http://www.playrite.co.uk/blog/2012-01-18/playrites-company-of-the-month-astrosport

Quotations for each facility were provided during the summer of 2011, and the contract was awarded for work to commence at the beginning of August 2011.

The client requested that both pitches be refurbished with higher quality and better performing surfaces than the sand filled surfaces previously installed.

They also needed to be marked for several different sports, in this case, hockey, football and cross play 5-a-side. Astrosport assessed the needs of the client with regard to the usage of the pitch, and recommended that Interplay surface manufactured by Lano Sports was the most suitable option, due to its durability and suitability for multi-sport activities.
The work was completed to our usual high standards, and Nathan Reid, Assistant Facilities Manager for the school said the following of the new Interplay surfaces;

 “These new synthetic pitches will allow both schools to encourage more children to play sport, in most conditions and on an excellent new surface. Astrosport did a brilliant job of identifying the correct type of surface for our needs, then proceeding to provide realistic and accurate quotations for the work that needed to be completed. Their team carried out their work in an extremely professional manner, and the synthetic pitches we now have are first class facilities. Astrosport worked very hard to get the job done with little disruption to the daily activities of the schools. any problems were remedied swiftly by Astrosport ensuring that there was little to no impact on the delivery time and the work was completed  to the highest of standards”

We have recently completed the first of many forthcoming installations for our new artificial golf tee product. The synthetic turf product ‘Pro Tee’ is a dense, two fibre type surface, and this installation took place at The Nottinghamshire Golf Club, Stragglethorpe.

The photos included in this article showcase the new 5th tee on the open course.

The tee is a total of 22m squared and gives the look of an immaculately cut grass tee, creating depth and providing a quality finish, whilst incorporating two fibre types to give a soft and natural look and feel.

Andy Whelan, Managing Director said,

“The Nottinghamshire Golf Club approached Astrosport for a solution for their winter tees. After an initial consultation process we provided a surface that was the same consitency underfoot as the existing tee-off area. Pro Tee is a medium pile height surface that gives the look of an immaculately cut tee providing quality and creating depth for a natural feel and look”

The newly laid pitch has been installed over an existing porous macadam base previously used for tennis and netball. To maximise usage on the area, a centre dividing fence was also dismantled to allow the facility to accommodate full length and cross pitch play. The area will be used predominantly by the academy students, local community and by the Peterborough United FC Academy, with the first team moving onto the pitch during the winter when weather conditions limit the use of normal training facilities.

Kieran Scarff, Peterborough United FC Academy coach and Tutor at Nene Park Academy was responsible for the procurement of this project and was keen to ensure that the surface choice would return the playing performance as close to natural grass as possible. Having discussed various surface/shock pad options with AstroSport Kieran decided that the 40mm Profoot Max installed over the rubberised shock pad would provide the perfect solution.

When asked what he thought of the new training pitch Kieran’s response was:

“I am very pleased with the completed surface and the first test was goal keeper training the day it was completed. We put the keepers through their normal training drills and we were delighted with the results. No injuries, grazes or scrapes. This new facility will be a valuable addition to our newly built training ground which has also recently been completed”

The challenge for Astrosport was to provide a new surface that would fit within the client’s budget, and that would cater for a range of sports including hockey and soccer training.

Having established the needs of the client via a thorough consultation process, Astrosport recommended that they consider the Interplay sand and rubber filled multi-sport system manufactured by Lano Sports. Interplay carries lab and field test certificates to FIFA 1* for soccer and FIH National Standard for hockey, thus providing an ideal solution for the sporting requirements.

As part of this consultation process, opinions were also obtained from other organisations specialising in the refurbishment of existing facilities. Astrosport’s experience in this field and exemplary track record in previous projects of this nature proved to be winning attributes when it came time for the client to decide who would carry out the work.

Simon Burton, centre manager at The Arena Sports Centre was keen to go with the Interplay system, but wanted to see for himself how it performed at other locations with similar usage requirements. A site visit was organised, and following this an order was placed with Astrosport for work to commence in July / August 2011.

Work began on the 25th July 2011, to lift and remove the old surface. This operation was completed within a week and transported off site for re use and recycling. The existing shock pad was assessed, resulting in only minor localised repairs being necessary. The new interplay system was then installed, and permanent line markings were applied for hockey, soccer and 5-a-side soccer.

The new pitch was back in use within four weeks of the refurbishment project’s initiation. Now this is in place, the organisations revenue stream from this area of business will be maximised as a consequence of the new facility. 

Simon Burton, centre manager said the following about the new facility;

“We were keen to ensure that the new surface fulfilled all criteria, especially with regard to its multiple uses as a sports pitch (hockey, soccer and 5-a-side soccer).

We also had to ensure that the new surface was ready for use at the start of the new school term.
AstroSport’s onsite presence was very well managed and organised throughout the duration of the contract and their installation team worked in an extremely professional manner.

The completed facility is 1st class and we would not hesitate to recommend Astrosport for other projects similar to ours, of which I am sure there are many”

At the beginning of August, the company recruited a new full time office manager, Paul Gelsthorpe.  The decision to recruit is due to the continued growth of the company, and success with contracts both completed and ongoing. The main focus of Paul’s role is to manage and administrate the projects that have been secured throughout the country. This involves ordering the materials and plant, ensuring all are delivered to stringent time frames, managing our own onsite installation teams, and responding promptly to any changes in conditions onsite which may require action. In addition to the office manager role, Paul will be heavily involved with the company’s marketing, by building a database of potential clients and working closely with senior management  to put together appropriate pro-active sales and marketing campaigns. Paul has several years’ experience administrating in a variety of organisations, including local government, the voluntary sector and SME’s.

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…the company has moved to new premises at Unit 2 Forest Court, Gamble Street, Nottingham, due to the continued growth of the business

At a time when businesses are just about holding their own, AstroSport are seeing an upsurge in the requirement for artificial sport surfaces, with a 40% increase in its turnover in recent years. It is thought that the inclement weather in the UK is limiting the use of natural sports grounds, whereas with artificial turf sports can be played all year round, thus driving demand.

Said Carl Whelan, Director: ‘It is a reassuring time to see our business grow and we were keen to stay based in Nottingham where not only do we have good local support, but are centralised to service our clients throughout the UK.’

With over 25 years experience in the sports industry, the company can advise on the most appropriate type of surface required for particular sporting requirements and to suit all performance levels and budgets.

Its portfolio includes all types of new and resurfacing projects, including associated ancillary works associated with any project. Other services they offer include pitch and court painted line marking, permanent in laid line marking, court painting and most types of repairs.

The company has always advocated their own internal high standards, and acceptance to SAPCA has reinforced this important aspect of the business. SAPCA membership signifies professional competence and performance, which directly benefits customers that choose member companies for their projects…

Said Carl Whelan, Director of AstroSport: “Being accepted as a member of SAPCA is a great boost for AstroSport. It reflects the same ethos that we have always maintained – giving excellent service and advice as well as professional delivery of products and installation.”

With over 25 years’ experience in the sports industry, the company can advise on the most appropriate type of surface required for particular sporting requirements and to suit all performance levels and budgets. And with accreditation with CHAS (Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme) and registered as a pre-qualified construction service through Construction Line, AstroSport is well qualified to satisfy tendering and quoting requirements.

Its portfolio includes all types of new and resurfacing projects, including additional ancillary works associated with any project. Other services they offer include pitch and court painted line marking, permanent in laid line marking, court painting and most types of repairs.

Carl Unit 2 Forest Court, Gamble Street, Nottingham NG7 4EX