Month: June 2026

Max Stephenson, Twin View Turf

There are people within every industry who build successful businesses, and then there are the rare few who help build the industry itself.

This year at the Lawn Solutions Australia Conference, Queensland turf producer Max Stephenson was inducted into the Lawn Solutions Australia Hall of Fame, one of the highest honours the group can bestow.

It is an award that is not handed out lightly. Over the past two decades it has only been presented four times, reflecting exactly what the award represents. The Hall of Fame is not about annual sales figures or business growth. It recognises a lifetime of contribution to the Australian turf industry and to the people within it.

For more than 30 years, Max has been one of the defining personalities of Australian turf. He has been a producer, innovator, mentor, problem solver and trusted voice within the industry, but above all else, he has always been someone willing to help.

Anyone who has spent time around the turf industry knows Max, and most people probably have a story about him. It may have been advice over the phone, a visit to help solve a problem, a blunt but honest opinion shared across a conference table, or a late-night conversation at an industry event somewhere around the world. Over the years, Max has had an impact on countless people throughout the industry.

From Pineapples to Turf

Long before Twin View Turf became one of Australia’s most recognised turf businesses, Max’s background was firmly planted in agriculture.

After growing tobacco, capsicums and other small crops, Max spent many years in the pineapple industry. He sold whole fruit as well as fresh-cut and packaged pineapple to supermarkets, which at the time was considered a revolutionary concept.

Pineapple farming, however, came with enormous risk. A crop could take two years from planting to harvest and bad weather at the wrong time could wipe out an entire season. As industry conditions changed, Max began exploring other opportunities. He investigated everything from vegetables to aquaculture before ultimately deciding turf was the future.

The appeal was simple. If the weather turned bad, you could simply keep mowing it. As soon as a pineapple paddock was harvested, the rotary hoe followed behind.

In 1996, Twin View Turf was established with approximately 55,000 square metres of turf production. From those beginnings, Max helped grow the business into one of the true success stories of the Australian turf industry.

Today, Twin View Turf operates across more than 600 acres in production, produces over 800,000 square metres of turf annually and employs more than 50 staff across the business. Based at Wamuran in south-east Queensland, the company has become widely recognised not only for residential turf supply, but also for premium sports turf production, sports field construction and industry-leading service.

An Innovator by Nature

Innovation has always been central to Max’s approach.

If a new piece of machinery arrived on the farm, there was every chance it would spend its first day in the workshop being modified with an oxy torch, grinder and welder. Max has never been satisfied with simply accepting something as good enough.

He was an early adopter of technology across turf production and logistics and continually searched for ways to improve efficiency and turf quality.

One example that has become part of industry folklore was his experience with one of the first Trebro Autoslab harvesters. While Max loved the idea of automated harvesting, he was frustrated by the performance of the vacuum system on the machine. Rather than accepting the limitations, he designed and built the first hook-and-bump system, reflecting the practical and hands-on way he has always approached problem solving.

That mindset extended well beyond his own farm.

Throughout his career, Max has contributed knowledge, planting material and practical support to industry research projects and turf development initiatives. He worked closely with researchers and fellow producers and was involved in supplying material for trials into warm-season turf varieties and saline-tolerant grasses in Australia.

A Presence Across the Industry

For decades, Max has been a familiar face at conferences, field days and industry events both across Australia and internationally.

Long before global industry travel became commonplace, Max was building friendships and networks throughout the turf world. Many within the industry still talk about the “pineapple days”, when conference attendance often meant loading up stories, opinions and ideas and travelling wherever the next opportunity to learn existed.

That willingness to connect with people has become one of Max’s defining traits. He has built a remarkable network of friends across the globe and has always been generous in sharing what he has learned.

If someone in the industry had a problem, Max was often one of the first people to offer advice. It was never polished corporate language or carefully filtered responses. It was practical, direct and based on real experience.

That honesty is part of what people respect most about him. Max has always been unapologetically himself, quick with an opinion, fiercely passionate and completely authentic. People have always known exactly where they stood with him.

Beneath that directness has always been someone deeply invested in helping others succeed. It is a quality many within Lawn Solutions Australia have benefited from over the years. There would be very few members within the group who have not learned something from Max at some point in their career.

Life Beyond Turf

Outside the turf industry, Max’s appetite for adventure has been just as strong. For many years he was heavily involved in deep scuba diving before eventually deciding that exploring extreme depths might not be entirely compatible with a long and healthy life.

