LAÑO SPORTS THE TURF THAT LEGENDS ARE BUILT ON The youngster had been waiting all morning, just to catch a glimpse of one of his idols. It may be raining but this doesn't dampen his smile as he peers through the window of the expensive-looking car as it arrives at the security barrier, entrance to the training ground of his Premiership Club. This is his club, the club that he has followed all his young life, the club that has been supported by his family since he doesn't know when. History is all around. From the famous crest on the shirts to the players who wore it before, the training ground serves as a constant reminder to legends of the past, bestowing a certain responsibility on those who aspire to wear the club's colours. Walking down the corridor of the training centre, pictures hang of all the famous players who have represented the club - icons of the past serving as an inspiration to the young academy players who aspire to equal For Lano Sports, it's not possible to be part of this without embracing all that has gone before. Understanding the responsibilities of being part of history brings pressures of its manufacturing a high quality carpet and nor is it ensuring that it's installed in the correct way. It's about understanding the anticipated usage, communicating with the client, appreciating what this means to the client and delivering the right quality on time. These principles are the very core of the family-run business and current CEO, Joe Lano, is intent on remaining true to these. He carries the weight of history on his shoulders. For over 20 years now, Lano Sports has been manufacturing high quality artificial turf for the sports industry. From its origins as a carpet manufacturer, Lano originally branched out into the sports arena with its range of first and second generation sand-filled/sand- dressed systems. With the onset of third generation sand/rubber-filled systems in the nineties, Lano Sports quickly recognised that this type of system wasn't just a passing fad and that it was here to stay. Lano Sports invested heavily not only in tufting machines and backing plants but also R&D capabilities and additional backroom staff. As the third generation boom took off, Lano Sports were perfectly placed to react to the new demands of the market. Year on year growth followed, resulting in Lano Sports being one of Europe's leading artificial turf suppliers today In the UK in particular, Lano Sports' growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. Barely known as a recognised brand in the early nineties, Lano Sports now account for almost one in every five pitches installed in the UK. From schools and universities to both amateur and professional clubs, Lano Sports' range is able to fit budgets of all sizes and playing characteristics of all abilities. Both tennis and hockey are prime examples of this. Whether it

be a community-based project where the desire is to allow players of all abilities to be accommodated on one type of surface or whether it be a world class FIH or ITT approved facility Lano Sports is able to tailor Football too has its raft of possibilities. With the onset of Football Foundation funding, many councils and schools have converted their existing sand-filled pitches into third generation pitches. However, this has not been good for hockey who, as a result, has seen a dramatic reduction in pitch facilities. At the same time, schools, keen to benefit from additional funding streams,...