Due to economic pressures our schools are required to make full use of their sports facilities and this includes maximising the use of sports pitches. As well as pupils putting in a full daily curriculum of sporting activities, many schools now hire out their facilities to local leagues, youth organisations and private clubs. Whether its rugby, football, cricket or hockey.
This extended usage puts an enormous burden on the turf and consequently the people in charge of maintenance have to find ways of combating the additional wear and tear.
Tim Dawson runs contracting company- Cropper Grounds Maintenance, based in Stoke on Trent – and is responsible for looking after the sports pitches for 300 schools in the Staffordshire and Cheshire area.
It’s no easy task, but it has been made more effective with the purchase of an Imants ShockWave this summer.
“We have been looking for some-time at the benefits of using a ShockWave to de-compact and improve drainage on sports pitches” said Ted “It’s about providing a professional turf maintenance service which addresses the issues and demands of today’s schools sports venues. It’s no-longer just about mowing the grass.”
Without proper maintenance, matches get cancelled or postponed – this is an important factor for the school – both in terms of revenue and continuity for the players.
“It’s a Win – Win situation with the ShockWave,” said Tim.
“We provide a more professional service, the pitches remain playable all year round and the quality of the surface is vastly improved. The Schools are happy, the players are happy and even the FA approves.”
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