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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
Welcome
T
It’s a great pleasure to welcome you to St George’s Park for this year’s SAPCA Conference and Dinner. he SAPCA Conference is
presented by our expert speakers, with
always a highlight in the
topics ranging from the role of the Football
industry’s calendar, but this
Foundation and the opportunities from
year particularly so. This is our
the rise of women’s sport, through to
first conference for more than
the design of facilities for active sports
two years, thanks to the forced interruption
and leisure and the challenges of climate
of the pandemic, so it will be especially
change and environmental sustainability.
pleasing to see our members and guests gathered together again at this great venue. This year, 2022, is of course an important
The SAPCA Dinner is always a very enjoyable occasion and this special anniversary edition will be no exception,
year for SAPCA, as we celebrate the
providing an evening of excellent food, wine,
milestone of 25 years since the association
company and entertainment – including a
was formed. But while we will reflect on
chance to impress at the SAPCA casino!
the last quarter of a century, the theme
I would like to thank all of our speakers,
of the conference is very much about the
supporters, exhibitors, guests and, of course,
future, focusing on the important changes
our many delegates from across the industry,
to the marketplace, the challenges facing
for taking part in today’s event. I hope that
the industry, and how SAPCA will develop
everyone has a valuable and enjoyable day.
and strengthen in the future, building on the foundations of the last 25 years. We are delighted to have a very full and diverse programme for you today,
Chris Trickey Chief Executive SAPCA
Contents 03 Welcome letter
07 Programme
Chris Trickey welcomes you to St George’s Park
Full details and timings of today’s events and sessions
05 Messages
08 SAPCA - 25 years
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston and former world record holder Dave Moorcroft OBE
Chris Trickey takes readers through the association’s first quarter of a century
06 Speakers
12 SAPCA Awards
An introduction to the industry leaders speaking during the event
A look at the five winners of the 2022 SAPCA Awards
SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
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sportsnation.org.uk
People, Places, Policy - Building Active Communities
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION Published bi-monthly, the magazine focuses on the people, places, policies and products that help to build active communities throughout the UK. IN EACH ISSUE ● News ● Funding ● Interviews ● Strategy & policy ● Facility openings ● Product innovation ● People profiles ● Major events and more...
munities y - Building Active Com People, Places, Polic
2/2022
The official magazine
of
sportsnation.org.uk
1/2022
People, Places, Policy Building Active Communitie s
FOCUS ON
FIRST ISSUE
MUGAs
SAPCA AWARDS
How to turn a court into a hub for the community
The five winners revealed
COMMONWEALTH HarpendeGAnMES 2022 NEW OPENING
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ICO GUERRA MORAN © SHUTTERSTOCK/FEDER
SportsNation is the single, authoritative voice for the provision, delivery, maintenance and management of sports and physical facilities.
sportsnation.org.uk
MINISTER FOR SPORT
We take look at the venues
Growing the game:
NIGEL FOOTBALL HUDDLESTON
“Sport will play a huge part in the government’s post-COVID19 recovery plans ” PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/MARCO
INTERVIEW
JON DUTTON
25 YEARS OF SAPCA
Chris Trickey outlines This year’s Rugby will the association’s Leag first ue World Cup quarter of a centubigg be ry est and best ever
The official magazine of
IACOBUCCI EPP
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1
SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2022
The official magazine of
SAPCA Conference 2022
Messages
“
SAPCA and its members have a really important part in the sports ecosystem and will play a key role in achieving the government’s goal of getting the nation more physically active. Celebrating your 25th anniversary is a significant landmark. I want to offer my congratulations to everyone at SAPCA and thank the association for all it does to help create opportunities for people across the country to enjoy physical activity. Through designing, building and maintaining
Nigel Huddlestone
the nation’s sports and play facilities, you
Sports Minister
change people’s lives, young and old. I’m
and your members have the power to sure that you will continue to do so – helping people to build healthy, active lifestyles – for the next 25 years and beyond.
