Newly promoted Sunderland AFC continue their sustainability drive with the recent delivery of six new Dennis ES-860 battery-powered mowers to their world-class training facility, The Academy of Light. Glenn Campbell, Head Groundsman - and a lifelong Sunderland man with 37 years of service, shares insights on why the club has made the switch from petrol to electric and how these machines are transforming turf maintenance at the Academy.

Glenn Campbell’s deep-rooted connection to Sunderland AFC and its pitches is clear. Over his 37 years with Sunderland, Glenn has overseen the maintenance of a vast network of playing surfaces including:

· The main stadium pitch at the Stadium of Light

· 10 full-size training pitches

· 2 junior pitches

· Goalkeeping area dedicated to the first team (which also doubles as an extra pitch)

· 6 full-size academy pitches

· Several other smaller-sized pitches

The arrival of six new Dennis ES-860 battery mowers marks a significant shift in Sunderland AFC’s groundskeeping operations. “We’ve always used petrol machines in the past,” Glenn explains, “but most people are now switching to more eco-friendly solutions, so we decided to follow that route.”
This transition not only reflects a broader environmental responsibility but also enhances the day-to-day efficiency of the grounds team.

Glenn highlights several advantages that make the Dennis ES-860 ideal for the club’s busy training schedules:

· Noise Reduction: “The best thing for us is that these machines are really quiet. There’s no distracting noise, even when the blades are engaged. This means we can work on pitches while training sessions are ongoing without disturbing coaches or players.”

· Efficiency : With multiple pitches in use, including three new full-sized ones, plus the goalkeeping area, the ability to maintain one pitch while another is being used is a game-changer.

· Cut Quality: Sunderland AFC has a long history with Dennis mowers. “The cut quality is excellent - it’s a really good cut, consistent and clean”, furthermore, Glenn appreciates the built-in back-lapping feature that simplifies maintenance.

Battery management ensures the team can charge machines overnight for early starts: “We blow them down, put them away, put them on charge and we’re straight back out in the morning to keep on top of the work. It’s a much more economical way of doing things without a doubt.”

Beyond just mowing, Sunderland AFC has added Verticut cassettes to their armoury - an essential feature for maintaining top-quality playing surfaces.

“Getting rid of thatch is really important on any pitch,” Glenn says, “but even more so now with hybrid pitches. You’ve got to keep the stitch clean because losing the stitch is something we’ve experienced in the past and we don’t want to go down that route again.”

This two-in-one functionality ensures that Sunderland’s pitches remain healthy, resilient, and ready for competitive play and there are more cassette options available for a range of other turf tasks.

Glenn sums up the team’s confidence in Dennis mowers: “We’ve used Dennis machines in the past with no complaints. They’re great machines, economical and now that they’re quiet, it’s a no-brainer for us. This new investment is going to be fantastic for the seasons ahead.”

The Dennis ES-860 is a professional-grade 34-inch (860mm) battery-powered cylinder mower designed specifically for high-performance turf management. Its electric operation delivers exceptional cut quality with minimal noise and zero emissions, making it a favourite among leading sports clubs and grounds teams committed to sustainable maintenance practices.

Ewan Wilson, Sales Manager at Dennis Mowers, said: "We’re proud to support Sunderland AFC as they prepare for their exciting return to the Premier League this season. Investing in six new Dennis ES-860 battery-powered mowers demonstrates the club’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of pitch quality and sustainability at The Academy of Light. The ES-860’s quiet operation and precise cut are ideal for helping the grounds team deliver perfect playing surfaces that match Sunderland’s ambition on and off the pitch."

With this investment, Sunderland AFC are not only advancing their commitment to maintaining world-class training facilities, they are also incorporating grounds maintenance machines into their sustainability strategy ‘Ready Eco’, with innovative technology that benefits players, staff and the environment alike.

Click here for more information on the Dennis ES860

Glenn discusses his reasons for going electric with Dennis ES-860's here

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