SGL for the love of grass

2024 is a wrap ✅ As the year comes to an end, we look back on 12 incredible months filled with milestones and achievements. While we simply can’t share everything, here are a few highlights we’re especially proud of: 🌟 Bruin Capital 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 Bruin Capital's support enables us to innovate and introduce even more advanced technologies and bring value to a larger demographic, all while staying true to our values and company culture.   🌟 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 We're very happy to have welcomed talented new colleagues to SGL, growing the company to over 50 employees. We’re proud of this amazing group of people and excited for the future we’re building together.    🌟 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 We believe in sharing knowledge and bringing the industry together, and we use our events to do so. Our traditional Masterclass was hosted in Scotland and we hosted Showcases at NK Osijek, Croatia, and Chelsea F.C. We can't wait to welcome you to more unique places in 2025! 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓?  As we step into 2025, we’re excited to share some unique developments that promise to make the year unforgettable. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead:   🚀 Innovative product launches, including the first in just a few weeks!  👀 Many new and exciting projects coming up  🗽 The Masterclass 2025 in New York City on 19-20 March. Sign-up on our website to join us for an unforgettable edition: https://lnkd.in/eHrqBHmi   Thank you to everyone who made 2024 an unforgettable year. Here’s to an even brighter 2025! 🧡 

VfB Stuttgart switches from HPS to LED grow lighting technology 💡 The VfB Stuttgart grounds team now benefits from the latest grow lighting technology! The nine LED440s and three LED120s help Head Groundsman Fabian Riesterer and his team maintain a year-round pitch of high grass quality, despite the challenges posed by the MHP Arena located in southern Germany. 🏟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 With hot summers and cold winters, maintaining a high quality grass playing surface inside the stadium can be a big challenge. In summer, the grass needs a different heat-light balance than during winter time. Additionally, the enclosed stadium structure casts a shadow on specific areas of the pitch, making an alternative source of light and heat a necessity to grow high quality grass week after week. 🌱 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐏𝐒 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 By investing in LED technology, the club switches from traditional HPS grow lights to state-of-the-art LED grow lighting technology, giving the grounds team more control over the growth conditions. LED technology allows the grounds team to control the light and heat radiation separately and create the optimal microclimate, whether cold winters or hot summers. On top of the agronomical benefits, Riesterer and his team also expect to save energy when temperatures are high and extra heat is not necessary. Especially from the end of August until November, and from March until May. A benefit that fits nicely into the club’s sustainability goals. ⭐ 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 In a challenging industry where stakes are high and deadlines are tight, we are used to being flexible and are happy to think along with our customers so that we can provide solutions with short turnaround time. The cooperation with VfB Stuttgart is an example of this. In a short time frame, we managed to deliver the LED grow lighting units to VfB Stuttgart on time, so that Fabian Riesterer and his team can use the light and warmth of the LED units in these dark and cold days. #LEDGrowLights #Innovation #VfBStuttgart

We’re hiring: Project Management & Business Support Playgreen BV Are you ready to manage project processes from inception to completion, such as new product implementations, in an international, tech-driven sports environment? PlayGreen is seeking a highly motivated Project Manager with a proven track record to join our dynamic team.  About PlayGreen Playgreen is the parent company of Stadium Grow Lighting (SGL) and ALVATechnology.nl. Together, SGL and ALVA have revolutionised the sports turfgrass industry with innovative approaches, raising the standard of quality for turfgrass pitches to the exceptional levels seen in sports stadiums today. Interested? Learn more about this opportunity and apply here! https://lnkd.in/eT3My5Hh #JobOpening #ProjectManagement #Vacancy #Careers #SportsTechJobs 

Chelsea Showcase✅! We look back on an incredible day spent with a great group of turf professionals. On Tuesday, November 28, we had the honor of hosting an inspiring event at Stamford Bridge, the iconic home of Chelsea Football Club.  👌 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬  The day kicked off with a presentation on LED grow lighting technology, highlighting the latest advancements, key benefits, and innovative solutions for the future. Charles Henderson followed with an engaging presentation offering a unique perspective on the Chelsea project and the ambitious plans. His insights showcased how the drive for continuous improvement never stops. 🗣️ 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧  Our expert panelists, Ben Connell (Ipswich Town F.C.), Simon Gibson (Leicester City F.C.), and Aaron Tong (Hull City AFC) then took the stage to share their knowledge and experience. They provided valuable insights into the use of grass grow lighting and emphasized the importance of collaborating with stadium management. The session led to dynamic discussions and meaningful takeaways for all attendees. 🌱 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 No event is complete without hands-on learning! During the pitch visit, Paul Burgess shared his expertise, offering a detailed look at the pitch management strategies and tools used by his team. This practical session left attendees with a deeper understanding of effective pitch management practices.  🙏 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩 We concluded the day with a networking session over drinks; a perfect opportunity to network with peers and build new relationships within the industry. A special thank-you to Paul Burgess and his team for hosting us at this remarkable venue. Your efforts were vital in making the event such a success.    Finally, a big thank-you to all participants for their enthusiasm and contributions. We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did! 

