I wanted to share my recent experience about preparing for the Commonwealth Games, especially focusing on setting up a football ground at the athletes’ village. It was quite a journey, so let me take you through it step by step.

First off, I got involved with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). They were the big bosses in charge of creating sports facilities for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. My main task? To make sure the football ground at the CWG Village Complex was up to snuff for the athletes.
So, I started by looking into the location. The Athletes’ Village was in the East End of Glasgow. A massive area that was undergoing a huge makeover. It was a pretty big deal because it was one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK. The village itself was on a 38-hectare site in Dalmarnock, right by the River Clyde. It was cool to see such a big change happening.
- Inspected the area: The site was an old urban brownfield, so I had to make sure it was suitable for a football ground.
- Reviewed the plans: I looked over the designs to ensure they met the standards for a top-notch training facility.
- Coordinated with builders: I had to work closely with the construction teams to make sure everything was on track.
We faced a few challenges along the way. One of the main things was making sure the ground was not just good for football, but also fit in with the rest of the sports complex. For example, the complex also had a 50-meter covered swimming pool, so everything needed to look and feel cohesive.
Main Steps I Took:
- Conducted site visits: Regularly went to the site to check on progress and address any issues.
- Held meetings: Got together with the DDA, contractors, and other stakeholders to discuss plans and updates.
- Ensured quality: Made sure the materials and construction techniques used were top quality.
After all the hard work, we finally got it done. The football ground was ready for the athletes, and it looked amazing. It was a great feeling to see it all come together, knowing it would be used for training during the Commonwealth Games.
This whole experience was a real eye-opener for me. I learned so much about project management, urban regeneration, and the importance of teamwork. Plus, it was awesome to contribute to such a major event. If any of you are ever involved in something similar, just remember to stay organized, communicate well, and keep your eye on the prize. It’s tough work, but totally worth it in the end!
