Yesterday’s 3G Pitch Workshop at Harrogate Town AFC was a great success! A huge thanks to all the clubs and organisations who joined us to learn more about the whole process of converting stadium pitches in particular to 3G artificial turf technology.
Our panel of expert speakers provided a comprehensive insight into their own areas of specialisation in a series of absorbing presentations which thoroughly engaged the delegates. It was great to see everyone playing their own part in the day with the Q&A sessions really covering some important issues. We’re sure everyone gained a good deal from the opportunity to share information and ideas and together debate areas of challenge.
Among the subjects covered were actual case studies – proven business plans, community engagement, logistics – the FIFA Quality Pro Programme, artificial turf system design and manufacturing, funding and the creation and implementation of a ‘delivery’ plan.
So thank you to Garry Plant and Paul Thirlwell of Harrogate Town, Dr Colin Young of Labosport, Paul Fraser and Lee Gladwell of FieldTurf, James Pollock and Jeremy Julius of Tifosy and our own Jason Douglass for their contributions to the day.
A special mention to Paul Thirlwell who found time within his very busy schedule to share some of the benefits of coaching and player development on 3G pitches. His own experiences were enlightening and underlined just how wide the ‘pay off’ of conversion to 3G can be. And of course, congratulations to Paul on his appointment as Assistant Manager of Harrogate Town.
Obviously we’re grateful to the club for allowing us to use their facilities and showcase their own FieldTurf 3G pitch which we installed last year. And we’re delighted to have been introduced to the catering expertise of Rob and Mandy – their steak and ale pie is worth the cost of season ticket on its own! Thank you Rob and Mandy.
This workshop was the latest in a series of events which S&C Slatter has organised over the last couple of years in order to provide sound, practical information to the non-league football sector.
The next is on 22 February at Maidstone United.
You can register on-line and reserve your place by visiting sandcslatter.com/3g-workshop. It’s free of charge but we do ask that you pre-register. We’ve already had an excellent response but places are still available so book yourself in right now!