souters - LJN Blog Posts - Landscape Juice Network2024-03-29T10:56:32Zhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/soutersSouters Sports to Exhibit At BTME 2015https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-to-exhibit-at-btme-20152014-11-27T15:26:25.000Z2014-11-27T15:26:25.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Souters Sports, one of the UK’s leading specialist sportsturf contractors, has announced that it will be exhibiting at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in Harrogate from 20th-22nd January 2015 on stand C2.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314727235?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314727235?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>Renowned for providing sports ground construction, land drainage and sports pitch renovation services of the highest quality. The company caters for clients of all sizes, however large or small.</p><p>Serving a wide range of sports turf services, Souters Sports have spent a number of years assembling a first-class team consisting of proven, talented professionals trained in all aspects of golf course construction. Combined with a significant and on-going investment in market leading equipment, it is easy to see why more and more course managers are now turning to Souters Sports.</p><p>The team has proven its experience and expertise at a variety of golf clubs including The Dukes in St Andrews, Cruden Bay, Gleneagles, De Vere Carden Park, Fairfield Golf Club and Loch Lomonds Dundonald Golf Course amongst others. In addition, the team has two shapers with over 30 years’ experience, who have an esteemed reputation of shaping architects and committees’ visions alike.</p><p>A number of the company’s experienced staff will be on hand at BTME to advise industry professionals on any construction, drainage or irrigation-related issues.</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Sixth Year of Seamless Improvements at Stoke City FChttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/sixth-year-of-seamless-improvements-at-stoke-city-fc2014-11-11T08:58:16.000Z2014-11-11T08:58:16.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Premiership football club Stoke City continues to see improvements at its 8-pitch Clayton Wood training complex, thanks to specialist contractor Souters Sports.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314688629?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314688629?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>As part of an annual on-going renovation project carried out by Souters Sports, slit drainage at two-metre centres was installed this summer on the club’s first team pitches, similar to that laid last year on the U21’s/18’s match pitch. The academy area had further investment with the Koro slit drain.</p><p>“The idea of supplementing the pitches’ main drainage with a slit system is to help keep them in play even in the wettest winter conditions. It’s important we have the contact from the top of the surface to the drain so we get the most out of the infiltration rates,” said Stoke City head groundsman Andrew Jackson.</p><p>The club’s heavy and daily use of its training complex means yearly close season refurbishment is essential, and it gives an opportunity to upgrade the surfaces. Souters Sports’ work at Clayton Wood, now in its sixth year, is a four-phase operation on a strict timetable which ensures continuous availability of some of the soil-based pitches during the latter stages of the season and guaranteed that the two first team pitches were ready for the start of the season.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314690405?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314690405?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-right"/></a></p><p>The contractor’s Koro machines stripped 70,000 square metres of turf systematically from all of the pitches on the complex, followed by Koro slit draining or injected sand bands across all pitches, followed by the usual Verti-draining, topdressing all 70,000m² of land before re-seeding of all surfaces with the 100 per cent ryegrass mix with Limagrain’s MM60 which is known for its rapid germination and disease resistance. All eight pitches were re-seeded in four directions: three ways by disc seeding and one by dimple seeding.</p><p>Souter Sports in-house workforce was on site seven days a week until completion. Mark Higgs was in charge of the project for the contractors, who also worked in conjunction with the club’s pitch advisers PSD.</p><p>“The depth of the sward on the academy pitches with their new slit drainage is excellent, as it is on all eight of the pitches at Clayton Wood,” said Andrew.</p><p>“All the pitches looked and played superbly from the off. Yet again Souters did a great job for us in a very tight specified schedule.”</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Red Dragons Have Pitch Fit for Internationals Thanks to Souters Sportshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/red-dragons-have-pitch-fit-for-internationals-thanks-to-souters2014-10-17T12:18:13.000Z2014-10-17T12:18:13.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Conference football club Wrexham has a new pitch at its Racecourse Ground to match their ambitions of getting back into the Football League and one fit for international duty once more. Contractor Souters Sports was given the job of upgrading a playing surface that had never before had a major upgrade and responded to the call for action at very short notice.</p><p>The stadium is now officially the Glyndwr University Racecourse Ground, since ownership passed to the University in 2011 after Wrexham FC survived Administration. The new pitch is part of a £300,000 facelift with the ultimate aim of restoring its UEFA classification to host international matches, which has dipped in recent years.</p><p>As well as cash support from the football club, which is now owned by its fans, funding for the project came from the Welsh FA, the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, and the Rugby Football League, with the latter supporting the interests of the North Wales Crusaders, which these days uses the ground for its February to September home fixtures.