Start now for a successful summer of soccer
During this past summer, the world beat a path to America’s doorstep for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The cities that hosted (Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Pasadena, Calif.; Cincinnati, Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, and East Rutherford, N.J.) were able to realize economic benefits in hotel stays, restaurant business, and visits to area attractions.
But more than that, those cities (and plenty of others nationwide) lit a fire for soccer that served as a great warm-up for next year when the World Cup arrives. The U.S. is poised to become ground zero for soccer. It raises an important question for local leaders: What are community parks doing to harness that energy?
The World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. That window of time can be filled with tie-ins and special events, including clinics, leagues, drop-in play, and even neighborhood tournaments. All park staff members need to do is to ensure the fields are ready.
Grass Field Care
When anticipating heightened traffic on sports fields, it’s best to prepare in advance. That starts now, with a maintenance plan designed to optimize soil health and turfgrass density. (Fall is one of the best times to do prep work on fields. With students back in school, the fields can be worked on without interference.)
The following are a few steps for optimal field conditions:
Understand the field’s type of soil, type of grass, and whether it’s ready to accommodate extra use. If this is beyond a leader’s area of expertise, the first call should be to a sports-specific contractor who has experience in fields. Don’t know one in the area? Use the American Sports Builders Association website (www.sportsbuilders.org) and access the “Find a Member” feature.
Determine if the field has adequate drainage, especially if located in an area prone to rain events. A wet, soggy field is an unplayable field. A sports contractor can identify ways to help a field shed water more efficiently.
Aeration of the soil is necessary. This will improve air and water penetration to the roots of the grass and will also help with drainage. Bonus: It leads to better growth and a thicker, denser field that holds up to increased foot traffic. Some soils require more aeration than others (a field builder will be able to assist with the development of a suitable maintenance plan), but there is no field that performs well without it.
Learn about seeding with the right type of grasses for planned uses, as well as for the location and weather conditions. Don’t make the mistake of buying any available seed as some are better suited to sports-field conditions. The best options are ones that are wear-tolerant, recuperate well after use, and (very importantly) suited to the local climate. Ask a sports contractor for recommendations.
Overseeding the field will help establish grass and allow for development of a more durable facility overall. This is going to be particularly important in areas of high traffic, such as in front of a goal.
Water the field regularly, but do not overwater. Examine all sprinklers to make sure they work properly and that water is directed only onto the field, rather than onto sidelines or other non-playing areas where it might create mud or promote weed growth.
Mow to an appropriate length. Different varieties of grass will vary in mowing height. Mowing a field too short will negatively affect root health and create a weaker surface overall. It can also increase the potential for weeds. Learn the appropriate mowing height and create a schedule that allows a field to do what it does best: Grow strong and host play.
Be ready to let the field rest when necessary. Even the best grass needs a break in the face of constant use. If possible, rotate play among different areas of a park, or use small-sided fields in varying areas. Running too many games across the same surface will result in bare spots or ruts, which means even more downtime. Resting fields will need additional care, so ask a contractor for recommendations.
Rest is especially necessary if soccer is not the only sport hosted on a field. Games like Ultimate, football (flag and tackle), as well as simple pick-up games of Frisbee mean more traffic on a surface.
Other care aspects to discuss with a contractor include thatch removal, topdressing, fertilization, and pest control, all of which will vary according to site-specific circumstances.
Synthetic Field Care
If a park has a synthetic field which will be used for soccer over the summer, take some time in the offseason to ensure a field is ready for the coming foot traffic.
Watering: Test irrigation systems to determine if they work correctly.
Drainage: Once an irrigation system has been shut off, make sure the field drains consistently and quickly, with no areas of standing water.
Turf Condition: Check the field for areas of wear, low spots, or places where the turf looks uneven. If staff members observe the field and the playing lines do not seem perfectly straight, it can indicate a problem with the infill. A sports contractor can recommend the best course of action.
If fields (synthetic or grass) have lighting, check to ensure it works properly and that all fixtures are operational.
Check fencing as well. If any fields are enclosed by fencing, examine the fence and make sure it is in good condition with no loose rails, problems with gates, bulging or sagging fence fabric, sharp edges, or rusty areas.
The American Sports Builders Association publishes Sports Fields: Construction and Maintenance Manual, a comprehensive (and user-friendly) guide to field design, construction, and care. It is available in hard copy and electronic format and can be purchased by going to ASBA’s website, www.sportsbuilders.org, using the top blue toolbar and hovering over the word “Resources,” then selecting the drop-down menu that reads “Publications.”