Ben Kim - K-League - The member of Pitch Assist

Ben is a member of the Pitch Assist Team, a newly established division under the Korea Professional Football League (K League), dedicated to elevating pitch quality and ground conditions across all league stadiums. His work focuses on creating standardised, climate-resilient and sustainable turf management practices to ensure consistent playing surfaces at the highest professional level.

Ben and his team were formed in response to the unique challenges faced by Korean football, including extreme climate fluctuations and inconsistent maintenance standards. In 2024, the Pitch Assist Team conducted inspections across 27 stadiums, evaluating turf health, drainage, root zones, equipment and maintenance practices. Based on these assessments, they provide tailored consulting and detailed reports, helping clubs make informed, proactive decisions to improve playing surfaces.

The team also undertakes benchmarking against international standards, visiting elite stadiums such as those in Tokyo to study turf types, maintenance practices, event scheduling and soil care. This global perspective is integrated into practical, data-driven recommendations for K League stadiums. Ben also supports the Facilities Development Group (FDG), a quarterly task force of turf specialists, government representatives and industry professionals. The group aligns on equipment standards and climate-resilient strategies.

Beyond inspections and consulting, Ben contributes to the development of new turf management regulations and national guidelines, working closely with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and local authorities. He has helped launch initiatives such as the “Global Pitch Report,” a Korean-language publication sharing international insights with local grounds teams, bridging knowledge gaps and raising professional standards throughout the industry.

Key achievements include establishing the first dedicated grounds management body in K League history and implementing a league-wide system for proactive turf care. These efforts have positioned Ben and the Pitch Assist Team as strategic leaders in Korean sports turf management.

Looking ahead, Ben aims to continue driving professionalisation across the K League by introducing standardised pitch ratings and expanding educational opportunities for grounds staff. His vision is for every stadium, regardless of region or budget, is to deliver consistently high-quality surfaces.

The Pitch Assist Team has made a remarkable contribution to advancing the professional standards of turf management in Korean football. As a researcher, I have collaborated with the team on field assessments and turf health monitoring. I have been impressed by their structured, science-based approach and their genuine commitment to long-term improvement across the league.

What makes them unique is their ability to bridge the gap between research and practice. They use data responsibly, ask the right questions, and make recommendations that are realistic and site-specific. Their work to promote climate-resilient grass species and educate local grounds staff has already begun to impact the way stadiums are maintained nationwide. I am confident that their model can serve as a blueprint for other sports leagues in Asia."

Julia Kim, Professional golf grass consultant - Samsung Golf Consulting Lab