Allianz Park, home of Saracens Rugby Club, welcomed a host of industry specialists for the final Sports Facility Show of 2013, run by SAPCA, The Sports and Play Construction Association. The show focused on sports facility funding, design, development and management and showcased a special focus on synthetic turf.
Opened with a special seminar by former 5,000m world record holder and Commonwealth gold medallist, Dave Moorcroft OBE, the show hosted a variety of seminars covering a huge range of key topics for facility owners across the sporting spectrum, aimed at engaging with those involved in the development of facilities.
Speaking about the legacy of the London 2012 Games, Dave Moorcroft stressed the need to focus on actively creating change.
“We need to create a movement to help promote change,” he said. “It’s hugely ironic that the UK, as one of the world’s most successful sporting nations, has one of the lowest levels of physical activity. We should focus on creating a single strategy for sport for the next 10 years and bridging the gap between play and sports, particularly once children reach 12 years of age, when many aren’t as likely to actively engage in sport as their younger counterparts.”
The event included expert industry speakers and 47 dedicated exhibitors, welcoming anyone involved in the funding, design, development and management of sports facilities, from sports clubs and schools to leisure operators.
Chris Trickey, SAPCA CEO, was thrilled with the turnout: “The Sports Facility Show remains an indispensable aid to help those involved in almost every aspect of indoor and outdoor sports facility development. It’s absolutely invaluable to anyone involved in the industry.”