</p><p>The ground was closed for two months while work on the pitch, floodlighting and changing rooms was completed.</p><p>“John Bowie and the Souters Sports team had barely seven weeks to do an amazing amount of work on our pitch,” said head groundsman Paul Chaloner. “They did everything asked of them on time, even though a week was lost at the outset due to bad weather. Our pitch has been transformed. Everyone here is delighted.”</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314189144?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314189144?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>Two winters of waterlogging and lost fixtures meant a major drainage re-fit had become essential. Clay drains laid many years ago were no longer doing the job and one of Souters Sports’ main tasks was to design and install a system of upvc lateral drains at 5-metre intervals with sand-slit drains overlaying these to accommodate the 105 x 68 metre pitch.</p><p>After Koro stripping 25mm of the existing turf surface, bulldozers and laser leveling took out the length of the field camber, an outdated and now totally unsuccessful means of draining the surface. For the first time football – and rugby – is being played on a flat pitch and one that will deal with any amount of rainfall.</p><p>Four hundred tons of sand was added to the soil base for leveling before Germinal Seeds’ Rapid Sports Renovator mix was used for re-seeding. By the end of July the sward was sturdy enough to be used for the first time by a briefly exiled Crusader’s for their home match against Workington. It has since seen out their season and continues to look and play immaculately for Wrexham FC as they begin their campaign for promotion.</p><p>Also installed by Souters Sports was an automatic Hunter irrigation system, replacing the labour intensive, hit-and-miss hosepipe and connector method Paul had been compelled to use in his seven years at the Racecourse Ground. A dedicated pump house and 20 sprinklers now do the job, much to the appreciation of players and ground staff.</p><p>The ground celebrates its 150th year this season and is actually the world’s oldest international football stadium. There is a genuine confidence that the new pitch will go a long way to encouraging the Welsh FA to bring its national teams back there.</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Souters Sports Construct Two Pitches for Sandal Rugby Clubhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-construct-two-pitches-for-sandal-rugby-club-22014-07-24T14:40:20.000Z2014-07-24T14:40:20.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Sandal Rugby Club in Wakefield, Yorkshire has entered a new exciting era in their long history with two new pitches constructed by Souters Sports, one of the UK’s leading natural sportsturf contractors.</p><p>Following a competitive tendering process, the contractor worked closely alongside consultant John Hacker from Professional Sportsturf Design (NW), with funding coming from the Rugby Football Union. Souters worked on the site using their specialist sports surface construction expertise, machinery and technical knowledge to deliver the project on time and on budget.</p><p>After spraying off the area, the area was then ploughed, subsoiled and cultivated. The areas were then trimmed with a level frame utilising the current topsoil depths to grade out any undulations. A mains and lateral drainage system was then installed followed by Koro Top Drain Sand Slits by Souters’ in-house team.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314159546?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314159546?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>The area was then finally cultivated and trimmed using specialist rota rakes in several directions to provide an even seed bed. As a specialist contractor, Souters Sports takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and was committed to ensuring the project was developed in a sustainable way.</p><p>Wherever possible, all material was retained on the site and special attention given to retaining the biodiversity of the area, helping to reduce the financial and environmental impact of the project. Special care was taken during the project to maintain two public footpaths during the works with fencing and signage to protect the public.</p><p>After the final cultivations and pre-seeding fertiliser application, the site was then seeded. Both pitches are expected to be used for light use from November 2013 onwards before both being brought into full use for the 2014/15 season. Souters Sports will be carrying out the initial marking of the pitches and installing new goals at the end of October. Careful planning of the project and communication with local farmers for an alternative access route to the site maximised the use of equipment and labour and dramatically reduced the programme to just six weeks.</p><p>“Souters Sports were very professional throughout the project and the works were completed to a high standard,” said John Hacker of PSD. “We have an excellent working relationship with them. They managed to complete the project in a tight time-frame and their continued attention to detail is very impressive.”</p><p>Robert Heath, Contracts Director at Souters Sports said: “The quality of the work we do is a direct result of the skill and attention to detail of our dedicated in-house staff, plus our continual commitment to investing in state-of-the-art specialist equipment.”</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Souters Sports Construct Two Pitches for Sandal Rugby Clubhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-construct-two-pitches-for-sandal-rugby-club-12014-07-24T14:40:18.000Z2014-07-24T14:40:18.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Sandal Rugby Club in Wakefield, Yorkshire has entered a new exciting era in their long history with two new pitches constructed by Souters Sports, one of the UK’s leading natural sportsturf contractors.</p><p>Following a competitive tendering process, the contractor worked closely alongside consultant John Hacker from Professional Sportsturf Design (NW), with funding coming from the Rugby Football Union. Souters worked on the site using their specialist sports surface construction expertise, machinery and technical knowledge to deliver the project on time and on budget.