READY TO RENOVATE? Many grassroots football clubs that have been visited by the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme can now afford pitch renovation thanks to Football Foundation funding. Scott Byers, head groundsman at KSports and Ebbsfleet United, explains how to prepare Make sure you are prepared for your pitch renovation to make the most of the work
KEEP THE DIARY CLEAR. Ensuring the
By Darren Symonds, Regional pitch advisor, South Central
NOTE
Scott’s advice was written before the UK coronavirus situation. Please regularly check www.thegma.org. uk/covid-19-0 and www.gov.uk for the latest advice about safe working practices. However, cut out and keep Scott’s advice for future reference.
pitches to be renovated have a minimum of four to six weeks’ rest is crucial to allow for a reasonable germination period. Playing on pitches too soon after seeding will cause immediate damage and minimise the effectiveness of renovation. Allowing for the plant to establish will help prolong tolerance and general wear and tear throughout the season.
PITCH PREPARATION. Preparing the pitch
ready for renovation is also a priority. It is important that the height of cut is reduced to allow for materials such as sand and seed to be worked into the surface effectively. Leaving the cutting height at 35-40mm may have a negative impact on their application. Depending on the specifications of the renovation (and whether this includes deep tine aeration), high wear areas could be solid tined to allow the sand and seed to enter the resulting holes.
IRRIGATION. As always, irrigation will be an
issue especially during warmer conditions with minimal rainfall. Consider all options for irrigation prior to any work being agreed; it may be more suitable to carry out spot repairs or concentrate on high wear areas such as goal mouths. Ideally, water in the early mornings or late evenings when temperatures are cooler to ensure the plant takes
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full advantage. Where there is minimal irrigation, concentrate on watering as evenly but consistently as possible to avoid the pitches turning ‘patchy’.
STORAGE OF MATERIALS. Arguably one of
the most important aspects of the process. Why spend money if the materials are not fit for purpose when applied? Appropriate storage will ensure materials are always kept dry and in good condition. Top dressing is usually the most challenging and with some clubs ordering up to 60 tonnes per pitch, can be particularly difficult to manage. In an ideal world, material will be delivered on the morning of the work being carried out – but this will depend on the supplier, availability and the contractor. If sand is delivered a day or so before use, cover it as best you can to ensure it does not get wet, which could cause problems when spreading.
ACCESS. Ensure all access points are identified, clear and safe for the contractor.
Grassroots football clubs looking for advice on improving pitches should contact their local County FAs. Also, visit www.thegma.org.uk for details of the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme.
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