The ICL and Syngenta Turf Rewards loyalty scheme has enabled the University of Leeds and Leeds United FC to send members of their grounds team on a number of Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) training courses.

The Turf Rewards loyalty scheme provides the chance for turf managers to earn points from product purchases and then convert them into a wide range of valuable agronomic or educational items.

Education is a priority for both the University of Leeds and Leeds United FC, and they have both praised the scheme for being a unique way to improve an individual’s skill-set without impacting their budget.

“Education is very important for us - we are a university so we want to encourage a person’s professional development and Turf Rewards gives us the perfect opportunity to do this. We want to show as a university, that we can bring someone in as an apprentice and then they can work their way up to a management position, and doing all these courses helps them on that path,” says James Wright, Acting Supervisor of Grounds and Gardens at the University of Leeds.

Echoing James’ thoughts was Kiel Barrett, Head Groundsman at Leeds United FC, who said: “We’ve been using Turf Rewards for a number of years and have managed to purchase some useful tools. The Prism Gauge and Macroscope – which helps us keep an eye on the height of cut and take a closer look at the turf, was the first reward we claimed. Following that we accumulated enough points to purchase a spreader and then iPads which are great for keeping an in-depth pitch diary.

“Most recently, we purchased IOG education vouchers which have resulted in two members of staff embarking on a Maintenance of 3G Pitches course. They would have been going on the course anyway, so that has saved us £1000 – which now means we can spend that money in other ways to improve the pitch. It just makes your budget go much further.”

James decided to use his vouchers to send three members of staff on an IOG Winter Pitches course – which develops and reinforces applied technical skills and knowledge with the latest, best practices. Meanwhile, Kiel has selected the Effective Maintenance of 3G Pitches course for two members of the Leeds United grounds staff.

Users of Turf Rewards receive points each time they purchase selected ICL or Syngenta products, as both explain.

“I don’t think of Turf Rewards when I’m buying a product, because I know the products work for me anyway, but once you see your points building up you just have to look at it and use it as a tool to improve your operations,” said James.

“We’re not spending more just to get rewards – we’re being rewarded for being a loyal customer,” says Kiel. “At the end of the day, I’m using products that I get good results from and as a bonus I get rewards from using these products. I feel it is a great idea and the more you make the most of it, you realise just how beneficial the Turf Rewards scheme is.”

For more information on Turf Rewards, please visit www.turfrewards.com