We are a specialist sports surfacing consultancy based in the South West of England. Our services encompass the design, construction, management and maintenance of all external surfaces used for sport.
Traction Sports is headed by Director David Rhodes, who has 37 years’ experience of the sports surfacing industry throughout Europe. David is backed up by a team of professional associates who carry out other areas of expertise to support Traction Sports in their work.
We carry full indemnity insurance for our work.
David Rhodes
Director
After starting working life as a Greenkeeper and winning the ICI Young Groundsman of the Year award in 1988, David undertook various qualifications including all of the Institute of Groundsmanship’s awards.
David went on to lecture at Myerscough College for six years, and was the Head of the Turf Sciences Faculty at Merrist Wood College for seven years. During that time David taught many who would go on to become highly successful turf managers, with ex-students plying their trade in the Premier and English Football Leagues, Olympic and World Cup venues, and Golf tour venues.
Whilst lecturing for Merrist Wood David obtained a Master’s Degree in Plant Sciences from the University of Reading.
David has been at the helm of independent consultants Traction Sports for 21 years. The company now holds an expansive client base along with a wide area of expertise and knowledge.
View David’s LinkedIn profile here. 
Luke Rhodes
Junior Consultant
Having completed several short work placements within the groundsmanship industry, notably within football at clubs like Arsenal and Real Madrid, Luke joined Traction Sports in January 2019. Luke performs an administrative and technical role for Traction Sports, and successfully completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Physics with the University of Plymouth in 2023. Luke has now begun his PhD in Physics at the University of Sussex, and continues to support Traction Sports as he studies.
View Luke’s LinkedIn profile here.
Oliver Rhodes
Project Manager
Oliver joined Traction Sports in March 2023. Since then he has worked on multiple schemes as Project Manager, assisting in the successful delivery of all of our projects.
After completing his engineering apprenticeship with BAE Systems where he worked on the Eurofighter Typhoon fast jet at RAF Coningsby, Oliver gained a Site Managers role with one of the largest sports construction main contractors in the industry. This foundation has instilled the highest standards of quality and safety practices, which is invaluable to Traction Sports’ every day work.
Oliver is currently enrolled on a Bachelor’s of Engineering Degree with The Open University, which he will complete alongside his full time role at Traction Sports.