“The role of the Groundsman cannot be underestimated and I am always impressed by their dedication and skill”
Keith Dalton, UEFA Venue Director
seater capable of hosting 70,000 fans, one thing they nearly always have in common is a high quality pitch and the pride and care of the Groundsman in his work.
The UEFA Champions League is the ultimate stage for the world’s most talented players. The success of the competition is built upon meticulous planning, organisation and excellence in every area. Each match must run with the precision of a Swiss watch so that broadcasters, sponsors and, most importantly, the fans and players can be guaranteed optimum conditions. On a match night few things are more important to a player than the quality of the pitch. For each of the 125 matches of the
UEFA Champions League, as well as the aforementioned officials, a ‘venue team’ composed of four people arrives two days before the match in order to work in partnership with the home club in preparing the event. Event is the correct word since there are so many aspects surrounding the match, including worldwide broadcasting, media activities, sponsorship, ticketing, hospitality and logistics.
The person with the responsibility for ensuring the overall implementation of the UEFA Champions League concept at a stadium is known as the Venue Director. For everything to run smoothly, good communication and strong relationships with all those involved is essential. There is one key person in particular who has the power to influence the all important pitch for the smooth preparation of the players, and that is the Groundsman. The value of this role cannot be underestimated and I am always impressed by his dedication and
skill along with that of his staff. I am also amazed each time I see a pitch that is played on twice a week still looking like it was freshly laid that morning. A good understanding with
the Groundsman can make things so much easier. For instance, a precise watering schedule is crucial to the planning of television activities, ceremony rehearsals and inspections. From personal experience, I know it is far better to be in his good books than not, or you risk a sudden shower at just the wrong moment!
Finishing touches at Old Trafford
Arsenal v Sevilla at the Emirates
Of course, not everything always goes according to plan. A delicate pitch and heavy rain the night before a game can threaten the training session of the visiting team. Because of the need for visiting teams to familiarise themselves with the stadium and pitch, this session is only moved to another ground if it will really have consequences for the game the following day. From the point of view of the home club and Groundsman the pitch, of course, needs to last beyond match day and a conflict of interests occasionally arises. Most of the time a compromise is found and teams agree to train only in certain areas of the pitch or for less time. This is often facilitated by the Groundsman himself who will establish a contact with the visitors. To conclude, the success of the UEFA Champions League, and other European competitions, is the result of a
The 2007 final between AC Milan and Liverpool
partnership between many people and organisations all working to support football.
On behalf of UEFA, I would like to thank all those who dedicate their time and efforts to providing the high standard of pitches that we see across Europe today.
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