Brazilian 1994 World Cup team play on Evergreens Artificial Pitch
INDUSTRY NEWS!
Artificial Grass Pitches are a step closer to making a come back to English Football. The F.A are currently considering informed opinion on their return. Read more…
The BBC first reported last November about the synthetic alternatives possible return and we discussed it on our facebook page at the time about how many lower level English football teams were embracing the return of artificial grass sports pitches.
Oldham Athletic, Preston North End, Luton Town and QPR all used to have an artificial pitch until they were banned by the Football Association in the 80's. Technology has advanced significantly since the 1980's and a number of prestigious clubs in Europe play on artificial pitches. The types of yarns used are much softer and the nasty knee grazes are a thing of the past. Shaped yarn technology also adds to the realism enabling the yarn to better stand up – this technology is also seen in our artificial lawn products.
Lower level teams in Scotland play on them and UEFA allows Champions League games on them. Even Wembley is made up of about 10% plastic grass which put an end to all its previous well documented pitch problems.
We have heard players and groundsmen complain about artificial pitches (injury, speed, realism, quality of football etc) but for lower level clubs it could provide a solution for extra income (hiring out for example) and it would reduce maintenance costs and give the club a place to train (potentially no need for separate training ground). There may also be community schemes and grants the soccer clubs could take advantage of as the synthetic pitch would benefit the community if available to them.
A positive move in favour of their return would be a significant one for the synthetic grass industry at a time when trading is still tough and many commercial budgets have been cut. It was thought this idea was not even on the table, but it seems it is now a real possibility. However, expect their to be strong objections from the premier league, who have the worlds best brand of football to protect – it appears one rule for lower leagues and one rule for the premier league for all weather pitches would not be considered.
Labels: ARTIFICIAL, English, FOOTBALL, GRASS, pitches