Campey Turf Care Systems in partnership with Dennis, SISIS, ICL, Limagrain, Pitchcare and New Holland launch the UK and Ireland Grassroots Pitch Renovation Tour 2016 – a series of full pitch renovations aimed at improving the quality of Grassroots natural turf sports pitches across the UK and Ireland. 

For too long, those responsible for the maintenance of non-league clubs, local authority sports facilities and other grassroots level, training and playing fields, have had to struggle with restricted budgets and limited access to knowledge and training.

The cry of ‘games cancelled due to unplayable surfaces’ could be a thing of the past, with a bit of help and guidance from the leading manufacturers in the sports turf industry.

Now here is an unmissable opportunity for any groundsman to see first-hand; the best equipment, receive the best advice and above all find out the most economically effective solutions, to achieving great things on their own natural turf sports pitch.

All grounds staff, whether professional, amateur, part or full time are invited to attend any one of thirteen venues across the UK and Ireland during a seven week tour, beginning on the 12^th April at Cambourne Sports Club, Cambridge.

Behind this very exciting project is an industry initiative to bring the best equipment, services and supplies to every level of turf sport. Each event will feature a full renovation of the pitch; demonstrating the latest techniques at every stage. Alongside this will be talks, question and answer sessions and an opportunity to look at the machines close-up.

Many grassroots clubs have limited funds and rely on the highly valued but varied support of volunteer groundsmen and local dealers. This knowledge and expertise is often based on experience rather than education, so can struggle to raise the turf maintenance regime to a higher level.

The sponsors of the tour will show how by implementing small, as well as large changes to your maintenance practises, regardless of budget restraints, you can radically improve the quality of your pitches in a short space of time.

This tour will deliver unrivalled expertise, knowledge and willingness to assist in educating all grounds professionals at every level of the game.

It has already had a trial run in 2015 through working with the Staffordshire County FA, when Campeys completed a full pitch renovation as part of Staffordshire’s PIP programme.

FA advisors Andy Jackson, head groundsman at Stoke City Football Club, along with Gareth Thomas, adult football development officer at the Staffordshire FA, monitored the 2015 programme. Gareth has since commented: ‘The Staffordshire pitch is still in superb condition in spite of all the poor weather recently. It just goes to show what a positive impact can be achieved with the right techniques and equipment on what was a very poor surface. The volunteers are continuing to follow the advice given.”

Richard Campey, Managing Director, explains what he and the other sponsors are looking to achieve: “This is a rare opportunity for any groundsman and women to come and see a complete pitch renovation in action.

“There will be invaluable advice on how to achieve great things with limited resources. Including how and where to get the best deals on new or fully reconditioned groundcare tractors and machinery, as well as information on correct applications of seeds, fertilisers and a whole host of related products and services, which affect the quality and playability of the pitch.”

The venues included in the 2016 Grassroots Pitch Renovation Tour programme tour have been chosen for the significant role they play in providing pitches for all walks of life and levels of sport. A full list of the venues and dates can be found on the website www.pitchimprovementprogramme.com where you can register free of charge.