That search for adventure eventually led him towards another passion, vintage cars and international rallying. Through clients and friends, Max discovered the world of endurance motoring events, where he could combine several of his greatest interests, fixing things, navigating, travelling and spending time with family.

In a 1921 Vauxhall, Max has completed extraordinary journeys across the globe, often accompanied by his wife Julie or his sons. His travels have included routes from Beijing to Paris, London to Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro to Ushuaia, along with countless journeys of more than 10,000 kilometres throughout Europe.

Like everything Max does, these adventures have become less about the destination and more about the stories, friendships and experiences collected along the way.

A Deserving Honour

The Lawn Solutions Australia Hall of Fame exists to recognise people whose contribution extends far beyond their own business. It recognises people who help shape the culture, standards and future of the industry.

Max Stephenson embodies that perfectly.

His contribution to Australian turf has been immense, not only through the success of Twin View Turf, but through the people he has helped, the knowledge he has shared and the standards he has pushed the industry towards.

For many, Max represents the spirit that built the Australian turf industry. He is hardworking, innovative, independent, generous and deeply passionate about what he does. There are countless stories that could be told about Max Stephenson, but perhaps the simplest summary is this. The industry is better because he has been part of it. Congratulations to Max Stephenson on his induction into the Lawn Solutions Australia Hall of Fame, a truly deserving recognition for a lifetime dedicated to turf.

Turf Placemats at a Byron Bay Wellness Retreat

In February 2026, a private resort in Byron Bay became the setting for an immersive wellness retreat that redefined modern luxury, grounded not in excess but in intention. Designed and curated by ONSO Atelier for Chemist Warehouse and Melrose Future Labs, the three-day experience brought together a select group of guests to explore the evolving science of longevity and healthy ageing.

At the heart of the retreat was a simple but profound philosophy. Wellbeing is cumulative. Through a series of thoughtfully curated experiences, guests were guided across the essential pillars of vitality, including nutrition, movement, sleep, genetics, mental wellbeing, and social connection. Melrose Future Labs’ science-led approach anchored the program, emphasising cellular health and energy metabolism as the foundation for long-term wellness.

Among the many carefully considered details, one element stood out for its originality: freshly cut turf placemats.

Where Nature Meets the Table

The concept was as unexpected as it was striking. Nicole of ONSO Atelier envisioned dining tables set not with traditional linens, but with living, breathing pieces of landscape. Individual squares of lush turf were cut fresh and placed beneath each setting.

To bring this vision to life, Tyagarah Turf, a family-run farm located just 15 minutes from Byron Bay, was commissioned to create 24 bespoke placemats, each measuring 500 millimetres by 500 millimetres.

“It was a completely unique request,” the team recalls. “We had never produced anything like it before, but that is what made it so exciting.”

Before sunrise on the day of delivery, the process began. A carefully selected section of TifTuf turf, chosen for its vibrant colour and slightly longer blade, was harvested in larger slabs. Rather than reconfiguring machinery for such a small run, the team opted for a more hands-on approach. Each piece was meticulously measured and hand-cut.

The finishing touch lay in the handling. Each square was stacked grass to grass to preserve its integrity and prevent soil transfer, ensuring the final presentation was as refined as the concept itself.

Delivery to the venue, Belle Helena Private Resort, was a moment in itself. Set at the end of a winding, tree-lined drive, the property offered a secluded, natural backdrop that perfectly complemented the event’s ethos.

As the installation came together, the turf placemats transformed the dining experience, blurring the line between environment and design. The result was both tactile and visual, a tablescape that quite literally grounded guests in nature.

For Nicole and her team, the outcome was exactly as envisioned. For Tyagarah Turf, it was an opportunity to step beyond traditional applications and contribute to a creative project in a new way.

Cultivating More Than Turf

Established in 1979, Tyagarah Turf has grown into a respected supplier within the Northern Rivers region, servicing areas from Iluka to the Queensland border and inland to Lismore, Casino, and Kyogle. Now part of the Lawn Solutions Australia network, the farm has undergone significant transformation under current ownership.

In recent years, progress has not come without challenges. Severe weather events and repeated flooding have tested both resilience and resolve. Through persistence and a commitment to quality, the farm has steadily evolved and now produces a range of premium turf varieties.

