The success of Sutton Utd in reaching the fifth round of this year’s FA Cup has once again brought attention to the use of 3G in Football Stadia. Since Sutton Utd installed a FieldTurf Vertex pitch in 2015 they have achieved great success both on and off the pitch.
On top of their unprecedented FA Cup run, Sutton Utd have also achieved promotion to the National League and seen the Gander Green Lane pitch used as the venue for the England C U21 International Trophy match. Paul Fairclough, the England Manager, commented after the match, “Having played Slovakia U21’s and trained at Sutton United’s new 3rd generation pitch, it was the best surface I have seen, and this includes all those pitches I have ever come across in Europe as well”.
The financial benefits of installing a 3G pitch are well known but what has been most refreshing has been the positive reaction from media, players and managers to the way the pitch has played. The unique design of the Vertex surface improves both the aesthetics and playability of the pitch and coupled with the shockpad underneath ensures optimum levels of player comfort and safety.
Following the success of the Sutton pitch, the Vertex system has also been installed in the Stadia of Maidstone Utd, Slough Town FC, Harrogate Town FC, Tamworth Utd, Eastbourne Borough FC and Haringey Borough FC. The feedback from all these facilities is equally as positive and more and more clubs are now looking at installing a 3G pitch at their ground.
It is critical that clubs who are thinking of installing an artificial pitch are fully informed in all aspects of synthetic turf. With this in mind, FieldTurf is supporting construction partner S&C Slatter in running an education workshop with industry experts covering everything from testing requirements, maintenance, business models, funding options and pitch technology.
