Optimizing Go Ahead Eagles’ pitch

A case study for field managers

In professional football, pitch quality is no longer just about appearance; it forms the basis for game intensity, injury prevention and professional standards. The recent large-scale renovation of both the main pitch at Stadion De Adelaarshorst and the adjacent training pitch at Go Ahead Eagles shows how modern technology, sustainable choices and craftsmanship can reinforce each other. The club’s approach offers valuable insights for anyone involved in the management of sports fields, from maintenance teams to policymakers, and shows how thoughtful grass management can make a difference in daily practice and long-term performance.

Leading with expertise: Ron Janssen’s vision
At the heart of the renovation project stands Ron Janssen, head of operations at Go Ahead Eagles. He played a key role in the renovation of the sports field. As the driving force behind the process, he coordinated the work, monitored progress, and facilitated effective collaboration among all parties involved. This leadership contribution directly supported a smooth and goal-oriented renovation trajectory.

Ron Janssen, Operations Manager at Go Ahead, says: “At Go Ahead, we are incredibly proud to be implementing DrainTalent’s expertise in our fields; we anticipate a significant improvement in quality, especially considering the high level of use the training field receives.”

Smart infrastructure: The DrainTalent Pro-system
A core component of the renovation was the installation of the DrainTalent Pro-system, a high-tech solution for soil and water management that offers unprecedented oversight. The system is embedded 35 centimeters below the surface and consists of a network of drainage pipes connected to a centralized pump and filtration unit. This setup is governed by software that constantly monitors and fine-tunes the overall soil moisture level.

The ability to actively drain or infiltrate water into the pitch ensures that the turf stays at optimal moisture levels, regardless of external weather conditions. This creates a more stable growing environment and dramatically reduces the chance of waterlogging or dry areas.

One of the key features for Go Ahead is the DrainTalent flush cycle. This involves the infiltration of a specific amount of water, which is then extracted shortly afterwards. These cycles create an ideal recovery environment for the pitch after matches.

Sustainable water use
Both the main pitch and the training pitch are equipped with the DrainTalent Pro-system. One of the most striking sustainability measures within the renovation, which will soon be taken even further, is the conversion of the current goalkeeper training area, currently still a traditional grass pitch, into a bus parking area. An integrated water storage system will be installed under this new hard surface, allowing the space to be used for two purposes and making the stadium grounds smart and future-proof.

Turf composition: Hybrid grass system
To increase the durability and resilience of the pitch, Go Ahead Eagles opted for a hybrid grass system: natural grass combined with stitched-in artificial fibres. This provides a stable and wear-resistant surface that can easily withstand intensive matches and training sessions.

By integrating the fibres deep into the natural turf, the pitch maintains its structure even under heavy use and in challenging weather conditions. The system reduces divots, improves traction for players, and ensures a consistently high-quality playing surface throughout the season. Additionally, it extends the maintenance cycle, allowing groundskeepers to manage the field more efficiently while guaranteeing optimal performance on match days.

Conclusion
The transformation at Go Ahead Eagles is a compelling example of what can be achieved through the right combination of technology, expertise and environmental awareness. For pitch managers, it underlines the value of proactive planning and investment in systems that deliver long-term returns, both in terms of turf quality and sustainability.

Whether it concerns a local training pitch or a large (international) stadium, the principles applied offer inspiration and direction for smarter and more sustainable turf management.