With a cup of tea in hand, a quick glance at the weather forecast sets the tone for the day. Before heading out, I check my route for any traffic delays. With several clubs to visit, careful planning is essential to make sure I arrive on time and make the most of every visit.

Today's schedule is focused on pitch inspections. Before leaving, I make sure all my equipment is packed and ready to go: soil sampler, grass gauge, tape measure, phone, and, of course, the PitchPower app. Having the right tools on hand ensures I can carry out a thorough assessment of each playing surface.

The morning begins at my first rugby club. Using PitchPower as a foundation, I complete a structured inspection, assessing everything from grass coverage and height to pitch usage, soil type, and root depth.

To understand what's happening beneath the surface, I use a soil sampler to take measurements and observations. PitchPower helps collect and benchmark the data, enabling me to produce a detailed, personalised report for the club.

From there, I provide tailored recommendations, not only outlining what actions are needed, but also when and how they can be achieved within the club's available budget. Conversations often go beyond pitch maintenance, covering volunteer support, available resources, and long-term sustainability.

Lunch is usually a quick stop between visits, often eaten in the car while reviewing notes from the morning. It's also a chance to catch up on emails and review information submitted by the next club, including details of their maintenance practices and machinery. This helps me provide advice that is specific to their circumstances and achievable for their team.

The afternoon brings another club visit and another PitchPower assessment. Every site presents different challenges and opportunities. Comparing scores alongside visual observations and physical measurements helps build a clear picture of each pitch's condition. These insights are invaluable in helping clubs understand where they are now and identify the improvements that will have the greatest impact.

Back at the hotel, I spend some time reviewing notes from the day's visits, updating reports and responding to emails. It's an opportunity to reflect on the findings and ensure clubs receive the most accurate and useful recommendations possible.

As the day comes to a close, I'm reminded of the wider impact of the role: safer pitches, better playing experiences, and stronger rugby clubs. Every visit, every assessment, and every conversation contributes to the bigger picture of supporting and sustaining rugby at the grassroots level.

Why It Matters?

Being a Regional Pitch Advisor is about much more than grass and soil. It's about supporting people, strengthening communities, and creating environments where the game can thrive. By combining hands-on expertise with tools such as PitchPower, I can help clubs make informed decisions and develop pitches that are safe, sustainable, and fit for the future.