Under the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Quality Programme, S&C Slatter are thrilled to share that the hockey pitch we constructed at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate has retained its FIH Global Certified Field status.

The pitch was one of a number of pitches we constructed for hockey, football and rugby in 2014, as part of a wider £30m investment in sport by the ‘excellent’ rated independent school.

International Performance Standard

The water-based hockey pitch was delivered to FIH Global Certification, meaning that it’s certified for international and top-level national competition, a certification that has now been renewed until July 2022.

We’re proud supporters of the FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf. As the first globally recognised FIH Certified Field Builders, we work exclusively with our turf partners FieldTurf,  FIH Preferred Suppliers.

Together, we have produced 14 FIH Certified Hockey Pitches designed and constructed for the levels of play our clients require, from Multi-sport through to Global.

We look forward to many more years of elite play at the fantastic facility.

Winning Partnership for Hockey

S&C Slatter and FieldTurf have delivered more hockey pitches to FIH Global Certification in the UK than any other contractor.

We’re committed to providing first-class pitches for top performance, maximum use and longevity.

With in-house expertise across design, planning, construction and maintenance, get in touch now to discuss your hockey needs.

Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com

We’re thrilled to learn that Premier League team Newcastle United will be utilising facilities at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, which encompasses pitches built by S&C Slatter, to prepare for the 2020/21 season.

The announcement came last week, with The Magpies confirming that they’ll be relocating to the prestigious independent school near York for a week-long training camp.

The facilities will also host the club’s first pre-season friendly of the summer against Crewe Alexandra, with kick-off set for 2pm today, Tuesday August 25th.

From Independent School to Newcastle United Training Camp

The Queen Ethelburga’s Sports Village boasts state of the art facilities and equipment, with S&C Slatter constructing five new artificial turf pitches and a workout area as part of an overall £30m redevelopment project.

Installing nearly 38000m2 of artificial turf, manufactured by our partners FieldTurf, we delivered full-sizes pitches for football, rugby and hockey, certified to FIFA Quality Pro, World Rugby Regulation 22 and FIH Global quality respectively.

You can find out more about our work at the stunning facility in our case study.

 

Speaking in an article for Newcastle United’s Website, Amy Martin, Queen Ethelburga’s CEO said:

“We are fortunate to have some world class facilities on our site and a team of staff who will do all they can to help ensure a successful start to pre-season training for the club. We would like to wish Steve Bruce, his staff and players all the very best for the season ahead.”

 

We know that Queen Ethelburga’s will prove to be a fantastic location for the Newcastle United training camp – we hope that both teams are able to put our pitches to the test and wish them the best of luck in their pre-season friendly!

About Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

Queen Ethelburga’s is an Independent day and boarding school, comprising of four schools and a kindergarten all rated to ‘Excellent’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Find out more on the school’s website.

 

About Newcastle United

Formed in 1892, Newcastle United have been a permanent fixture in English football for over 125 years. Playing at St. James’ Park since their very early days, The Magpies play in the Premier League, finishing 13thin the 2019/20 season.

Find out more on the club’s website.

Pitch Perfect

S&C Slatter are a leading sports contractor to both Independent Schools and Elite Sports teams, proudly working with clients such as Eton College, Queen’s Park Rangers, Everton FC and Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate.

We’re committed to providing first-class pitches for top performance, maximum use and longevity.

With in-house expertise across design, planning, construction and maintenance, get in touch now to discuss your needs.

Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com

S&C Slatter were thrilled to hand over the brand new artificial grass 3G stadia pitch conversion at Billericay Town FC last week.

With the team already back on site constructing an additional community 3G pitch at New Lodge, we caught up with club co-owner Greg Lake to hear his thoughts on the new project.

Hi Greg, thanks for speaking with us!

First things first, what were your motivations for the new 3G stadia pitch conversion?

There were several reasons to be honest, both in terms of revenue and maximising use of the excellent facilities that we have. If we are to make the club self-sustaining then those two factors need to be made to work together.

We are traditionalists, but the reality is that with grass, you are going to lose matches, training and commercial opportunities to the weather. Our pitch has traditionally suffered every year and whilst money has been spent – every season recently – on improving drainage, there are areas that hold water and become pretty much unplayable during prolonged wet spells.

What are your aspirations for the new pitches?

