Football clubs from all over the Country attended the recent 3G pitches workshop arranged by sports construction specialists, S&C Slatter.
With delegates travelling from as far away as Tyne and Wear, the conference room at Sutton United's Borough Sports Ground was full with club officials eager to learn more about 3G football turf. The majority of clubs came from Step 1 to Step 4 of the non-league pyramid although there were representatives from both lower and higher levels.
Sutton United's 3G Stadium Pitch
Organised in conjunction with FieldTurf, S&C Slatter had invited an expert panel of presenters to talk about their particular area of specialisation. Each contributed an individual presentation and then joined in a 'Question and Answer' session which was enjoyed by all present.
Among the topics covered during the day was 3G football turf technology, stadium pitch design and construction, the FIFA Quality Programme, creating a successful business plan, funding and of course maintenance/aftercare.
Maidstone United and Sutton United both discussed their particular experiences in converting their stadium pitches to 3G football turf. They argued a strong a commercial case can be made for making the switch, particularly if it incorporates a greater engagement with the local sporting community.
Delegates at the seminar
Delegates had the chance to view first hand Sutton United's own 3G football turf stadium pitch which was installed by S&C Slatter last summer. The club's first team were holding a training session at the time so it was an ideal opportunity to see how the pitch plays.
Many of the visitors commented on the consistent and 'natural' ball performance, and how evident it was that skills can be exploited to maximum effect.
Later in the day, the pitch was taken through its quarterly specialist maintenance programme by S&C Slatter's Pitch Maintenance Division so the relevant techniques and machinery could also be inspected and questions asked. Regular maintenance and aftercare is done by the club itself using the equipment and training provided as part of the original pitch contract.
