Going for Gold on Warwick Pitches

Charlie Yeomans, Head Groundsman at Warwick University, is delighted with the performance of their Olympic training pitches in the run up to and during the Olympic games.

The University had allocated four of its 14 pitches, plus one reserve, to the Olympic football teams for the duration of the competition.

"I would award a gold medal for the performance of these pitches," says Charlie "We have seen two training sessions every day over the last three weeks and the condition of the grass is superb with fast, excellent recovery following play."

Preparation began last year with the university hiring in equipment to maintain the pitches to FIFA International Standards.

One machine was the Campey Imants Shockwave 2.10mtr to relieve any compaction, improve aeration and allow more efficient drainage of any surface water.

Charlie uses MM60 rye grass to produce a strong hardy sward and sows it with the Vredo 218 Super Compact Overseeder with its accurate seed placement resulting in fantastic germination rates. "We were fortunate to complete these processes before the worst of the weather hit," says Charlie. "It has given us a tremendous base to work with."

Teams have been coming in twice a day for two-hour sessions prior to the matches at Coventry Stadium.

When asked if he has enjoyed watching the Olympic teams train, Charlie replies: "I have been so focused on divotting, mowing and re-instating for the next session that I haven't taken much notice of which teams were playing."

Warwick University has taken delivery of an Imants Shockwave and a Vredo Compact Overseeder to maintain the gold standard for future Olympians.

Campey Turf Care Systems is one of Europe's largest independent grounds care machinery suppliers, and over the years Campeys have earned a reputation for offering practical advice and superb aftercare service.

The company acts as a new equipment dealer for some of the most respected grounds care machinery manufacturers including Dakota, Imants, Koro, Raycam, Vredo and Omarv.

The company also has a thriving used machinery business and a subsidiary company, Tines Direct, which supplies replacement tines, blades and replacement parts for a wide range of turf care machinery.

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