Groundskeeping Journal Issue 2 2020 | Page 20

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT development, the DevoShift is intended to roll out on to synthetic and high- quality pitches, allowing site personnel to steer a full- sized goal through access gates with minimal fuss and resources. Wolves’ new acquisition is important for another reason, Wayne says: “The installation coincides with launch of British and European Standard BSEN16579, which aims to tighten up goal safety by eradicating pinch points that can trap the fingers, head or neck, as well as issues relating to crushing and shearing points.” Designed to be fully compliant with the new standard, the DevoShift heralds a new era of football provision spanning grassroots to Premier League facilities, says R & D developer Matt Page. “It allows anyone to move the goal easily on and off pitches in a way simply not possible with existing products.” Surface pressure of the goal is even less than that of the Easylift, he adds. “Schools will also welcome the third generation advance, while pitch facility managers can expect far less downtime when positioning goals.” A castor system safely encased in a tough ABS plastic cowl, with built-in lift and lower mechanism, raises operational ease and safety. “The 80mm surface clearance is more than ample for synthetic and high-quality pitches,” adds Wayne, “while the smoother differential reduces any risk of snag and drag when moving the goal.” With its family of pitches, including the three Desso Grassmaster full-size surfaces, the training and academy base hosts a season-full of competitive matches across the U7 to U18 age groups. “Under our plan to `dress` the show pitch, Mark Harrod Ltd supplied and fitted a pair of full-sized DevoShift goals, Duralock white post and rail perimeter fencing with gates, bespoke dugouts, Ball Stop netting system, freehanging 420S Box Nets, aluminium 1m x 1.2m Target goals and warm-up goals, “which will help limit wear and tear in the goalmouths”, Wayne confirms. “Previous suppliers have proved reluctant to provide products not listed in their catalogue but Sean and the team are prepared to develop ones to suit our requirements. His response is always: `I’m sure we can help you`.” Mark Harrod Ltd works closely with football governing bodies and sports clubs from elite to grassroots level. It supports the England Amputee Football Association and the English Schools’ Football Association, supplying and delivering goalposts for tournaments under a continuing commitment. Every Mark Harrod Ltd product, where relevant, conforms to current British Standards and health and safety guidelines. As a leading sports equipment designer and manufacturer, the company plays a major role in shaping the future of goalpost quality, from grassroots to international level. www.markharrod.com 20 GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019