</p><p>After spraying off the area, the area was then ploughed, subsoiled and cultivated. The areas were then trimmed with a level frame utilising the current topsoil depths to grade out any undulations. A mains and lateral drainage system was then installed followed by Koro Top Drain Sand Slits by Souters’ in-house team.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314159546?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314159546?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>The area was then finally cultivated and trimmed using specialist rota rakes in several directions to provide an even seed bed. As a specialist contractor, Souters Sports takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and was committed to ensuring the project was developed in a sustainable way.</p><p>Wherever possible, all material was retained on the site and special attention given to retaining the biodiversity of the area, helping to reduce the financial and environmental impact of the project. Special care was taken during the project to maintain two public footpaths during the works with fencing and signage to protect the public.</p><p>After the final cultivations and pre-seeding fertiliser application, the site was then seeded. Both pitches are expected to be used for light use from November 2013 onwards before both being brought into full use for the 2014/15 season. Souters Sports will be carrying out the initial marking of the pitches and installing new goals at the end of October. Careful planning of the project and communication with local farmers for an alternative access route to the site maximised the use of equipment and labour and dramatically reduced the programme to just six weeks.</p><p>“Souters Sports were very professional throughout the project and the works were completed to a high standard,” said John Hacker of PSD. “We have an excellent working relationship with them. They managed to complete the project in a tight time-frame and their continued attention to detail is very impressive.”</p><p>Robert Heath, Contracts Director at Souters Sports said: “The quality of the work we do is a direct result of the skill and attention to detail of our dedicated in-house staff, plus our continual commitment to investing in state-of-the-art specialist equipment.”</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Souters Sports Complete Drainage Works at North Wales Golf Clubhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-complete-drainage-works-at-north-wales-golf-club-12014-06-11T07:54:34.000Z2014-06-11T07:54:34.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Drainage works carried out by leading sports turf contractor, Souters Sports, at North Wales Golf Club have recently been completed and delivered beneficial results to the club.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314220635?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314220635?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>Set in the seaside town of Llandudno with excellent views over the Conwy estuary and the Snowdonia Mountain range, North Wales Golf Club is a true Championship Links course, having previously hosted the Welsh Team Championships.</p><p>The 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th holes had historically always suffered from poor drainage. However, the rest of the course is typically links on sand and drains well. Using specialist trenching machines to cut minimum-width drainage trenches to a laser controlled depth and grade; the contractor laid main and lateral drains to allow rainwater to drain freely and quickly.</p><p>“It’s a links course with a clay base which is below sea level. The wet winter we saw last year brought drainage problems to a head on several badly-draining fairways,” said Head Greenkeeper Stuart Macdonald. “Since the drainage works have been completed, it’s actually been reasonable dry, but when it has rained; the drainage has been good.</p><p>“Souters’ in house labour and plant combined with the standard of their work throughout the whole project were exceptional,” said Stuart. “Some of the machinery they have is very large, but when weather conditions were not suitable, it was kept off the course, ensuring no disruption or damage was caused.”</p><p>Souters Sports has completed extensive drainage projects on many other golf courses around the country including Gleneagles, the venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup.</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Cancelled Games a Thing of the Past for Rugby Club Thanks To Souters Sportshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/cancelled-games-a-thing-of-the-past-for-rugby-club-thanks-to2014-05-15T09:30:24.000Z2014-05-15T09:30:24.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Players at Wirral Rugby Club on Merseyside are benefiting from the recently completed drainage works by leading natural sportsturf contractor Souters Sports.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314221056?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314221056?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>The specialist contractor, based in both Cumbernauld, just north of Glasgow and Knutsford in Cheshire, was awarded the project after a competitive tender process following the club's drainage problems that they had on one of their pitches and also training area/cricket outfield which used to get waterlogged and resulted in numerous cancelled games.</p><p>The works included the piped drainage and sand slitting of the first XV pitch and cricket outfield.</p><p>Sand topdressing, verti-draining, weed control, overseeding and fertiliser application completed the work at the club, which was completed on budget and within the tight time schedule.</p><p>In addition Souters Sports helped to source and supply a new galvenized spectator fence to surround the pitch and also made sockets to allow one side to be taken down during the cricket season.</p><p>Souters Sports' in house labour and specialist drainage plant combined with their ability to provide a high quality service was a key factor in securing the contract and working with leading independent sportsturf consulting agronomy company, Professional Sportsturf Design (NW) on yet another successfully completed project.