“
Congratulations to SAPCA on celebrating your 25th Anniversary – what an achievement. SAPCA and its members should feel justifiably proud of the massive impact you have made on people’s lives through sport and physical activity. From the smallest community facility, through to the most significant stadiums, venues and facilities that have hosted major sporting events and elite performers, SAPCA members have been at the heart of those projects. The last 25 years have been transformational
Dave Moorcroft OBE
for sport in the UK. The massive boost of
Former UK Athletics CEO and world record holder
health and wellbeing and the ambition of
lottery funding, the focus on individuals' our nation to bid for, win and wonderfully host major world events like the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games and multiple world championships in so many sports, SAPCA has truly played a key role at every level and in every community. Have a great day and night – I still miss attending the annual SAPCA conference and meeting old friends. All the best and here’s to the next 25!
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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
Speakers Sue Anstiss MBE
Andy Mytom
CEO Fearless Women
Partner David Morley Architects
Sue is an activist driving positive change
Andy has over 23 years architectural
in women’s sport. She is the co-founder
experience, creating environments
of the Women’s Sport Collective, a global network
that support sport and active lifestyles. His work
for women working in sport, and the author of Game
includes the London 2012 Olympic Waterpolo
On: The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport.
venue and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre.
Frank Dick OBE
Emma Ross
Frank is the President of the European
Co-founder, co-CEO The Well HQ
Athletics Coaches Association. From 1979 to 1994 he was the British Athletics
Dr Emma Ross was, until recently, the
Federation’s Director of Coaching,
Head of Physiology at the English
overseeing the British Athletics team into its “golden
Institute of Sport (EIS). Emma recently co-founded
era” with Olympic gold medallists such as Daley
The Well HQ, to continue this mission to educate
Thompson, Steve Ovett and Sebastian Coe.
and empower people in sport and beyond.
Jason Douglass
Dr Russel Seymour
Chair SAPCA
CEO BASIS
Jason is Group Director of S&C
Russell was the first Sustainability
Slatter and was named SAPCA Chair
Manager at a major UK sports venue
in December 2020. Jason is a highly experienced
– at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Russell
industry professional who has spent more than
founded BASIS in 2010 and is widely regarded as
20 years in the sports construction sector.
the leading UK voice on sustainability in sport.
Andy Gray
Sue Storey
Head of Grounds St George’s Park
CEO Badminton England
Andy is responsible for the grounds
Sue took up her role as CEO of
and estates for St. George’s
Badminton England on 9 May 2022.
Park – the home of 27 England teams and FA
She joined the NGB from Volleyball England,
Education. He joined the centre in 2020 from
where she was CEO and provided leadership in the
Southampton FC, where he spent 22 years.
collaborative development of a 10-year strategy.
Michelle Livings
Robert Sullivan
Broadcaster
CEO Football Foundation
With several years of professional experience in broadcasting behind the
Robert led the team that developed
camera, Michelle made the leap onto
and delivered the pioneering Football
TV screens nationally. Her TV work includes fronting
Foundation Hubs investment model which has already
the latest craze of Moto Hill Climb on Eurosport
seen the development of major facilities in five cities
and hosting the Mini Challenge Championship.
across the country, hosting over 1.5 million players.
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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
Programme From 8.30am
3.20 – 3.50pm
Delegate Registration & Exhibition
Interval & Exhibition
9.45 – 10.00am
3.50 – 4.05pm
Welcome and Introduction
The SAPCA Awards 2022
Speaker: Michelle Livings, Conference Moderator
Speaker: Chris Trickey, CEO, SAPCA
10.00 – 11.00am
4.05 – 4.45pm
Keynote: How to Win the Game of Change
Designing for Active Sports and Leisure
Guest Speaker: Frank Dick OBE
Speaker: Andy Mytom, Principal, David Morley Architects
11.00 – 11.30am Interval & Exhibition
4.45 – 5.15pm Open Forum: Building an Active Nation
11.30 – 12.00am
An open forum discussion with a panel
SAPCA Vision for the Future
of SAPCA Board members
Speaker: Jason Douglass, SAPCA Chair
Panel: Jason Douglass, SAPCA Chair
12.00 – 12.45pm
Garry Martin, SAPCA Vice-Chair
The Role of the Football Foundation
Paul Langford, Chair of Manufacturers Group
in Building Active Communities Speaker: Robert Sullivan, CEO,
5.15pm
The Football Foundation
Conference Close Speaker: Michelle Livings, Conference Moderator
12.45 – 1.00pm An Introduction to the National Football Centre
5.15 – 6.30pm
Speaker: Andy Gray, Head of Grounds, St George’s Park
Interval
1.00 – 2.00pm
6.30 – 7.30pm
Lunch & Exhibition
Anniversary Dinner Drinks Reception
2.00 – 2.40pm
7.30pm onwards
Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change
SAPCA ANNIVERSARY DINNER 2022
and Environmental Sustainability
Hosted by: Michelle Livings
Speaker: Dr Russell Seymour, CEO, BASIS
An evening of celebration with magic, music and the SAPCA Casino!
