Government £400m boost for grassroots sport backed
Villages, towns and cities across the UK are set to benefi t from a transformational investment in sport, which will support a pipeline of major international events and deliver new grassroots facilities that can drive economic growth and inspire people of all ages to get active.
The funding commitment, which was outlined in the Spending Review, has now been set out by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
It will see more than £500m committed to supporting the delivery of a host of world class sporting events being held in the UK over the coming years, in tandem with at least £400m invested in new and upgraded
grassroots sport facilities that promote health, wellbeing and community cohesion.
Chair of Sport England, Chris Boardman said: “The government’s continued investment into grassroots sport facilities is welcome news; the nation’s pitches, pools and leisure centres play a pivotal role in keeping people moving.
“With every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity generating £4.20 in value for our economy, supporting grassroots facilities isn’t just good for public health — it’s a smart investment in the nation’s social and economic wellbeing.”
This significant funding package recognises the
STRI appoints Glenn Kirby as Research Director
STRI has appointed Glenn Kirby as its new Research Director.
With more than 30 years’ experience in turf management, technical services, and digital innovation, Glenn will spearhead STRI’s next chapter in industryleading research strategies.
Glenn joins STRI from Syngenta, where he most recently served as Technical Services Manager for Turf across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His leadership in digital strategy, AI implementation, and market support trials has helped shape the future of sustainable turf management globally.
Glenn commented, “I think this is one of the most exciting periods for turf management in the UK and across Europe that
we’ve ever seen. The challenges we face around climate, sustainability, and increasing expectations make this a pivotal time – and I’m looking forward to playing my part in shaping the future of our industry with STRI Group. Here’s to new beginnings, collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of turf research.”
Richard Stuttard, Group Director added, “With Glenn’s unique blend of technical expertise, digital innovation and industry leadership experience, he’ll be instrumental in driving STRI’s research proposition for the future, pioneering new solutions for clients and supporting the team. We’re excited to welcome Glenn to the Group.”
vital role that high-quality sports infrastructure plays in supporting participation in communities across the country. It also reflects the collective efforts of the wider sporting sector, including the often-unsung work of grounds management professionals and volunteers.
Geoff Webb, Chief Executive Officer at the GMA, said: “We welcome the government investment as a real boost for grassroots sport.
“Over the past decade, the Pitch Advisory Service - working hand in hand with national governing bodies and local volunteers - has helped transform the quality of many community pitches across the UK. This funding allows
Glenn will lead STRI’s research initiatives, focusing on sustainable practices, digital transformation, and collaborative innovation –building on successful customer
us to continue that vital work, ensuring clubs and communities benefit from well-maintained facilities that inspire more people to play and stay in sport.”
The GMA’s impact is amplified through its longstanding partnerships with NGBs of sport, including The FA, Rugby Football Union, England and Wales Cricket
relationships and introducing the Group’s expertise to new clients. With Glenn at the helm, and with research and innovation in its DNA, STRI
Board, Rugby Football League and many others.
These collaborations are central to the delivery of national sport development strategies, ensuring that grounds management is embedded in every effort to grow participation and improve player experience.
The GMA Enquiry 37
is well-placed to play a pivotal role in defining the future of turf management and beyond.
STRI Enquiry 38
Club underway with ‘summer
Wiedenmann phase’
Hamilton Golf Club has entered what Course Manager Neil Hogg calls its “summer Wiedenmann phase” — when its fleet of specialist turf care machines is fine-tuned for summer maintenance.
Neil joined the Lanarkshire club in December 2022 from Bruntsfield Links GC in Edinburgh, inheriting three key Wiedenmann machines: a Terra Spike GXi8, a Super 500, and a Core Recycler.
Since then, the fleet has grown through Fairways GM, Wiedenmann’s exclusive Scottish dealer, with a Terra Spike XP in summer 2023, a Mega Twister
Redexim
blower in summer 2024, and most recently a 2.3m Terra Rake in October 2024.
While many clubs use this machinery mainly in autumn and winter, Neil keeps it working year-round.
Neil says performance is the priority, with improved appearance a welcome bonus.
“It’s about long-term improvement as much as presentation,” says Neil. “Better airflow, better recovery, and ultimately, a better playing surface.”
Wiedenmann UK Enquiry 40
Verti-Drain powers performance
With a demanding sports schedule and a heavy clay soil profile, aeration at Bedford School is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.