</p><p>Souters Sports are firmly established as one of the UK’s leading specialist sportsturf contractors providing sports ground construction, land drainage and sports pitch renovation services. Founded in 2000 by Managing Director Stewart Aird, the company has benefited from a policy of continual investment, expansion and diversification with experience ranging from national stadiums to local authority sports pitches.</p><p>Six senior sides, an under-21‘s, Colts’ and Junior Colts’ sides and a flourishing Mini Rugby Section all play at the Old Wirralians’ Association Memorial Ground and since the drainage works have been completed; have not complained of one cancelled game.</p><p>The company has recently completed extensive drainage projects at some of the UK’s top venues including Gleneagles, the venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup.</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Souters Sports to Offer Free Pitch Inspectionshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-to-offer-free-pitch-inspections2014-04-04T08:58:18.000Z2014-04-04T08:58:18.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>As part of Souters Sports continual investment in ensuring that clients receive the highest level of customer service, the contractor will now be offering free no-obligation pitch inspections.</p><p>Souters Sports have the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to provide complete refurbishment or simple and effective maintenance procedures to any playing surface. With packages available to suit all budgets, Souters Sports can assess your needs promptly and efficiently.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314203301?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314203301?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>A member of the Souters Sports team will visit your facility to carry out the free inspection and then provide a written report. This will advise the groundsman or facility manager with the options available to improve and maintain the playing surface.</p><p>Souters Sports offer several maintenance packages from aerations to over seeding – all designed to relieve the stress and strain caused by seasonal use on the playing surface.</p><p>The contractor is firmly established as one of the UK’s leading specialist sports turf contractors, providing sports ground construction, land and sports pitch renovation services. They have experience ranging from national stadiums to local authority sports pitches, but their expertise is not confined to sports facilities; in recent years the company has designed and constructed nature reserves, wildlife habitats, reservoirs, lakes and ponds throughout the UK. The core business of Souters Sports is land drainage, sports ground construction, golf course development / upgrading and natural turf maintenance.</p><p>Your pitch is a living breathing part of the club. With help from Souters Sports, you can provide the care it needs.</p><p>Book your free pitch inspection now by contacting Gary Cunningham, the Souters Sports business development manager on 07712 394 153 or email gary@souterssports.co.uk</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Souters Sports Announce Three New Appointmentshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-announce-three-new-appointments2014-03-13T09:38:06.000Z2014-03-13T09:38:06.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>As part of its plan to significantly increase business and provide customers with the highest level of expertise and service, Souters Sports, a specialist sports ground contractor, has announced the appointment of three new members of staff.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314195247?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314195247?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>Gareth Rogers, Gary Cunningham and Ross Kennedy all join the contractor with immediate effect. Souters Sports felt it was time to add further experience to their team in both Scotland and England.</p><p>Gareth joins as Business Development Manager for Scotland, Gary joins as Business Development Manager for England whilst Ross joins as Contracts Manager covering both regions.</p><p>Gareth Joins Souters Sports having previously been a greenkeeper for almost twenty years which included working at Gleneagles, home of the 2014 Ryder Cup. Gary joins with similar experience, having previously been head greenkeeper at the Club de Golf Son Parc in Menorca, Spain, home of the winter school for the LPGA European Tour before moving to an irrigation and drainage specialist.</p><p>Ross joins the company as part of the company’s continued commitment to growth by offering more services to a wider customer base. With a background in soil retention and specialist retaining walls, Ross’ experience working for another contractor on a range of natural and artificial facilities at large scale BSF projects and sports colleges will be invaluable.</p><p>Commenting on the appointments, Souters Sports Contracts Director Robert Heath said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Gareth, Gary and Ross on board. All three of them will be valuable additions to the Souters Sports team as we continue to grow the business. Their expertise and experience, having previously worked in the sportsturf industry, will help us achieve our goal of providing the best service for our customers."</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www,souterssports.co.uk" target="_blank">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Souters Sports Complete Rhys Jones Community Pitcheshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-complete-rhys-jones-community-pitches2014-02-20T10:06:44.000Z2014-02-20T10:06:44.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Souters Sports, one of the UK’s leading natural sportsturf contractors have recently completed the regeneration of the Rhys Jones sports pitches in Croxteth, Liverpool.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314192295?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314192295?