I think that the ability to train, and play, consistently on a first class surface will give our teams that extra edge and familiarity with their surroundings. If you practice set pieces in the same place that they are going to be executed, then that’s got to be a bonus. The ambition that these pitches point towards is also a fabulous statement that is already attracting new players to the club..

What’s your favourite aspect of the newly completed 3G stadia pitch?

There’s no mud ! Seriously though, it looks fantastic. We’ve always had a very pronounced slope. That has been markedly reduced as the work that S&C Slatter have undertaken has levelled the main pitch significantly. Everyone that has seen the pitch just loves it – what more could we ask?

What was it like working with S&C Slatter?

For us, [the best part] was actually once the work on the main pitch started. Watching the process and the professionalism of the team. We could have sold tickets just to watch the work progress!

The whole team knew what they were doing and were happy to explain things to us. We enjoyed having them onsite. A massive shout out to Paul Warren (S&C Slatter Sales Manager) as well, he made sure that all of our expectations were met.

What stages of the project process did you find the hardest?

It was trying to imagine what the whole finished product would look like. We had a very pronounced slope. That’s now been addressed by the work but at that first site meeting we were worried about how the rebalancing would affect the stands, the access to the pitch, the dugouts and the view for the fans.

The team worked through all questions patiently explaining each item in turn. It made us feel that we were in safe hands.

How excited were the teams to get their new pitch?

The ‘buzz’ around each teams’ WhatsApp group has been fantastic. They have been bursting to try it out and desperate to be one of the first squads out there. It’s definitely contributing to the excitement of preparing for a new season.

What are the goals for Billericay Town FC once the new season starts?

Our senior teams are geared to being very competitive and the goal is obviously to be pushing for promotion. We want to win things and put smiles on the faces of players, parents, fans, staff and community.

If we can do that consistently, with the help of the new pitches, then we as owners might get to smile too!

Billericay Town FC 3G Stadia Pitch

Tell Us About Billericay Town FC

The club was founded in 1880 and there are now 50 teams playing under the Billericay Town banner with more to come. The teams start right down at U7s on the boys side and U10’s on the girls. There is then a pathway right through to the respective adult first teams. That’s the important thing for us, to provide a real focus for football within the Billericay community. We are now adding walking football into the mix and will also be looking to launch disability teams in the future.

We have a loyal and committed fanbase who are right behind what we’re doing but also rightly there to hold us to account and make sure that we honour the rich history of the club. We are just owners through this period of the club’s history (however long that lasts) – the club has been here for many years before us and our role is to make sure that it is sustainable and positioned to serve the Billericay area for many more to come.

Thanks so much to Greg for taking the time to do this Q&A with us, the team had a great time delivering the new 3G Stadia Pitch Conversion and are looking forward to handing over the second 3G community pitch very soon.

We can’t wait to watch the teams at Billericay Town FC put both pitches to good use next season!

The No.1 Choice for Non-League Football

S&C Slatter are the leading contractor for non-league football 3G stadia Pitches.

We have delivered more pitches to the highest levels of non-league football than any other.

We’re committed to providing first-class pitches for top performance, maximum use and longevity, with the certifications and success rate to prove it.

With in-house expertise across design, planning, construction and maintenance, get in touch now to discuss your needs. Call 01635 34521or email info@sandcslatter.com

It was all smiles yesterday at Westleigh Park, the home of Havant and Waterlooville FC, as a new era began.

Marking the first day of construction on the Hawks’ new 3G Stadia Pitch, Havant MP Alan Mak took the honour of breaking ground for the club.

The Future is 3G

Joined by representatives from S&C Slatter and HWFC, Mak lead the groundbreaking ceremony at the Hawks’ home ground, where over the coming months, we’ll be converting the existing grass pitch to a cutting-edge 3G stadia pitch.

With the unpredictable nature of the existing grass pitch causing issues last season, the new pitch will deliver the superior performance, durability and consistency that the Hawks need.

The artificial grass has been carefully selected to suit the club’s requirements, produced by our exclusive partners FieldTurf. (FIFA Preferred Turf producers).

But it’s not just about team performance. The current uncertainty around both sport and business has also been a driving factor for the pitch conversion. With far higher levels of usage and durability, the new surface will introduce new revenue opportunities for the club, while also benefitting the local area.

