The winners of the SAPCA Awards 2023 have been revealed, with the six winning entries being chosen by a panel of judges from a short list of 10 finalists.
Among this year’s winners were a first of its kind recycling facility and an innovative new product set to transform tennis training.
Now in their eighth year, the awards celebrate the achievements of SAPCA members across the sports and play facility construction industry. The awards ceremony was held as part of the SAPCA Conference and Annual Dinner on 13 February at St George’s Park.
Colin Corline, SAPCA Project Manager and a member of the awards judging panel, said: “We received more than 30 entries for this year’s awards and, as in previous years, the overall quality of entries was very high.
“It was no easy task to pick the six winners, which is testament to the expertise, innovation and knowledge represented within our members.”
The winners of the SAPCA Awards 2023 are:
Project (Large): O’Brien Contractors
New sports facility with six natural turf pitches and clubhouse at Old Saltleians RFC.
Project (Small): Notts Sport
Renovation project to provide two non-filled synthetic turf areas at Shooters Hill College, London.
Product: JB Corrie – Clearplay
Clearplay is a new, game-changing practice wall for tennis which can be installed retrospectively within existing tennis court, or as part of new projects.
Sustainability Award: Sportex
Sportex developed and opened the UK’s first 100% closed-loop recycling facility for end-of-life synthetic turf sports fields.
Innovation Award: Envirostik – Aqua-fix
The new Aqua-Fix adhesive enables carpet seam bonds to be made even if the presence of water is excessive.
Export Award: Surf Tech
Record sales year for Surf Tech’s export arm, including bumper sales in existing markets and new partners worldwide.
Richard Shaw, SAPCA CEO, said: “For eight years now, the annual SAPCA Awards have highlighted, to a wider audience, how the association’s members create innovative solutions, deliver complex projects and pioneer industry-leading products and services.
“SAPCA represents the best of the industry, so these awards showcase the best of the best – which means that the winners should be very proud of their work.
“This year’s cohort of winners is no exception and shows how SAPCA members lead the way when it comes to innovation and excellence within sports and play construction. It was especially heartening to see so much strength around sustainability, which shows how the industry is leading from the front when it comes to tackling the environmental challenges that the world faces.”