2.40 – 3.20pm Women’s Sport – Embracing the Opportunities Speakers: Sue Anstiss OBE, CEO, Fearless Women Dr Emma Ross, co-founder, The Well HQ Sue Storey, CEO, Badminton England
SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
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SAPCA TURNS 25 The Sports and Play Construction Association was founded in 1997 by a group of specialist sports builders. CEO Chris Trickey outlines how the organisation has grown over the past quarter of a century into a thriving industry body, representing the companies that design, build and equip the UK’s sports facilities.
T CEO Chris Trickey
he 25th anniversary of the
together. While the association has evolved
Sports and Play Construction
and expanded, this same core purpose
Association (SAPCA) this year
remains the same today – 25 years later.
is a reminder of how quickly the last quarter of a century has
The founding members were mainly specialists in outdoor synthetic sports
passed by. In 1997, when SAPCA was launched,
surfaces. While surfacing remains at the
Tony Blair replaced John Major as PM, the first
core of SAPCA, that core has evolved as
Harry Potter book was published and Titanic
the range of companies and specialisms
hit our cinema screens. In sport, Pete Sampras
represented by SAPCA has grown. Today,
won at Wimbledon, Paul Gascoigne was still
it also includes natural sports turf, indoor
scoring goals for fun and Mike Tyson decided
sports floors and play surfaces.
to snack on Evander Holyfield’s ear during
In its early years, the initiative was driven
joined SAPCA as
their heavyweight title fight. The internet was
by people from across the industry – such
its first employee
a relatively new thing and it would be another
as Charles Lawrence, SAPCA’s first chair.
decade until social media really took off.
The organisation was formed as a non-
in 1997
profit company, with a board of directors
Setting up
elected by the first member companies.
The foundations of SAPCA were laid
first task being to register the company
sports builders joined forces to
– having previously worked for 10 years
create a new trade organisation
at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
for the industry. It came about
I had helped deliver the LTA’s facility
through the amalgamation of two
programme, through which I had worked
separate, smaller associations
with many founding members of SAPCA.
that had been running since 1986;
PHOTOS: © SAPCA
I joined as SAPCA’s first employee – my
when a small group of specialist
the Tennis Court Constructors’ Federation and the Synthetic
The early expansion of SAPCA’s membership base saw a much wider range of companies join, including a diverse range of contractors,
Sports Surfaces Association,
such as specialists in maintenance, lighting,
the latter mainly comprising
fencing and indoor structures. A new group was
builders of pitches and tracks.
also created for manufacturers and suppliers,
The rationale for launching
as well as a Professional Services Group to
SAPCA was to create an
represent consultants and test laboratories.
organisation through which specialist companies could
Sports councils and sports governing bodies also joined as affiliate members.
