GroundsFest Academy recently delivered another highly successful educational event with its Understanding Profiles: Sands, Soils, Rootzones and Gravels day, in partnership with Mansfield Sand.
Designed as a practical, end-to-end learning experience, the free, CPD accredited event brought together professionals from across the industry to deepen their understanding of the materials that form the foundation of natural turf sports surfaces.
From the outset, the day focused on building knowledge from the ground up. Attendees explored where sand comes from, how particle shape and grading influence performance, and why not all sands are suitable for sport. Sessions then moved into more applied topics, including sand specification, interpreting lab reports, and understanding the balance between drainage and stability across different sports such as football, rugby, golf and cricket.
A key theme throughout the day was confidence. By breaking down complex topics such as soil texture, organic matter content, and the differences between natural topsoil and manufactured rootzones, the event aimed to give attendees the knowledge they need to make better decisions in their own roles. Discussions around fibre sands and reinforced rootzones also challenged common misconceptions, offering practical insights into stability, divoting and recovery.
One of the standout elements of the day was the behind-the-scenes quarry tour at Mansfield Sand. Delegates were given a rare opportunity to see the full journey of sand production, from extraction through to washing, drying, screening and final quality control.
For many attendees, the quarry tour was a genuine eye-opener. Joshua Foster of RC Solutions Pitch Care Ltd explained how it changed his perspective: “We went to the Mansfield quarry, and they showed us how they produce the sand from what you see in the ground to the finished product. I learnt that not all sand comes from sandstone – it actually comes out of the ground as sand. That was something I didn’t know before.”
Importantly, the day wasn’t just about theory. Attendees were encouraged to think about how they could apply what they had learned. Joshua added: “We’re already thinking about how we do things differently, like whether we apply sand before aeration rather than after. It’s about taking that knowledge back and improving what we do.”
The diversity of attendees also played a big role in the day’s success. Grounds professionals from football clubs, racecourses, cricket clubs, colleges and contractors all came together, creating a valuable environment for shared learning and networking.
Daniel Cooper, Clerk of the Course at Haydock Park Racecourse, emphasised the importance of understanding the materials he works with. “We use rootzones, sand and fibresand, so we wanted to know more about the product we’re buying,” he said. “The quarry tour was really interesting, seeing how it all gets processed before it reaches us. The key takeaway for me is to always get the tech sheet and understand exactly what product you’re using.”
Similarly, Stephen Sargent of Derby County Football Club found the experience both insightful and engaging. “To see the different sands we use was really useful,” he said. “It’s my first event like this and I’ll definitely be doing more.”
For others, the event reinforced the value of continuous learning. Rod Heyhoe of Lightcliffe Cricket Club, who has spent decades in the game, summed it up perfectly: “You are never too old to learn. You pick something up every time. Events like this are so important because it’s about increasing knowledge and talking to like-minded people.”
The welcoming and accessible nature of the day was also widely praised. Tammy Tidmarsh of Long Rake Spar described it as “fantastic” and highlighted how valuable it was to learn about specifications and standards in a practical setting. “Without events like this, we wouldn’t be able to learn more about the products, the standards and the processes. It’s vital,” she said.
As the day concluded with a Q&A and key takeaways session, one message was clear: understanding what lies beneath the surface is essential for success in turf management. By combining expert-led sessions with real-world experiences, GroundsFest Academy continues to provide valuable opportunities for education, collaboration and professional development.
With more events planned throughout the year, this hands-on approach to learning is proving to be a winning formula for the industry.
