SportsNation Issue 1 2024 by SportsNationMag

sportsnation.org.uk

1/2024

People, Places, Policy - Building Active Communities

The official magazine of

SPORT IN FOCUS

HOCKEY IN THIS ISSUE: Interview

Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi

Judy Murray

Matt Roebuck The case for active design

and much more...

COVER IMAGE © WSP/RODRIGO JARAMILLO

Why pickleball could be ’the new padel’

Temporary buildings Multipurpose and Performance Sports Halls

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E DITOR’S LETTER

ON THE COVER England Hockey published its strategy in October 2023

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Politics and sport t the start of this

the policy suggestions in the

election year, it

document make for an interesting

comes as no surprise

read. Each has been designed to

to see manifestos

improve the health of the nation

making their way

– yet are cost-neutral (the kind

to the fore. While it might seem a

of proposals that should appeal

bit early for the main political parties

to any would-be chancellor!).

to be making their industry-specific

These documents contain plenty of

pledges and pitches for your vote, two

forward thinking and ambitious objectives

leading sports bodies have been quick to

that would result in significant benefits – both

put forward some of the aims and ambitions

in the short and the long term. Better mental

of the sports and physical activity sector.

health, improved educational outcomes,

Publishing its own manifesto, the Youth

increased workforce productivity and lower

Sports Trust has called for a long-term,

healthcare costs are just some of the benefits

joined-up national plan guaranteeing

that would be delivered by these plans.

every child access to 60 minutes a day

While the exact date of this year’s General

of PE, sport and play. The trust’s vision

Election is to be confirmed – PM Rishi Sunak

is to achieve this by creating a nation

suggesting it will take place in the second

of active and well schools (p. 9).

half of 2024 – it is time to start thinking

Meanwhile, the Sports Think Tank, founded

about the future of the policy landscape for

by Andy Reed OBE, has published a Road to

our industry. Many of the ambitions in the

the 2024 Election Manifesto, which collects

two documents are ones we can all promote

together 100 ideas and proposals for the

and support, regardless of political affiliation.

next government to take on board (p. 32). John Challinor, Publisher

Proposed by 28 industry organisations,

CONTACT Tom Walker

John Challinor

Editor

Publisher

T: +44 (0)7796 512769 E: tom@sportsnation.org.uk

T: +44 (0)7971 043396 E: john@sportsnation.org.uk

@SportsNationMag

www.linkedin.com/company/sportsnation

SportsNation is published by SportsNation Ltd in association with the Sports And Play Construction Association (SAPCA). www.sapca.org.uk This publication is protected by copyright and no part may be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any print or electronic format without the written permission of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication and SportsNation accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. Opinions expressed by the contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher and we do not accept responsibility of losses or damages arising from them. Printed by BCP Media Group Ltd. ISSN 2755-0621 (Print) ISSN 2755-063X (Online)

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Issue 13 Jan/Feb 2024

CONTENTS

46 32 03 From the publisher

36 Column: Women in Sport

It’s a general election year – what will the politics ahead be?

What is the dream deficit and how can sports tackle it?

09 News

38 Column: SAPCA

A round-up of the latest news and insights

Why SAPCA membership is an important badge of quality

32 Manifesto ideas

40 Column: BASIS

Sports Think Tank compiles sector’s policy ideas and calls

The climate change and its negative impact on elite sports

34 Column: SRA

42 Preview: SAPCA Conference

Cameron Yorston – the politics of sport in a general election year

The annual conference has a new venue

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2023

The official magazine of

46 SAPCA Technical Meeting

70 Active skills for life

A record number of delegates gathered for the 2023 event

British Triathlon focuses on teaching life skills to children

50 Interview: Hussain Al-Zubaidi

74 Tackling obesity with skills

56 Sport in Focus: hockey What are the growth plans?

64 Interview: Judy Murray

How the tennis coach has become an advocate for pickleball

The importance of workforce education in improving health

78 Interview: Matt Roebuck The active urbanist

84 Sports Tech How AI is impacting sports

88 SAPCA Showcase

The lifestyle TV doctor talks about physical activity and health

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2023

CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE:

Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi TV doctor @zubaidihussain

Subscribe today for regular news and PRINT updates DIGITAL Sarah Bellew Head of Communications & Engagement Women In Sport @Womeninsport_uk

Judy Murray

Matt Roebuck

Tennis coach @JudyMurray

Active Urbanist @ActiveUrbanist

SportsNation is the single, authoritative voice for the provision, delivery, maintenance and management of sports and physical activity facilities. Published bi-monthly, the magazine focuses on the people, places, policies and products that help to build active communities throughout the UK. Subscribe now and we will email you a complimentary copy of the magazine every two months. And, as the official magazine of SAPCA (the Sports and Play Construction Association), every issue of the magazine will also include information about technical guidance, funding, standards and product innovations.

Register for your FREE subscription at www.sportsnation.org.uk FOLLOW US: @SportsNationMag www.linkedin.com/company/sportsnation

Russell Seymour

Cameron Yorston

CEO BASIS @BASIS_org

Sport & Recreation Alliance

Director of Communications @sportrectweets

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT JOHN E: john@sportsnation.org.uk

NEWS

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IN BRIEF ECB launches new sustainability plan for cricket The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has published its new Environmental Sustainability Plan for Cricket. The plan maps out the steps the national governing body will take – in collaboration with the cricket network, suppliers and partners – to make the sport more sustainable across the country.

Bristol City earns GreenCode accreditation Bristol City has become the first football club to earn GreenCode Accreditation through the EFL Green Clubs

scheme. The environmental accreditation assesses clubs across 26 environmental and YST wants the government to create a “nation of active and well schools”

sustainability criteria, with 76 points required to gain GreenCode accreditation.

YST launches its manifesto

DCMS to invest £30m in football facilities for girls

The Youth Sport Trust is calling

well schools”, underpinned by

for a new long-term, joined-up

investment and supported by a

national plan guaranteeing every

campaign to raise awareness of

The DCMS and the Football

child access to 60 minutes a day

recommended activity levels.

Association will invest £30

of PE, sport and play by creating a

Ali Oliver, chief executive of

million in delivering 30

nation of active and well schools.

Youth Sport Trust, said: “We’re

new 3G football facilities,

The call is the central pillar of the

calling on the next government

aimed at supporting more

charity’s new manifesto, which

to prioritise the transition to

women and girls to play

it published on 17 January.

this model by starting in the

the sport. The funding is

most disadvantaged areas first,

designed to “turbocharge the

target, Youth Sport Trust

demonstrating the impact and

development opportunities”

wants the government to

generating learning to inform

for women in football.

create a “nation of active and

national implementation.

To achieve the 60-minute

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

NEWS PEOPLE

Strutt was appointed chief operating officer in 2022

Sami Strutt to leave BIGGA Jamie Cox

Jamie Cox named new Somerset CEO

Sami Strutt is leaving the The British

her oversee the activities of

& International Golf Greenkeepers

BIGGA’s membership team with a

Association (BIGGA) after a 30-

remit to advance the operational

year career at the organisation.

structure of the association.

Most recently the association’s

During her time at BIGGA, Strutt

chief operating officer, Strutt

oversaw major developments,

joined BIGGA in 1993 as an

including the development of

Jamie Cox has been named

administration assistant before

the association’s continuing

as the new Chief Executive

rising through the organisation.

professional development

of Somerset County

She was appointed chief operating

programme, Continue to Learn and

Cricket Club (SCCC). The

officer in 2022, a role which saw

the Future Turf Managers’ Initiative.

54-year-old Australian, who represented SCCC as a player and captain from 1999 to 2004, led the club to C&G Trophy glory in 2001. Following his playing

Mary Earps wins SPOTY

career, Cox has held senior

England women’s national team

are great, they only come after

roles across several notable

goalkeeper, Mary Earps, has been

team success. This is their

organisations, such as the

voted BBC Sports Personality of the

trophy just as much as mine.”

Australian Institute of Sport,

Year 2023. Earps was a key member

Earps becomes the third

Cricket Australia, the South

of the Lionesses team that reached

woman in a row to win the Sports

Australia Cricket Association,

its first ever World Cup final earlier

Personality of the Year award.

Cricket Tasmania and St

this year. She was also named the

Kilda Football Club.

best goalkeeper of the tournament.

He was a national selector

“It feels pretty great off the

for Cricket Australia

back of a couple of really big

from 2006 to 2011.

years and 2023 has been wild

Cox returns to Somerset

in ways I couldn’t expect,”

from Marylebone Cricket

said Earps, who plays her club

Club (MCC), where he

football for Manchester United

has been Director of

in the Women’s Super League.

Cricket & Operations since September 2021. “I am deeply honoured to

“I would not be here without my team-mates with the Lionesses and at Manchester United because we’ve achieved some incredible

to lead Somerset,” Cox said.

things over the last couple of years. While individual accolades

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Mary Earps

have been chosen for this role

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Increased focus on physical literacy gathering pace The drive to recognise the importance of physical literacy is gathering pace, with a number of sports councils increasing their focus on the topic. The latest initiative is the Northern Ireland Physical Literacy Forum (NIPLF), which held its inaugural meeting at the House of Sport, Belfast on 8th December. Set up by Sport NI, the membership of the group includes representatives from governing bodies of sport and local councils. In 2022 Sport NI, in partnership with Sport Ireland, launched the All-Island Physical Literacy Consensus Statement. The Consensus Statement provides one all-island definition, promoting a culture of lifelong participation in physical activity and acted as a catalyst to the formation of the NIPLF. NIPLF has been set-up to highlight the importance of physical literacy in © SHUTTERSTOCK/FOTOKOSTIC

determining a person’s decision to be physically active throughout their life. Under-development of physical literacy can result in non-engagement in sport

Research has demonstrated that underdevelopment of physical literacy often results in non-engagement with and/ or withdrawal from sport and physical activity leading to sedentary lifestyles.

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

NEWS

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‘Oldest football ground in Sussex’ to be transformed into community hub One of the oldest football

of education and

grounds in Sussex will soon be

health improvement

hosting community football

programmes. The

again, after plans to redevelop it

application has been

were approved by Adur District

approved by Adur’s

Council’s planning committee.

planning committee, pending confirmation of drainage details.

Club, will be transformed into a

RMF is backed by

modern-day footballing facility

Russell Martin, the

and community space by Russell

current manager of

Martin Foundation (RMF).

Southampton FC. The

Plans include a new clubhouse

foundation is a not-

Plans include a new clubhouse and 3G pitch

and full-size 3G football pitch

for-profit organisation

with replacement floodlights

which was created by Martin to

football to be played at the

and a spectator stand for up to

give something back to the area

ground again in the short-term.

56 people to encourage local

where he was born and raised.

Emma Evans, Adur’s cabinet

families and visitors to watch

The site is owned by Adur District

member for the environment

Council, which released £50,000

and leisure, said: “I’d like to thank

As well as hosting changing

of funding from developers so

RMF for its interest in bringing

rooms, a bar and kitchen, the

that RMF could carry out urgent

this facility back to life, for the

single-storey clubhouse will be

safety works to the facility, allowing

benefit of the whole community.”

players of all ages in action.

Old Barn Way, the former ground of Southwick Football

a flexible space for a variety

Plans approved for £10m Lichﬁeld leisure centre Lichfield District Council has approved plans to build a new leisure centre in the city. The £10 million facility at Stychbrook Park, off Curborough Road will replace the ageing Friary Grange Leisure Centre on the city’s Eastern Avenue. The new facility will feature a 25-metre, sixlane swimming pool with movable floor and poolside seating and changing. There will also be an 80-station gym with assessment room and exercise studios. Outdoor facilities will include a full-size 3G pitch and changing rooms. ReCreation, a company founded by British Olympians which specialises in swimming pools featuring an above-ground design.

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

The £10 million facility will replace an ageing venue

The leisure centre is being designed by

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THE B2B EVENT THAT GETS THE NATION MOVING The UK's largest annual trade event dedicated to physical activity, health and performance.

P ROMOTION 12-13 JUNE 2024 | EXCEL | LONDON

Educational content is at the heart of Elevate 2024

ELEVATE 2024

New chapter of collaboration and education

eturning to London Excel, the industry event that is true to its name promises to elevate expectations once again as it brings together all

those best placed to get more people active.

What’s new in 2024: This year, Elevate is proud to introduce new

Get ready to mark your calendars! Registration for Elevate is set to go live on the 10th of January – meaning the countdown to the most anticipated event in the UK for the physical activity, fitness, and sports therapy market is on!

features, such as the Education Lounge, The and a specially curated Active Kids element.

Collaboration and education: the heart of Elevate 2024:

These additions will provide even more

At the core of Elevate 2024 is the overarching

opportunities for detailed education, powerful

theme of collaboration and education.

networking and enriching hands-on experiences.

Recognising the two elements as the driving

Innovation Playground, Active Aquatic Theatre,

forces propelling the sector forward, Elevate

Welcoming back familiar faces and embracing new partnerships:

aims to facilitate meaningful connections

Elevate will welcome a number of long-standing

This theme underscores our commitment to

partners, whose continued support has been

advancing the industry by bringing together

integral to its success over the past eight years.

key stakeholders and thought leaders.

and foster a culture of continuous learning.

There are some exciting new exhibitors too. This blend of familiarity and fresh perspectives reflects the industry’s dynamic nature!

