was experiencing less postponements. “A huge well done to the volunteers for their efforts and commitment to the programme. They are definitely reaping the rewards!”
True transformation John Murray MBE, club treasurer, was very influential in joining PIP and in persuading the committee to implement all the suggestions made. He commented: “We have received excellent results since following all the advice given in the initial report. The players are really enjoying the improved playing surface which has been made possible by the purchase of the new equipment and the advice given. We fully intend to continue to follow the pitch maintenance plan and would recommend all clubs join PIP, which has transformed our playing surface.” ■
A new maintenance regime and investment in equipment transformed the surface
WE HAVE RECEIVED EXCELLENT RESULTS SINCE FOLLOWING ALL THE ADVICE GIVEN IN THE INITIAL REPORT
28 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | MAY 2020
