Masterclass 2026
The Masterclass will take place on Tuesday evening, 24 March, and on Wednesday and Thursday, 25 and 26 March 2026, in Liverpool, Manchester and Wrexham.
About the SGL Masterclass
Come together: we’re going to Liverpool! On Wednesday, 25 and Thursday, 26 March 2026, we’ll gather with groundsmen and stadium professionals from around the world for Masterclass 2026. Get ready to explore legendary and brand-new stadiums, learn from expert guest speakers, and connect with peers in an inspiring environment. Are you joining us?
Highlights of previous editions
Over the past few years, the Masterclass has taken us to some truly remarkable venues. In 2023, we visited Germany’s Allianz Arena and WWK Arena, welcoming attendees from across the industry. In 2024, we headed to Scotland, with unforgettable editions at Hampden Park, Murrayfield Stadium and Celtic Park. Most recently, in 2025, we crossed the Atlantic to New York City, gathering at MetLife Stadium, Sports Illustrated Stadium, Citi Field and Yankee Stadium.
Each edition combines insightful presentations, inspiring speakers and a unique atmosphere, with surprises that make every event memorable. Take a look at some of the highlights from these editions.
The city of Liverpool
Known for its rich sporting heritage and vibrant culture, Liverpool is a city that inspires professionals from around the world. From the historic Albert Dock to the creative streets of the Baltic Triangle, the city blends tradition, innovation, and a strong sense of community. Iconic landmarks like Anfield, Goodison Park, the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, and the Royal Liver Building highlight Liverpool’s global reputation, while its stadiums and training facilities showcase excellence in sports and stadium management. Beyond its famous venues, the city provides the perfect setting to gather, connect, and exchange knowledge with experts and peers from across the globe.
Anfield
This year’s Masterclass will open with welcome drinks at Anfield, the historic home of Liverpool FC and one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world. Known for its electric atmosphere and the passionate voices of the Kop, Anfield stands as a true symbol of football heritage and community pride.
Following the recent expansion of the Anfield Road Stand, completed in 2024, the stadium now seats 61,276 fans. The redevelopment enhances the matchday experience with improved accessibility, upgraded hospitality areas, and panoramic views of the pitch, ensuring every supporter remains close to the action. Despite these modern upgrades, Anfield retains its unmistakable soul, from the players’ walk beneath the legendary “This Is Anfield” sign to the roar that greets every goal.
Etihad Stadium
Home to Manchester City FC, Etihad Stadium is one of the most modern and impressive football venues in the world. With over 53,000 seats, every fan enjoys excellent sightlines and a state-of-the-art matchday experience. The stadium is currently undergoing a major expansion, set to be completed by late 2026, which will increase capacity to over 60,000, adding a new North Stand, a covered fan zone, and premium hospitality areas. These upgrades will make Etihad Stadium an even more versatile venue for football, concerts, conferences, and other major events. For Masterclass 2026, it provides the perfect setting to explore world-class stadium operations, learn from expert professionals, and experience the energy of a top-tier sporting venue, now bigger and better than ever.
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Hill Dickinson Stadium, officially opened in February 2025, is the new home of Everton FC, replacing the historic Goodison Park. Located at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool, the stadium seats 52,769 fans, making it one of the largest in the Premier League. Designed by MEIS Architects and BDP Pattern, it combines cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for Everton’s heritage. Steep stands bring fans closer to the action, while the ‘ALL’ experience offers a variety of social spaces, from casual bars to fine dining, for a complete matchday experience.
Sustainability is at the heart of the stadium, with features such as a rainwater harvesting system that reduces water consumption across the venue. Beyond football, Hill Dickinson Stadium will host sports, music, and cultural events, revitalising north Liverpool. For Masterclass 2026, it provides the perfect setting to explore world-class stadium operations and experience the energy of a top-tier venue.
STōK Racecourse
STōK Cae Ras, formerly the Racecourse Ground, is the oldest international football stadium still in use and the home of Wrexham AFC, one of the world’s oldest professional football clubs. In 2023, the stadium was renamed following a sponsorship agreement with STōK Cold Brew Coffee, marking the club’s modern era under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Their journey to revitalise the club and the town was captured in the popular docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, highlighting Wrexham’s remarkable achievement of three consecutive league promotions.
The stadium is currently undergoing redevelopment, including the expansion of the Kop Stand to add 2,250 seats and increase capacity to around 18,000. For Masterclass 2026, STōK Cae Ras provides a unique setting to explore historic football heritage, modern stadium operations, and the energy of a club on the rise through back-to-back-to-back promotions.
I now understand why it’s called the Masterclass! It was an incredibly enjoyable and insightful experience, learning so much from the SGL team and guest speakers. I had the opportunity to network with some of the best professionals in the turf industry across all sectors and levels. We also visited some of New York’s most iconic stadiums, where the grounds managers shared valuable insights into their daily operations. Their knowledge and experience were especially beneficial as we prepare for the upcoming Club World Cup.
Programme
Pre-Masterclass drinks
We’ll kick things off with welcome drinks in at Anfield, the iconic home of Liverpool F.C. Join us for the official Masterclass opening at 19:00, meet your peers, and get ready for an inspiring few days ahead.
Masterclass Day 1
A full day at Manchester City F.C., filled with insights and inspiration. Enjoy an exclusive pitch visit, listen to John Ledwidge’s story, connect over a networking lunch, and discover more throughout the day. As always, we’ll conclude with our renowned evening programme, where good conversations, great company, and a memorable setting come together.
