World Cup practice pitch kept goose-free by 'bird dogs'

A unique team of canine professionals is on duty at Centennial Park in Toronto, ensuring the FIFA practice pitch remains pristine for international athletes. Ben, an eight-year-old border collie, and his colleague Sally are specially trained "bird dogs" tasked with keeping Canada geese away from the World Cup practice venue.

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They’ve spent multi-million dollars on putting the facility up and then putting an international-standard soccer field there. So, they don’t want the geese coming in and eating the grass and fowling the grass when we have all these athletes from around the world coming for this tournament.

Gareth Williams, owner of Stirling, Ontario-based Border Control Bird Dogs, explained the necessity of their service. "They’ve spent multi-million dollars on putting the facility up and then putting an international-standard soccer field there," Williams said. "So, they don’t want the geese coming in and eating the grass and fowling the grass when we have all these athletes from around the world coming for this tournament."

The company specializes in waterfowl management, employing border collies trained in "hazing" techniques to encourage birds to leave specific sites. These dogs are now playing a crucial role in the World Cup, helping to maintain the quality of the playing surface. Williams expressed his enthusiasm for their involvement, calling it "absolutely fantastic to be involved, even in a small part, with such a big football, or as you guys call it ‘soccer’, tournament."

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It’s absolutely fantastic to be involved, even in a small part, with such a big football, or as you guys call it ‘soccer’, tournament.

These dogs, bred with a natural herding instinct, are applying their skills to protect the soccer field. Williams highlighted the dedication of his dogs, particularly Ben, who "will absolutely work all day." He described Ben's eagerness to work, waiting by the car in the morning and still wanting to play after a full day's work. Their efforts ensure that the athletes competing in the global tournament have an immaculate field to prepare on, free from the disruption and mess caused by geese.

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Ben will absolutely work all day.