TECHNICAL experts from a Harden-based turf consultancy will help develop and maintain thousands of soccer pitches in China following a breakthrough deal.

The STRI Group, based at the St Ives estate, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Beijing iRENA Group and Shanghai KeHua Sports Promotional Co to improve football pitches across China.

STRI will work alongside the Chinese businesses, as it plans to expand across the Far East.

The company, founded in 1929, regularly works on sports surfaces for major events such as Wimbledon and the Open Golf, along with the last two World Cups and Olympic Games.

STRI also prepared the pitch at Century Park, in Shanghai, owned and operated by Shanghai KeHua Sports Promotional Co, which was used by Manchester United in preparation for their International Champions Cup clash with Borussia Dortmund.

Over the past five years, STRI has developed new research operations in Australia and Qatar and launched design and consultancy hubs in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Lee Penrose, director, said: “Through the establishment of this unique relationship, STRI is proud to support President Xi Jinping’s vision for the growth of the Chinese football industry.

“We are committed to a long-term future of providing our cutting-edge solutions, training and leadership to the local sports surface industry through sharing our international expertise.”

Hao Qing, of Shanghai KeHua Sports Promotional, said: “A future partnership with iRENA and STRI represents a significant milestone for the Chinese football industry.

“The Chinese government wants to build 60,000 new football pitches in China, so the co-operation with the world’s leading sports turf research, design and consulting company presents a significant opportunity to develop European-quality football pitches locally.

“China will now be able to compete for pitch quality on an international stage.”