EDI content: elevating equality, diversity, and inclusion: In a significant stride towards fostering a more inclusive industry, Elevate 2024 proudly announces its partnership with Include Summit for EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) content. This collaboration underscores the event’s dedication to progress within the EDI space, ensuring it remains at the forefront of positive change. We invite you to join us on this collaboration, education, and inclusivity journey. Together, let’s shape the future of the physical activity, fitness, and sports therapy landscape! ● Visit: www.elevatearena.com

The event offers visitors a busy trade show floor SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

NEWS

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Birmingham invests in active travel district A pioneering, sustainable, active

The vision of the GTD is to get people physically active through travel

travel initiative has been launched to encourage residents, workers and visitors to switch from driving to cycling and walking in Birmingham. The new Green Travel District (GTD) – which will cover the city’s Sutton Walmley &

Minworth, Reddicap and environs – will help put people before cars ensuring that residents, workers and visitors have more opportunities to walk, wheel, cycle and take public transport. The vision of the GTD is to get people physically active through

Council, Royal Sutton Coldfield

infrastructure, policies and

travel, while also creating an area

Town Council, Warwickshire

supporting initiatives are in place.

with less congestion, less pollution,

County Council, IM Properties,

Work towards the GTD has

fewer accidents and healthier, safer,

the Langley Consortium and

already started by IM Properties,

more productive communities.

Transport for West Midlands to

developer of Peddimore, in and

The formation of a GTD will

coordinate activity across the

around the site to enable people to

bring together Birmingham City

area and ensure the necessary

walk and cycle for local journeys.

Morgan Sindall has been appointed as the contractor to design and deliver the ambitious redevelopment of Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre. The company has secured a pre-construction services agreement for the £30m project, which will see a wide range of improvements made to the site. Works, which are set to transform the site into a multi-sports community and elite sports hub, will see the existing Alpine Snowsports Centre benefit from a new two-storey ski lodge with a reception, changing facilities, kit store, a party room and toilet facilities. There will also be an extension to the learner slope and resurfacing of the ski slopes with new ski lifts and lighting. The sports centre first opened in 1938 and will now receive a complete transformation

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

An entirely new community hub will include a health club with a fitness suite, a health and wellbeing room and changing rooms for teams.

£30m outdoor sports centre for Southampton

P ROMOTION

Lancing Preparatory School

MUGA REFURBISHMENT STM recently completed a brand new MUGA project at Lancing Preparatory School in Brighton

ynthetic Turf Management (STM)

there were no drawings or plans from the initial

successfully won the open tender

install. STM carried out new drainage calculations

for the redevelopment of a MUGA at

for the extension area which showed there was

Lancing Preparatory School in 2021.

enough attenuation within the system so no

The initial brief outlined the

resurfacing of the old sand filled 2G turf, which was more than twelve years old. However, the project

further installations of drainage, nor connections into an existing soakaway, were needed. The school wanted a durable, sand-dressed

feasibility study showed the school wanted to

product suitable for a range of sports. The school

extend the use to evenings and also incorporate

also requested the artificial turf to be blue to not

other sports. With this in mind STM designed an

only match the school colours but to also tie in

extension to the existing surface which allowed

with new blue fence. MUGA markings consisted

the chosen sports, improved the fencing and

of netball courts, tennis courts and hockey, so the

introduced a new LED floodlighting system.

school could maximise use for its PE lessons.

By introducing the additional features, the

The project was scheduled in for a 5-week build

facility required planning permission. STM

time, due to difficult site access and the need for

supported the school in the planning process,

walling and an additional tarmac pathway. Due

including specifications and designs. The site

to extreme weather conditions and supply chain

had a number of challenges to overcome with

delays the site ran into the school term – but the

the planning taking more than a year to secure.

client understood the level of detail required to

“On one fence run we needed to install a

complete each section of work with key stage

retaining wall which required specialist engineer calculations and design, not only for the

inspections before the new phase could progress. On completion, the MUGA was handed over

construction but also to work in terms of how it

to the school, alongside a welcome pack and a

visually sat in the school environment,” STM says.

school-specific “rules board” ready for use.

“As this was an existing facility we expected

• Are you planning a new sporting facility,

problems with planning to surround the new

perhaps a refurbishment of an existing court, pitch

floodlights. However, these passed through

or multi-use games area? STM is ready to help.

easily due to the choice of lighting having

We can also support schools and sports clubs

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overcome any issues by offering design and build

glare and spill into neighbouring properties.

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The lighting was also incorporated into the corner post section of the fence.” The biggest issue STM faced was drainage, as

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SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

NEWS

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Women’s football sees record growth The total number of registered

The FA credits the increases on the success of the Lionesses

females playing football in England increased by 12 per cent between October 2022 and October 2023. During the same period, the number of affiliated female youth players (girls under the age of 18) grew by 18 per cent. The figures come from the Football Association (FA), which has published an update on its women’s and girls’ game strategy

– called Inspiring Positive Change – which launched in 2020. Data shows that there has been a 39 per cent increase in the

girls’ football. Inspiring Positive

the professional game more

total number of girls’ teams since

Change set out a target for 75 per

accessible and representative of

October 2021 (aged between

cent of schools to be delivering

society has also taken strides.

5-18 years old) with a 17 per cent

equal access to football in PE

There are now 73 Emerging Talent

increase since October 2022.

lessons by 2024. That target

Centres (ETCs) in place, feeding

There has also been an increase

has been met one year ahead

a pipeline into the 21 established

in the number of schools organising

of schedule. The drive to make

Professional Game Academies.

Birmingham City Council is looking to adopt a whole systems approach in a bid to become a physically active city. The council is in the process of creating a new Active Birmingham Strategy and has launched a public consultation to record the views of residents. The strategy aims to address low levels of physical activity in the city and focuses on developing opportunities for people to build physical activity into everyday life. The strategy looks to complement other programmes of work in place across the city, such as the Sports Strategy and Birmingham Transport Plan. The plan is to collectively bring The strategy looks to complement other programmes of work in place across the city

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

the different initiatives together to ensure a whole system approach. Birmingham has one of the lowest levels of physical activities in England.

Birmingham launches active city strategy

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‘Ground-breaking’ deal for women’s rugby Six Nations Rugby and Guinness

The deal will see Women’s Six Nation being re-branded

have announced a new longterm partnership that will see the women’s competition renamed the Guinness Women’s Six Nations from 2024 onwards. The new name will feature alongside an extension of the title partnership of the men’s championship, the Guinness Men’s Six Nations.

According to Guinness – which is owned by drinks giant Diageo – the expansion of the partnership is a “ground-breaking moment” and reflects an ambition to continue to build both events into

Nations in 2019, at the same time

and inclusion, as part of Diageo’s

the “most valued and respected

as its title partnership of the

Society 2030: Spirit of Progress

Championships in world sport”,

men’s Championship began.

agenda,” said Stephen O’Kelly,

while offering the widest possible

“The title partnership of Women’s

Diageo’s Global Brand Director

appeal for a global audience.

Six Nations is a representation

for Guinness. “This partnership

Guinness became the first

of our commitment to create a

will help support the women’s

partner of the Women’s Six

better society through diversity

competition to surge forward.”

Football Foundation ready for ‘biggest year’ The Football Foundation expects 2024 to be the “biggest ever year of support for grassroots clubs across England”. One of the UK’s largest sports charities, the organisation had a record-breaking year in 2023, during which it delivered £76 million to improve grassroots facilities across England. It is looking to exceed that figure in 2024, as it looks to hit a number of significant milestones. These include opening the first Football Foundation PlayZone – a small-sided pitch designed © FOOTBALL FOUNDATION

by and for the local communities in which they’re located. PlayZone funding will be focused on four main groups facing the greatest inequalities – The foundation is looking to exceed the £76 million invested in 2023

lower socio-economic groups; women and girls; ethnically diverse communities; and disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

NEWS Sport England protects 1,000+ playing ﬁelds New figures show that 95% of

Interventions in planning processes protected 1,073 playing fields

concluded planning applications that involved playing fields – to which Sport England objected due to its role as a statutory consultee – resulted in the protection or improvement of facilities. The data, published by Sport England this month (December

2023), reveals that in the period from April 2021 to March 2022, the agency’s interventions in planning processes protected 1,073 playing fields in England. As part of planning processes, councils and local authorities are

can prove it will improve or protect

it maintained its objection, 74

community sports provision.

(61%) were either withdrawn by

required to refer cases to Sport

In 1,073 out of the 1,120 concluded

the applicants or refused planning

England when any proposed

planning applications affecting

permission. In 59% of the cases

development would affect or lead

playing fields, Sport England

where Sport England originally

to the loss of a sports playing

managed to either improve or

objected to an application, further

field. Sport England objects to all

safeguard sports provision.

negotiations led to an overall

applications unless the developer

Of the 121 applications where

improvement in sports provision.

Sport England has launched a new service, designed to offer those working in community sport and physical activity “the support and resources they need to thrive”. Aimed at both volunteers and professionals, Buddle will provide free learning and support resources to inspire and strengthen clubs and organisations in the sport and physical activity sector. The new service will replace the current Club Matters and will offer users the latest information, training and tools to help clubs and organisations overcome challenges and make the most of the opportunities available to them. Resources available via Buddle include Buddle will help with all aspects of running and managing sports clubs

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

guidance on all aspects of developing, running, and growing a club or organisation and access to training and development opportunities.

Launch of Buddle an “important moment”

Get your free subscription at www.sportsnation.org.uk

The cost of living crisis has resulted in people substituting paid activities with free alternatives

Cost of living crisis “changing people’s habits” People are changing their exercise

due to increased work hours. The

of children and young people

behaviours due to the increased

findings come from a new report,

are also making changes to their

cost of living – and the changes

published by Sport England,

child(ren)’s sport and physical

are unlikely to be reversed until

which examines how the cost of

activities because of the cost

household finances improve.

living crisis is impacting the sport

of living increases. The types of

and physical activity sector.

changes were similar to those

Substituting paid activities with

free alternatives, such as walking

Called The rising cost of living

reported by adults i.e. increasing

or cycling, focusing on home-

and its impact on sport and

the number of free activities,

based activities and the cancelling

physical activity, the report has

walking or cycling to get to places

of gym and sports memberships

been produced in conjunction

and cancelling membership

are among the actions reported

with Sheffield Hallam University

to specific sports activities.

by people, when asked about

and is intended to help activity

Unsurprisingly, the report

the changes they have made due

providers understand the impact

shows people from the most

to rising costs. A considerable

that rising costs are having on

deprived areas are more likely

number also reported having

their participants. According to

to have their levels of physical

less time for physical activity

the report, parents and carers

activity negatively affected.

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

NEWS The ‘dream deﬁcit’ still exists in girls’ sport Fewer than a third of girls (29%) dream of reaching the top of sport – compared to more than half of boys (52%). The finding comes from research by charity, Women in Sport, which tracked how the increased visibility of elite women’s sport over the past three years has inspired girls and young women in England. It showed that, despite the the England women’s football team

inspirational performances from Nearly half of girls said they would like to try a variety of sports

and netball’s Vitality Roses over the past two years, the number of girls who aspire to play elite level sport has declined (by 2%) compared to

isn’t taken as seriously as men’s.

the same time a year ago (2022).

Gender stereotyping also continues

Hilborne, said: “We’re determined

The research is presented in a

to have a significant and negative

to challenge negative narratives

new report, titled Daring to Dream

impact on girls with 35 per cent of

around women in sport, fight against

– The Gender Dream Deficit in

girls believing they’re not expected

misogyny through policy change

Sport, which also shows how 82%

to be good at sport, compared

and work to change stereotypes so

of girls still believe women’s sport

with just 4 per cent of boys.

all girls feel they belong in sport.”

Women in Sport CEO, Stephanie

Eight Scottish rugby players are among 15 investors providing Smash Padel with funding of £500,000. Smash Padel opened its first club in Bicester and previously raised £1.8m. It has three further sites in the pipeline, scheduled to open in early 2024. Four more are expected to follow by the end of 2024. Scotland and Gloucester’s Adam Hastings is one of the investors. “As rugby players the game of padel makes sense to us,” Hastings said. “Rugby gets a little trickier as you progress but it is easy to pick up and it doesn’t take much to get you hooked. So we can see parallels with padel and we identify with any social game that has its foundation in friendships for life.” Scotland star Adam Hastings is one of the investors

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

The other Scotland Rugby investors are Adam Ashe, Richie Gray, Hugh Jones, Peter Horne, George Horne, Blair Kinghorn and James Lang.

Scottish Rugby stars invest in Smash Padel

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NEWS Women’s sports soon a ‘billion dollar business’ Deloitte predicts that women’s

Top female footballers, like Mary Earps, have become global stars

elite sports will generate global revenues of US$1.28 billion (£1.02 billion) in 2024. If the prediction is accurate, it will be the first time that annual global revenues for women’s sport will have surpassed the billion dollar landmark – and would be 300% higher than Deloitte’s previous valuation three years ago. Deloitte’s forecast is based on the

three main categories of revenue for women’s sports; matchday, broadcast and commercial. Commercial revenue, which includes club sponsorships,

million, 27%), and matchday

Group, said: “Over the last few

(£191 million, 18%) revenues.

years we have seen exceptional

partnerships, and merchandising

The most valuable women’s

growth in women’s sport across

sales, currently represents the

sport is projected to be

the globe, driving a significant

largest share of total revenue

football (£442 million, 43%).

uplift in its commercial value,

(£554 million, 55%). This is followed by broadcast (£271

Jennifer Haskel, insights lead for Deloitte’s Sports Business

which in turn has led to growing interest from investors.”

Less than half of children (47%) in England meet the Chief Medical Officers’ (CMO) guidelines of taking part in an average of 60 minutes or more of sport and physical activity a day. Figures from Sport England’s latest Active Lives report also show that there remain significant inequalities in activity levels. Black (40%) and Asian (40%) children and young people, and those from the least affluent families (44%), are still less likely to play sports or be physically active than the average across all ethnicities and affluence groups. Girls (44%) are also less likely to be active than boys (51%). Sport England says there are, however, some “positive stories” in the data. These include figures Only 47% of children take part in 60 minutes or more of physical activity a day

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

showing how there are now one million (11.5%) more children walking, cycling or scootering than there were five years ago (academic year 2017-18).