Masterclass day 2
We’ll continue our journey with a visit to the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Craig Knight will share his story and you have the chance to see the youngest pitch of the Premier League in real life. We conclude the Masterclass with a visit to Wrexham AFC’s STōK Racecourse and closing drinks at a world-famous location. The programme will end around 18:00, giving you time to reflect on a few unforgettable days.
Registration
The Masterclass is an exclusive event for customers. You can register using the link in the official invitation sent to your inbox. If you haven’t received the invitation or can’t locate it, please send an email to marketing@sglsystem.com. We’re happy to help you.
Speakers
John Ledwidge, Head of Grounds and Landscapes at Manchester City F.C.
John Ledwidge is the Head of Grounds and Landscapes at Manchester City FC and the wider City Football Group. His passion for groundskeeping began at a young age after writing a letter to the groundsman of his favourite club, Coventry City FC. Following a single day working alongside the team and experiencing the job firsthand, he was hooked — it was clear he wanted to become a groundsman.
John’s career has been a journey through some of English football’s most iconic clubs. Starting at Coventry City FC, he then moved to Aston Villa FC as Assistant Head Groundsman before returning to Coventry City. His next move took him to Leicester City FC, where he truly made his mark. Over a decade at Leicester, John gained recognition for delivering top-quality pitches, creating stunning pitch patterns, and helping set-up the innovative Sports Turf Academy.
In 2023, John joined Manchester City FC, where he oversees pitch quality and landscape management for one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, as well as contributing to projects across the City Football Group. His current responsibilities include involvement in the design and construction of the new stadium pitch for New York City FC along with pitch specific project support and advice in Italy, Belgium and Brazil.
During his presentation, John will share learnings of his career, and insights of his current role for Manchester City FC and the City Football Group.
Craig Knight, Head of Grounds and Playing Surfaces at Everton F.C.
Craig Knight is the Head of Grounds and Playing Surfaces at Everton F.C., where he is responsible for the management and performance of all pitches across the club’s sites, including the new Everton F.C.’s Hill Dickinson Stadium and the Finch Farm training complex.
Before joining Everton F.C., Craig built extensive experience at Manchester City F.C., our other host venue of the Masterclass.. This role allowed him to develop a strong technical understanding of both stadium and training ground surfaces, as well as the leadership skills needed to manage large, multidisciplinary teams.
At Everton F.C., Craig played a key role in the development and preparation of the new stadium’s pitch at Hill Dickinson Stadium, ensuring that it meets the highest Premier League standards from day one. His focus lies on quality, consistency and innovation, supporting optimal playing conditions across all of Everton F.C.’s facilities.
During his presentation, Craig will share insights from his career and discuss the challenges and opportunities of preparing a new Premier League pitch, while maintaining high standards across multiple grounds.
Hotel Radisson RED Liverpool
Situated right by Liverpool’s lively waterfront, Radisson RED offers a modern and comfortable place to stay in the heart of the city. The hotel combines contemporary design with local character, featuring bold artwork and a relaxed atmosphere that fits perfectly with Liverpool’s creative vibe. Its convenient location puts you within walking distance of the Albert Dock, M&S Bank Arena, and the city centre. The rooms are well-designed and comfortable, with great views over the River Mersey or the city skyline. Radisson RED Liverpool provides an ideal base for the Masterclass 2026, offering quality, comfort, and a touch of Liverpool’s signature energy.
Travel
Radisson RED Liverpool is located on Lime Street, right in the city centre and next to the iconic St George’s Hall. The hotel sits just steps away from Liverpool Lime Street Station, offering direct train connections to Manchester, London, and other major UK cities. From here, it’s easy to reach the city’s main attractions, including the Royal Albert Dock, M&S Bank Arena, and the Cavern Quarter.
Liverpool is best reachable by it’s own airport or Manchester’s:
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport – approximately 25 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes by public transport.
- Manchester Airport – around 45 minutes by taxi or 1 hour by train (direct connection to Liverpool Lime Street).
Please note: transportation to and from the airport is at your own cost. All transportation included in the Masterclass programme will be arranged for you.
Tip: use the app Trainline or Merseytravel to plan your public transport routes.
If you are arriving by car, parking is available nearby at St John’s Centre Car Park (L1 1NQ), located just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Entry to St Johns Centre Car Park is available only from Skelhorne Street. Take the right turn at the bottom of the street and head up the ramp on the left into St. Johns.
Please note that you need a visa to travel to the UK!
Terms & Conditions
- Registration is open to SGL customers only.
- Each customer (club/company/venue) is allowed to register a maximum of three people.
- There is a maximum of 100 participants.
- After 100 registrations, following registrations will be put on a waiting list.
- Tickets are sold on a first come first serve base.
- Registration closing date: Friday, 30 January 2026.
- Transfers to and from the airport are at your own expense.
- The hotel stays booked via the registration form are from Tuesday 24 March to Thursday 26 March (two nights in total).
- Food and beverages will be provided during the official event programme.
- Customers who are entitled to a discount on their Masterclass tickets can find their discount code in the invitation sent by email. Please see the conditions of the Sustainability Incentive Programme for further details. If something is incorrect, please contact us at marketing@sglsystem.com.
- The discount code is valid until Friday, 16 January 2026.
Payment & cancellation
- Your payment must be received by Monday, 2 March 2026 to participate in the SGL Masterclass 2026. Otherwise, we reserve the right to declare your registration invalid.
- For payment and/or invoice queries, please contact finance@sglsystem.com.
- Cancellations received after Friday, 13 February 2026 will be non-refundable.
- Notification of cancellation must be in writing – by email to marketing@sglsystem.com.
