Are you a pitch management professional looking to enhance your skills and knowledge? Do you want to learn from the experience of Frédéric Cahay, the Head Groundsman of the Proximus Basecamp and the man behind the lush training pitches of Belgium’s Golden Generation? Then mark your calendars for the ESSMA Pitch Management Workshop in Leicester on 4-5 September!
Frédéric Cahay, with over 22 years of experience in pitch management, has been successfully leading the ground management team at the Proximus Basecamp since 2015. He faced the challenge of delivering top-quality pitches for some of the world’s biggest football talents, despite being restricted from using herbicides or pesticides since 2018 due to local legislation.
During an interview with ESSMA, Cahay shared his journey from a background in golf course management to his current role as Head Groundsman, revealing the principles he adapted in organic pitch management and the importance of a strong team structure in the grounds management department. He highlighted how data measuring has significantly improved pitch quality and emphasized the need for a preventive approach in the absence of chemical treatments.
Belgium’s strict regulations on chemical products forced Cahay and his team to adopt a more creative and sustainable approach, utilising composting oxygen nanobubbles, bio-stimulants, and low-salt fertilizers. While still evolving, this organic methodology has shown promising results. However, the journey towards complete sustainability requires continuous learning, scientific support from universities, and the adoption of more environmentally friendly machinery.
ESSMA’s Pitch Management Workshop in Leicester promises to be an invaluable opportunity for grounds managers to learn from experts like Frédéric Cahay. The workshop will cover cost-efficient and organic pitch management techniques, climate change adaptation, and various other industry-related topics. Networking with fellow professionals from the industry can open up new horizons and inspire innovative solutions for challenges faced in grounds management.
Frédéric Cahay encourages young grounds managers to be courageous, embrace change, and attend such events to gather fresh ideas and perspectives from around the world. Sharing knowledge is crucial, even for smaller countries with limited budgets, as it paves the way for progress and improvement.
So, if you want to be part of this unique industry event and leanr from colleagues from all around Europe, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity! Join ESSMA in Leicester on 4-5 September and become part of the global community working towards sustainable and innovative pitch management.
The full interview with Frédéric Cahay is exclusively available for ESSMA members on our Knowledge Platform >>>
See you in Leicester!