Beyond the product itself, what stands out is a deep connection to the industry. “It is more than just business,” the team reflects. “There is a genuine sense of community, with people supporting each other, sharing knowledge, and wanting to see each other succeed.”

Experiential design continues to push boundaries and the use of turf as a tablescaping element speaks to a broader shift toward authenticity, sensory engagement, and immersion into the natural world.

At this Byron Bay retreat, something as simple as grass became a defining detail. Not just decorative, but symbolic of growth, grounding, and the quiet luxury of thoughtful design.

For those who experienced it, it is unlikely they will look at a place setting the same way again.

Cobbitty Turf Celebrates 40 years

More than 40 years ago, Geoff Hatton Senior made a decision that would shape not only his future, but that of an entire family business. After years in greenkeeping, he was ready for a change.

“I was sick of working under committees. I wanted to go into business for myself.”

With a strong background in golf course construction and landscaping, Geoff began working across large-scale projects while holding onto a bigger ambition, owning his own turf farm. That vision stayed with him for years as he searched for land up and down the coast. An early opportunity in Cobbitty in 1985 slipped through his fingers, but not long after, a chance conversation led him to approach Sydney University with an idea. He offered to lease land to start a turf farm. They agreed, and from there everything began to unfold.

Building the Foundations of Cobbitty Turf

By 1987, Geoff and his family had purchased their first property, 43 acres at Theresa Park. The land had previously grown turf, but only a poor-quality kikuyu that was not suitable for harvesting. Undeterred, Geoff worked tirelessly, balancing farm work with landscaping jobs and council contracts while building the family home on weekends.

In the early years, progress was slow. The original kikuyu failed to meet expectations, prompting a fresh start. A new variety, Greenlees Park couch, was planted along the river flats and marked a turning point. “I will never forget mowing it with my little three gang trailing mower. They were some of the best days of my life.”

A Defining Moment in 40 Years of Cobbitty Turf

From there, the farm steadily expanded. The mid 1990s brought a pivotal moment for both the business and the wider turf industry. Alongside respected industry figures, Geoff was introduced to a new buffalo grass variety being developed by Brent Redman.

Recognising its potential immediately, the group encouraged formal registration and patenting. Soon after, licences were issued for what is now known as Sir Walter DNA Certified, a variety that would go on to become one of Australia’s most recognised turf grasses. The Hattons were among the first licensed growers.

Expanding the Reach of Cobbitty Turf

As the business grew, so too did its reach. Over the next two decades, the Hattons remained closely connected to their roots in sports turf construction. It was during this time that Geoff Hatton Junior became more involved in the overall management of the business.

From Adelaide to Darwin, they delivered high-quality sports fields, contributed to major golf course projects, and played a significant role in horse racing track construction. Their expertise led to involvement with five Olympic venues for the Sydney 2000 Games, including acting as principal contractor for two and maintaining the softball and baseball facilities in Blacktown throughout the event.

During this period, Geoff Snr also identified an opportunity that would expand the business further. After attending an international turf conference in the United States, he discovered the Koro Field Topmaker system, now known as Koro by Imants FTM.

Bringing this technology back to Australia helped transform turf renovation practices. The family became Australasian distributors and continue in that role today through their sister company, Sustainable Machinery, which represents brands including Imants, Foley and Vredo.

From walk behind Ryan turf cutters and manual loading to robotic harvesters and mechanised delivery systems, the evolution of Cobbitty Turf has reflected the broader changes in the industry. Throughout it all, the focus has remained on producing high quality turf. Joining the Lawn Solutions Australia network strengthened this commitment, providing Cobbitty Turf with access to some of the most amazing cultivars and species in turfgrass available, keeping their pride of product intact.

For the next generation, Geoff Jnr’s children Alex and Allira Hatton, the journey has included significant challenges. In 2022, devastating floods brought operations to a complete stop. Three major flood events within 12 months caused widespread damage and left a lasting impact. “Hearing the air rising from the ground for days after the water went down, and dealing with the aftermath is something that stays with you.”

For nearly six months, not a single roll of certified turf was sold. What followed was two years of rebuilding, paddock by paddock, with a small team of just Geoff Jnr, Alex and Allira. It was a defining period for the business.

The Future of Cobbitty Turf

Today, the farm is thriving once again. Lush green paddocks are back in production, turf is being harvested daily, and deliveries are running six days a week. For Alex and Allira, the transformation has been remarkable. “It is the best we have ever seen the place. The people we work with now are amazing and we have built a strong culture where everyone has each other’s backs.”