In a recent article, club Director Mark Pope commented that:

 

“…in order to secure the long term future and success of the Club we believe it will be a very beneficial move and the right time to introduce the playing surface.

…It will create a number of new jobs within the area and will bring together the community, along with helping financial matters on and off the pitch to make us a real community based Club. It’s an exciting new era at Westleigh and can only make us stronger as a Club.”

Havant and Waterlooville FC 3G stadia pitch conversion groundbreaking

Hawks' boss Paul Doswell with MP Alan Mak

Proven Partnership

As the leading contractor for non-league football, we’re thrilled to be working with HWFC to deliver their new 3G playing surface.

It’s great to be working with familiar faces too. We’re delighted to be working once again with Hawks’ boss Paul Doswell, following our collaboration at Sutton United FC.

Following the pioneering success of the 3G pitch at Sutton, there’s no doubt that HWFC are in safe hands as they embark on this exciting new chapter.

In the same article, Paul commented:

 

“Having worked with Jason Douglass before at S&C Slatter when I was at Sutton United, we have chosen the best company in the country to install our surface. I saw first hand at Sutton what a game changer the 3G pitch became and I’m convinced that this will be the focal point of the local community.”

 

S&C Slatter’s Contracts and Health & Safety Managers were thrilled to join Alan and Paul at the ceremony. We’ll look forward to following the construction of the new pitch, and can’t wait to hand over for the Hawks to use next season!

 

Transforming the game in non-league football

S&C Slatter are the leading contractor for non-league football 3G stadia Pitches.

We have delivered more pitches to the highest levels of non-league football than any other.

We’re committed to providing first-class pitches for top performance, maximum use and longevity, with the certifications and success rate to prove it.

With in-house expertise across design, planning, construction and maintenance, get in touch now to discuss your needs. Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com

S&C Slatter are delighted that three 3G artificial turf pitches the company constructed for non-league football clubs have retained their FIFA Quality Pro certifications this week.

The 3G stadium pitches at Sutton United, Maidstone United and Harrogate Town FC were constructed to FIFA Quality Pro standards in 2015/16. Following handover each surface has enjoyed the expert attention of S&C Slatter’s in-house maintenance division.

Each club was tested this week for their respective certifications, with all three retaining their FIFA Quality Pro Certifications.

We’re thrilled by this recognition of our design, construction and maintenance expertise with the continued FIFA certified performance of our stadia pitches.

 

To find out more about each club, read our case studies below:

 

To find out more about FIFA Quality Pro certifications and our exclusive partnership with FIFA Preferred Turf Producer FieldTurf, read our recent article on Eastbourne Borough FC’s fifth annual FIFA Quality Pro certification.

Transforming the game in non-league football

S&C Slatter are the leading contractor for non-league football 3G stadia Pitches.

With an upcoming 3G stadia conversion at Havant and Waterlooville FC and recent 3G stadia conversion at Billericay FC, we have delivered more pitches to the highest levels of non-league football than any other.

We’re committed to providing first-class pitches for top performance, maximum use and longevity, with the certifications and success rate to prove it.

With in-house expertise across design, planning, construction and maintenance, get in touch now to discuss your needs. Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com

With the economic effects of the pandemic becoming clear, and the Prime Minister pushing the country to ‘build build build’, how can schools rise to the challenge of delivering high quality sports education for children during an uncertain and turbulent time?

Speaking to clients, we understand the difficulties facing the education sector, whether independently or state financed. Where capital funds had been confidently allocated prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the uncertainties that now exist mean that it’s much harder to commit funding to new initiatives.

With the desire for first-class sporting facilities remaining, and many schools keen to provide new or upgraded pitches, we’ve researched the options and identified an effective funding solution.

Deliver new sports pitches now, spread the cost over time

Through strategic partnerships with leading providers of operating leases which comply with the ESFA Academies Financial Handbook, we can build or refurbish your pitch to FIFA Quality standards with your costs spread over a 5-7 year period.

Unlike capital funded projects, a sports operating lease allows you to spread the cost over time with flexible payments, and a much-reduced upfront cost. An added benefit is that your new pitch could generate revenue from facility hire to offset the cost of your repayments.

