Following Phase 1 of works with Duncan Ross Ltd, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys addressed critical drainage issues and drastically reduced match cancellations.
Phase 2 has built on these successes by further improving the school's sports facilities.
The school has been dedicated to its 'Sport for All' campaign, which seeks to improve access to quality sports facilities and ensure students of all levels have the opportunity to engage in physical activity.
Duncan Ross Ltd.’s project has been integral to bringing that vision to life, enabling students to enjoy well-maintained and high-performing sports pitches throughout the year.
Neil Brown, Head Groundsman for the Hamblin Trust, highlighted the significant impact of the improvements made during Phase 1 and Phase 2. "Since we've had the drains done, the pitches have been fantastic," he said.
In the last 18 months, we've only had two games called off, and even then, it was our decision to be extra cautious due to upcoming cup matches. The fields are now miles better for the kids to play on, with improved surfaces and more grass coverage, and the teachers and students are really pleased with how well they play."
Phase 2 of the project saw extensive work on the top field, which originally consisted of three rugby pitches, one football pitch and a synthetic cricket wicket. However, these training areas had significant unevenness, with noticeable dips and slopes that made play difficult. As a result, a decision was made to level the entire area to create a more functional and versatile space.
Duncan Ross Ltd executed this transformation with precision. "The team at Duncan Ross went over and above, using various equipment for stone burning, flattening, and levelling," Neil explains.
"The work was done so well that, when it was fully grassed in, we decided to convert it into a football pitch instead of just a training area because it was just too good only to be used for training.
Alongside the levelling work, extensive drainage improvements were made, mirroring the successful approach taken in Phase 1. Drains were installed at five-meter intervals with sand slits at half-meter intervals, significantly improving water management on the field. Previously, areas of the Year 7 field would become waterlogged and unplayable for months at a time, but that issue has now been resolved.
Looking ahead to Phase 3, the school is set to benefit from additional enhancements, including the installation of an Olympic-style long jump and triple jump area and another synthetic cricket wicket for match play. The ongoing collaboration between Altrincham Grammar School and Duncan Ross Ltd continues to elevate the school's sports facilities, fostering greater student participation in various sports.
"There are a lot more kids playing cricket now using the practice nets," Neil explains. "With the extra football pitch, we have better facilities all around. Before, the fields would turn into a mud bath in winter, but now we have quality playing surfaces all year round. It's just a much better environment for the kids to play and develop their skills,"
With Duncan Ross Ltd.'s expertise and commitment to delivering top-quality sports surfaces, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys is well on its way to achieving its 'Sport for All' vision, ensuring that students have access to excellent facilities for years to come.