More than just a business, Cobbitty Turf remains a family legacy built on hard work, innovation and a genuine passion for turf. Alex and Allira reflect on this journey, “There are still challenges ahead, but that is how we have always grown, and we hope that’s how it will always be. If we are honest with you, we are proud to be a part of it.”

“After 40 years doing what we do best, we just have one question… where did the time go?”

Outfield Renovation by Fineturf

In 2025, a landmark resurfacing project was undertaken on the Main Outfield at Lord’s Cricket Ground, marking the first full renovation of this iconic surface in 24 years. Commissioned by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the project represented a significant investment in preserving the quality, performance, and heritage of the Home of Cricket. Fineturf was proud to be entrusted with delivering this prestigious project, drawing on decades of experience in elite sports turf construction and renovation.

Lord’s Cricket Ground is globally recognised as the spiritual home of cricket, hosting historic Test matches, One Day Internationals, and domestic fixtures, as well as being a symbol of tradition and excellence within the sport. The condition of the outfield plays a vital role in both the quality of play and the presentation of the ground, requiring exceptional levels of consistency, drainage, and resilience. With the surface having supported countless iconic moments over more than two decades, the 2025 renovation was designed to futureproof the outfield while respecting its legacy.

Ahead of renovation works commencing, MCC offered its members a unique opportunity to take home a piece of cricketing history. Members were invited to purchase sections of the existing outfield turf as living memorabilia, allowing them to preserve a tangible link to the many historic matches played on the surface. To facilitate this carefully managed process, Fineturf harvested designated areas of the outfield over the first two days of the programme.

Fineturf worked closely with sister company Tillers Turf, who deployed their specialist FireFly slab harvester to precisely lift and prepare turf sections for collection. This ensured that each piece was removed cleanly and with minimal disturbance to surrounding areas, reflecting the care and attention required when working at such a revered venue.

Once the members’ harvest had been completed, Fineturf proceeded with stripping the remainder of the outfield using a tractor-mounted turf cutter. The removed turf and surface material were efficiently loaded into dump trailers by an experienced Fineturf operator using a loading shovel and removed from site, allowing works to progress safely and efficiently.

With the surface fully cleared, preparation of the underlying profile began. The outfield was Wiedenmann raked to loosen residual material and remove debris, before being thoroughly luted and dragmatted to achieve a smooth, level base. These processes are critical in elite sports turf construction, ensuring uniformity across the playing surface and creating the foundation for consistent ball roll and player safety.

To enhance drainage, soil structure, and long-term performance, 20 tonnes of Profile porous ceramic were applied across the outfield, followed by 270 tonnes of medium sports sand. Both materials were carefully incorporated into the surface, improving porosity and resilience while supporting healthy root development and reducing the risk of surface compaction.

A base fertiliser application of ICL Pearl 5-28-0 was then carried out to stimulate strong root establishment ahead of seeding. This was followed by deep tine aeration using a GKB 2.5m aerator, relieving compaction within the profile and improving oxygen exchange and water movement. Further luting and dragmatting ensured the sand and ceramic materials were fully integrated down the aeration channels, maximising their effectiveness.

Reseeding was undertaken using MM50 ryegrass, sown at a rate of 70 g/m². A Vredo disc seeder was used to sow in five directions, ensuring excellent seed-to-soil contact and even coverage across the entire outfield. This multi-directional approach supports uniform establishment, density, and wear tolerance, all essential for a high-performance cricket outfield.

To support balanced nutrition during establishment, two fertilisers were applied: Headland Multigreen 28-3-15 and Headland Greentech 6-5-18, each at 35 g/m². These products provide both immediate and sustained nutrient release, supporting healthy growth while promoting long-term turf stability.

To complete the renovation, a final pass was made using the Fineturf dimple seeder to ensure uniform seed distribution and fill any remaining gaps. Detailed hand seeding and finishing work were carried out around sprinkler heads, valve boxes, and perimeter areas, ensuring complete coverage and a seamless finish across the outfield.

