4 minute read
GaNTIP update
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
NAILSEA AND TICKENHAM FC
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
TO ADVERTISE in Grounds Management
Please contact:
Fred Combe 0203 859 7100 0203 859 7100 fred.combe@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk
Covid-19 Advice and Guidance from the GMA
The GMA have created a new section on our website providing you with information and links to expert advisors to help you, your organisation and your club through the current challenges. These resources will help you make your own informed decision for your circumstances. Go to www.thegma.org.uk/covid-19-0
NEW Interim Works guidelines launched
We have been working closely with The GMA recognise and appreciate various National Governing Bodies to that each sport, facility and the offer advice and guidance on what people that work hard to maintain works may be possible to be carried out these surfaces have very different throughout this period, and, what works circumstances and whilst these may be required once sport resumes. documents are comprehensive they are in place to suggest and highlight only These ‘interim works’ documents are the effective but minimal works to keep free to access for members and nonsurfaces ‘ticking over’. members of the GMA and cover a range sports played on natural turf and will Please always ensure you following be updated as and when the climate or up to date government guidelines. current situation dictates. www.thegma.org/guidance-interim We wish all our members continued -works-your-sports-turf good health and safe keeping.
