I guess by now all of you have sufficiently recovered from the world cup.
Perhaps only Fkamenkos might still be slightly inebriated, for not only did the Spanish side snatch the SPL world cup in Shanghai, but so did their B-team somewhere in South Africa, I heard.

For those of you who are playing in some summer leagues, we hope you'll do well there  (and if you want to post something here or perhaps on your team page, just let us know, always good to have some news).

For those who are not playing at the moment, we have some entertainment for you in the form of an interview with the Shifu who masters our grass.... Enjoy!

SPL Can you give a brief introduction of yourself ?

My name is Adam Christy and I am a 29 year old American.  I came over to China 2 ½ years ago with the idea of improving football pitches in Shanghai.  My background is in Golf Course Design and Management, so I have been directly involved with the grass industry for the past 11 years.  I own a company here called Grass Masters Inc. Shanghai, that does athletic field design and maintenance as well as all grass care needs.

SPL When did you start to get interested in grass ?

I became interested in grass maintenance when I was 18 and working on a golf course.  Loved being up with the sun and making things look nice.

SPL  Where did you get your grass master's degree ?

University of Minnesota and most of my education came from my experiences on the golf course and the little lessons I would get from my boss’s.

SPL What is the secret of a Grass Master ?

A good plan and a better calendar.  Patience also helps.

SPL  Why is the pitch of the SPL so much better now?

It’s all about the winter grass!  It needs time to get established before we start playing on it.  The whole season is basically played on the winter grass

SPL  Why do you hardly find good grass on any chinese pitches ?

I think sometimes it is not considered as a real necessity. You see nice parks built, even stadiums, with the grass in horrible shape.  I think over the next few years we will see an increase in grass pitches and more importantly pitches in good shape.

SPL  How is it possible that even at Wembley they cannot get a good playing grass pitch ?

I know that the pitch is relatively new and they keep switching out the grass after concerts and events.  That grass needs to get established with a good root system.  Without that, the newly laid grass will keep coming up and making the field unlevel. 

SPL  Where is the seed you use coming from and how you know it is not
fake ?

I get mine from Beijing, and always inspect one bag before I put it on the field.  I know what a good grass seed should look like.

SPL  If they fake you we might be playing on salads instead of grass??

I did get one shipment of seed that had seeds of an unwanted plant incorporated into the bag.  Good thing I checked or last year you guys might have been playing on soy crops.

SPL Why you like the SPL?

I think it is a good league that is very international with a good level of play that is fun to watch and participate in.

SPL What can we do as players to protect the field ?

Just understand the work and effort we put into the pitch and be respectful.  It is your field as well so if you see a divot, put it back.  All the little things you guys do will help in a big way.  I think this year has been a great example of everyone helping out and you can see the results, we have a nice pitch to play on each week.

SPL  Is true that you can make soccer fields in people's garden ??

Of course, if the space is right we can get your lawn in the same or better shape than the field.  We don’t repair windows though!

SPL Are you planning to open the  grass master university in China?

I am always willing to give advice and educate those who are interested in grass care, but opening up a University would be borderline giving away my secrets.

SPL Thanks Adam, for this wonderful interview. And thanks even more for taking such good care of the pitch!