FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES
Training Centre

Hensol Estate, Vale of Glamorgan

Client:
The Leekes Group

Date:
2006 to date

Services Provided:

Site Appraisal - ground conditions, drainage, topography.
3 Dimensional computer generated ground modelling.
Preparation of Planning Consent drawings.
Detailed design of drainage, pitch profile.
Preparation of Specifications and Construction Drawings for natural grass soccer pitches.
Preparation of Specifications and Construction Drawings for synthetic pitches.
Development of select list of specialist sports ground contractors.
Tender assessment of services and costs received from specialist sports ground contractors.
Assessment and approval of construction materials.
Ongoing site monitoring and attendance at Progress Meetings.

General:

The FIFA grant aided scheme involved the construction of natural grass pitches to provide training facilities of the highest standard. The pitch construction essentially comprised a system of perforated pipe drains laid in to the re-graded formation surface connected to a main outlet drainage system.
The form of construction consists of imported blended high sand content topsoil laid over a grit drainage layer with a system of slit drains cut through the topsoil to provide the necessary surface drainage. The surface of this profile has been ameliorated with approved medium-fine sand immediately prior to seeding. At the appropriate stages during the construction the pitch irrigation was be installed. The scope of the pitch construction and associated works includes:

Natural Turf Pitches:

Earthworks cut and fill.
Installation of cut off and pitch drainage systems and connection to main drainage outlets.
Supply and spread drainage and blinding layers consisting of clean aggregate.
Supply and spread approved rootzone materials.
Installation of forced slit drains.
Consolidation and preparation of rootzone materials for sowing.
Sowing approved grass seed mixtures.
Topsoiling and drainage of outer pitch margins.
Initial maintenance to establish the grass cover.

Irrigation System:

Incoming supply and drainage transfer system.
Fully automatic pumping system.
Mains pipework, control cables and valves.
Control system and radio remote control.
Lateral pipework, control cable, valves and sprinklers.
Manual hydrant points.