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-left"/></a>The Rhys Jones sports pitches are in memory of Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones, who was tragically murdered on his way back from football practice in August 2007 near his Croxteth home. The project is extremely close to the communities’ heart, with a trust being created to raise money for the project within the community, it rose over £250,000 in donations and the city council also provided in excess of £250,000 to finalise the project.</p><p>The project required a complete regeneration of the existing open playing field to include two artificial sports pitches. Playrite Conqueror 3G carpet surface was chosen, which also included floodlights and 3m high fencing, car parking and a community centre building with a range of different rooms to accommodate for different functions and events.</p><p>The works consisted of the installation of 168m of piped drainage system to accommodate both artificial sports pitches and the car park. All surface water was retained on site and discharged back into the ground water table via a soakaway. As well as 900 tonnes of type one stone to form a dynamic base, changing rooms, meeting room, reception and management office, male and female toilets and an accessible WC, hard and soft landscaping (including featured pavers band to entrance), five bicycle bays, multi-use function room external refuge storage and an external canopy zone.</p><p>It was important for Souters Sports to hold regular meetings with the trust members and the local community members due to the sensitivity of the project.</p><p>Robert Heath, contracts director at Souters Sports said: “The Centre was always designed with children in mind and the trust is proud that they are providing free coaching and assistance. Souters Sports are proud to have constructed the new facilities in memory of Rhys and look forward to the centre being used for many years to come.”<br/> The facility is now being run by the trust and is already servicing some of the community’s needs with groups utilising the facilities for meetings and events. The centre has already become an ideal spot for children’s football and dance parties.</p><p>Mark Mac Coughlin Centre Manager said, “The pitches are up to 60% usage and everyone is commenting on how good the surface is. We are very thankful to the good work done by Souters Sports.”</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Souters Sports Invest in New Innovative Fleethttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-invest-in-new-innovative-fleet2014-01-14T14:47:45.000Z2014-01-14T14:47:45.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Leading sports ground contractor, Souters Sports, has continued its policy of investing in state of the art equipment with the purchase of two MAN TGX 26.440 lorries. The two Lorries have been bought for their reliability and efficiency.</p><p>Winner of several coveted prizes in international long-haul transport, the MAN TGX is best in class. The TGX Efficient Line is designed consistently for consumption reduction and provides ultimate efficiency in long-haul transport being robust, economical and reliable.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314186768?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314186768?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>Souters Sports Contracts Director, Robert Heath, said that they feel the MAN TGX is the perfect choice for them, “In the current market place we need reliability along with efficiency and service so we have opted to partner MAN with a repair and maintenance contract to reduce downtime and in-house costs.”</p><p>The MAN TGX uses up to three litres less fuel consumption over 100 km compared to a standard vehicle, reducing costs and protecting the environment. It is the ideal solution for economic and environmentally friendly long-haul transport as well as this it is a great advertising opportunity for Souters Sport as Robert explains: “Our lorries are always travelling the length and breadth of the country and with our new livery, you won’t be able to miss them.”</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk" target="_blank">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Tree-mendous Environmental Project Completed by Souters Sportshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/tree-mendous-environmental-project-completed-by-souters-sports2013-12-04T11:26:27.000Z2013-12-04T11:26:27.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Souters Sports, one of the UK’s leading natural sportsturf contractors, has recently completed the natural habitat at Bluebell Park School in Knowsley, Cheshire with an ambitious planting scheme which saw the addition of over 4,000 trees and over 20,000 shrubs, plants and bulbs planted.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314177990?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314177990?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-left"/></a>Bluebell Park is a new 185 place school providing primary, secondary and post 16 facilities for students with special educational needs. Facilities include learner and hydrotherapy pools, sports and performance halls, outside play areas, sensory/horticultural gardens and multi-use games area.</p><p>The initiative was part of an environmental commitment that has seen the implement of an on-going conservation programme at the school. The contract was won by tender and also included distributing top soil to various areas for planting, seeding and also raised plant beds, soft landscaping and drainage of the existing sports fields.</p><p>Working alongside main contractors Balfour Beatty, Souters Sports in-house team oversaw the planting of over 20,000 trees, shrubs, plants and bulbs to a variety of areas.</p><p>“We’ve worked with Balfour Beatty on numerous projects in the past”, said Souters Sports Contracts Director Robert Heath. “We’ve recently completed eight sportsfield projects across Merseyside alone working with them so we have a good working relationship.</p><p>“This project wasn’t without its challenges, but rather than the wet weather which hampered so many other projects last year; it wasn’t the case here. We had a tight timescale to complete the planting and access was very restricted with the school being kept open throughout the project”.