Less than half of children meet CMO activity levels

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NEWS

Get your free subscription at www.sportsnation.org.uk

Everyone Active wins contract to operate London Aquatics Centre The London Legacy

building, one of the

Development Corporation

iconic venues of the

(LLDC) has appointed Everyone

London 2012 Olympic

Active as the new operator for

and Paralympic

the London Aquatics Centre at

Games. The venue

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

was previously

The eight-year contract – which

operated by GLL.

includes an option to extend –

Facilities at the

will cover the operation of the

centre include two

Dame Zaha Hadid-designed

50-metre pools, a dive pool with distinctive well as a 100-station gym, café and ancillary facilities.

The venue hosted the London 2012 Olympic Games

The venue attracts more than

Edward Fane

diving platforms, as

Edward Fane, Head of Venues at

one million visits a year for

the park, said: “The centre is one

community use and learn to swim

of the world’s best aquatics venues

programmes – as well as club and

where elite athletes train alongside

elite performance training and a

community users and talent

number of elite competitions.

pathways that can link the two.”

Derby’s £11.9m football hub set for 2024 launch A £11.9m project to create a large football and community sports hub at Derby Racecourse is on schedule for a grand opening in 2024. Designed to “regenerate football” and ensure a long-term future for grassroots football in the city, the hub will feature four full-size 3G football pitches, a new community building with a café, reception area and meeting spaces, as well as increased parking spaces, improved entry and exit to the site along with improved foot and cycle paths through the park. The 3G pitches will be supplied by SAPCA member, TigerTurf. Contractors Universal the topping out stage of the project, which is being overseen by Alliance Leisure.

The £11.9m facility will feature four full-size 3G pitches

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

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NEWS Energy costs threaten pools and facilities Ongoing high energy costs are

More than 1,000 publicly accessible pools have closed since 2010

continuing to threaten the future of the UK’s pools, leisure centres and other publicly-operated sports and fitness facilities, according to a new report. ukactive’s energy risk survey shows that nearly 40% of leisure centres and other publicly operated physical activity facilities are

considering reducing services, or closing sites entirely, by March 2024 due to ongoing high energy costs. While government support has been provided in the form of an Energy Bill Discount Scheme, only

Pool Support Fund, has seen

September – revealed that more

9.6% of public sector respondents

demand greatly outstrip supply.

than 1,000 publicly accessible

said the scheme had made a

As a result, less than 50% of

pools have closed since 2010.

significant impact in improving

applicants to grants have been

the risk rating for their facility.

successful. The findings come

also outlined how swimming

Meanwhile, another source of

after Swim England’s Value of

is generating £2.4billion

financial support, the Swimming

Swimming report – published in

of social value a year.

The Value of Swimming report

Wilson and SportsNation partner for give-away! SportsNation has partnered with sports equipment and apparel giant, Wilson, to offer readers a chance to win some sportswear. The giveaway icludes items from both Wilson’s men’s and women’s collection – including tennis skirts for women and an “Ellington” jacket for men. To be in with a chance to secure items from the giveaway all you need to do is: a) Follow SportsNation on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sportsnation/ b) Drop us an email at info@sportsnation. org.uk after you’ve registered, with the subject line: “Wilson Giveaway” – stating your preference of male/female attire.

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P OLICY

Manifesto pledges Sports Think Tank has published The Road to the 2024 Election Manifesto – 100 policy ideas for sport, physical activity and wellbeing. The document features policy calls from 29 physical activity sector organisations

ports Think Tank has published a

of reports, ideas and policy asks produced by

landmark document, charting the

the sector. They all add to the case and are very

physical activity industry’s policy calls

welcome. But we felt there was still some space

and ideas ahead of this year’s general

for organisations who don’t always get heard but

election. The Road to the 2024 Election

have something useful to add. It also has become

Manifesto – 100 policy ideas for sport, physical

clear that the sector will not be able to rely on

activity and wellbeing presents policy proposals

additional government spending. Indeed, the

from 29 physical activity sector organisations,

predicted department spend is likely to fall during

ranging from national governing bodies of sport,

the current cycle. So, we asked our contributors

educational institutions and charities to architects,

to produce policy ideas that remain resource-

industry organisations and commercial companies.

neutral for the government over the budget cycle.

Sports Think Tank asked organisations to

While it is easier to ask for large policy wins, with

put together suggestions for resource-neutral

resource implications, we felt using the principle

policies which the UK’s political parties could pick

of marginal gains – so well used in sporting

and champion in their forthcoming manifestos.

circles – was a fresh, much-needed approach.

The policy calls range from suggested ways to redirect existing funding, cutting red tape and

Enabling change

raising standards to more specific proposals

Many of the contributors call for greater

– such as elevating the status of PE within the

governmental intervention to help drive much

curriculum, include active environments in

needed change in the sector itself. There are

planning policies and changing the Highway

proposals to introduce new legislation and more

Code to fully ban pavement parking.

regulation to make certain policies mandatory and

Andy Reed OBE, founder and director of Sports

Think Tank, said: “We know there is no shortage

Creating more opportunities for children to get active is among the policy areas covered in the document

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

improve the performance of the sector. Addressing the deep seated inequalities across the sector is

All policy ideas in the document are designed to be resource-neutral

a common theme, while others call for better provision for children and young people, embedding of activity in Further Education and a clearer bias towards prevention in integrated care systems. – is for the future government to introduce Play Sufficiency legislation in England, to bring children’s right to play and recreation into meaningful practice. “Play Sufficiency legislation for England

Among the policy calls – made by Play England

We felt using the principle of marginal gains – so well used in sporting circles – was a fresh, muchneeded approach

Andy Reed OBE

would establish statutory guidance that local authorities must follow, in order to comply with

wellbeing sector, making for a fascinating and

a duty to assess for, and secure sufficient play

inspiring read. From simple ideas that could

and recreation opportunities and to conduct

be easily implemented to more wide-reaching

regular play sufficiency reports,” says Play

changes intended to shift the dial on public

England’s Eugene Minoque. “Legislation should

discourse, there is plenty of food for thought.

cover (but not be limited to) three key areas

“Perhaps most importantly – and this is where

– spaces and places; workforce and provision.

political parties should prick up their ears – the

This would ensure that all children, young people

contributors were challenged to make each policy

and families have access to enough time, space,

call cost-neutral. In these economically trying

opportunity and permission to play and recreation

times, this aspect alone should make the document

throughout all aspects of their daily lives.”

you have in your hands essential reading.

Crucial document

document is the sheer variety of the ideas within

Commenting on the publication of the document,

it. From activating primary school children to

Kim Leadbeater MP, Chair of the All-Party

engaging the elderly and from community sport

Parliamentary Group for Sport, said: “It is not

to elite performance, nearly every aspect of sport,

hyperbole to claim that physical activity remains

wellbeing and physical activity is covered.”

“Another aspect that adds value to this

one of the most under-used resources we have

The organisations who contributed their policy

at our disposal when tackling some of our most

ideas ranged from national governing bodies

persistent challenges, from easing the pressures on

of sport, universities and colleges, charities,

the NHS, tackling crime and improving economic

industry bodies and consultants to architects.

productivity to finding ways to level up.

Established in 2011, Sports Think Tank

“That’s why this is a crucial document. It

aims to create a vibrant sports, physical

brings together ideas, proposals and calls

activity and recreation sector debate that

from across the sport, physical activity, and

challenges and creates new solutions. ●

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

POLICY

The politics of sport

ith a General Election likely on the horizon next year, the Sport and Recreation Alliance has been busy over

the past few months at party conferences, representing our members and promoting the sector-wide campaign to ‘make the UK the most active nation in Europe’. 2023 was a really challenging year for

CAMERON YORSTON Director of Communications, Partnerships and Public Affairs Sport and Recreation Alliance

“2023 WAS A REALLY CHALLENGING YEAR FOR THE SECTOR, WITH THE CONTINUED IMPACT OF THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS BEING FELT KEENLY ACROSS GRASSROOTS SPORT AND RECREATION”

the sector, with the continued impact of the cost-of-living crisis being felt keenly

to co-ordinate), it was only in March that

across grassroots sport and recreation. It

leisure centres with swimming pools were

is easily forgotten that (following a sector-

promised £63 million of additional funding

wide campaign that the Alliance helped

to help them survive, and that money is still being distributed. Many other areas of the sector continue to struggle without support, which is why there has never been a more important time to ensure that sport and recreation are at the heart of the next government’s strategy. A fuller summation of what this party conference season taught us about the parties’ attitudes towards the sport and physical activity sector is available on the Alliance’s website, but it was encouraging to see multiple figures speaking about the role our sector could play in boosting the health and wellbeing of the nation, and reducing the considerable strain currently being placed on the NHS. As the Alliance’s recent research has illustrated, community sport, recreation and physical activity currently saves the NHS £9.5bn every year, as well as generating

£85 billion annually in economic value, yet ranks 11th of 15 comparable European countries for levels of physical activity. The potential impact of the sector is clear – the next government just Physical activity saves the NHS £9.5bn every year

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

needs to unlock it fully. ●

www.allianceleisure.co.uk

POLICY

SARAH BELLEW Head of Communications and Engagement Women in Sport

Dream Deficit “WE’RE DETERMINED TO ENSURE THAT PROGRESS IS NOT IMPEDED AND THAT THE SHADOW OF MISOGYNY IS REMOVED”

Is it fair that girls still can’t dream of reaching the top in sport? We think not. Do you remember being asked what you wanted to be when you

grew up? It’ll come as no surprise that half of boys (52%) dream of being a sporting superstar, the next big footballer. But girls cannot dream in the same way.

sport, in stark contrast to just 4 per cent of

Women in Sport’s latest research

boys. This dulling of girls’ dreams must end.

shows that less than a third of girls (29%)

We often hear revealing comments:

dream of reaching the top of sport,

• “Growing up with two brothers I witnessed

highlighting a serious dream deficit.

their receiving of unwavering support in sports

Despite inspirational performances from the

whereas my aspiration went unnoticed.”

Lionesses and the Vitality Roses this summer,

•“Dismissive comments stopped

the number of girls aspiring to reach the top

me from wanting to pursue what I

has declined by 2% from the same time in

was told were ‘men’s sports’.”

2022. The visibility of elite female athletes is

For those girls who break through the

increasing, but eight in ten girls still believe

stereotypes, who love sport and take part

women’s sport isn’t taken as seriously as men’s

a lot, the success of women’s sport on the

and this is still a barrier for girls. Comparative

world stage has helped to shift the dial. From

lack of funding and opportunity also prevents

our research 86% of these girls believe they

girls envisaging a career as an athlete.

can be like a Lioness, and the World Cup

Women in Sport’s research shows that long before talks of club or county selection,

inspired them to play more. And there is The success of

slow but real progress in perceptions about

even their first school sports day, gender

the Lionesses has

how much society values women’s sport.

stereotypes have held back their skills

resulted in a surge

So, Women in Sport believes we are

development and started to crush their

of girls and women

making some real progress and that the right

self-belief. Shockingly, 35 per cent of girls

getting involved in

visibility is vital to this. This is why the public

believe they’re not expected to be good at

organised football

display of misogyny witnessed following Spain’s 2023 World Cup victory was so particularly disappointing. 72% of girls told us that the ‘questionable kiss’ opened their eyes to how women in sport are treated. At Women in Sport, we’re determined to

ensure that progress is not impeded and that the shadow of misogyny is removed. For girls to dream, the prospect of success must be appealing. Girls and women need to feel genuinely welcomed into the world of sport and that they truly belong there. ●

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

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P OLICY

SAPCA -A BADGE OF QUALITY

SAPCA Chief Executive, Richard Shaw, highlights

his edition of SportsNation represents the start of the publication’s third year. A huge

the importance of always using a SAPCA member in facility projects

well done to John, Tom and the rest of the team that puts together

such a consistently high-quality publication. As the official magazine of SAPCA,

SportsNation has, from day one, highlighted the work of SAPCA and its members to a broader audience. This has helped us showcase

Checks and balances

the work that SAPCA member companies

A recently raised issue that we have

put into consistently innovating and investing

been dealing with recently is that of non-

in their ability to deliver above their clients’

SAPCA member companies marketing

expectations. Increasingly we receive great

themselves as ones that ‘comply with SAPCA

feedback on articles, especially those that

guidelines’ or ‘build to SAPCA standards’.

outline things to consider during a facility

The thing is, nearly everyone thinks of

project and I often send links to the magazine

themselves as good drivers. Sadly, though,

to people looking for advice. Recent examples

data shows us that, without speed cameras

of these include the article on Trackmark

and police patrols, many more cars would

– produced with the help of Ed Hunt at UK

drive faster than 70mph on motorways.