That’s why Head Groundsman George Mills wasted no time in bringing in a Redexim Verti-Drain 2519 when he joined the team just over a year ago.
The Verti-Drain 2519 has quickly become one of the most reliedupon machines in the school’s
fleet. It’s now in near-constant use throughout the winter season – from October through to March – helping to relieve compaction, encourage drainage, and support healthier root growth across the school’s extensive grounds.
“It’s an absolutely essential part of our maintenance programme,” George says. “The biggest difference is how much ground we can now cover in such a short space of time. With the 2519’s speed, in
theory we could aerate the entire site in under a week. Of course, in practice we’ve got plenty of other work going on, but that capability makes a huge difference to us.”
Built for performance without compromising on manoeuvrability, the Verti-Drain 2519 is ideally suited to sensitive areas such as sports pitches, tees, and greens. Despite its compact design, it offers deep aeration down to 10 inches (25 cm) and can be run on lower
horsepower tractors – an advantage George is keen to highlight.
What sets the Verti-Drain 2519 apart is its working speed. The build quality and user experience have also impressed.
The machine accepts a wide variety of tine options, giving George the flexibility to adapt throughout the season.
Redexim UK Enquiry 41
The power of botanical balance
Four heatwaves, rainfall 40% below the average and soaring evapotranspiration have left reservoirs low and much of England officially in drought.
For turf managers, this isn’t a one-off challenge — it’s the new pattern. Fairways, in particular, have taken a hit with heavy traffic and hydrophobic ‘dry patch’ soils slowing recovery and reducing the overseeding window.
Beneath the surface, next season’s outcomes are already being decided so what can you do create surfaces than not only survive, but thrive?
Stuart Yarwood, Regional Technical Manager at DLF Seeds, said: “Resilience isn’t about one species — it’s about balance. Each grass brings unique strengths and, when blended intelligently, they create swards that can survive drought, recover faster and maintain presentation.
“The deep roots and rolled leaves of Fescues provide natural drought tolerance. Slender & Strong Creeping Red deliver rhizomatous recovery, Chewings provides
fineness and root mass while Hard and Sheep’s add density on poorer soils. The creeping roots of Bents provide stability, boost drought recovery and wear tolerance, all with low inputs. Ultrafine Ryegrasses provide rapid establishment and resilience to traffic, ideal for situations where fast cover is critical.
“Botanical diversity is an insurance policy: if one species falters, others fill the gap. This strategy forms the backbone of mixture formulation, with each Johnsons Sports Seed and Masterline mix from DLF a carefully tuned orchestra of grasses working in harmony to protect your surfaces from whatever the climate throws next.
“This year has been brutal, but intelligent overseeding is your defence. Combine botanical diversity, cultural best practice and DLF’s unrivalled seed purity to future-proof your fairways. Overseeding isn’t just repair — it’s an investment in resilience, playability and sustainability.”
DLF
Enquiry 42
Kress rethink turf management for a sustainable future
Sustainability is no longer a side consideration for golf courses and large turf facilities—it’s becoming a central priority.
Rising energy costs, increasing environmental regulations, and growing expectations from players and communities are all shaping how greenkeepers manage their landscapes. One technology attracting attention is the Kress RTKn robotic mower, which combines automation with zero emissions.
Unlike traditional petrol-powered equipment, the RTKn runs quietly and without exhaust fumes, helping courses significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Estimates suggest
that an 18-hole golf course could lower emissions by as much as 10 tons annually by making the switch.
Performance is a crucial factor in turf care, and these robotic mowers are designed to operate reliably in varied conditions, including wet weather. This flexibility ensures consistent results even during periods of rapid grass growth.
The benefits extend beyond efficiency. With near-silent operation, mowing can take place at times that would be disruptive with conventional machinery— early in the morning, during play, or overnight. Automation also reduces staff exposure to machinery risks, adding a layer of workplace safety.
Effortless green space management with Upson
Finding the right tools to manage outdoor spaces efficiently is essential.
The Foxwood T120 Chipper is a game-changer for green space management teams, delivering a highly effective solution.
The Foxwood T120 and T90 are designed for towing behind small utility vehicles, giving you access to remote areas, particularly during winter months when wet conditions can complicate maintenance tasks.
With its lightweight structure and flotation tyres, the T120 cruises over fine turf, even wet, boggy areas, without leaving a mark, ensuring you can tackle your projects all year round.
The adjustable drawbar height further enhances the T120’s versatility, allowing it to be
effortlessly paired with almost any vehicle.