collaborate to promote
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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
high standards for the
Growing strong
design and construction of
SAPCA’s expansion led to a subtle but
sports and play facilities
significant name change, to the Sports and
and to work more closely
Play Construction Association. This greater
PHOTOS: © SAPCA
SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
SAPCA organises a number of industry events throughout the year
SAPCA’S CODES OF PRACTICE AND RANGE OF GUIDES HAVE MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE IMPROVEMENTS IN SPORTS AND PLAY FACILITIES IN THE UK breadth of interests and activities brought with it important benefits, such as a wider range of technical expertise to draw on. It also improved opportunities for developing working relationships between members. The combined membership of SAPCA now stands at more than 200 companies and organisations. It underlines that, throughout the last 25 years, the association has maintained its original approach of being inclusive, rather than an exclusive “club”. However, while any relevant company may apply for membership, admission – and continued membership – has always been based on an ability to meet strict membership criteria. The fundamental prerequisites for membership are a company’s expertise and experience, in-house knowledge and an ability to maintain high standards of performance and conduct. These criteria underpin the credibility of the “SAPCA Member” badge as a stamp of
SAPCA members specialise in the design and construction of sports and play facilities
approval in the sports and play marketplace.
SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
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PHOTOS: © SAPCA
© SAPCA
◗
SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
SAPCA’S ACTIVITIES HAVE GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS One of our most important current projects
Continued growth
this year is the relaunch of the SAPCA Quality
SAPCA’s activities have grown significantly
System, which embraces all key aspects of
over the last 25 years, whether it is the
what it means to be a SAPCA member and
work of the technical programme and the
reinforces the benefits of choosing SAPCA
creation of impartial guidance, the delivery
member companies for projects. This ranges
of industry events, or the collaboration with
from the membership criteria to compliance
stakeholders and partners and representing
with the industry’s standards, and from the
members as the unified voice of the industry.
association’s annual inspection programme
There can be no doubt that SAPCA’s many
to our technical mediation service.
Codes of Practice – for the design, construction and maintenance of different types of facility – together with the ever-expanding range of guidance, have made a significant contribution
Networking opportunities are among the benefits of being a SAPCA member
to the improvements in sports and play facilities over the past 25 years. While there will always be an important need to create standards and to produce helpful guidance – in order to support those who are developing facilities and delivering projects – the industry is also now playing an important role in driving innovation and change, such as in response to the needs for environmental sustainability. This is very much top of the agenda for SAPCA’s new environmental sustainability working group, as we work towards new solutions and share best practice in key areas such as facility design, recycling processes and maintenance techniques.
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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
SAPCA THROUGH THE YEARS
A number of chairs have served the association throughout the years: top left Charles Lawrence (middle); top right - Peter Wellington (left) and Tim Freeman; bottom left - Eric Page; bottom right - Andy Reed (right)
Resilience
include developing the benefits and services
Since the pandemic began last year we
for SAPCA members, supporting those
have often spoken of being in a period of
working across the SAPCA community and
change, whether that is the change taking
strengthening the association’s important role
place in the marketplace, the industry, or
within the sports and play facility marketplace.
within SAPCA itself. Reaching the milestone
With the prospect of significant new funding
of the 25th anniversary gives a reason to
for sports facilities in 2022, there is much to
reflect on what SAPCA has achieved in
look forward to. There may be challenges
that time, but more importantly it is an
and frustrations, but it’s important always to
opportunity to plan how the association
remember that what the industry provides
can build on these foundations and create a
in high quality sports and play facilities is of
stronger organisation for the years ahead.
enormous value – as an essential part of so
When the industry meets for the SAPCA
much sporting enjoyment and success, at all
Conference and Annual Dinner at St George’s
levels, and as a vital contribution to society
Park national football centre in May, as well
and the health of the country as a whole. ●
as celebrating SAPCA’s anniversary it will be the occasion to present the new strategy for how the association will change and progress over the next five years. This will
More information: www.sapca.org.uk
SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
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Winners of SAPCA Awards 2022 announced The winners of the SAPCA Awards 2022 have been revealed, with the five winning entries being chosen by a panel of judges from a short list of 10 finalists
N
ow in their seventh year, the awards celebrate the achievements of SAPCA members across the sports and
play facility construction industry. Each year, SAPCA members are invited to
submit entries to celebrate their successes, whether a new product or service, a technical innovation, a completed project, a research project or an achievement in sustainability. SAPCA communication’s manager, Tom Walker, said: “The breadth and quality of entries we received for this year’s awards demonstrates how wide the expertise within the membership truly is. It also shows that, despite the ongoing pressures caused by
THIS YEAR’S AWARDS ALSO HAVE AN ADDED SIGNIFICANCE, AS 2022 MARKS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAPCA Tom Walker, SAPCA Communications Manager
the pandemic, Brexit and the volatility within the wider construction industry, the sports and play sector has remained robust. “This year’s awards also have an added significance, as 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of SAPCA. The winners and finalists exemplify how the association has grown in the past quarter of a century. It’s also encouraging that the entries reflect the significant recent progress that has been made within the industry in the development of innovative new products and solutions, especially those that support the drive towards greater environmental sustainability.”