Athletics – and the feature which listed things

In other words, take away the person

to consider when building a padel court. The

and technology that checks compliance

magazine often acts as a window into the

and people will take more risks – or

expertise, skills and knowledge of SAPCA

simply ignore the rules and guidance.

member companies – and their willingness

In order to become a SAPCA member, each

to help people make good choices when

company must go through a strict vetting

setting out on a sports construction project.

process which looks at the company set up, checks their financial standing, demands examples of previous work and assesses their experience

SAPCA’s Codes of Practice ensure high quality construction methods

within the industry. We also carry out site visits and consider feedback from companies and people who have worked with those hoping to become SAPCA members. Each SAPCA member must also agree to abide by our Code of Professional Conduct, stay within

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

our Financial Guidelines and work

within our Codes of Practice to ensure high quality construction methods. Our codes are updated to reflect new learnings or developments and are put together with the help of our members to ensure standards are improved and poor practice that has been highlighted is referenced within the codes. Once accepted by the Board of SAPCA, members are put on our Quality Framework, meaning that their work and their methods

“Passing the checks and becoming a SAPCA member gives companies a ‘badge’ of quality”

of working are looked at with feedback given to continually drive up the standard

can be proud of. This is exactly why most

of work. If there are any issues with the

high-quality sports and play construction

work or the conduct of the member

businesses in the UK are already members.

company, then SAPCA is available to end

My message to those businesses, which

users to call upon to look at the work and

reference the SAPCA Codes of Practice and say

provide advice on how to rectify issues.

that they comply with our standards – yet aren’t

While I’m sure there are non-SAPCA

actually SAPCA members – is this: just because

companies doing good work out there, my

you have a copy of the highway code, it doesn’t

question would be this – without undergoing

mean you’re going to pass your driving test!

the strict checks that SAPCA members do,

For those looking to build new or redevelop

how can those commissioning facility projects

existing sports facilities, the best way to

be sure? The reverse is true – passing the

ensure that a company truly does abide by

checks and becoming a SAPCA member

our codes and guidelines is to use the ‘Find a

gives companies a “badge” of quality they

Member’ section on the SAPCA website. ●

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Choosing a SAPCA member for a facility project ensures that the work will be completed to industry standards

POLICY

RUSSELL SEYMOUR CEO BASIS

Changing the game I

n October, Sport England chair Chris Boardman said the agency’s future funding decisions would include how organisations are fighting the

climate crisis. His message was clear:

those looking for Sport England funding must treat sustainability as a priority

“SECURING THE FUTURE OF OUR CLUBS AND FACILITIES – AND ALL OF THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS THEY PROVIDE – REQUIRES IMMEDIATE, DECISIVE ACTION”

to continue to receive full funding. It was a timely reminder of what we already know – that climate change is

makes sobering reading as it describes the

already negatively impacting elite and

increasing impacts since 2018’s original Game

grassroots competitive sport as well as

Changer report – and how climate change

levels of physical activity in Britain. The

is changing the way we play sport now.

heavy rainfall and flooding of November

Nearly two thirds (64%) of golf spectators

2022 saw a 40% increase in the number

and players had experienced disruption

of children and young people not doing

(such as rescheduling, reduction in duration

physical activity, while grassroot sports were

or cancellation of matches) in the 12 months

severely impacted during the heatwaves

to October 2023. In football, an estimated

of July 2022 and September 2023.

62,500 grassroots games are postponed or

This is demonstrated in the Game

delayed by extreme weather each year. Elite

Changer II report, published by BASIS in

sport is affected too – by 2050, 39 of the 92

November 2023, which reviews the effects

stadiums in the top four leagues of English

of climate change on sports in the UK. It

football will face a high risk from more than three climate hazards, such as extreme rainfall, drought, flooding and windstorms. This doesn’t mean we should throw our hands in the air in despair and give up - far from it. By taking positive action and placing environmental concerns at the heart of everything we do as a sector, sport can make a huge difference. But we must do it now – and the message from Sport England is a clear reminder of that.

Securing the future of our clubs and facilities – and all of the social and economic benefits they provide – requires immediate, decisive action. It is one fixture that cannot be postponed. l A number of sports venues are under threat from climate change

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Read the BASIS Game Changer Report II here: https://basis.org.uk/2023/11/23/game-changer-ii

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JAN/FEB 2024

P OLICY

EVENT PREVIEW

Conference and Awards Dinner

The annual SAPCA Conference has a new venue. SportsNation previews the sports and play construction industry’s main event of the year

This year’s event will be held at Mattioli Woods Welford Road (below)

RFC

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK MAR/APR 2022

The exhibition floor enables SAPCA members to showcase their products and services

his year’s SAPCA Conference will have new surroundings, as the event moves to the Mattioli Woods Welford Road stadium, home of the

Leicester Tigers. The conference has been held at St George’s Park since 2019. Taking place on Thursday 29 February 2024, The one-day conference will feature a diverse educational programme and a wide range of high-profile speakers. The event will be hosted by Olympic silver medalist and former Badminton world champion, Gail Emms MBE, and delegates will hear a keynote from Maggie Alphonsi MBE, the popular TV pundit and former England rugby international. Winning 74 caps for England, Alphonsi was named Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year in 2010 and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in November 2016. At the SAPCA Conference, she will offer her views on leadership and understanding pressure – skills that can be transferred from sport to any other area of work and life.

Educational opportunities The day will feature a wide range of speakers and topics. The Football Foundation will

present details on how the Floodlight Fund is making a difference to clubs, while Carolin Göhler – President of the te speaker at the Maggie Alphonsi, keyno

conference

Landscape Institute – will be highlighting

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

GRAPHY © SAPCA / PRO VISION PHOTO

P OLICY

e of speakers

Delegates will hear from a wide rang

We’ve put together a programme designed to offer something for everyone – from developments in the facility space to a look at the policy landscape Richard Shaw, SAPCA chief executive the importance of biodiversity net gain in

Celebrating success - SAPCA Awards

construction projects. Other organisations

The conference will be followed by the

on the programme include Play England,

first ever SAPCA Awards Dinner, during

the Department for Business and Trade

which winners of the 2024 SAPCA Awards

and the Sports and Recreation Alliance.

will be revealed. Launched in 2015, the

Andy Reed OBE, founder of Sports Think

awards showcase the achievements

Tank, will also offer fresh insight into what

of SAPCA members and have grown

the sports and physical activity sector

in importance and scale each year.

would like to see included in the manifestos

According to Shaw, the new awards

of political parties, ahead of this year’s

dinner is part of plans to grow the awards

General Election. Sports Think Tank has put

further. “The SAPCA Awards were created

together a document – The Road to the

to celebrate and highlight the successes of

2024 Election Manifesto: 100 policy ideas

SAPCA members to those in the industry,” he

for sport, physical activity and wellbeing

says. “The emphasis has been on recognising

– which lists a number of “asks” from a

facility projects, products and services

total of 38 different industry organisations,

which show the wide range of innovation,

governing bodies, charities and companies.

technical excellence and reliability held

“We’ve put together a programme designed to offer something for everyone

across the SAPCA membership. “From 2024, we will also use the

– from developments in the facility space

awards to actively focus on highlighting

to a look at the policy landscape,” says

the positive impact that high-quality

SAPCA chief executive, Richard Shaw.

sports and play construction projects

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

This year’s award finalists include Play Innovation

SAPCA AWARDS 2024 The finalists in each six award categories SAPCA Person of the Year ● Jamie Blamire, Director, Sportex Group ● Mark Waite, Sales Director, TigerTurf

SAPCA Young Person of the Year ● Connor Freeman, Shift Supervisor, TigerTurf ● Thomas Ray, Project Manager,

N PHOTOGRAPHY

Midstream Lighting

Large Sports or Play Project of the Year (over £350k) ● Sports Labs, FAREPlay Stepford

Community Sports & Leisure Park, Glasgow ● Blakedown Sport and Play: Shoreditch Park

t Networking is a big par

of the SAPCA Conferen

Sports Hub, Hoxton, Hackney, London

have on those who benefit from it the

Small Sports or Play Project of the Year (under £350k)

most – the people and communities

● Play Innovation, Silwood Street Ball

who are the end users of the facilities. “While SAPCA’s core mission is focused on the technical standards and quality of construction projects, we also want

Court Zone and Pocket Park Play Area ● Synthetic Turf Management,

MUGA construction – Lancing Preparatory School, Hove

to celebrate the positive impact that the facilities created by SAPCA members

Product of the Year

make in communities across the UK. As

● Lumosa, Lumosa Touch (app-based

part of this, the SAPCA Awards 2024 will highlight the social value generated by the facilities our members create.

floodlight control system) ● Redexim, Verti-Top TTB (maintenance

equipment innovation)

“This is important because, to make the case for increased funding for facilities, we need to show how our projects deliver outcomes in health, education and social cohesion. SAPCA members already know and recognise this, as they see it “on the ground”

Sustainability Award ● Lumosa, Lumosa Touch (app-based

floodlight control system) ● Redexim, Verti-Top TTB (maintenance

equipment innovation)

through their work. Our mission, now, is to demonstrate it to the wider world too.” ●

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

P OLICY

The event at Loughborough University attracted a record number of delegates

EVENT REVIEW

TECHNICAL MEETING 2023 The SAPCA Technical Meeting has established itself as one of the industry’s most popular events. The 2023 edition broke the record for attendance with more than 200 delegates

olywell Park at Loughborough

requirements) of synthetic playing surfaces in

University provided the backdrop

three sports – football, rugby and hockey.

for the SAPCA Technical

Professor David James, CEO of Labosport

Meeting on 30 November 2023.

Group and FIFA Technical Advisory Group (TAG)

Attracting a record attendance

member, offered delegates a look at the new

of more than 200 delegates, the event once

FIFA test methods and requirements, which are

again provided a busy programme of seminars,

expected to be published in the new FIFA test

panel discussions and keynote presentations.

manual by the end of March 2024. Once the new manual is published, it will replace the existing

New FIFA manual

2015 edition, which will remain valid until then.

The opening session of the day focused on

The most significant change in the new

the changes in the technical aspects (and

manual – to be confirmed and finalised at the next FIFA Technical Advisory Group meeting

The event took place at Holywell Park

on 15 February – will see FIFA move to a single component reports approach. This means that the previous method of measuring the key elements of synthetic turf (fibers, carpets, infills and shockpads) will be replaced by testing for the overall performance and durability of the surface. Another new aspect will be the way synthetic pitches will be classed as either FIFA Quality or FIFA Quality Pro. Pitches that are awarded the FIFA Quality mark will fulfil the specific

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK MAR/APR 2022

The 2023 Technical Meeting saw more than 25 speakers present on a wide range of topics

requirements for recreational, community

systems seem to comply with the 2024 draft

and municipal football, with typically 40-60

requirements,” Professor David James said.

playing hours per week. As a rule of thumb,

“To comply with FIFA Quality Pro standards

the FIFA Quality products are considered

coming in during 2024, however, product

softer than the FIFA Quality Pro products and

development and innovation will be needed. The

will be more durable under high usage.

new standard will be radically different and will be

FIFA Quality Pro classification will be for

limited to stadium environments and professional

pitches that are specifically tested to mimic the

training pitches. They aren’t pitches that would be

high performance and safety requirements for

practical in a recreational or grassroots setting. The

professional football – and for a typical usage of up

characteristics will be so different that it won’t be

to 20 playing hours per week. The classification also

technically possible to have a product that is FIFA

takes into consideration the stricter requirements

Quality and FIFA Quality Pro at the same time.”

for international match pitches (e.g. the size of the pitch, no logos). The FIFA Quality Pro products

Dry pitches for hockey

are considered harder than FIFA Quality products,

Another sport undergoing a change of direction,

as they aim to mimic fully natural turf pitches

when it comes to synthetic surfaces, is hockey.

(non-reinforced) for professional football use.

Alastair Cox, Facilties & Quality Programme

“When it comes to FIFA Quality pitches, the

Manager at the International Hockey Federation

new 2024 requirements are not set to have

(FIH), explained how there is a move in hockey

significant impact on the current 2015 FIFA

towards the use of dry – or non-irrigated –

approved systems as most of the existing

synthetic turf pitches. The move is a response to

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

P OLICY

the increasing scarcity of water resources around the world and the need to reduce the amount of water required to maintain typical water-based pitches – which are currently the sport’s preferred surfaces (and have been since the mid-1970s). The work towards dry pitches has been in progress since the 2018 FIH Congress, where it was announced that the FIH would be working with the synthetic turf industry to develop synthetic turf surfaces that have the playing characteristics of wet turf, but do not require irrigation to achieve them. The primary step was to research and determine the reasons wet turfs were preferred by athletes in the first place and make every effort to keep all those conditions consistent in the development of the dry turfs. “Currently, a typical hockey pitch uses 1 l/m2 per 10-minute cycle,” Cox said. During tournaments a field is typically watered three to four times per day. For example, during the Tokyo Olympics, this resulted in hockey using approximately 1 million litres of water during the tournament. “Irrigation operating costs are increasingly expensive, as they also need to cover power and drainage. In addition, an irrigation

each time it is watered – equateing to 6,000 litres

status due to being seen as unsustainable.” Cox told delegates how the wheels are now in

system adds approx. €60,000 - €80,000

motion for dry, non-irrigated pitches becoming

to the cost of a new hockey field.

the default, standard surface for hockey

“The FIH recognises that water is becoming

– especially at elite and competition level.

a scarce commodity around the world. So

“Dry pitches are now being installed at

insisting on playing elite level hockey on a

sites all over the world,” Cox said. “In Q3

wet field was becoming a detriment to the

2024 we plan to amend our Hockey Turf

sport. Hockey doesn’t want to lose its Olympic

and Field Standards to incorporate the new tests and requirements regarding dry pitches into our global category hockey turfs. “The goal is to have the hockey games at the Los Angelese 2028 Olympic Games to take place on dry surfaces.”