With a chipping capacity of up to 5 inches, the Foxwood T120 can easily handle most branches, turning them into valuable mulch for walkways and beds.
Because it has no feed rollers It is not a legal requirement to obtain a wood chipper license to operate this machine in the UK, making it accessible for everyone.
What sets the T120 apart from traditional PTO chippers is its one-man operation. Users can harvest wood chips directly into the buck of their ATV, streamlining the entire process and eliminating the need for multiple vehicles or additional manpower.
Upson Enquiry 46
Perhaps most importantly, the RTKn supports healthier turf. Regular, gentle cutting promotes denser grass growth, while early-morning operation can reduce soil compaction and
manage challenges like worm casts and mole activity.
For greenkeepers balancing sustainability, playability, and cost control, robotic mowing
represents a forward-looking option. Kress RTKn technology may not only help reduce emissions but also provide longterm operational savings and improved turf resilience—an
investment in the future of the game as much as the grounds it is played on.
Kress Enquiry 45
SVR 1500 proves vital for synthetic surface strategy
Stoke City FC’s long-standing Grounds Manager, Andy Jackson, believes that synthetic pitches demand more attention than people might expect – and that’s exactly why the Syn-Pro by SISIS SVR 1500 has become an essential part of his maintenance regime at the training ground.
“We carry out around eight to ten hours of maintenance work each week on our synthetic pitch,” says Andy, who has been with the club for over 30 years. “People forget that synthetic pitches require a lot more maintenance than they think. But if you stay on top of it and do it properly, it can make a huge difference to the longevity and quality of the surface.”
The SVR 1500 – a twoin-one deep cleaning and decompaction machine – plays a central role in that strategy. Part of Syn-Pro by SISIS range, the SVR 1500 has been in regular use at Stoke’s training ground for the past two years, and Andy has been thoroughly impressed.
“We wanted a machine that was robust, simple to use and gives us the quality finish that we require. The SVR 1500 cleans the surface, distributes the rubber evenly, and leaves a good finish.”
Used primarily in the spring and summer months when conditions are dry, the SVR
ECOCURE ZR TOPDRESSER NEW
The ELIET EcoCure™ ZR WS self‑propelled topdresser offers a variable, wide spread distribution of up to 8mtrs.
Key features & benefits:
• Easy to use hydrostatic transmission
45cm wide material conveyor belt
Large 400L hopper capacity (up to 600L with the optional extension)
Powerful 13hp Honda GX390 engine
Wide pneumatic tyres for minimising soil compaction
Compact overall width of just 90cm
Also suitable for spreading sand, fertiliser and compost
1500 is ideal for ensuring the rubber doesn’t clump together. It also allows Andy’s team to carry out both light and deep cleans as and when needed.
For Andy, usability is just as important as performance. “I don’t want something that takes hours to set up with lots of buttons or settings. With this machine, it’s just so simple – If we don’t want to go too deep, we don’t have to. It’s simple to set the machine to how you want it. When you’ve got a big team, it’s important that the machines we use are staff friendly.”
SISIS Enquiry 48
Campey Universe rotor approved for SIS grass renovations
The Campey Universe rotor from Campey Turf Care Systems has become a featured and approved method of SIS Grass renovation by SIS Pitches, which is the world’s leading provider of stitched hybrid pitches.
This rotor is equipped with specially designed tungsten-tipped blades that are strategically spaced to remove organic matter, thatch, and surface debris with precision.
To get the best consistency and longevity from the system, SIS Pitches has constantly researched ways to keep it at its best, with the Campey Universe Rotor fitted to the Koro FIELDTOP MAKER (FTM) playing a leading role.
Extensive time and research have gone into the finessing of the Campey Universe rotor for use on hybrid systems, with it now being used worldwide by contractors and end-users to ensure the quality of their pitches.
It is an exceptional tool for maintaining and rejuvenating hybrid pitches, combining precision and efficiency to meet the unique demands of these innovative playing surfaces. SIS Grass, a blend of 95% natural grass and synthetic fibres, require specialised care to ensure optimal performance, durability, and player safety.
As an attachment to the Koro FTM, the Campey Universe Rotor offers the perfect solution for targeted surface management without damaging the synthetic components of hybrid systems.
When used on hybrid pitches, it effectively addresses the accumulation of organic material, which can compromise drainage and stability if left untreated. By operating at adjustable depths, the rotor can delicately remove unwanted material without disturbing the synthetic fibres or the underlying structure of the hybrid system.
