Education to the fore at IOG Czech Branch Conference

The presentations by the two guest speakers from the UK - Eddie Seaward MBE, Head Groundsman AELTC, and Richard Norton, Grounds Manager at Bolton Wanderers FC – were complimented by sessions from Jan Kodes, the 1973 Wimbledon winner and Vladimir Smicer, the Liverpool FC and formerly a member of the Czech national team and now manager of the team.

Though most of the delegates were from Czech football clubs, Eddie’s ‘facts and figures’ presentation was well received – and Richard´s session brought home how Czech groundsmen wished they could have the same status at their clubs. Czech groundsmen do not seem to have the same communication with coaches and cannot prevent them from over-using the stadium pitch for training.

Education was another important Conference issue; and it was agreed there is a need to establish a programme that would be appreciated by the football clubs.

Published: 22/02/2011