Educational opportunities The other topics featured during the day ranged from the role of social value in procurement and the impact of LTA investments in park tennis to the latest research being conducted in sports turf. This year, the research focused on mechanical testing being conducted on a range of synthetic turf surfaces and infills. There was also a look at the recently updated SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts. The code sets out the standards Neale Lees, World Rugby’s Turf and Equipment Manager

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

and specification for padel court design and

Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, with the number of padel courts increasing from 82 in 2020 to around 400 at the end of 2023

Padel was again one of the hot topics discussed during the day

construction in the UK. Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, with the number of padel courts increasing from 82 in 2020 to around 400 at the end of 2023. The number of regular players has also grown rapidly, from 6,000 in 2020 to more than 100,000 in 2023. The Technical Meeting 2023 concluded with a panel discussion on the state of the industry – which provided delegates with insight and predictions on where the sports and physical

Alastair Cox updated delegates on the move to “dry” hockey pitches

activity sector is heading. The educational day was followed by a networking dinner at Burleigh Court. SAPCA chief executive, Richard Shaw, added: “This was, measured by the number of delegates, the largest Technical Meeting ever. It has cemented its role as the industry’s main educational event and each year brings together those who want to keep up to date with the latest developments in sports and play construction. Our Technical Lead, Colin Corline – working together with SAPCA members, our speakers and the board – did a fantastic job in putting together such an informative programme.” Colin Corline, added: “This year, we wanted to present a programme which would offer updates on some of the industry’s most topical issues – from dry turf in hockey to changes in the FIFA quality manual.” ●

The SportsNation stand on the exhibition floor

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

P EOPLE

Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi As well as being a renowned lifestyle TV doctor, Al-Zubaidi spearheads a pioneering NHS-based lifestyle clinic and fitness club, educating and supporting patients in adopting healthier lifestyles. He talks to SportsNation about how the health and physical activity sectors can work together to create a healthy nation – and save the NHS

any will recognise Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi as a “TV doctor” – but he is also an accomplished Team GB age group longdistance triathlete. He also holds

a number of key roles, including Lifestyle and Physical Activity Lead at the Royal College of

GP centred on what medications I could try. The

GPs and Personalised Care Lead in Leamington.

thing is, my father had been diagnosed with the

As a Clinical Advisor for Swim England and

exact same condition five or six years previously

Nutritank, he brings expertise to diverse sectors.

– and his health had been deteriorating

Emphasising health span, he advocates

because of it. So I considered whether there

for sustained wellbeing and is a dynamic

was an alternative to taking all these pills.

force in promoting holistic wellbeing,

I did a bit of researching and realised that a

community engagement and longevity.

lot of what I had been taught at medical school didn’t even cover the basics when it came to

You’re a huge advocate of physical activity and exercise as medicine, where does that passion come from?

key lifestyle interventions which have a massive,

It’s not something I’ve always had. In fact, I didn’t

which is what fatty liver disease sits under.

enjoy exercise or sport growing up! I was very

positive impact on a number of conditions. This was particularly true for metabolic health, So with the support of my incredible wife,

much the last one picked for teams and had quite

who was already physically active when I

a negative experience of how PE was delivered.

received the diagnosis, I was encouraged to start

In my mid-20s, however, I was diagnosed with

doing a bit of walking, which then eventually

non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It’s a condition

became running. It “escalated” step by step.

often associated with being overweight – which

Today, being physically active is an absolute

I was at the time. The sonographer told me that

cornerstone of my existence. I wouldn’t want to

I had one of the fattest livers he’d ever seen,

live without it. Thanks to it, I managed to not

which isn’t a league table you want to be top

only reverse the condition, but also have better

of. The initial talks with hospital doctors and my

mental health, improved confidence and a real

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Al-Zubaidi is a Team GB age group triathlete

purpose in life – because I want to support patients to go on a similar journey that I have. I now utilise my own personal journey when treating patients. I run NHS Lifestyle group clinics and, at the beginning of sessions, I connect with them and share how I’ve been in the same position they find themselves in.

Is the message – that prevention can save the NHS – being heard in Westminster ?

Today, being physically active is an absolute cornerstone of my existence

In some sense yes, but not enough. There have been changes already within healthcare. Small

at the amount of money we spend on trying

but important changes where we’re seeing

to correct the impact of long term health

more physical activity being embedded, for

conditions and compare it to the tiny amounts

example, within GP and hospital consultations.

we spend on supporting patient journeys

But we need to see a lot more of it.

through connecting the physical activity sector

It’s also happening in pockets. Take the group clinics where we be support people

with health, it is just very disappointing. We have seen that for every pound spent on

to get active. We go on walks and runs with

physical activity, you get four pounds back in

patients and we have swimming sessions

terms of social, health and economic benefits. So

where we’ve linked up with our local leisure

I do want to see more action from Westminster.

centre operator, which provides pool access

I think it’s now clear that the health sector needs

to those with long-term conditions. These

to work together with the physical activity sector

kind of interventions would have been pretty

if we really want to create a nation that isn’t

rare to see just 10 to 15 years ago. So in that

burdened with long-term health conditions.

sense, we are seeing positive noises. MPs like Kim Leadbeater have done fantastic

According to the World Health Organization, if we could encourage people to adopt diets

work in trying to champion this, but I do want

and exercise habits that we know provide

to see a lot more of it. Because when we look

health, then 60% to 70% of the long-term health

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

P EOPLE

conditions that are currently diagnosed would

professionals. To make them more comfortable

not exist. That would completely transform the

talking about physical activity – and the

NHS. We know that this is possible – the question

physical activity sector could do that for us.

is do we have the will to make it achievable.

Those within the sport, physical activity and fitness sectors are experts in supporting

How big a role can physical activity and exercise play in that preventative model?

people to become more active in a way

Physical activity is a cornerstone of good

role, within the healthcare sector, to signpost

health. Simply put, if we aren’t physically active,

and to refer patients towards those exercise

we will not maintain a healthy life. However,

and activity providers – the sports clubs, the

because of the lack of training that healthcare

walking or dance groups, personal trainers,

professionals get on physical activity, we’re

the leisure centres and swimming pools. If we

not equipped to support patients effectively.

do that, then together we can achieve the end

There are a few doctors that are lifestyle

that’s meaningful to them. I believe it’s our

goal which is an active and healthy patient.

doctors, like myself, who have done additional embark on a journey involving exercise. But 85%

Is the sports and physical activity sector fulfilling its role?

of GPs don’t even know what the chief medical

It’s a mixed picture at the moment. We have

officers’ physical activity guidelines are. And

areas you’d describe as gold standard and

that is exceptionally disappointing because

others where nothing is happening. For

those GPs aren’t going to feel confident to

example, my local leisure centre, operated by

support patients to become more active. In fact

Everyone Active, works collaboratively with my

many healthcare professionals struggle to get

GP practice to put health and wellbeing high

active themselves – and if they’re not leading

up the agenda. They support us in delivering

by example, they’re going to be unable to

swim sessions for patients with long-term

encourage and support patients to do the same.

health conditions, accompanied by healthcare

training to become adept at supporting patients

That’s where I feel there is a need for a piece of work to educate and support healthcare

professionals and social prescribers. So the patients receive all the support they need on their journey. We also work with a number of local clubs – from cycling to dance.

AL-ZUBAIDI

Our success has been down to motivating

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

The “Leamington Personalised Care Service” offers a wide range of activities to patients

Our success has been down to motivating both the activity providers and the health care professionals and to help them see the benefits

Al-Zubaidi wants to see the health and sport/physical activity sectors work together

both the activity providers and the health care professionals and to help them see the benefits. And I believe that’s the only way to make it work. There are other areas, where either the healthcare workers or the physical activity providers aren’t engaged in getting patients on that journey. As a result, getting patients active isn’t seen as a

we’ve seen GP practices get involved with

priority. When this happens, it is often difficult

operators such as ParkRun to get patients to

to get the conversation started. There might be

walk, run or even just to volunteer at weekends.

activity providers keen to get involved but hit

Around 1,800 out of 6,000 practices in the

a brick wall trying to talk to the local GPs – or

UK have signed up to that initiative, so we’re

the other way around. That’s something we

getting close to a third being involved.

need to work on – to establish clear lines of

There is definitely a growing trend for more

communication between these two sectors.

clinicians to practice lifestyle medicine. This

What will help is placing wellbeing high

year’s British Society of Lifestyle Medicine

in the agenda within those working in the

(BSLM) conference was the biggest ever

physical activity sector – from sports to fitness.

and BSLM’s membership is at a record

And that’s where language is important.

level. So there is growth and more clinicians

Sport isn’t just about competition and fitness

are wanting to support patients through

isn’t just about hitting the gym hard. If we’re

behaviour change and getting active. But I

going to engage a wider proportion of

don’t think it’s happening fast enough.

people then we have to look further than the

I really hope over the next five years we will see

competitive element. We have to incorporate

an exponential increase, because patients need it.

the elements of community and stress that

The NHS needs it. Otherwise, it will soon become

being active has these huge health benefits.

unsustainable to have a national health service.

Is the healthcare sector ready to support patients getting active?

Are there ways to help create that growth and speed things up?

If I’m being brutally honest we’re not there yet

We can very much improve the situation – it

– but we are improving. In the past 10 years

is within our hands. I think there are two main

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

P EOPLE

A number of GP practices have partnered with parkrun UK

things that are required for it to be achievable.

involves group education on exercise, physical

One is that we need government and senior

activity sessions and GP practices integrating

leadership explaining, explicitly, the importance of healthy lifestyles to promote health. It sounds

with facility and activity operators. By working collaboratively, we want to blur the

crazy, but we do not have enough of that. It

lines that patients experience between the health

needs to be really clear that both our senior

and physical activity sector – we want patients

clinicians and our senior politicians are singing

to think of it as one service. We call it the

from the same hymn sheet, explaining how

Leamington Personalised Care Service, because

physical activity is crucial for a healthy, happy life.

we’re focused on helping their health – whether

The second element is to learn from and

that be a personal trainer delivering chair-based

expand the programmes that are currently

exercises, a social prescriber helping them to

achieving great results in pockets across the

access art therapy groups or dance classes, or

UK. We need to find ways to grow out the

a health and wellbeing coach supporting them

projects in areas that are doing fantastic work

with behaviour change. We need to look beyond

– perhaps through supported funding.

having health, physical activity and community

This is something that I’ll be working on in 2024, together with a number of organisations,

services in their own silos. We need to communicate and work with each other, together.

including Sport England, the Royal College of GPs and many more. We want to take what we call the Leamington blueprint, which

If you could introduce a new piece of legislation or change an existing law - what would that be for maximum impact? I would remove VAT from the provision of anything that’s related to promoting physical activity. We should not be charging a tax on anything to do with promoting healthy behaviours. It’s about friction. You want to increase friction on activities that are detrimental to health, such as tobacco and alcohol, so you add taxes to those. But you want to reduce friction on activities that do the opposite, to

the activities and items that provide health. People who are being active – alongside those who support them to be active – are Walk and Talk sessions help patients get active and meet new people

improving the finances of the country. They are reducing their impact on the NHS and other services, so we should not be charging taxes on those activities. ●

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Physical activity is crucial for a healthy, happy life

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People, Places, Policy - Building Active Communities

SportsNation is the single, authoritative voice for the provision, delivery, maintenance and management of sports and physical facilities. Published bi-monthly, the magazine focuses on the people, places, policies and products that help to build active communities throughout the UK.

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SPORT IN FOCUS

HOCKEY © WSP/RODRIGO JARAMILLO

England Hockey published its new five-year strategy in October 2023. SportsNation looks at the how it maps out a plan to grow the sport

The strategy sets a target for medal winning performances at the 2024 Olympic Games

here has been a healthy increase in the number of people playing hockey at

of the game and bring new people into the sport

least twice a month in England over the

in the future. The strategy is built on two years of

past two years. Figures from England

consultation with stakeholders from across the

Hockey, the sport’s national governing

game and the sporting sector. The four values which

body, show that there are now around 155,000

underpin the strategy – “Collaborate Inclusively”,

regular players – of which 140,000 play in the club

“Care for People and Places”, “Play with Spirit

system and an additional 15,000 at university/

Win with Grace”, and “Resilient in Everything We

college. The latest figures from Sport England,

Do” – are a direct result of the consultation.

meanwhile, show that 239,400 people played hockey at least once between November 2021 and November 2022. The figures mean that participation figures are now close to pre-COVID 19 levels.

“The values are what the hockey community has told us are important to them,” England Hockey says. In addition to the four values, the strategy maps out five key objectives on which the sport will be guided by over the next five years. These are to

A NEW STRATEGY

lead positive change, achieve meaningful growth,

To help drive participation – and to ensure

drive visible impact, provide responsible leadership

enough quality facilities are being developed

and to deliver inspirational international success.

for the sport – England Hockey published a new five-year strategy in October 2023. In it,

But what do each of the five strategic objectives look like in practice?

the NGB sets out how it aims to make the sport “more visible, relevant, and accessible to all”. At the heart of the strategy, called Creating A

LEADING POSITIVE CHANGE In the strategy, England Hockey describes how it

Future For Our Game Together, is a desire to “engage

will look to champion change within communities

and re-engage” with the hockey community following

by broadening engagement in the sport and making

the pandemic disruptions – and to share the love

it more ethnically and culturally diverse. Expanding

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Participation numbers are back to pre-pandemic levels

access and opportunities to play hockey in state schools – particularly those within ethnically and culturally diverse communities – are identified as key areas. The strategy sets some ambitious, clear targets too. These include doubling the number of state schools offering hockey by 2028 and to increase the number of ethnically and culturally diverse players and coaches – to reflect, proportionally, the National Census. There is also a pledge to support 20 clubs through targeted ED&I

“The strategy maps out five key objectives on which the sport will be guided by over the next five years”

funded initiatives in order to create and report

activities. To achieve this, England Hockey outlines

positive change. In addition, all clubs, counties and

a plan to nurture a love of hockey within a more

regions will in future need to meet the Equality

diverse group of young players and communities.

Diversity & Inclusion Framework requirements. “We are going to increase the number of ethnically

“We want to create meaningful, joyful, safe and accessible experiences that keep players

and culturally diverse coaches and players at every

and their communities in the sport as they

level and will report back on our progress annually,”

progress through life,” England Hockey says.