We're hiring! Do you have the ambition to work in an international, tech-driven sports environment? This is your chance to be part of that world! Join SGL as an After Sales & Service Employee and support some of the biggest sports clubs and venues globally. 🏟  Anne Schipper, Service Manager, shares: "As true sports enthusiasts, it’s amazing to work with some of the biggest sports clubs in the world. Whether it’s planning installations, preventive maintenance, or troubleshooting, we strive to exceed customer expectations." Why work at SGL?  ▫ Join a young, ambitious, international, and fun team  ▫ Work with unique and innovative products  ▫ Plenty of opportunities for growth and development  ▫ Flexible working hours and hybrid work options  ▫ Weekly "Friday Friesday"  ▫ Company and department outings  ▫ Fitness arrangements  ▫ Bonus possibilities Interested? Apply in just 1 minute! Click here: https://lnkd.in/euTzSVX4 #JobOpening #Football #Service #Sales #Vacature 

Grow your career at SGL 🧡    We thrive on growing talent from within. Whether you aim to shift to another department or advance to management, we'll explore what it takes to get you there. Read the story of three of our colleagues who've grown their career at SGL. 🪜    ⚽ First up: Marc Zeestraten, Special Projects and Operations Manager. Marc manages three departments at the same time, while also juggling all the balls in the air for ‘special projects’. Marc joined SGL 15 years ago and has no plans of leaving anytime soon. He explains his love for SGL: "It’s incredibly interesting to be part of such a rapidly growing company, and I believe that growth will continue in the coming years. We’re active in a fantastic industry, especially if you love football. It truly is a unique setting; SGL remains the best place to work for me."     🌟 Next, we introduce Noortje van Loo, Business Innovation Manager. Noortje shows that ambition, hard work and initiative can take you anywhere. She operates from a central role within the company, the perfect environment for her to thrive. Noortje describes SGL's culture: "Everyone is down-to-earth, and we have a great team where anything is possible. I appreciate the flexibility and the freedom you get here. Everything is achievable as long as you’re willing to work for it. People tend to stay here for a long time, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence."    🚀 Finally, there’s Daan van Willigen, Sales Coordinator. His passion for the sports industry led him to SGL, and he’s now exactly where he wants to be. Daan is the key player in the office for our worldwide team of Area Managers. He tells us about his ambition: "I’d like to grow into a management role in the coming years. I also want to gain more sales experience to fully understand what life is like for the Area Managers. I think it’s really important to walk a mile in their shoes to be able to support them better."    🔗 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧! Anything is possible at SGL if you’re willing to work for it. Marc, Noortje, and Daan’s stories show that there are countless opportunities for you to develop and grow at SGL. Take the next step in your career with us.    Curious about the whole story? Read more about Marc, Noortje, and Daan at SGL here: https://lnkd.in/eA7RDheh   #Growth #Career #Development #JobOpening #Sport

How important is the pitch in the eyes of the CEO of the Strawberry Arena? We spoke with Fredrik Cornell, CEO of Strawberry Arena, about his views on having the best job in the world, his thoughts on the pitch, the crucial role of sustainability, and his collaboration with the groundsmen. The Strawberry Arena, formerly known as Friends Arena in Solna, Sweden, features one of the most northern natural grass pitches in the world. Despite the stadium allowing only 10% of natural sunlight to reach the pitch and hosting 50 events annually, including concerts and (inter)national sporting events, the venue is still praised for its pitch quality. 🌍 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 While many people enjoy their work, the "grass is greener" mentality is always in the back of their head. But Fredrik Cornell proudly calls his role the best job in the world. “I have the best job because I manage a great team and a fantastic stadium, creating events where people arrive excited and leave with unforgettable experiences.” ⚽ 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 Fredrik juggles many responsibilities in his role, and the pitch is one of them. But how important is it in his eyes? “The quality of the pitch is what it all comes down to; it’s our prime responsibility. At the same time, managing a natural pitch while hosting other events is a challenge. In fact, it's our biggest variable cost when you consider everything, from renovations to maintenance, buying pitches from the farm, watering, maintenance by staff, materials, machinery, and so on.” ⚡ 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 Sustainability is an important, yet sometimes sensitive topic, and often requires finding a fine balance. “When faced with two options, we look at the cost and try to balance it with sustainability. But when it comes to the pitch, quality always comes first because it's one of our top priorities. The quality of the pitch is always the top concern, which is why we use grow lights. Nothing else matters if we don’t have a good-quality pitch.” 🌱 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 The quality of the pitch at the Strawberry Arena is of greatest importance and the standards are set high. Fredrik explains how they maintain such high standards: "I have the best Head Groundsman in at least northern Europe: Simeon Liljenberg. I trust him completely. We talk often, but I don’t always know the specifics of what he’s doing as I let him be the expert in his field. I understand the costs involved, and ultimately, it all comes down to having the best groundsman." So, what’s the key to achieving a high-quality pitch? "You need to understand what’s happening with the grass, both what you can see and what you can’t. That’s the groundsman’s expertise, so you have to listen to him. Click here to read Fredrik's full story: https://lnkd.in/efRNwuuz #StrawberryArena #GrowLights #Football #Concerts #Events