</p><p>Communication was also key factor with all contractors involved in keeping the project on schedule. Robert explains: “The species of plant changed several times throughout the project because of concerns with allergy or the students eating them. We had a close liaison with Balfour Beatty, the Architect and the school to find alternatives which were safe to the students. Also, the specification of trees changed which meant the size of them increased to meet strict planting regulations”.</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk" target="_blank">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.twitter.com/SoutersSports" target="_blank">@SoutersSports</a></p></div>Souters Sports Construct Two Pitches for Sandal Rugby Clubhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-construct-two-pitches-for-sandal-rugby-club2013-10-24T09:44:47.000Z2013-10-24T09:44:47.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Sandal Rugby Club in Wakefield, Yorkshire has entered a new exciting era in their long history with two new pitches constructed by Souters Sports, one of the UK’s leading natural sportsturf contractors.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314159546?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314159546?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" class="align-left"/></a>Following a competitive tendering process, the contractor worked closely alongside consultant John Hacker from Professional Sportsturf Design (NW), with funding coming from the Rugby Football Union. Souters worked on the site using their specialist sports surface construction expertise, machinery and technical knowledge to deliver the project on time and on budget.</p><p>After spraying off the area, the area was then ploughed, subsoiled and cultivated. The areas were then trimmed with a level frame utilising the current topsoil depths to grade out any undulations. A mains and lateral drainage system was then installed followed by Koro Top Drain Sand Slits by Souters’ in-house team.</p><p>The area was then finally cultivated and trimmed using specialist rota rakes in several directions to provide an even seed bed. As a specialist contractor, Souters Sports takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and was committed to ensuring the project was developed in a sustainable way.</p><p>Wherever possible, all material was retained on the site and special attention given to retaining the biodiversity of the area, helping to reduce the financial and environmental impact of the project. Special care was taken during the project to maintain two public footpaths during the works with fencing and signage to protect the public.</p><p>After the final cultivations and pre-seeding fertiliser application, the site was then seeded. Both pitches are expected to be used for light use from November 2013 onwards before both being brought into full use for the 2014/15 season. Souters Sports will be carrying out the initial marking of the pitches and installing new goals at the end of October. Careful planning of the project and communication with local farmers for an alternative access route to the site maximised the use of equipment and labour and dramatically reduced the programme to just six weeks.</p><p>“Souters Sports were very professional throughout the project and the works were completed to a high standard,” said John Hacker of PSD. “We have an excellent working relationship with them. They managed to complete the project in a tight time-frame and their continued attention to detail is very impressive.”</p><p>Robert Heath, Contracts Director at Souters Sports said: “The quality of the work we do is a direct result of the skill and attention to detail of our dedicated in-house staff, plus our continual commitment to investing in state-of-the-art specialist equipment.”</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk" target="_blank">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Merseyside Pitches Uplifted By Souters Sportshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/merseyside-pitches-uplifted-by-souters-sports2013-09-27T08:40:50.000Z2013-09-27T08:40:50.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Liverpool, a city famed for its football, is making a big effort to raise the quality of public pitches controlled by Liverpool City Council. This summer, end of season renovation work began on 90 of them across the city, conducted by Souters Sports, one of the UK’s leading natural sportsturf contractors.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314142612?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314142612?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" class="align-left"/></a>Souters was chosen as sub-contractor to Glendale, the largest green maintenance provider in the UK. It was the latest project in an on-going joint venture between Glendale and the City Council to lift and maintain the quality of outdoor amenity and sports facilities across the city. Glendale-Liverpool is now in its seventh year of trading.</p><p>Over a three-week period Souters provided a range of renovation services to the pitches as required. These included scarifying, top-soiling, sand top-dressing, aerating, deep slitting, selective weed control, and re-seeding. Among the specialist equipment the company used were the Imants Shockwave to improve pitch aeration, and the Vreedo Overseeder.</p><p>“It was a very tight working window, and it was essential to maximize the grow-in and establishment of the new swards,” said Colin Parker-Rich, Glendale’s Service Manager in charge of the project.</p><p>“We use Souters Sports because we find them, not only 100 per cent professional and competitively priced, but totally flexible in their ability to deliver the kind of quality renovation programme we seek.”</p><p>Liverpool’s football pitches have never been greener or in better shape for a new season.<br/> For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk" target="_blank">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Souters Sports Complete Drainage Works at North Wales Golf Clubhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-complete-drainage-works-at-north-wales-golf-club2013-09-06T10:00:31.000Z2013-09-06T10:00:31.