Leigh Sports Village grounds manager Keith Porter has cause to celebrate since he specified a new irrigation system for the site’s hybrid pitch.
Uneven watering had created inconsistent turf condition at what is said to be one of the UK’s most rapidly developing sporting venues. Areas occasionally drying out and underperforming were two key issues for Keith, now in his 18th year in post. Installation of a Hunter system is said to have eradicated them, however.
“The old irrigation system was hit and miss, now it’s perfectly even,” Keith reports. “No dry patches, no burning off. It’s not just about aesthetics but about performance and safety too. Even in windy conditions, the whole playing surface is getting what it needs, transforming our matchday prep.”

Control and consistency
Supplied and supported by Kar UK, the system has boosted control and consistency for Keith and his six-strong team. Installed by Irrigation Control as part of a major hybrid pitch redevelopment last June, the system includes GT-885 and I-80-ON sprinklers, designed to deliver performance, reliability, top serviceability and full, even coverage of the pitch and is combined with the ACC2 controller and Centralus software.,!
“You can access the heads without digging up the pitch, massive on a hybrid surface,” Keith explains, “and the throw from the heads is brilliant. With the I-80s, even the central sprinklers reach right out to the touchline. We’ve now got 100% coverage, and that makes a huge difference.”
The council-owned venue, home to rugby league club Leigh Leopards and Manchester United’s Women’s and Development teams, has enjoyed steadily rising profile and popularity, with regular games, training sessions and even film shoots part of its busy schedule.

Tech investment
The team manages not only the stadium pitch but also additional grass and synthetic pitches, leisure centre, hotel, supermarket and a college campus.
Despite the workload, Keith credits the investment in technology and ongoing support as vital to keeping up with demand. “We’re left to manage things ourselves and we’ve always had the backing when we’ve made a case for investment,” he explains. “The irrigation system was another example of the council trusting us to choose the right tools for the job.”
The Centralus control system, for example, allows the team to operate the irrigation from anywhere, even at home, via smartphone, handheld remote or laptop.
“Any of the lads can pick it up and use it,” Keith adds. “You can run individual heads or sections for spot treatments or liquid feeding. You’re not restricted to a one-size-fits-all cycle. That saves water, time, and effort.”
Always looking forward, Keith is already eyeing upgrades. “Our external pitches are older systems but as sprinkler heads start to go, we’ll be replacing them with Hunter.”
www.karuk.com