Frankston’s FIFA World Cup connection

Published on 24 July 2023

We take our turf seriously in Frankston, and nobody more so than the woman responsible for overseeing the management of all Council’s sports turf facilities, Sally Benwell.

And so, when it came to recruiting the top three female turf managers in the state to make sure AAMI Park is at its best for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, Sally was a shoe-in.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, the Mornington Peninsula local knows her stuff, but was still surprised when she was head hunted to be part of the world cup turf management team.

“I received a call out of the blue, but I’d just returned from a long holiday, so I didn’t quite grasp the significance of the call and told them to email me,” she laughs.

“When I read the email, I realised what an important opportunity I was being offered.”

While she’s more of a golfer and horse rider than a soccer player, Sally is still honoured and excited to be seconded into the role for nine days, starting on 29 July.

“You don’t get many opportunities like this - it’s a chance in a lifetime,” she said.

“All my accommodation and meals are taken care of by John Deere, Brandt and AAMI Park, and Council is fully supportive of my secondment.

“I’ll be working on match and non-match days to make sure the turf is at FIFA standard and that means backfilling scuff marks at half time, repairing other damage, moving goals, line marking, brooming the pitch and more.

“The surface is a Hybrid grass which is made up of 95% natural grass and 5% artificial grass which improves the stability and durability of the natural grass, providing up to 3x more playing hours.  That will be interesting to work on.”

Sally’s first match will be Australia vs Canada on 31 July, and she’s understandably slightly nervous about working before a crowd - especially one that’s bound to be in the thousands!

“Turf managers are used to working when there is nobody around – we are there during the week making sure our grounds are in top condition for games, then back again after events to repair them,” she said.

“It’s going to be quite different to be out there at half time during the games with those huge crowds.

“And on match days I’ll be working 8-hour shifts starting at 6pm, so they will be long days and nights.”

While women only make up a small percentage of turf managers in Australia, Sally says she’s never been treated differently because of her gender.

“I’ve never had any doors closed because I’m a woman and I wouldn’t be the turf manager I am without the wonderful men who have guided me throughout my career,” she said.

“My advice to others is believe in yourself, work hard and ask for opportunities.”

Some great advice not just for turf managers, but also our Matildas as they head into the FIFA World Cup!