This major renovation project highlights Fineturf’s ability to deliver complex, high-profile sports turf works at the very highest level. Through close collaboration with MCC and Tillers Turf, the 2025 renovation has created an outfield designed to meet world-class performance standards while honouring Lord’s rich history. The result is a surface built to serve the next generation of cricketing moments at the Home of Cricket.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) is proud to once again be part of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS), hosted at the Royal Exhibition Building and the heritage-listed Carlton Gardens in Melbourne’s CBD. Renowned as one of the most anticipated events on the horticultural calendar, the show brings together leading landscape designers, industry experts, and garden enthusiasts to celebrate innovation, creativity, and all things flowers, gardens, and landscape design.

This year’s theme, Kaleidoscope, inspired a vibrant showcase of colour, texture, layering, and pattern throughout the displays.

The LSA stand, designed and constructed by Brad Chandler and the team from Venus Landscaping, showcased LSA’s premium turf varieties, including Sir Walter DNA Certified, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, Sir Grange Zoysia, Zoysia Australis, and our newest variety set to launch later this year, Stampede Hybrid Buffalo. From easy-care home lawns to highly manicured surfaces, the stand demonstrated that there is a turf variety suited to every space.

On the stand, Lawn Solutions members from across Victoria including ANCO Instant Turf, Coolabah Turf, Lilydale Instant Lawn, StrathAyr Instant Lawn, and Mallee Turf provided expert lawn care advice. They also guided visitors on selecting the most suitable turf varieties for their homes and gardens.

LSA also had the pleasure of presenting daily on the main stage at the Royal Exhibition Building. These presentations provided an opportunity to engage with attendees on how to choose the right turf variety based on lifestyle, maintenance requirements, and desired aesthetic, while also showcasing how LSA’s premium range had been thoughtfully incorporated throughout the show gardens

LSA was also featured on the much-loved TV program The Garden Gurus, hosted by Trevor Cochrane. Visiting the LSA stand, Trevor caught up with Joe Rogers for a discussion on all things turf. Joe guided him through the display, highlighting each variety and the unique characteristics that set them apart.

LSA Turf Varieties on Display Across the Show Gardens

Throughout the show, LSA’s premium turf varieties were thoughtfully incorporated across a range of garden displays, each complementing the overall design.

A standout among them was Sir Grange Zoysia, which featured prominently in several gardens. Its versatility was on full display, showcased both unmown for a sculptural, contemporary look and maintained as a manicured, short-cut surface. This adaptability makes it an ideal choice for show gardens, where visual impact and texture are key.

Another highlight was Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, featured in the garden Love Blooms Here by Jason Hodges and Semken Landscaping. This premium variety created a lush, carpet-like green foundation that beautifully complemented the soft pastel tones of the surrounding planting.

Jason Hodges Show Garden

Jason Hodges’ garden not only showcased the beauty of Sir Walter DNA Certified but also served a unique purpose beyond a traditional show garden, it was designed to host a real wedding ceremony during the event. Newlyweds, Dean and Tayla, share a deep connection to the show, with Dean having contributed to MIFGS gardens over his 22-year career with Semken Landscaping.

This stunning space not only highlighted the elegance of Sir Walter DNA Certified and its surrounding plantings but also created a meaningful setting for the couple to celebrate their special day.

We the Wild – Matt York

“We the Wild” reflects the idea that every garden can enhance the broader ecology of its surroundings. Inspired by the windswept terrains of coastal Victoria, the design features striking plant selections, including Xanthorrhoea and flowing, unmown Sir Grange Zoysia. The garden was awarded the City of Melbourne Award of Excellence (Best in Show) and a Gold Medal.

Where We Gather – Emma Doman Design

Inspired by long, sun-drenched Queensland afternoons, “Where We Gather” creates a calming, contemporary, and restorative space, bringing luxury barefoot living to life. The design incorporates unmown Sir Grange Zoysia, oversized palms, and a selection of subtropical plants. The garden was awarded a Silver Medal.

The Future Garden – Jamie Durie

“The Future Garden” is a forward-thinking, sustainable space designed for everyday living. It incorporates recyclable materials and features planting that includes Australian native Westringia, Sir Walter DNA Certified lawn, and a diverse mix of native species.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone involved in planning, building, and bringing these incredible spaces to life at this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. We look forward to seeing what next year’s event has in store.

Carlos Sartoretto, MX Pitch Cluster Manager FIFA World Cup 2026

It has been over a year since I last shared my experiences, and what a year it has been. I am honoured to be serving as Pitch Cluster Manager for Mexico at the FIFA World Cup 2026, overseeing three stadiums, five specific training sites, and six team base camps.

