//Prestigious indoor 3G pitch retains FIFA 2* status into 2015

For the second time in as many years, Technical Surfaces has worked in close partnership with the grounds team at St. George’s Park to ensure that their prestigious indoor 3G pitch retains its FIFA 2* status into 2015.

The endorsement of the 3G playing surface by football’s world governing body marks a qualified success for Head Groundsman Alan Ferguson and his team of dedicated grounds staff, who work tirelessly across the natural and synthetic surfaces on site to ensure they continue to meet the high standards associated with top-level English football:

We are thrilled that the pitch has passed its re-test for yet another year, it’s a real selling point for the Park as a whole, and it validates the hard work we all put in to maintaining the artificial as well as the natural turf pitches on site. We are also grateful to Technical Surfaces for their assistance in helping us renew our FIFA 2* status, and look forward to continuing working together with them to deliver top-level synthetic sports facilities at St. George’s Park for years to come.

Alan Ferguson, Head Groundsman

To achieve continued recognition from FIFA regarding the quality of his surface, Alan liaises with Technical Surfaces to implement the correct maintenance on his 3G pitch. He has also been involved in the ongoing research project being conducted between Technical Surfaces and Loughborough University, granting full access to his 3G pitches for the purposes of monitoring the effects and benefits of maintenance on artificial turf. To date, the findings of this research has had a practical application for Alan, who has utilised the data collected to adapt his grounds team’s approach to regular brushing techniques on the indoor surface.

To complement Alan’s in-house maintenance programme, Technical Surfaces completes an annual deep-cleaning Revite^® of the pitch to decompact the surface, redistribute the rubber infill and remove contaminants, whilst lifting the carpet fibres to prevent excess wear. The Revite^® improves both the performance and appearance of the surface, as well as helping to extend its life. This is then followed by a granular top-up to bring the levels in line with the carpet specification and ensure that the pitch remains in optimum condition.

Technical Surfaces is the UK’s leading artificial pitch maintenance provider, specialising in regular maintenance and remedial works to all types of synthetic turf.