Foxes launch Sports Turf Academy

Leicester City FC has launched its Sports Turf Academy (STA).

Based at the Club’s new training facility in Seagrave, north Leicestershire, the STA aims to inspire the next generation of sports turf students by offering an elite training environment, with access to the latest technology and expertise.

The Academy is built around four pillars – Education & Training, Technical Services, Tournament Support and Trials & Research – to support the development, diversification and professionalisation of the sports turf industry.

Through the STA Technical Services pillar, improvements will be made to grassroots football pitches. With grassroots football set to receive almost £550M of Government funding over the coming years to make playing surfaces safer, the STA says it will set a new standard in pitch improvement and offer tailored advice to grassroots clubs to maximise the potential of their funds.

Tournament Support will come in the form of seasonal staff the STA will make available to venues hosting turf-based sporting events. As well as ensuring venues meet and exceed exacting standards set by governing bodies, the programme is aimed at enabling professional development and the cross-sport sharing of best practice.

The STA’s fourth pillar of Trials and Research will focus on the innovation and emerging technologies entering the sports turf industry.

Leicester City’s head of sports turf and grounds, John Ledwidge, said: “The Sports Turf Academy can become a truly progressive asset for the entire sports turf industry – a hub of innovation and professional development right here in Leicester.

“Its model is designed to optimise research and development in an applied setting, while providing high standards in service across the sector. Our aim is to be world leaders in the training and education of the current and next generation of sports turf and grounds staff, while applying that learning to live working environments.

“This is a fantastic industry in which young people can consider a career and we’re passionate about supporting that journey, while giving something back to stakeholders in our communities and in the sports turf sector.”