One of the significant advantages of using the Campey Universe rotor on hybrid pitches is its ability to preserve the natural grass while enhancing the interface between the natural and synthetic components. The process improves aeration and drainage, which encourages healthy grass growth by creating an ideal environment for root development.
Additionally, it facilitates a clean and even surface, preparing the pitch for essential follow-up treatments such as overseeding or topdressing. These procedures are critical for hybrid pitches, as they rely on consistent and sustainable natural grass cover to complement the synthetic elements.
Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry 51
Sweepers, Collectors, Blowers & Vacs
Verti-Air range delivers on autumn tasks
The Verti-Air range of leaf and debris blowers from Redexim UK offers swift and effective solutions for one of the autumn’s most time-consuming tasks.
The range of mounted, hydraulic and PTO-driven blowers encapsulates options to suit areas large and small, making them ideal for leaf clearance in parks and public gardens, sports pitches or around the golf course.
At the smaller end of the range is the VertiAir 400 –available in rear driven, front driven or hydraulically-driven configurations. Requiring just a 24hp tractor, the Verti-Air® 400 offers a 180o rotatable spout, antiscalp roller and impact protection bar to deliver durability on every
job. The compact size of the unit combined with impressive, yet remarkably quiet, airflow makes the Verti-Air® 400 particularly well suited to residential areas or other spaces with noise restrictions.
For larger spaces such as public parks or sports pitches, the VertiAir 7 is the perfect choice. Powerful and lightweight, the Verti-Air® 7 delivers impressive versatility and effortless changing of airflow direction thanks to the reverse spout design – offering optimal userfriendly control from the drivers seat. Designed for compact tractors with as little as 30hp, it is equipped with large wheels and an anti-scalp roller for lasting performance, while an inlet guard prevents the ingestion of surface material.
Finally, and delivering an incredibly powerful air capacity of 385m 3 /min, the Verti-Air 960 is the answer to the biggest of clean up tasks. One of the largest and most powerful blowers on the market, the Verti-Air 960 offers operators the ability to hydraulically change the direction of airfl ow from the driver’s seat – and the ability to blow in either direction, or both, simultaneously.
The immense power makes it a popular choice for large open spaces such as parks, where the leaves can be gathered for collection and removal.
Redexim UK Enquiry 52
EGO boasts bold new products
In 2025, EGO Power + has been harnessing new markets this year with a bold portfolio of products.
With the adoption of battery power becoming more popular, customers will now have even more ways to use their EGO batteries.
EGO’s 2025 leaf blowers have been developed with even more power and performance.
The LB6150E has a 1,045m3/h output in Boost mode, and 18.5N of air force while the LB6700E has 1,138m3/h output in Boost mode and a 20N air force for bigger tasks across large areas.
After blowing the leaves into a pile, EGO is also making light work of clearing with its first ever 3-in-1 leaf vacuum, the LV5000E 3.
With the capability of mulching leaves as they are collected, this
tool has the power to tackle small to medium household clean-ups and easily converts from vacuum to blower.
Momentum continues this year with the Pro X series, which is designed for heavy-duty commercial users who need tools that can cope with the demands of a busy working day and be charged overnight.
EGO Power + Enquiry 53
Makita’s powerful backpack blower
Makita’s UB004C 36V Battery Backpack Blower is easy and comfortable to use, delivering outstanding levels of air volume and blowing force and is powered by the Makita PDC1200 or PDC1500 portable power packs to achieve excellent runtimes.
The powerful and versatile UB004C has a variable speed trigger with cruise control and three speed modes to regulate the maximum blowing force, allowing it to be used for a wide range of applications.
In the highest setting it delivers a blowing force of 25 newtons (N) and an air volume of up to 20.9m 3 per minute (in boost mode). The UB004C also features a boost mode that provides 28N of blowing force for a limited time.
This blower has a telescopic nozzle and depending on the user requirements, it can be fitted with three different nozzle ends.
The UB004C is powered by either the Makita PDC1200 or PDC1500 ‘Connect X’ portable power packs. These backpack-mounted power sources feature 33.5Ah and 43.5Ah batteries respectively
and can be used with a wide range of Makita’s twin 18V (36V) LXT or 40VMax XGT tools as well as machines like the UB004C, that have a direct connection.
