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Site Manager Dr. Carolyn Webb broadcasts from Round Robin in 2023.

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European Turfgrass Laboratories (ETL) is a physical soil testing facility headquartered in Scotland, renowned for its comprehensive analysis of natural surfaces including golf courses, football pitches, racecourses, and beyond. We take pride in announcing the expansion of our laboratory to enhance client service and satisfaction.

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FIFA Pitch Research Field Day United States

FIFA organized a gathering in Tennessee as a component of one of its multi-year initiatives. Labosport was delighted to send staff to participate in the FIFA Pitch Research Field Day, including Keith Mcauliffe with Labosport Australia, Craig Parry and Darren Symonds with PSD/TGMS UK and, Dr. Baoxin Chang with Thomas Turf Services, USA.

The event began with a comprehensive series of seminars covering topics vital for the success of World Cup events.

Seminar 1 provided insights into the preparations for the 1994 World Cup, emphasizing the innovative use of indoor low-light facilities and the management of turf under such conditions. The upcoming World Cup in 2026 was highlighted for its unprecedented scale and the challenges posed by ensuring uniformity and consistency across multiple venues. Specific standards for stadium construction were outlined, including requirements for natural grass surfaces, integrated irrigation systems, and advanced pitch technologies.

Seminar 2 focused on disease scouting, emphasizing the importance of understanding the disease triangle and implementing effective management strategies to minimize disease presence. Key pathogens for different grass species were identified, along with cultural and chemical control practices.

Seminar 3 addressed herbicides and plant growth regulators (PGRs), emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate chemicals for turf management while avoiding those that may inhibit turf establishment or cause long-term damage.

Seminar 4 delved into irrigation and sustainability practices, showcasing FIFA’s efforts to promote water conservation and encourage better irrigation techniques within the industry. Various irrigation auditing and scheduling techniques were discussed, along with the benefits and challenges of using recycled water for irrigation.

The day concluded with a series of practical demonstrations and discussions at a research facility, covering topics such as ball-surface interactions, hybrid carpet systems, flex testing, and the concept of shallow root profiles. The following day was intended to include a tour of Neyland Stadium but was impacted by rain, leading to more networking opportunities and roundtable discussions on World Cup organization, field testing, and carpet systems.

The event provided valuable insights into the latest research and best practices in turf management, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and sustainability of playing surfaces for FIFA tournaments.

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Water is vital to the long-term future of sports pitches. Managing it efficiently is a major challenge if we are to reconcile performance, sustainability, and respect for the environment.

Our agronomists, Pierre Decap from Labosport and Pierre Roussel from Labosol, share their expertise and advice to help you understand the issues involved in good irrigation.

On the programme:

1. The challenges of irrigation

2. The rational irrigation method

3. Example of a complete diagnosis

4. Conclusions

5. Questions and answers

Download more information here.

If you’d like to speak with us, please visit our CONTACT US page.

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Professor David James, CEO of Labosport Group, is a Director and Fellow of the (ISEA) International Sports Engineering Association and has been continuously involved with the organization since 2002.

This year’s ISEA conference, in its 15th year, reaffirmed its status as the premier global gathering for sports engineering research, attracting top academic researchers, industry leaders, and representatives from prestigious sports federations such as FIFA, World Rugby, International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the International Tennis Federation .

The focus on sport surfaces was a highlight of the conference where David James chaired several sessions, showcasing groundbreaking research. Notably, the collaborative work between Loughborough University and Labosport on the rotational traction test for synthetic turf, led by Harry McGowen, was presented. This innovative research promises to enhance the safety and efficiency of sports surfaces.

Professor David James and Professor Paul Fleming also presented a paper on their work with the FIH regarding the step change to using ‘dry’ turf for elite level play in field hockey. David Rigby and Carolyn Webb, both with Labosport UK, were also in attendance, taking advantage of the opportunity to engage with the latest advancements and networking with leading experts in the field.

For those interested in exploring the research further, full peer-reviewed papers are available here:
Springer Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12283-023-00426-4
Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-48134-0

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Labosport UK Celebrates 20 Years in the United Kingdom!

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Labosport Consultant Louis Keeley highlights the key benefits of hiring a consultant.

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Recently, Labosport UK’s Phil Keeley and Bob Froud were honored at the 60th anniversary celebration of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. The main exhibition highlighted their remarkable journey from the early GLC days to their current involvement with Labosport.

Phil and Bob, long-time contributors to London’s athletics scene, began their journey in the late 1970s with the GLC Scientific Services Branch. During their tenure, which lasted until the GLC’s abolition in 1986, they were responsible for maintaining and overseeing numerous tracks across London, including West London Stadium, Parliament Hill Fields, Barnet Copthall, New River, Mile End Park, Battersea Park, and the prestigious Crystal Palace track.

Their connection to Crystal Palace extends even further back. Their former boss was instrumental in the installation of the original Tartan track at Crystal Palace in 1968. Tartan, a pioneering brand of rubberized synthetic athletics surfaces, marked a significant shift away from traditional ‘all-weather’ tracks, which were typically made of cinder and stone.

After leaving the GLC, Phil and Bob continued their work in consultancy. Today, they continue their legacy with Labosport, with Phil recently overseeing the latest round of repairs.

Phil and Bob, the recent 60th anniversary celebration at Crystal Palace was a wonderful reminder of your remarkable journey, and it’s clear that your contributions have had a lasting impact.

From all of us at Labosport Group, congratulations on all your achievements.

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