With pernicious waterlogging problems having haunted their ground for a long time, precipitating the remedial works conducted during summer 2024, Ashby Ivanhoe FC hadn’t played a home game since November 2023. Following the successful installation of the Turfdry Drainage System using Hydraway Sportsdrain in August 2024 however, the pitch has recovered well, with a healthy grass sward establishing over the drain lines, opening the door for football to return to Ivanhoe’s NFU Sports Ground.

With the recent heavy downpours making summer seem like a distant memory, sports pitches across the UK will be facing their first real drainage challenge of the season. As such, it seemed like a great opportunity to check in on the new Football Foundation funded pitch drainage system installed at Ashby Ivanhoe FC in August to check in on the performance of the Hydraway Sportsdrain.

Ashby Ivanhoe FC is an ambitious club that is looking to make meaningful investments in its home ground. A key objective in this regard has been the installation of a new pitch drainage system; this will not only improve the quality of the playing surface, but also guard against fixture cancellations brought about through waterlogging, which can have serious detrimental impact on the finances of a grassroots club – whether through fines, or diminished matchday revenue. To this end, the club sought funding from the Football Foundation, and expert third-party advice from a number of sources including as the Grounds Management Association. With Turfdry’s name cropping up time and time again, the club eventually got in touch with the firm to discuss the potential improvements to its home ground. Impressed with both the technical superiority of Hydraway Sportsdrain, as well as the passion and enthusiasm of Turfdry’s team, Ashby Ivanhoe FC was convinced that Turfdry was the best contractor to deliver the most cost-effective improvements to their pitch.