Behind the Scenes of the FA Community Shield at Principality Stadium

While 58,056 people watched a football game, more than 200 Atlas colleagues supported behind the scenes to make it possible.  

On 16 August, Wales hosted the FA Community Shield for the first time in 20 years.  

For the 58,056 supporters inside the Principality Stadium, it was a chance to watch two popular teams compete in one of British football’s biggest games. For Wales, it was a rare opportunity to host a major football fixture at their national stadium. But while fans were focused on what was happening on the pitch, hundreds of Atlas staff were working behind the scenes to make sure the event ran smoothly from start to finish.  

While speaking to the team responsible for delivering the cleaning operation at the stadium, one of the biggest things that stuck out was the scale of what happens in the days before the turnstiles open.  

Preparation begins around a week before kick-off, and during that time, teams work across every part of the stadium, from seating areas and concourses to hospitality suites, washrooms and VIP spaces; and while cleaning colleagues are preparing the venue, the management team is coordinating staffing, health and safety requirements, security arrangements and the countless operational details needed to deliver an event of this size.  

For the Community Shield, around 100 Atlas colleagues were working throughout the day, supported by a management team led by Anna, Chris, Kasia and Robin.  Their role is much more than overseeing a cleaning operation; they are coordinating people, responding to issues as they arise and keeping the stadium running smoothly. 

Alongside the teams mentioned above, there is also a dedicated control team operating the radio network and coordinating requests from across the stadium. Every call is assessed and directed to the right team to make sure issues are dealt with quickly.  

There are waste teams collecting and separating rubbish throughout the venue, gate teams responsible for keeping the stadium exterior clean and welcoming, teams cleaning dressing rooms and VIP rooms, and there’s even a dedicated lift operations team, responsible for helping attendees get to the correct level within the stadium. 

However, the work doesn’t stop when the final whistle of the match blows. As supporters begin making their way home, another 100 Atlas colleagues arrive to begin the stadium clean up. Litter-picking teams make their way through seating areas and concourses, washroom teams return to work, VIP spaces are refreshed, and specialist teams tackle every corner of the venue to ensure it is ready for whatever comes next.  

During back-to-back events at the stadium, Atlas provide 24-hour cleaning coverage to deliver a complete turnaround in as little as 12 hours. Overnight operations can involve around 80 colleagues supported by two managers. For the Community Shield, a dedicated team remained on site until 1 am the night before, preparing VIP areas for the following day.  

This event was a whole new ball game for the team (excuse the pun!). The Principality Stadium is more accustomed to hosting rugby crowds, and football fixtures can bring a different atmosphere. Drawing large crowds and with all the fervour and frivolity that accompanies a major football fixture, the focus wasn’t just on cleanliness, but also on ensuring colleagues remained safe while carrying out their work.  

It’s easy to overlook the people working in the background at major sporting events. Most of us arrive at a clean stadium, enjoy the occasion and leave without thinking too much about what it takes to keep everything running.  

Speaking to Anna Psztyk, one thing became very clear, none of this happens without teamwork.  

Many of the managers supporting the operation don’t usually work at the stadium. Some are normally based in schools and other venues across the business. When a major event comes around, they come together, share their experience and support each other wherever needed. For Anna, that’s what she is most proud of.