Using the PDC1500, the UB004C has a continuous runtime of up to 200 minutes, which provides ample trigger time for a typical day’s work. For ease of use, there is a clear and simple to read battery-level gauge on the grip.
The backpack configuration of the UB004C means that the weight of the battery and machine is comfortably distributed across the user’s shoulders, back and waist meaning it can be used for longer without fatigue.
The backpack harness has been redesigned from previous similar models to provide a further reduction of stress on the user’s shoulders. It also features an adjustable control grip to suit the user’s size and preferred working posture with 180mm of forward and backward movement and 180º of left to right adjustment.
The NEW AMAZONE Profihopper has earned its colours
Look out for the NEW rebranded range of AMAZONE Groundcare machines - same outstanding build quality and engineering - updated in the Green and Orange AMAZONE colours.
Take the Profihopper PH1250 and PH1500 self-propelled machines - wet or dry grass, long or short, collect or mulch, the proven Profihoppers do it all.
Don’t compromise - choose the AMAZONE Profihopper that comes with a unique auger conveying system for all weather operation and less emptying.
Contact the AMAZONE Team on: 01302 751 200.
Makita Enquiry 54
Trilo proves multipurpose in name and nature
A Trilo Multipurpose is proving to be exactly that, by name and by nature, for the team at Highfield and Brookham School.
Delivered in February 2025, the M3 was brought in to replace an existing Trilo S3 vacuum sweeper enabling Grounds Manager Jasper Marks and the team to not only conduct leaf clearance, but also scarification and cut and collect tasks around the 500 acres of school grounds and estate.
He explains, “The S3 was a fantastic machine, robust and efficient, which would be used for leaf collection, road sweeping and general clearance of clippings and debris over the autumn and winter months.
“I then discovered the Multipurpose M3, which was capable of doing everything the S3 could, with the addition of
flail and scarifying shafts to cut or scarify and collect all with one unit. It’s transformed the Trilo into a machine that we can fully utilise all year round.”
While only a matter of months since the M3 was installed by dealers Lister Wilder and Trilo’s Jeremy Vincent, it is already demonstrating its key trait –versatility: “We have a 9-hole golf course on the estate where the Trilo has been used to assist with cut and collect of the roughs. The large 3m3 hopper means we can cut for longer without having to make as many trips to our green waste area to empty. It’s keeping us productive, for longer.
“After that, we equipped it with the scarifier shaft for use on our sports pitches. We previously hired a machine for this which often meant we were scarifying in less than idea conditions. Now
we can do it ourselves whenever the weather or play schedule allows which will bring huge improvements to pitch quality.”
“What also really impressed me was the service we received from Jeremy. While the machine, in principle, is not wildly different from the S3 we were using before, no corners were cut with the handover & installation to ensure the team were confident and would get the very best out of the machine.”
“We traded in one machine and gained three in return, but needed to find no extra space in the shed as the footprint is near enough identical” he added.
“It’s going to become a pivotal part of the team as we continue to drive up standards for our students and wider community to enjoy.”
Trilo Enquiry 56
STIHL launches new battery-operated blower boasting powerful performance
STIHL’s BGA 160 batterypowered blower offers landscaping teams a convenient and quiet means of cleaning surfaces and paths, effortlessly tackling such tasks with a high air flow rate of up to 940 m3/h.
When compared with the powerful BGA 250 hand-held blower, the BGA 160 offers longer working times and a lower blowing force.
A welcome support for removing leaves, grass cuttings and debris from paths, driveways, and green
spaces, the BGA 160’s blowing force can be controlled using the trigger and locked into place with a built-in cruise control.
A boost mode can be activated by fully compressing the trigger for 21 newtons of blowing force, with the setting constantly available over the tool’s entire operating time, should it be required.
For ultimate ease-of-use, this new professional machine has a compact design and a
curved blower tube, resulting in reduced wrist strain and excellent manoeuvrability.
In addition, thanks to STIHL’s Sound Engineering, the blower’s higher pitched frequencies and noise peaks have been eliminated, making it exceptionally quiet to operate, ideal for noisesensitive areas.
As part of STIHL’s AP System, the BGA 160 meets the requirements for
professional use, drawing power from a 36 V lithiumion battery. Use with the AP 300 S is recommended, which provides sufficient energy for up to 110 minutes on the low power setting and up to 15 minutes in boost mode.
The battery-operated BGA 160 can also be used in the rain and is IPX4 certified, enabling it to meet the professional user’s needs all year round.