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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
This year’s winners are:
PRODUCT CATEGORY: FieldTurf – SuReTec synthetic turf yarn FieldTurf’s new SuReTec synthetic turf fibres are created from recycled plastic waste, through a process of advanced recycling. The result of the innovative approach ensures that SuReTec (which stands for Sustainable Recycling Technologies) fibres are engineered with identical quality and performance characteristics compared to fibres made from traditional fossil resources.
SuReTec has been designed with environmental sustainability in mind
PROJECT CATEGORY: S&C Slatter Ltd – “office of the future” sport and wellbeing facility at Winnersh Triangle Business Park Working collaboratively with clients, Frasers Property, S&C Slatter delivered a sustainable, multifaceted sports and recreation project at Winnersh Triangle Business Park. The trailblazing project serves as a blueprint for the office of the future, not only promoting – but providing for – health and wellbeing in the workplace.
The project serves as a blueprint for the “office of the future” SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK SAPCA CONFERENCE JAN/FEB 2022
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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
INNOVATION CATEGORY: TigerTurf UK Ltd & Fosse Contracts Ltd – a five-a-side Cruyff court project using Ecocept shockpad made from 3 million recycled crisp packets In conjunction with the Cruyff Foundation and snack food brand Walkers, TigerTurf and Fosse Contracts collaborated with a range of key partners to deliver a first of its kind pitch in the UK – made from 3 million 100 per cent recycled crisp packets. The pitch
More than 3m crisp packets were recycled for the pitch project
saves up to 190 tonnes of carbon emissions and diverts 100 tonnes of material from landfill compared to traditional methods.
EXPORT CATEGORY: Harrod Sport – growing export activities despite pandemic
Gretna FC’s natural pitch was converted into a 3G pitch
Despite ongoing difficulties for international sports events – due to pandemic lockdowns being in place throughout 2021 – Harrod Sport was able to maintain a thriving export business. The countries Harrod worked with during the year included France, Dubai, Spain, Qatar, Japan and Australia. In addition, it was even able to add two entirely new territories it delivered its products to – Saudi Arabia and Chile.
SUSTAINABILITY CATEGORY: Sportex – A collaborative 3G pitch design at Gretna FC using a re-purposed Trocellen shockpad Sportex converted a natural pitch into a new FIFA Quality Pro accredited 3G field at Raydale Park Stadium, the home of Gretna Football Club. To keep the project within a limited budget, Sportex worked Harrod Sport added two entirely new territories to its exports business
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SAPCA CONFERENCE 2022
collaboratively with partners to re-use an eight-year-old Trocellen shockpad from a previous project in Edinburgh.
BUILD YOUR BUSINESS BY JOINING SAPCA By becoming a member of SAPCA - the UK’s not-for-profit trade association for the sports and play facility construction industry – you’ll get instant benefits that will help you to build your business. ■ increase professional reputation ■ raise your profile ■ expand your knowledge
Through SAPCA, you will also be able to liaise and build relationships with national and international sports governing bodies, sports facility funding agencies, sports councils and other sports and play organisations and trade associations. SAPCA membership ALSO offers invaluable access to: ■ Use of the official SAPCA logo on marketing collateral and tender documents, to demonstrate your high construction and customer service standards ■ Legal advice service, provided by specialist solicitors Hewitsons ■ HR Helpline, provided in partnership with specialists Clover
Want to join us? For more information, call 024 7641 6316 or email info@sapca.org.uk and we’ll be happy to help
www.sapca.org.uk
© SAPCA
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