England Hockey states. “Greater representation

Crucial to this is having enough suitable facilities

means role models for a more diverse segment of

in which young people from all backgrounds feel

society, driving participation into new communities.

comfortable and safe. In line with its Facilities

Organisations with diverse participants are proven

Strategy – which has a vision of every hockey club in

to lead high performance and excel in innovation.

England having appropriate and sustainable facilities

Ultimately, this will lead to our national teams

– England Hockey re-emphasises its aim of improving

being a better reflection of the diversity in society

and increasing hockey provision across the country.

and the communities from which they come.

Currently, less than 20% of clubs play their

“It is important that we are open and honest

home matches next to their clubhouse. England

about our progress in this area, so we will provide

Hockey recognises that this is an issue, as the

annual updates on how we are progressing against

opportunity to “be social” is a key element for

our targets via local and national channels.”

the retention and acquisition of players.

ACHIEVING MEANINGFUL GROWTH

hockey facilities which will enhance access and

In the strategy, England Hockey states a clear

quality of experience for key groups targeted in

objective for growing participation – to double

the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Framework,

the number of 7-13 year-olds taking part in club

therefore creating and embedding a more

“We want to secure investment to upgrade

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

P OLICY

inclusive system,” England Hockey says. “Our aim is to proactively support clubs in creating environments and experiences that

audiences that they deserve by broadcasting hockey through multiple content platforms. “We will also amplify the positive influences

engage and include players to maintain and

and voices of our national teams around the

grow the game. This includes transforming the

topics of equality, diversity and inclusion and

way in which we work with clubs to support

our planet (sustainability). The stadium fan

them in providing great experiences.

experiences will become more diverse, inclusive

“We will provide the tools and training to

and representative of society. In turn this allows

ensure that first experiences of hockey are

us to increase the attendance and profitability

available, affordable and inclusive to anyone who

of England Hockey run international games.”

wants to take part. Our focus is on the youth audience to ensure that early experiences help

PROVIDE RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP

to build a lifelong love of the game that attracts

Sports governance in the UK – and the way NGBs run

and retains a broader audience in hockey.”

their respective sports – has come under increased scrutiny in recent years. From claims of institutional

DRIVE VISIBLE IMPACT

racism to failures to adequately deal with cases

England Hockey’s goal to drive visible impact is

of abuse, there have been some high-profile

a literal one. The plan is to produce “high-quality,

headlines that have cast a shadow on a number of

engaging content” across social media and other

sports – from cricket to gymnastics. Hockey is no

channels – and to get as many eyeballs as possible

exception, having faced accusations of having an

to see it. The strategy outlines plans to utilise

“endemic race issue” by nine clubs in an open letter

PR and marketing in a way which captures the

sent to England Hockey CEO, Nick Pink, in 2020.

passion of the sport and amplifies “the voices of the hockey community” to a wider audience. The ultimate aim is to increase the awareness of

the strategy. The aim over the next five years

hockey as a sport amongst children ages 7-13 and

is to provide forward thinking, compassionate

parents of children age 5 -15 – as well as building up

and inclusive leadership across hockey – and to

a positive perception of hockey as a “sport for all”.

foster trust within safe environments which “put

“We know we need to take a step up in marketing and communications,” England Hockey says, adding that there will also be an increase in visibility of the England and Great Britain international hockey teams. “We are going to make sure that our international matches reach the larger and more diverse

It is, then, no surprise that providing responsible leadership is one of the five areas identified in

At the heart of the strategy is to ensure hockey represents all areas of society

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

players, the hockey community and sustainability at heart of every decision we make”.

Growing participation among women and girls is a key area of focus

Creating a future for our game together England hockey’s strategy for 2023-2028 The five targets: ● Lead positive change ● Meaningful growth ● Drive visible impact ● Responsible leadership ● Inspirational international success

The four values: ● Collaborate inclusively ● Care for people and places ● Play with spirit and win with grace ● Resilient in everything we do

“For us, success is to ensure we hold ourselves

“We will develop a talent system aligned to

and others accountable to the highest standards,

our values, maximising individual potential and

throughout our organisation and the game,”

setting a new standard for equality, diversity and

England Hockey states. “We want a clean sport

inclusion,” England Hockey says. “We plan to

with sound safeguarding and reporting practices

support 120 talent clubs and 20 academies by

consistently seeking to build and maintain a trusted

2026 to provide frequent, high quality contact

relationship with all. We will continue to create and

time. To achieve this, we will work more closely

support an inclusive culture for the sport and the

with the domestic game, supporting clubs with a

governance structures of the game by implementing

shared ambition of ‘semi-professionalisation’.”

our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion action plan.”

A BALANCED APPROACH DELIVER INSPIRATIONAL INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

England Hockey CEO, Nick Pink, says the strategy

Having successful club and national teams help

and grassroots communities are cared for.

sports grow their visibility and in turn inspire children

maps out clear plans to ensure that both elite This, he says, is crucial for any sport: “Both

to try the sport. The obvious example of this is the

performance and participation are vital to hockey.

way the success of the Lionesses has resulted in

Our strategy outlines how we can maintain equal

100,000 more girls now playing organised football.

focus on both over the next five years. For us,

For hockey, the strategy sets a clear target

participation is about increasing the reach and

– medal winning performances at the 2024

benefits of team sport into new communities –

Olympic Games, as well as at the 2026 World

retaining our existing community and engaging

Cups and 2028 Olympic Games. To support this,

with new ones. But we also know that performance

England Hockey has a new talent development

drives attention, increases awareness, raises

programme. As with the other four targets,

standards and stimulates innovation; all of

inclusiveness and equality is at the heart of plans.

which brings more people to the game.”

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

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Building up hockey SportsNation looks at the latest developments in grassroots hockey facilities

Abacus completes LED lighting project at Burton Hockey Club Founded in 1894, Burton Hockey Club has a rich history of success

SAPCA members combine to provide Sedbergh School with hockey pitch A trio of SAPCA members

club’s home is Shobnall Leisure

– Surfacing Standards,

Complex in Burton-on-Trent,

TigerTurf UK and Hunts

which has modern facilities. The

Contractors – recently

club has a strong reputation in

worked together to bring

the hockey community – both for

two new-build hockey

its success and its commitment

pitches to Sedbergh

to promoting the sport – and also

School. Located between

has a vibrant social scene, with

the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, the school identified

regular events and activities.

a need to support the high standards of sporting facilities.

Floodlighting is an integral

both on and off the pitch. The

The new pitch at Sedbergh School

Following a consultation period with Surfacing Standards, Hunts

part of the club’s infrastructure,

Contractors won the tender and were awarded the project. The

enabling training and matches to

school’s Head of Hockey was offered various artificial grass options,

take place year round. The club

but opted for TigerTurf Evo Pro as they had previous experience

wanted to replace its existing

with the surface and felt a trusted, proven sand dressed carpet

floodlights, installed by SAPCA

would work for what the school were looking to achieve. Since the

member Abacus Lighting in

pitches have been handed over, they are being used for group and

2015, with an LED alternative to

one-to-one training, as well as being open to the local community.

ensure maximum efficiency. Abacus completed an LED re-head on the old installation, installing 16 Challenger 1 LED floodlights, achieving the

Juta looking to expand hockey operations

desired FIH specification.

SAPCA member Jutagrass, a

not only build pitches, but

The lighting system is fully

leading European sport artificial

to create and foster strong

adjustable, allowing the club

turf manufacturer, is expanding

hockey communities.

to tailor the lighting levels to

its presence on the UK’s

suit different training, match

hockey scene. The company

strategic partnerships with

and event situations.

is investing in innovative new

schools, clubs, and governing

technology – such as dry

bodies to increase hockey

hockey pitches – as it looks

participation, with a special

to serve both professional

focus on youth engagement

and grassroots sport.

and community involvement,”

Floodlighting is an integral part of Burton HC’s success

According to Juta’s

“Juta is actively forming

Belina says. “We currently

Commercial Director, Jan

have numerous development

Belina, the company’s aim is

sites planned across the UK.”

O’Brien completes hockey pitch transformation at Bromsgrove School O’Brien Contractors was appointed by Bromsgrove School as principal contractor © O’BRIEN CONTRACTORS

for the redevelopment project of its multiple sport pitches – including the transformation The hockey pitch at Bromsgrove School has been transformed

and upgrade of an existing, full-size hockey pitch. O’Brien, a SAPCA member, removed the old carpet surface and shock pad, as well as the timber kickboards. A new

Twofold Maintenance Approach for Tonbridge Hockey Pitches

rubber shock pad and surface was then installed, along with new softwood

Replay Maintenance has secured a new contract with one of the

kickboards, new floodlighting,

UK’s most prestigious education providers. The three-year deal

and a new scoreboard.

will see Replay continue to provide care for the distinguished

The challenging site

hockey facilities at Tonbridge School – which was founded in

was tackled by creating a

1553 by Sir Andrew Judde and is a member of the Eton Group.

temporary works access to

Replay will continue to maintain both of the school’s hockey

facilitate the refurbishment

pitches, complementing the in-house team with bespoke

works on the pitches.

trademark cleaning programmes including Aquatrax, a

O’Brien also constructed

unique process combining high-volume, low-pressure water

a new emergency vehicle

and vacuum extraction; and Replay Renovate, an orbital

services access between

brush driven process, for their sand dressed surface.

the sports pitches.

Danny Stunt, Head of Grounds at Tonbridge School, said: “Replay Maintenance offers specialist cleaning to our hockey pitches. The team both in their head-office and the operatives that attend site are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, showcasing their 20 years of industry experience.”

SIS Pitches working on dry hockey pitch solution Another SAPCA member serving the hockey community is SIS Pitches – a FIH-certified turf manufacturer and field builder. An industry innovator, SIS is developing a waterless synthetic sports turf solution specifically designed for hockey In 2024. SIS Pitches

said: “We’re committed to the game of hockey here in the UK and are chosen pitch Replay will maintain the school’s hockey facilities

providers for Loughborough University, among others.”

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

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So you want to build a hockey pitch? Colin Corline, Technical Lead at the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) answers some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the design and construction of hockey pitches

What are the main considerations when building a hockey pitch?

hiring, floodlighting would be essential. NGB

As with all sports facilities, the end user and the

facility to be floodlit to maximise usage.

funding support would often require the

design team need to consider the actual scope the facility will cater for. A major consideration

What options do I have when it comes to the playing surface?

will always be the actual need for the hockey

There are currently two main options when it

pitch in relation to other local and regional

comes to hockey playing surfaces. At an elite

facilities as this need (or potential lack of) may

level hockey is currently played on non-filled,

impact on funding support from NGBs and

water-based pitches, where the playing surface

other funding bodies. Local authorities will have

is watered prior to use to give the performance

playing pitch strategies which outline the existing

requirements needed to play hockey. This

stock of facilities and suggest the potential

will change over time, however, as the FIH

needs. England Hockey, for example, would also

is currently working with manufacturers to

be a consultee in the planning of a facility.

develop “dry” pitches which replicate the playing

and the requirements of the user groups that

characteristics of watered turf without the need

What are the typical costs associated with developing a hockey pitch?

for water being added (for more, see p. 48).

In the UK, the development of a new build

dressed synthetic turf, a relatively short carpet pile

full-size hockey pitch would cost in the order

product dressed with sand in the base of the carpet.

Below the elite level, hockey is played on sand

of £600,000 - £750,000 depending on the site-specific works and the playing surface.

What other sports can a hockey pitch accommodate?

Do I need planning permission?

Sports such as football can be played on

Yes, for a new facility development formal planning

a hockey surface in principle, but football

consent would be required from the relevant

players tend to prefer 3G surfaces which are

local authority. The location and layout, drainage

designed to replicate natural turf. In the UK an

design, surface type, use of floodlighting will

initiative between hockey, tennis and netball

all need to be considered, along with the visual

has led to the creation of an innovative new

and acoustic impact. The site owner or client is

multi-sport concept known as ‘Gen 2’.

responsible for obtaining planning consent and

hockey, this type of surface has been specially

submit the application on their behalf as specialist

designed to become a great all-round solution, not

information is often required. For a renovation

just for the three sports previously mentioned, but

project planning approval may not be required.

also others like lacrosse, futsal, softball and korfball.

Do I need lighting? requirement to stage hockey games, lighting

Does a hockey pitch always need to be full-size in order to hold games, or are there small-side options like in football?

is essential for year-round use. To ensure that

In the UK, in the case of formal hockey facilities,

a pitch can generate income through evening

they will generally be constructed as a full size

While the use of lighting is not an essential

Utilising short-pile synthetic turf preferred by

may wish to appoint a consultant to prepare and

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

A hockey pitch should last a minimum of 10 years, providing it is maintained and managed correctly

pitch, however, the introduction of ‘Hockey 5s’, the small sided version of the game, means that potentially hockey 5s could be introduced to multi use games areas (MUGAs). Information is available on the International Hockey Federation website.

