One of the UK’s leading business magazines for the football industry have recently turned their focus to the use of artificial pitches in the English Football League (EFL) – and as a leading supplier of artificial pitch infill we were really pleased to be asked to contribute to the piece.
The article within ‘FC Business’ magazine was entitled ‘3G just wants to be loved’ and looked at the league’s relationship with artificial pitches. Having banned the use of synthetic pitches over 20 years ago the tide is changing and within the EFL a decision about whether artificial pitches can be used is to be made imminently.
While securing promotion is a huge money-maker for clubs, understandably they are also keen not to lose their artificial pitch by having to replace it back to grass in order to be able to play in the league – especially when they have seen the benefits a synthetic pitch delivers.
FC Business asked us to give our insights into the returns an artificial pitch can deliver and how allowing these types of pitches to be used are hugely advantageous for clubs and their local communities. Murfitts Managing Director, Mark Murfitt, was quoted as saying: “Advancements in synthetic pitch technology could not be better. Artificial surfaces deliver exceptional performance day after day, without the challenges encountered with natural turf.”
“A significant part of any artificial pitch is the infill. With increasing concerns over the safety of rubber crumb, products such as PRO-gran provide the reassurance that the surface is 100% safe for the players and the environment while providing a consistent playing experience. Not only does the infill last the lifetime of the turf, but it also alleviates the fears many clubs are faced with when they consider investing in a new 3G pitch.”
“The Football League banned artificial pitches in 1995 in response to concerns relating to ball roll and bounce and fears of long-term injuries. To date, the synthetic turf industry continues to innovate and develop new products that address issues such as these, and the results are pitches that perform as well, if not better, than natural surfaces.”
“If the FA deems artificial turf to be more suitable for world-class players, isn’t it time league clubs were allowed to have choice of pitch they need to best support the demands of their players and their communities.”
The full article can be found in the March issue of FC Business magazine which can be accessed via their website www.fcbusiness.co.uk.
If you’d like to find out more about the benefits of PRO-gran, click here.