This tournament represents a significant challenge in scale and complexity. Across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, 16 stadiums will host 104 matches, supported by more than 2,000 training sessions across official and team facilities. Delivering consistent, world-class playing surfaces under these conditions is not simply an agronomic challenge, it is a logistical and operational one.

A New Era for Pitch Management

For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, pitch management has been established as a dedicated functional area within the organisation, with its own structure, planning framework, and budget.

The pitch delivery team includes strategic planners, stadium pitch managers, training site specialists, and monitoring teams. In total, more than 50 professionals are directly involved in pitch delivery, supported by local grounds crews, contractors, and suppliers across all host venues.

This evolution reflects a broader reality: pitch quality is no longer a background element. It is central to player performance, safety, and the global image of the tournament.

Defining the Mission

At its core, the pitch delivery program is guided by two key principles:

• Ensure the delivery of world-class playing surfaces across all match and training venues
• Execute all technical aspects in line with FIFA requirements, guaranteeing optimal conditions throughout the competition

Achieving this across multiple countries, climates, and stadium designs requires a highly coordinated and standardised approach.

Delivering Football on a Truly Global Stage

FIFA’s role extends beyond organising a tournament, it is about enabling football to be played at the highest standard, anywhere in the world.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup reflects this mission in its most ambitious form. By bringing together 16 stadiums across three countries, FIFA is reinforcing its commitment to making football truly global, ensuring consistency, quality, and accessibility regardless of location.

This is particularly evident in pitch management.

Through a unified strategy, FIFA ensures that:

• A match in Vancouver delivers the same performance standards as one in Mexico City
• A domed stadium in Atlanta meets the same expectations as an open venue in New York
• Training environments replicate match conditions across all team base camps

This level of consistency is the result of careful planning, shared expertise, and coordinated execution across regions. To achieve this consistency, FIFA has implemented a simplified and controlled turfgrass strategy based on two primary surface types:

Cool-season system

• Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)
• Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
• Standardised blend: 84% KBG / 16% PRG

 Warm-season system

• Hybrid Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × transvaalensis)

This approach ensures that all pitches fall within a defined performance range for traction, ball roll, surface stability, and visual presentation regardless of geography.

Temporary vs Permanent Surfaces

A defining feature of this World Cup is the number of temporary natural grass installations.

Of the 16 stadiums:

• 8 are permanent natural grass venues
• 8 are temporary conversions from synthetic surfaces

Temporary installations introduce unique challenges. Turf must be grown off-site, often under different climatic conditions, before being harvested, transported, and installed within tight timelines. These systems are reinforced with synthetic fibers, either stitched or carpet-based, to ensure durability and stability.

The high proportion of Kentucky Bluegrass in cool-season systems plays a critical role here. Its rhizomatous growth habit provides the structural integrity required for sod production, transport, and rapid establishment under stadium conditions.

Stadium Pitch Strategy Overview

The table below summarises how these principles are applied across the 16 host stadiums:

Adapting Strategy to Stadium Constraints

While the framework is consistent, its implementation must adapt to each venue.

Examples include:

• Domed stadiums in warm climates requiring cool-season turf supported by advanced grow lighting systems
• Open stadiums in cooler regions utilising bermudagrass to maximise performance during summer conditions
• Widespread use of hybrid reinforcement systems to maintain surface stability under intensive use

These adaptations highlight the balance between standardisation and flexibility required at this level

The People Behind the System

Despite the scale and technical complexity, success ultimately depends on people.

FIFA’s approach emphasises collaboration across:

• Local venue teams
• International experts
• Turf producers and contractors
• Research and technical specialists

From my position in the Mexico cluster, this coordination translates into daily alignment between international standards and local execution: working closely with stadium teams, contractors, and agronomic specialists to ensure consistency at every level.

Roles such as Pitch Cluster Management serve to connect strategy with delivery ensuring that global objectives are effectively implemented at the local level. It has required extensive coordination and travel across Mexico (more than 70 flights to date), reflecting the level of detail and alignment necessary to deliver consistent outcomes.

The impact of this work extends beyond the competition itself. Each decision, whether related to turfgrass selection, construction methods, or maintenance practices, contributes to a broader legacy:

• Advancing turfgrass technology and knowledge
• Strengthening collaboration across the global turf industry
• Establishing new performance benchmarks for future events

In this sense, the FIFA World Cup becomes more than a tournament. It becomes a platform for innovation, learning, and the continued development of football infrastructure worldwide.