What standards are there for the design and construction of hockey pitches? There are a number of standards and specifications

How much and what type of maintenance will the pitch need?

that can be used to design and construct hockey

A hockey pitch will require regular maintenance

pitches in the UK. These range from SAPCA’s

from simple processes such as litter picking

Code of Practice for the Construction and

and general day to day operational checks on

Maintenance for Synthetic Turf Pitches and the

equipment and the playing surface through to

International Hockey Federation’s Facility Guidance

more specialist processes such as brushing the

‘Building Hockey Fields’ which both cover the

playing surface. Details of the required maintenance

full construction of the facility as well as the

processes will be given in the Operation and

European Standard BSEN 15330-1 which focuses

Maintenance Manual provided by the contractor

on the performance of the playing surface.

at the time the project was completed. Further

The performance standards are one thing, but the design team should also consider the need to

details on maintenance processes can be found on the SAPCA website at www.sapca.org.uk.

engage with an industry specialist consultant or test of these facilities. SAPCA have a number of

What is the typical “life expectancy” of a hockey pitch?

companies within our Professional Services

A hockey pitch will last a minimum of 10 years

Group who would be able to assist in this area.

providing that it is maintained and managed

house, experienced in the design and specification

correctly. A heavily used pitch will require

How do I choose a contractor – and how should go about procuring them?

additional maintenance with potentially

The Sports and Play Construction Association

the performance of the pitch remains at the

(SAPCA) and its members work closely with

required level. It should also be noted that there

England Hockey and other NGBs on devising

is a good chance that a well maintained and

and maintaining quality standards for sports

managed pitch will last in excess of 10 years.

more specialist processes to ensure that

facilities. For example, the The SAPCA Code of of Bases for Outdoor Synthetic Sport Areas has

Should I start a sinking fund to cover the maintenance costs?

been reviewed and endorsed by England Hockey,

Yes, the reinvestment into your facility through a

Sport England, Sport Wales and sportscotland.

sinking fund is essential to ensure that the playing

Practice for the Design, Specification and Testing

By choosing a contractor which is a

surface can be replaced at the end of its useable

SAPCA member company, you ensure

life. While a pitch will potentially last longer, the

that all works are completed to the quality

business case and reinvestment plan should be

standards required by governing bodies.

developed on the basis of a 10 year life span.

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

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We started introducing pickleball clinics at Andy’s hotel, Cromlix, in Dunblane – they all sold out, so we knew we were onto something

JUDY MURRAY Pickleball’s increased popularity has resulted in it being described as ‘the new padel’. SportsNation speaks to Judy Murray OBE, one of the ambassadors for the sport of pickleball

nvented as a children's backyard game in the US in 1965, pickleball is growing in popularity across the UK and Europe. Similar to tennis, the sport has specific rules and court

dimensions, while players use rackets (or paddles) unique to the sport. A pickleball court is typically 13.4m

(44ft) long and 6.1m (20ft) wide. The ‘paddle’ is larger than those used in table tennis and the hard plastic ball bounces The Murray family – Judy in particular – have become advocates of the sport

less than a tennis ball. The two sides of the court – which are separated by a net – feature a non-volley zone, where the ball must bounce before it can be hit and returned

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

The sport is growing rapidly across the UK

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

P EOPLE

over the net. The rules have been designed to

introducing pickleball clinics at Andy’s hotel,

allow dynamic play, while ensuring the sport is

Cromlix, in Dunblane – they all sold out,

accessible to players of all ages and abilities.

so we knew we were onto something.”

Judy Murray OBE, mother of tennis ambassador for Pickleball Scotland. She

How big is pickleball in the UK - will it become “the new padel”?

first came across the sport during one

In Scotland it’s growing all the time. Every

of her visits to the US. It was then that

school and community centre has badminton

Murray recognised the game’s potential.

courts so it has endless places to play. Pickleball

stars Andy and Jamie Murray, is an

“I was introduced to pickleball in South

Scotland has done an amazing job in creating

Carolina when I was attending a tennis coach

an ambassador workforce to introduce the

conference,” Murray says. “The hosts took a

game to adults, teenagers and kids. They

group of us to a 16 court pickleball club.

also recently launched a coach education

“I was blown away. Every court was

programme targeting teachers, tennis coaches

full at 3pm in the afternoon. We started

and sports leaders to teach the fundamentals.

The sport is played on small courts

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

It’s fun, doable and different with its funky equipment, cool rules to encourage long rallies and a small court. It’s a great way into and out of other racket sports as well as being a pretty unique and sociable game in itself. What are the geographical pickleball “hotspots” at the moment, where is the sport being played?

out of other racket sports as well as being

Pickleball Scotland operates out of the

choice in the length of a set and it’s mostly

National Badminton Academy in Glasgow and

doubles which makes it hugely sociable too.

a pretty unique and sociable game in itself. The scoring system allows for flexibility of

runs festivals, competitions, coach education and recreational club sessions from there.

What would you describe as the main differences between pickleball and tennis?

What makes pickleball so popular?

Badminton court markings, an outsize

It’s fun, doable and different with its funky

table tennis bat without strings and

equipment, cool rules to encourage long rallies

a noisy plastic ball with holes in it.

and a small court. It’s a great way into and

Different rules and scoring system.

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Pickleball’s rules and equipment make it accessible for all ages and abilities

There are now a number of regular elite pickleball competitions, especially in the US

P EOPLE

It’s also much easier to learn and play than tennis so, as a sport, it is much more accessible to all ages and abilities.

What advantages does pickleball have over tennis, when it comes to attracting new players to the sport? It’s easier to get started and you can graduate into a game almost immediately.

What advice would you have for facilities that are considering including pickleball in their mix of sports? I would say in our climate it’s more of an of the ball and the playing surface needs to be hard, whether indoors or outdoors. It’s a great way to encourage all ages and abilities as it’s sociable, inclusive, doable and fun. ●

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

The pickleball courts at Andy Murray’s Cromlix Hotel

indoor sport. The wind affects the trajectory

With over 55 years of experience, Fordingbridge deliver successful solutions to the sports sphere. We have the knowledge, in-house expertise, and understanding to enable inspiring and durable designs with industry leading guarantees to a range of sport, including; padel, cricket, tennis, MUGAs, and so much more.

info@fordingbridge.co.uk

01243 554455

fordingbridge.co.uk

Arundel West Sussex, BN18 0SD

P EOPLE

A TRINITY OF ACTIVITY

British Triathlon recently launched its Active Skills for Life programme, which looks to give every child the confidence to experience swimming, biking and running. We spoke to Amy Hall, Head of Children and Young People, about the new initiative

The emphasis of the programme will be on fun activities

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Active Skills for Life blends playfulness and educational depth

What is Active Skills for Life? It’s a programme which uses swim, bike, run to combine playing and learning to teach children (aged 7-14) essential skills that can be used in all aspects of life. Promoting community and class-based activity, it has been designed to give children of all abilities the encouragement, skills, confidence and opportunities to live active and healthy lives through active play. We’ve created a host of Active Skills for Life resources, which offer a unique blend of playfulness and educational depth. The resources are carefully crafted to

We’ve created a host of Active Skills for Life resources, which offer a unique blend of playfulness and educational depth

complement the National Curriculum, making

with physical literacy at the heart of it.

it easier for educators to seamlessly integrate

Our goal was to harness the life skills of

active play into their teaching plans.

swimming, cycling, and running, which every parent, caregiver, teacher, and coach

Where did the motivation come from? The inspiration and concept for Active Skills for Life emerged from a collaborative organisation-

aspires to instil in every young child. The journey from the initial idea and concept to the soft launch and pilot spanned

wide effort during a period of remote

18 months, concluding with the

work amid the COVID-19 pandemic,

official launch in June 2023.

coupled with an acknowledgment of our need to engage with

Who is it designed for?

more children, young people

Active Skills for Life is tailored

and families as a sport which

to suit a wide range of activity

typically engages more adults.

providers including, but not limited

A working group was

to, school teachers, School

assembled to generate ideas, and

Games Organisers (SGOs),

in our pursuit of alignment with

community organisations,

other National Governing Bodies

clubs, coaching companies

(NGBs), we acknowledged

and holiday camp providers.

the need for a programme that radiated vibrancy, inclusivity, and tapped into fundamental life skills and core values

What resources does Active Skills for Life include? The free Engage

Amy Hall

subscription

P EOPLE

We collaborated closely with esteemed partners such as Youth Sport Trust, Sport England, Special Olympics GB, Mencap, as well as our valued triathlon coaches and clubs encourages you to dip your toes into the world

The Summer Camp Pack includes activities

of swim, bike, run and dive into our Active Skills

created specifically to deliver fun, inclusive

for Life Activity Hub - an interactive wonderland

sessions to engage children aged 7-14 years

of games, challenges and engaging content

old outside of curriculum time. Each pack

that makes every splash, pedal, and stride a

includes a variety of sessions that develop Active

rewarding and exhilarating experience for both

Skills for Life with a focus on swim (pool and

child and group leader. The Active Skills for

land-based), bike (and scoot), run, transition

Life Curriculum Pack provides all the necessary

activities, challenges and competition formats.

resources to facilitate engaging and fulfilling and expectations outlined in the National

What is the Active Skills for Life Award and how can you achieve it?

Curriculum for Physical Education at Key Stage 2.

As the NGB for triathlon, British Triathlon and

activities, designed to align with the standards

For those looking to elevate their Active

meet our duty of care to all children and uphold

offers exclusive training, activity packs

quality assurance for the delivery of all our

including 6-8 weeks of progressive lesson

programmes. As such, we have stated that all

plans, a scheme of work (also referred to as

Active Skills for Life sessions must be led by at

the Playbook), ready to print risk assessments,

least one Active Skills for Life Leader and can be

achievement cards, stickers and certificates.

All sessions will be led by Active Skills for Life Leaders

the Home Nations accept our responsibility to

Skills for Life journey, our Enhance subscription

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

The sessions have been designed to engage children aged 7-14 years old

The Active Skills for Life Award, available

What was the most challenging aspect of creating Active Skills for Life?

to Active Skills for Life Enhance and Active

The most challenging aspect of developing

Skills for Life Franchise subscribers, combines

Active Skills for Life revolved around navigating

self-led online training (1 hour) and face-to-

the challenges brought about by the impact

face training (4 hours) to build knowledge

of COVID-19. We aimed to craft an offering

and confidence in using the Active Skills

that seamlessly complemented the delivery

for Life resources. The Active Skills for Life

of physical education rather than introducing

Award can be delivered to individuals from

additional complexity to PE lessons. However,

aged 14 years old upwards, offering a great

with the onset of the pandemic, there was

opportunity to develop leadership skills and

a significant shift in teachers’ priorities,

encourage volunteering in young people.

prompting us to reconsider our approach and

supported by Active Skills for Life Activators.

opening the resources up to a broader range

Who did you work with when creating the resources?

of activity providers both in curriculum time, extra-curricular activity and holiday camps.

We held collaborative sessions involving teachers, co-design in the development of Active Skills for

How can those interested in Active Skills for Life get involved and what does it cost?

Life. Additionally, we collaborated closely with

The Active Skills for Life offer ranges from

esteemed partners such as Youth Sport Trust,

completely free to £350 + VAT. Those

Sport England, Special Olympics GB, Mencap, as

wanting to find out more can visit the

well as our valued triathlon coaches and clubs,

Active Skills for Life website and register

to craft a dynamic and inclusive programme.

for whichever pack suits them best. ●

children, and school departments to prioritise

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

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Tackling obesity with skills Physical activity and fitness education plays a vital role in tackling the obesity crisis, says Dr Dane Vishnubala, Chief Medical Officer of Active IQ

besity is a growing issue that continues to cast its long shadow over the health of the UK, with effects extending beyond physical appearance. Cardiovascular

disease, diabetes and cancer are just a handful of the conditions associated with obesity. It also places a significant financial burden on the public purse too. According to the Tony Blair Institute, the cost of obesity to the UK has soared from £58bn in 2020 to £98bn in 2023. Modelling undertaken for the think tank by Frontier Economics also reveals that the annual costs to the NHS alone now stands at £19.2bn.

Dr Dane Vishnubala

However, obesity should not be just the NHS’s problem – it is imperative to recognise the pivotal role the physical

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

The physical activity sector has an opportunity to guide individuals toward healthier lifestyles

activity, fitness and wellness education sectors can play in addressing the crisis.

Understanding obesity and the role of systemic inflammation Obesity is a complex health issue linked to several conditions, but the key to alleviating a significant portion of its impact lies in reducing systemic inflammation as a result of higher levels of adipose tissue. If you can reduce the systemic inflammation, you reduce a big part of the risk. This is where the physical activity sector must embrace its responsibility in not only promoting exercise for weight control, but also in championing strategies that address systemic inflammation through nutrition.

It is imperative to recognise the pivotal role the physical activity, fitness and wellness education sectors can play in addressing the crisis SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

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While physical activity plays a crucial role, the nutrition element is of significant

The physical activity and wellbeing sector’s

importance for weight loss. Fitness and nutrition

commitment to combating obesity goes

are directly linked therefore our approach

beyond qualifications. While the new Active IQ

should shift from isolated interventions post-

Personal Training qualifications cover obesity

diagnosis to a holistic model where exercise

and nutrition specifically, it’s important we

aligns seamlessly with proper dietary habits.

recognise the role of continued skill development

Leisure centres often unwittingly contribute

amongst sports, physical activity and fitness

to the problem by offering poor-quality

professionals. This is particularly true of the soft

nutrition options. As stewards of wellbeing,

skills required to help create behaviour change

it is important that the industry scrutinises

among obese clients. Medical students have

and improves the nutrition landscape within

many of their conversations recorded to monitor

leisure establishments, ensuring that they

and develop their patient manner. Something

become true sanctuaries for health rather than

similar would be of use to exercise professionals.

unwitting contributors to the obesity crisis.

Exercise can play a crucial role in both prevention and recovery after surgery or illness

Encouraging individuals to make positive choices in exercise and nutrition requires a proactive, communitydriven approach 76

Closing the skills gap

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Proactive engagement Exercise referral schemes already exist up and down the country, often offering subsidised memberships to leisure centres and gyms and signposting those with an obesity diagnosis to some of the help available. However, this approach needs to be amplified. As an industry, we shouldn’t wait for medical professionals to direct people; leisure centres should intensify their efforts to target the main at-risk groups, thinking creatively about how to reach them, potentially through community hubs or places of worship which offer unique opportunities for engagement.

