The decline of Football Pitches – Are Artificial Sports Pitches the answer?

The ever-growing popularity in football across the UK has seen a rise in the number of teams playing, both in a professional and amateur capacity. This in turn has put greater strain on the pitches for teams in the lower echelons of the football leagues. While teams in the conference and above have the finances to personally manage a pitch, with some Premier League teams having state of the art grounds, there is something of a crisis brewing for those without the multi-million pound television deals. Are artificial sports pitches the answer?

Natural Pitch Problems

A normal pitch, with countless games being played and a lack of proper maintenance, becomes worn and is extremely vulnerable to weather conditions. Many pitches become frozen over the winter period and can be waterlogged in a heavy rainfall and while some would consider this to be part of the beautiful game, many are up in arms over the postponed matches and claim that the sport is in danger of collapse at lower levels.

Artificial Pitches

One solution proposed is that of artificial sports pitches, these plastic turf alternatives make for stronger, more durable playing surfaces. Not only does it increase the amount of games that can be played, but it also decreases the amount of time that has to be spent on maintenance – making them the perfect solution to high maintenance natural pitches. Artificial football pitches were trialled at one stage in the 80s with several clubs taking them on, including the likes of QPR and Preston North End. But these pitches were deemed to be too unnatural and produced a much ‘bouncier’ effect when playing. The pitches were eventually removed and outlawed by 1995. The issue has recently reared its head again with the Ryman League Premier outfit, Maidstone United, sitting second in the table having installed a plastic pitch at their ground. The tier above, the Conference leagues, took a vote to establish whether plastic pitches could be reinstated but the motion was defeated and Maidstone now face a dilemma as their pitch would be banned if they gain promotion this season.

Benefits of Multi-Use Game Areas

Despite the trepidation shown by the Conference over these pitches the technology and production has come a long way in the last few decades. Top teams across Europe play or train on artificial pitches which gives hope for the future introduction in the UK. Artificial sports pitches not only work well as football pitches, but they are open for an array of sports because of how durable the surface is all year round. This means no disruption to the schedule of games and will mean more people can get involved with a different array of sports, on a multi-use games area (MUGA). The previously mentioned maintenance benefits will also keep costs down and MUGAs retain the texture, colour and shock absorption of a natural pitch. At a government level it has been deemed too costly to have these pitches installed while the budget is so tight for public services, but it has been suggested that the FA should step in and help with costs, considering how much money it makes from the enthusiasm surrounding football countrywide. MUGAs would hopefully mean the expansion of sports – not only football but also netball, tennis and basketball – for young people and help to develop more talent for the UK. While many pitches are left in disrepair it strangles the natural growth and development for youngsters which is why artificial pitches are now in such high demand. If you’re interested in MUGA installation, or any of our other sports court surfaces, get in touch with Charles Lawrence Tennis Courts today.