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Drainage works carried out by leading sports turf contractor, Souters Sports, at North Wales Golf Club have recently been completed and delivered beneficial results to the club.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314121705?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314121705?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" class="align-left"/></a>Set in the seaside town of Llandudno with excellent views over the Conwy estuary and the Snowdonia Mountain range, North Wales Golf Club is a true Championship Links course, having previously hosted the Welsh Team Championships.</p><p>The 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th holes had historically always suffered from poor drainage. However, the rest of the course is typically links on sand and drains well. Using specialist trenching machines to cut minimum-width drainage trenches to a laser controlled depth and grade; the contractor laid main and lateral drains to allow rainwater to drain freely and quickly.</p><p>“It’s a links course with a clay base which is below sea level. The wet summer we saw last year brought drainage problems to a head on several badly-draining fairways,” said Head Greenkeeper Stuart Macdonald. “Since the drainage works have been completed, it’s actually been reasonable dry, but when it has rained; the drainage has been good.</p><p>“Souters’ in house labour and plant combined with the standard of their work throughout the whole project were exceptional,” said Stuart. “Some of the machinery they have is very large, but when weather conditions were not suitable, it was kept off the course, ensuring no disruption or damage was caused.”</p><p>Souters Sports has completed extensive drainage projects on many other golf courses around the country including Gleneagles, the venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup.</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk" target="_blank">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Souters Sports Complete Renovation Works at Stoke City FChttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-complete-renovation-works-at-stoke-city-fc2013-08-13T13:27:12.000Z2013-08-13T13:27:12.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Four of the eight grass pitches at Premiership club Stoke City’s Clayton Wood training complex recently underwent major renovation work this summer courtesy of contractor Souters Sports in conjunction with the club’s pitch advisers PSD.</p><p>The work was the latest stage in an on-going project to upgrade first team and academy pitches.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314123435?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314123435?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" class="align-left"/></a>Souters Sports have been handling end of season renovations and upgrading works, including drainage and surface refurbishment at the 70,000m² Clayton Wood site for five years and proves the good relationship that Head Groundsman Andrew Jackson has with the contractor. The latest work was completed within a seven-week period of concentrated upgrading of surfaces and drainage. With training usage still required well into May it meant a precise staggering of the work was essential.</p><p>“The idea has been to make it a progressive pitch improvement project over a number of years, rather than a massive one-hit change with all the disruption and risks involved,” said Stoke City Head Groundsman Andrew Jackson.</p><p>“It is working very well and Souters can take big credit for that. They are very mindful of our needs here at the club when they’re on site. We had to put them on an extremely tight schedule. They were very quick to react if there was any weather downtime. It is good to have a contractor that works with you, not just for you.”</p><p>Andrew has been on the groundstaff at the club for 18 years. City born and bred, he is passionate about everything it does.</p><p>“The club has invested hugely in its new academy system and the facilities here at Clayton Wood. It is absolutely vital that we give young players the best possible training pitches. Souters’ work including the helpful germination conditions meant they are the best yet. New boss Mark Hughes is very impressed and like everyone here raring to go.”</p><p>The main aim this year was the upgrading of the floodlit match pitch, including the introduction of 420m³ of sand ameliorated into the upper 50mm of topsoil after localised re levelling works, additional lateral drainage and secondary drainage installation using the Koro Topdrain, which excavates sand slits 50mm wide, 300mm deep at 450mm centres and backfills with injected sand in one pass, to further enhance surface drainage capabilities. The pitch is then treated with an application of pre seed fertiliser at a rate of 35g/m² and seeded with sports rye mix, supplied by the club, at 45g/m².</p><p>Work on three other pitches included fraise mowing, vertidraining, sand top dressing, sand slitting with the Blec Vibramaster, fertilising and re-seeding. Four further pitches underwent a more basic renovation programme of scarifying, sand top dressing, vertidraining, fertilising and over seeding.</p><p>All of the pitches renovated by Souters for the Club were back in full use seven weeks after seeding.</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter @SoutersSports</p></div>Souters Sports Appoint New Surveyorhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-appoint-new-surveyor2013-06-17T10:43:37.000Z2013-06-17T10:43:37.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Souters Sports, one of the UK’s leading natural sportsturf contractors, has appointed a new trainee surveyor to support current projects and future growth.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314111883?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314111883?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" class="align-left"/></a>James Underhill, 21, joins Souters at an exciting time, with the company working at a host of Premier League football clubs for end of season renovations. James first worked for the contractor as a labourer three years ago where he gained valuable site experience.</p><p>James says: “I’m particularly looking forward to work within the sports and amenity industry and applying the experience I gained from my previous role to build expertise in this area.”