UEFA Seminar on artificial turf and grass pitches

With the laying of several artificial turf and grass pitches in Malta and Gozo, the proper and constant upkeep of these surfaces by specialised personnel has become increasingly necessary. Investment in these playing facilities will be futile unless there is adequate care by the ground staff in the various venues.

With this in mind the Malta Football Association, in conjunction with UEFA, will be organising a two-day seminar in Malta for the several individuals working in the sector of football infrastructure and management. This is scheduled for the 18th and 19th April 2011 at the Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali.

This activity will be an excellent opportunity for these people to acquire professional advice and share their knowledge on how to preserve pitches and further improve their knowhow in this work. New techniques and increased efficiency is of paramount importance for playing surfaces to be kept in optimal condition.

Foreign experts will be conducting the seminar under the direction of Thierry Favre, Head of National Associations Development, UEFA, and Mohamed Taa, UEFA HatTrick Manager.

The speakers will be:
Alan Fergusan – Head Groundsman, Ipswich Town FC
Markus Keller – Uefa’s consultant on artificial turf pitches
Alastair Cox – Uefa’s Artificial Turf Panel member
Tero Auvinen – Infrastructure Manager, Finland FA

MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo will be introducing and concluding the seminar. Other MFA officials and technical personnel will also be present.