We look back at two fantastic days at SALTEX at the NEC in Birmingham!    📍 Great to reconnect with friends and make new connections at our stand. It's always a pleasure to see familiar faces and catch up!    🎙 Highlight of the event was the Learning LIVE session where Simon Gumbrill and Scott Tingley shared their insights and experiences about pitch technology for grass disease management in a stadia environment. A nice opportunity to share knowledge within the industry.     📱 We also introduced a demo version of our new SGL Data Hub. Sharing the mobile app on a big screen offered attendees an exciting preview of what’s coming soon! Curious about the SGL Data Hub? Sign up for updates: https://lnkd.in/eNqewpkH     💡 Visitors could scan a QR code at our stand for a chance to win a free 3-month LED50 trial. Missed the sign-up? There’s still time to enter: https://lnkd.in/e7Pk2jSd     Big thanks to the Grounds Management Association for bringing the industry together. We're already looking forward to next year!    #SALTEX2024 #GMA #SGL #NECBirmingham #football

FC Groningen experiences LED technology firsthand 💡 🏟   FC Groningen's Head Groundsman, Rowin Jansen, had the opportunity to experience LED grow lighting technology at their stadium, De Euroborg, and the results have been amazing! He shares the challenges he faces in his work, his experience with LED technology, and his passion for his craft.     🏢 𝟖𝟎-𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 The Euroborg stadium and its surroundings present some challenges for Rowin. "Next to our stadium are two residential towers, each 80 meters high, so you can imagine how much shadow that creates. Our backline on the side of the towers never gets any sunlight. We also have quite an overhanging roof from the stadium, so altogether, we’re dealing with a lot of shade."     💡 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 Rowin was excited to tackle these challenges with the help of LED grow lighting technology, and he was not disappointed. “The results have far exceeded expectations! From an operational perspective, it’s easy to handle and leaves minimal traces on the pitch. Quality-wise, I can already see a noticeable difference. The grass growth is impressive, but the strength is incredible!"     💚 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧  Rowin speaks with great passion about his work as a groundsman and hopes to spread awareness of how rewarding this job is. “I want to get more people excited about this industry and promote the value of this craft. It’s such a great thing to do, and it’s extra special to help the club you love by doing what you love. FC Groningen has a special place in my heart, and I’d do anything for this club."     Read Rowin's full story here: https://lnkd.in/eVPkX7su    #LightingSeason #FCGroningen #DeEuroborg #TrotsVanHetNoorden #LEDtrial 

Paul Burgess pioneers through his career    Paul Burgess is a five-time Premier League Groundsman of the Year winner, a recognition that paved the way for his move to Real Madrid CF. We had an interesting conversation with Paul about his career, the current project at Chelsea Football Club, pioneering, and the future of pitch management.   🤝 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬 Paul’s career has taken him to many incredible places, working with prestigious clubs such as Arsenal F.C., Real Madrid C.F., and AS Monaco, before ultimately joining Chelsea F.C. "In England, you experience four seasons in a day, making planning a bit more challenging than in sunny Madrid."    👔 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠  At Chelsea F.C., Paul serves as the Director of Global Playing Surfaces and Landscaping, overseeing Stamford Bridge, Kingsmeadow stadium , and the 38 (!) pitches at Cobham Training Centre, Europe’s largest training facility. Earlier this year, he was responsible for the renovation of all 40 pitches.    🚀 𝐏𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠  Paul is known as a pioneer in the industry who always chases perfection. “I always keep cooking in my head and keep looking for ways to improve things. I’m always chasing perfection, but real perfection doesn’t exist.” And after all these years, Paul’s determination to succeed is as strong as ever: “My desire to deliver is as strong now as it was 30 years ago. I won’t be giving anyone an easy ride anytime soon.”    💡 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 Paul has a clear vision on the future of grow lights. “I think the potential is enormous. With an increasing event schedule and the possibility of men’s and women’s teams sharing stadiums, there will be more pressure on the pitch. I foresee many more integrated grow light systems like those at Tottenham Hotspur, as well as innovative designs like the units hanging from the roof at AT&T Stadium.”    🔮 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭  Paul shares his expectations for pitch management in the coming years with us. “I think we will see a significant increase in robotic technology, and the role of data will become even more crucial. However, the role of the groundsman will always be important because he or she ultimately makes the decisions. A pilot, for example, relies on instruments while flying but takes control before the final approach to landing.”     Are you interested in Paul's full story? Read more: https://lnkd.in/e5TQk-9Z   #LightingSeason #CFC #StamfordBridge #PremierLeague #LED