</p><p>“We are keen to maintain the competitive advantage we have created over the last few years,” said Robert Heath, Contracts Director at Souters Sports.</p><p>“The contract market has become more competitive over the last 3 years, so, as a company, we need to become even more efficient and give customers an even better service that we currently offer. James will be assisting the management team already in place and I’m very pleased that he has decided to join the Souters’ team and look forward to working with him on our continued expansion.”</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>. Souters Sports are also on Twitter: @SoutersSports</p></div>Souters Sports Construct New Crown Green for Bowls Clubhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-sports-construct-new-crown-green-for-bowls-club2013-05-29T10:15:06.000Z2013-05-29T10:15:06.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Following a competitive tendering process, Souters Sports, the UK’s leading crown green construction contractors, were chosen to construct the new bowling green on a former decaying factory site for Budenberg Bowling Club in Broadheath, near Stockport.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314213193?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314213193?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" class="align-left"/></a>The new bowling green, which also sits beside a canal, had previously been situated across the road. As part of a new housing development, the previous bowling green and club house, along with the factory where the new green is now situated, were demolished to make way for a brand new state-of-the art green and club house.</p><p>The construction took around seven weeks to complete and also included main and lateral drainage installation, concrete channel installation, green construction, path installation and final surface installation along with a full automated irrigation system to ensure that the green plays to a consistently high standard for players.</p><p>During the construction, Souters Sports team of in-house operatives were presented with challenging weather conditions but worked professionally and efficiently to successfully reach the completion of the project on budget in the proposed timescales.</p><p>Souters Sports are renowned for their attention to detail when it comes to knowing about fine turf which comes from over 50 years of experience in the sportsturf industry, and it was this experience, along with the use of specialized equipment, which led them to winning the contract.</p><p>"From the very first site visit and throughout the whole process, Souters Sports were professional but friendly with a can-do attitude and flexible enough to deal with any issues that cropped up, such as the wet weather we experienced throughout the last 12 months”, said Graham Lloyd, from Bloor Homes, the housing developer.</p><p>“In what could only be called horrendous weather conditions at times, Souters Sports managed to complete the work as specified and on time”.</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk" target="_blank">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>.</p></div>Souters Complete ‘Green’ Project for Universityhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/souters-complete-green-project-for-university2013-04-30T14:45:38.000Z2013-04-30T14:45:38.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Following a highly competitive tendering process, leading natural sportsturf contractors Souters Sports have recently completed the redevelopment of the natural sports pitches at Sheffield Hallam University. Souters' in house labour and plant combined with their ability to provide a high quality service was certainly a key factor in securing the contract.</p><p>Souters Sports were awarded the contract in early 2012 with work starting in June that year which included the construction of 3 new rugby pitches, 2 new football pitches, complete drainage and irrigation systems for the 5 natural pitches, 2 new artificial cricket wickets and 4 new natural cricket wickets. The company were also tasked with the responsibility to bring the cricket wickets in to play for April 2013 and both the football and rugby pitches in to play for the new academic year in September.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314213232?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314213232?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" class="align-left"/></a>The contractor worked closely with the client to develop a strategy for all construction work that ensured no waste material was transported from the site. The resulting reduction in vehicle movements, retention of valuable void space in landfills and minimising waste are all practical ‘green’ benefits, meaning there was no disruption to the local landscape or nearby residents.</p><p>The construction of new pitches involved extensive earthworks which meant that the soil was all utilised on site for levels using specialist laser levelling equipment on the dozers.</p><p>Equipped for the 21st century, the company owns, maintains and operates a modern fleet of plant and equipment meaning that excellent progress was achieved in spite of the wet weather seen last year.</p><p>Sheffield Hallam has a long term sport strategy and the investment in the new Sports Park is key to achieving that. The redeveloped site is now known as the Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park after its major revamp to create international standard rugby and football pitches, versatile synthetic pitches and a brand new sports pavilion named after Graham Solley, the University’s former head of sport.</p><p>“Souters Sports were very professional and experts in their business,” said Matt Summerhill of Rider Levett Bucknall UK, the contract administrator. “The project wasn’t without its difficulties due to the weather, but Souters Sports dealt with it in a professional and considerate manner. I cannot recommend them highly enough”.</p><p>For further information, please contact Souters Sports Limited on 01236 453030 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.souterssports.co.uk" target="_blank">www.souterssports.co.uk</a>.</p></div>