Global Sport Governing bodies back Synthetic Surfaces Conference and Expo

Australia's first National Synthetic Surfaces Conference and Expo (NSSCE) has received the support of World Governing Bodies for Football (FIFA) and Rugby (IRB), together with domestic support from the AFL, Tennis Australia and Hockey Australia.

With 65% of the Expo space already sold and with more than 50 sessions covering playgrounds, sports surfaces and project management, delegate registrations and Expo bookings are growing for the event which is being held at Sydney's Rosehill Gardens Racecourse on 12th and 13th June.

Among the speakers, FIFA will be represented by Dr Eric Harrison, who has been integral to the design, development and promotion of FIFA's Quality Concept for Football Turf since its establishment more than a decade ago. Recognised as a world authority on synthetic turf, the organisers of the NSSCE are very pleased that such a senior FIFA representative will be speaking at the Conference.

Rugby Union's world governing body, the International Rugby Board (IRB), is sending Technical Director Leanne Walsh who has been working with 'long-grass' sports around the world to develop the 'One-Turf Concept', which aims to allow a single turf standard be used for the football codes of Soccer, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Australian Rules Football, American and Gaelic Football.

From Australia the conference will also be providing advice on:

Playgrounds - With Professor David Eager, Chair Person Australian Standards Committee for Playgrounds and Surfacing. Together with Kidsafe (NSW) a strong program around design, usability, accessibility and major case-studies for everyone who is interested in play surfaces and playgrounds.

Sport

- Tennis Australia will be speaking on their facilities hierarchy and how quality surfaces can encourage more people to play. In addition they will explain the funding model for clubs to access funding for their facilities.

- AFL and Cricket Australia will explain how their standards can be used to promote the two sports all year round and the funding available for local government and sports clubs to install synthetic surfaces.

Local Government - Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA), the national body for local government parks and recreation are promoting the event and will be supporting more than 50 local councils who are presently looking to install this technology.

For full details and to register go to the NSSCE website

http://www.nssce.com.au