4G pitches

Despite the latest technology making them more effective than ever, artificial pitches still have a major image problem in professional football. If you’re of a certain age, you will remember the awful pitches at Luton and QPR, which deliver unpredictable bounces and some serious leg burns. Today, however, 4G pitches are safe and very playable; and more importantly, they’re durable...

At the end of 2015, the FA conducted the biggest ever survey into the state of grassroots football in England. Although there were many issues raised by people involved in the game, the overwhelming complaint related to the state of municipal football pitches. More than 80 percent of grassroots football matches take place on pitches run by cash-strapped councils. Yet...

Football clubs, leagues and associations throughout the UK have been struggling to cope with major problems coming from almost every conceivable direction in recent years. As well as chronic underinvestment, declining participation levels and decaying facilities, a growing number of clubs are now struggling to simply fulfil their fixture list. Several postponements in recent months have been highlighted in newspapers...

Climate change is having a huge impact on weather patterns in Britain, and some regions are suffering more than others. While the plight of homeowners is quite rightly reported as a priority in the press, the plight of small football clubs is often overlooked. In December, Storm Desmond wreaked havoc in the north of England. Widespread flooding ruined council pitches...

The FA, Sport England and the British government are trying to boost participation in grassroots football around the country, and one of initiatives they are pursuing is a 4G pitch building programme. Although expensive initially, the very latest artificial pitches are helping cash-strapped leagues and associations to fulfil their fixtures during periods of inclement weather. While much is said about...

When artificial pitches made their first appearance in England during the 1980s, they were quickly written off as a failed fad. But huge advances in technology have given rise to a new breed of playing surface. Although still banned in English football, there are growing calls to allow their return - particularly at the cash-strapped clubs of the lower leagues...