Exercise referral schemes exist up and down the country

The responsibility of signposting individuals towards health and fitness lies on the industry as a collective – a multifaceted approach is necessary involving a collaboration between healthcare professionals, fitness experts and community leaders.

A proactive collaboration for a healthier future Encouraging individuals to make positive choices in exercise and nutrition requires a proactive, community-driven approach – rather than relying on an already stretched NHS to signpost the options. As an industry, the physical activity sector has a unique opportunity to be at the forefront, guiding individuals toward healthier lifestyles. The fitness and fitness education sectors stand at the crossroads of a health crisis with the potential to be transformative forces in © PEXELS-ANTONI-SHKRABA

the fight against obesity. By acknowledging the combination of exercise, nutrition, and systemic inflammation, investing in continuous professional development, and actively engaging with at-risk communities, we can shift towards a healthier, more resilient society.

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

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IN CONVERSATION

MATT ROEBUCK

The Active Urbanist

You describe yourself as an “Active Urbanist” – what does the term mean?

At its simplest, urbanism is the study of how

Could you briefly outline your career journey that led you to do what you do today?

people interact with their built environment. There

I guess I’ve always been an inter- or multi-

are approaches such as ‘new urbanism’, which

disciplinarian and I’ve moved around

focuses on ‘human scale’ design by focusing on

different roles and functions across the

walkability, placemaking and public spaces. So

system to understand how they fit and the

the term is something I made up to describe

barriers and opportunities they present.

what I was trying to do, first with my Churchill

I first entered the sector as it was getting to

Fellowship and subsequently in my consultancy.

grips with the idea of data and insight. This was

I was concerned about how we’ve been

just before the Active Places database and I was

building sport, movement and activity out of

hand-drawing maps of Lincolnshire’s facilities and

the fabric of our neighbourhood. But as an

their drive times in an attempt to bring to life the

Active Urbanist I’m looking to support the

implications of the sport facilities strategy. I then

adaptation of sports to fit our built and natural

worked across a couple of Sport England regions,

environments and the adaptation of those built

as a relationship manager supporting the sector to

environments to invite movement and activity.

make sense of this data. When the regional offices

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

As an Active Urbanist I’m looking to support the adaptation of sports to fit our built and natural environments were closed I ended up in the research team – but I was always more interested in identifying the story

role with Eden Project Communities, I was focusing

the data was telling and helping people to apply it

on East London for London Sport. It became

rather than the research itself. I joined Birmingham

apparent that young people in these communities

City Council to work on the public health Be

could not access the facilities available, and we

Active campaign and to deliver a suite of facility

needed to think more about how to help them

strategies. After this, I was ready for a change,

make use of the spaces close to them. I realised

I wanted to travel and to teach myself to write,

this kind of narrative was something I’d worked

so I went around the world writing a book called

on constantly throughout my career and that led

‘The Other Olympics’ about international multi-

to my Churchill Fellowship. After then spending

sport events with a social identity and ended up

time in Oxfordshire’s public health system as

in Myanmar working as a journalist covering news

the Healthy Place Shaping Partner trying to help

and sport. There I saw how rapid urbanisation was

local authorities collaborate across community

accompanied by the loss of space to play and move.

activation, the built environment and new models

Back in London, after a brief communications

of care, I established the Active Urbanist.

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Roebuck wants all urban spaces to be inviting to formal or informal activity

P EOPLE

Active design in practice at Loughborough University

What do you “do” – what’s your day to day? At the moment, it’s quite emergent and varied. It included researching white papers and delivering spoken advocacy on active environments, but also reconsidering how we design sporting facilities

signs – while important – isn’t going to do much as

to encourage behaviour change toward activity.

that culture is now engrained. We need ‘Invitations

I’ve been developing projects with pan-European

to Play’, sometimes that will be through the

partners to deliver a community-led, strengths-

design of a space, sometimes through messaging

based approach to first activate a community and

around public space, and sometimes it will be

then help them re-imagine and re-design their

through physical activation of a space – for true

public spaces to sustain that activity. I’m working

effectiveness it’ll be a combination of all three.

with an Active Partnership who are keen to embed

But while I want all our spaces to be inviting

Active Environments work across their team and

to informal activity, I also think there is a need

wider system. I’m also talking to architects and

for a greater variety in the way our semi-formal

masterplanners about how I might help them as a

and formal sporting facilities are delivered and

critical friend or specialist in new developments,

that we need to think about the behaviour

regeneration sites and facilities, and that’s

change journey in the delivery of these and to

certainly something of which I’d like to do more.

soften the edges around them to make it easier to take small, accessible steps toward activity.

You advocate for more opportunities for people to access physical activity on their doorsteps. Does that mean more facilities or changing our built environments in general?

No I don’t, I’ve long joked that the biggest barrier

It certainly means a broader built and natural

to leisure centres is that little swing gate but there

environment that invites movement. We’re at a

is some truth in it. Sport grew as something we

point now where the removal of ‘No Ball Games’

did in our communities, in the spaces we had,

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Do you think purpose-built sports facilities are being designed accessible and inclusive enough?

If ‘tried and trusted’, cookie-cutter facilities aren’t delivering for communities, they’re not low-risk, they’re just low-work visible and accessible to all. Now it’s behind –

for performance athletes. If we are focused on

increasingly car-centric – purpose-built facilities,

increasing participation, beyond resource questions,

walls, fences and hedges that separate it from

there is an argument that the more space is needed,

the community. Those spaces are then built with

the lower the performance level. Planners need

the technical needs of the sport in mind, not the

to be empowered beyond the current statutory

human-scale needs of the potential participants.

process to ensure sports facilities are knitted into

Sport England’s Uniting the Movement is

our social fabric, not sit in isolation on the edge

underpinned by behaviour change theory –

of new developments – we need spaces to be

and a recognition that we need to address

overlooked, accessible, social and multi-functional.

people’s barriers and motivations to sport – so how do we design to address that, not just the technical needs of the sport? The theory of ‘legitimate peripheral participation’

What advice would you have for designers, construction companies and architects wanting to convince clients to try something different?

says that newcomers to an activity or community

Take those clients back to their purpose. Their

become members of that community by

purpose isn’t to build a sports hall. If it’s a local

participating in simple, low-risk tasks – in sport’s

authority, maybe they have a public health goal to

case this is by socialising on the sidelines, meeting

get inactive people active to live healthy lifestyles.

and waiting for friends, watching practice or

But whatever their purpose, if it involves trying to

a game, not by opening the sports hall doors

reach people who aren’t making use of existing

and being thrown straight onto court.

facilities then a cookie-cutter approach might

Sports facility design (and guidance) must

seem like the risk-averse approach, but as those

move beyond recommending larger sports halls

facilities aren’t delivering for those communities

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

Roebuck advocates for the people being able to access physical activity “on their doorsteps”

The current strategy models lack a sense of place, people or local purpose and fall foul of survivor bias

P EOPLE

now, it’s not low-risk, it’s just low-work. Inactivity is the obvious one but there are numerous other standards, requirements or local priorities that may give you the chance for provision that addresses a number of social goods. For instance, I’ve been playing around with the idea of a playing pitch that is not a flat

The Loughborough University’s active design principles were created by David Morley Architects

field of a mono-culture of grass. The addition of some mounds, planted with wildflowers/trees etc. could address nature & habitat targets, while

that don’t seem acute in the way others might

also providing a natural stand/shade/shelter for

look on the front pages. That means that it’s both

spectators or a protection from the wind for

incredibly important, but also incredibly difficult.

the football pitch. That way there is increased

other hooks in that local context that might allow

If you could introduce one new policy in order to create a positive impact and get more people more active, what would it be?

you to deliver more with the same (or with less).

Playing pitch and built facility strategies and

value in the provision for footballers, walkers, socialisers and the environment. What are the

facilities investment need a major realignment

What would you say to those investing in facilities, but want to play it safe by setting briefs that specify what they see as “tried and trusted”?

towards Sport England’s 10-year strategy

The same as above, but I might encourage them

not just the technical needs of a sport.

and mission of Uniting the Movement, focusing on behaviour change and inactivity

to talk to people with wider briefs, across the

The current strategy models lack a sense of

system – how does that facility connect into

place, people or local purpose and fall foul of

the active travel network, so you know young

survivor bias – we need strategies that can respond

people can access the facilities independently –

to local context and challenges with creativity

who else might benefit from that and therefore

and innovation and drive behaviour change.

may even support the brief/budget further?

Facility investment should be based on co-design. It must avoid designing facilities in consultation

Should the sport and physical activity sector make a case for exercise and play to be considered a critical service, so funding is ring-fenced at every level of government?

solely with (and for) people who already use those

However strong a case is made, in terms of return

or barriers for, the end users. Capital investment

on investment, that case is generally promising

must support pre-activation and other tactical

delivery in the medium to long-term and on issues

urbanist approaches that can be applied to sport. l

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

kinds of facilities. Or with people who have never engaged in the activities planned for the facility, as they wouldn’t understand the motivations of,

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P OLICY

STEPPING UP THE TECH Sports is employing technology in an increasingly wide range of areas, with AI predicted to become the next game-changer

rtificial Intelligence (AI) could be the next game-changer for sports, revolutionising how athletes train and compete, while also transforming the fan experience. From performance

analytics to injury prevention, AI is already making an indelible mark on the sporting landscape. Its use is also gradually entering the grassroots and community sphere, from amateur teams deploying basic analytics to improve their performances, to utilising booking systems which use AI to help monitor and manage facility usage.

Transformative intelligence The one notable area where AI has

perhaps already transformed sports most is in performance analysis. Teams and athletes now leverage advanced AI algorithms to scrutinise vast amounts of data collected during games and training sessions. This data-driven approach enables coaches to make informed decisions about strategy, player positioning, and tactics.

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

It is also used to determine results on the pitch. Hawk-Eye, a system widely used in tennis and cricket, employs AI to track ball trajectories with unmatched precision, settling contentious decisions. Injury prevention is another area in which AI is proving to play a pivotal role – especially when it comes to mitigating risks. Wearable devices equipped with AI algorithms monitor athletes’ biomechanics and detect subtle changes in movement patterns that may signal potential injuries. An example of this is how the National Football League (NFL) in the US employs the Catapult Sports system, which uses AI to track players’ physical metrics and provides real-time

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications, powered by AI algorithms, are now able to bring spectators closer to the action

insights to coaches and medical staff, helping prevent injuries and optimise training regimens. the National Basketball Association (NBA) has

Fans first

embraced NextVR to provide fans with immersive

The fan experience at sports is also undergoing

VR experiences, allowing them to virtually sit

a transformation thanks to AI. Virtual reality

courtside during games. This not only enhances

(VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications,

fan engagement but also opens up new revenue

streams for sports organisations. As AI develops

spectators closer to the action. For instance,

further, it is inevitable that the personalisation

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

AI and mobile technology are being used to enhance and create new fan experiences

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already seen in retail will enter sports. It won’t be long until each fan will be able to access a bespoke fan experience, tailored for their preferences. From the moment a fan enters a stadium arena, AI will be able to “kick into action” by using a facial recognition tool to provide a personalised welcome. Then, accessing the fan’s personal data – from past purchases at previous events and favourite teams to food and drink preferences – AI can be used to tailor an entire match-day experience without the need for “hosts” or stewards.

Tech developments Sports technology companies are currently spending vast amounts of time, money and effort to discover new ways of utilising AI. There are now plenty of exciting tech solutions being developed, in which AI plays at least a small part…

● Passport365 Passport 365 is a tool developed and crafted specifically for the sports industry. It has been designed to allow facility owners and operators to take control and manage their venues. From creating maintenance schedules to managing bookings, Passport 365 aims to streamline all operations of sports and leisure facilities on one system. Its main USP, however, is how it organises and monitors maintenance schedules for facilities with synthetic surfaces – a crucial

Sports technology companies are currently spending vast amounts of time, money and effort to discover new ways of utilising AI

surface. The tool has been designed to provide full integration between manufacturers, installers, maintainers and the facility itself, collating historical, current and predictive maintenance information for all types of synthetic surfaces. Featuring online and offline functionality, all pertinent information and reports relating to the facility can also be reported as the maintenance visit is taking place utilising live-stream monitoring technology. The data can then be accessed securely, anywhere at anytime from a dedicated client portal app.

● Bookteq Bookteq is a tool for venue managers, designed

and created by Playfinder, a marketplace for Passport 365 has a variety of uses

SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JAN/FEB 2024

booking sports facilities. Playfinder connects players with a range of facilities from football

Bookteq has been designed to help community venues manage their facilities

pitches, tennis courts, and indoor sports halls

● Fitronics

to a number of other types of venues.

Fitronics specialises in providing software for

Bookteq aims to make the day-to-day managing

the sport, physical activity and fitness industries.

of a venue as seamless as possible. It can be

The tech firm has a portfolio of software brands,

used to organise and track everything from

each dedicated to specific operations.

online bookings, payment plans and approvals

The branded solutions include Coursepro, a

to live dashboards and the reporting of facility

sports course management software. Launched in

utilisation and financial performance.

2009 as swimming lesson management software

The system can be used to automate

– in the back-office of a Somerset leisure centre

important but time-consuming administrative

by a lifeguard and his computer-coder friend –

processes, while ensuring the venue operator

CoursePro has grown and developed over the

still has full control of operations.

past decade and can now be used to manage any

“Our cloud-based software is designed to

sport qualification. Other solutions provided by

make running and managing your venue, spaces

Fitronics include customer engagement software

and sports facilities much easier,” Bookteq

TRP; Strive, designed to help governing bodies and

says. “It is the complete sports facility booking

larger operators deliver sport in a more engaging

software and management system which can

way; and WAM, an asset management, maintenance

help you save time and grow revenue.”

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