U P D AT E
NEWS
SGL MASTERCL ASS 2019
Delegates learn how pitch data is being used at Real Madrid THE USE OF data in the sports industry to improve pitch and player performance was the focus of this year’s SGL Masterclass. More than 100 grounds managers from 45 clubs based in 16 different countries travelled to the home of Real Madrid to listen to guest speakers, tour the facilities and network. Paul Burgess, director of grounds and environment at Real Madrid, explained how data management and analysis Data improves pitch performance in Madrid
has become a vital part of daily work at Santiago Bernabéu. Pitch conditions are measured and processed with SGL Analysers and a tablet is assigned to every pitch and mounted in every buggy to monitor the conditions and works. Guest speakers included Lee Guerriero, pitch and technology specialist at UEFA, who gave his outlook on pitch standards in Europe and described how UEFA uses data to assess pitches and support grounds personnel. Dr Kate Entwistle, turf disease expert from the UK, and Sabine Braitmaier, turf disease expert from Germany, talked about different turf grass diseases and nematodes, an increasing problem in sports stadia. Delegates also had a tour of the new Wanda Metropolitano, the venue for this year’s Champions League final.
NEWS YOUNG BOARD
JOHN WRIGHT JOINS IOG YOUNG BOARD John Wright, Southampton FC head groundsman and winner of the 2018 Rigby Taylor/Top Green Young Grounds Person of the Year, has joined the IOG Young Board. John, 23, is a respected groundsman and is looking forward to promoting groundskeeping to young people. This year’s first Young Boardorganised Schools into Stadia event is taking place at Southampton FC in early May. Find out more about John at: www.iog.org/who-we-are/ whos-who/young-board-directors/ john-wright
IREL AND
EDUCATING GAELIC GROUNDS STAFF
OBITUARIES
Sheldon Bonner obituary by David Robinson, IOG Yorkshire Branch
JOHN HARRIS SOMERSET COUNTY CRICKET Club is mourning the loss of John Harris, who has died at the age of 83. At 16, John was the youngest ever player to appear for the County and he appeared in 15 First Class matches. He was a groundsman and cricket coach at Framlingham College, and played Minor Counties cricket for Suffolk. He moved to Canterbury and became head groundsman at St Edmunds School. He was also head groundsman at the County Ground in Exeter, during which time he started to umpire, eventually becoming one of the most respected umpires on the circuit.
SHELDON BONNER ‘SHED’ BONNER began his career in groundskeeping in Windsor, then moved north to work at Headingley Stadium. From there, he became head groundsman at Leeds Grammar School, then grounds manager at St Peter’s School, York. Alongside his day job, Sheldon was a renowned singer in West Yorkshire clubs and got to boot camp stage on The X Factor. After being diagnosed with a brain tumour, he and his partner Victoria married, travelled and fulfilled a ‘bucket list’ of ambitions. We’ve lost a loved and respected friend and colleague.
KEEP IN TOUCH
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Institute of Groundsmanship
THE IOG RECENTLY delivered a Level 1 Winter Pitches-based course at the National Games Development Centre in Dublin. This course was specifically for Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA) grounds staff. The GAA has a proactive approach to raising standards covering both hurling and Gaelic football and is planning further educational opportunities. The IOG welcomes information regarding potential training venues, whatever the playing surface. Email learning@ iog.org if you want to get involved.
Grounds sta� at the GAA training session in Abbotstown, Dublin
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 7