 

Case study: John Madejski Academy (White Horse Foundation)

Football is an essential part of the curriculum and a key motivator for pupils at the John Madejski Academy in Reading. When their artificial pitch reached its end of life, they utilised a sports operating lease to fund the installation of a brand new FIFA Quality 3G artificial surface. Read the case study to see how the pitch pays for itself and helped to drive student admissions.

 

“On balance paying £50-£60k per year on an operating lease represented better value than paying upfront costs of around £270k – £300k…and the income generated from pitch rental offsets the repayments”

David Maine, Director of Estates and Facilities, White Horse Foundation

 

Sports Operating Lease – How it works

Like most finance agreements, operating leases allow for a purchase to be made (in this case a new or refurbished pitch) with the cost spread over time.

With an operating lease, you can spread the cost out through fixed-interest payments over a period of up to 7 years, with a fraction of the cost up front.

Payments can be made annually, quarterly or semi-annually to suit your needs. At the end of the lease period, you can either acquire the assets through a final payment or extend the use of assets over future years.

FIFA Quality 3G Artificial Turf Football Pitch Refurbishment John Madejski Academy

3G Pitch Operating Lease Costs

The average cost to construct a new-build 3G artificial turf pitch to FIFA performance standards, with fencing and floodlighting, will fall between £600,000 – £700,000* depending on the site, ground conditions, and specifications.

The average cost to resurface an existing pitch to the standards described above would fall between £200,000 – £300,000* depending on the site, ground conditions, and specifications.

The example below shows how an operating lease can be utilised to reduce up-front costs and accelerate the provision of important facilities for your pupils.

 

Pitch Cost Operating Lease (Annual in advance ex VAT)*
5 Year 6 Year 7 Year
New-build £650,000 £135,000 £116,300 £104,600
Resurface £225,000 £46,700 £40,300 £36,200

 

*Figures quoted were correct at time of writing (July 2020) and serve for illustrative purposes only.  Please contact us to learn more and receive a detailed quote for your new artificial sports turf pitch.

Maximise return and minimise risk

In times of fiscal uncertainty, the ability to construct a new sports pitch – without committing significant funds up front – is a welcome relief for many schools.

An operating lease will free up your capital resources for other uses, while flexible, fixed-interest payments allow for painless financial planning.

With the cost spread over a period of years, revenue generated from facility hire can offset the cost of repayments – so your new facility could help pay for itself.

Push back the cost, not the project

While the global situation has changed, it’s clear that life cannot be put on hold forever.

If you’re planning a new sports construction project, or your existing facilities are in need of refurbishment, now is the time to get your project underway.

Please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements and discover how we can help.

Call Jason Douglass on 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com

S&C Slatter are thrilled to be moving onto the second phase of works at the AELTC’s Raynes Park site, which plays an important role in both the Wimbledon Championships and the local community.

Serving up cross-department expertise

We’re proud to be delivering part of the latest major development at the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s (AELTC) Community Sports Ground, which will see a vast expansion of facilities suitable for international athletes and enhanced community initiatives.

S&C Slatter are in the process of constructing 3 Plexipave tennis courts under a new air dome, with our in-house dedicated surfacing and civils team delivering the facility’s new footpaths and roadways.

The project has been split into two phases, in support of the overall project works:

 

Phase 1

Phase 1 of our works focused on base preparation for the construction of the tennis courts, including the laser surfacing of an asphalt base, ready to receive the Plexipave tennis surface. As part of this phase, we constructed the pathways associated with the new hardcourts, that allow access through a porous surface to the sustainable drainage system (SuDS).

 

Phase 2

Phase 2, now underway, will see the completion of the new Plexipave tennis courts, the same hardcourt surface utilised at the Australian Open. We’ll also deliver the asphalt surfacing of the facility’s roadways, and pathways between the new outdoor courts.

AELTC's Community Sports Ground - Aerial View of Redevelopment

About the All England Club Community Sports Ground

Initially acquired in 1990 by The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), the site at Raynes Park is located just 3.5 miles from Wimbledon’s iconic Centre Court. The initial six grass courts supported the Championships over the years, with six new acrylic courts constructed in 2016 as part of the last re-development.

The AELTC very kindly shared some drone photography of the current development in progress, which accompanies this article. While much of our works are very much under wraps (or under dome!) for now, we look forward to the completion of this fantastic expansion, which will benefit both community and international tennis for years to come.

Delivering on a local, regional and global scale

Whether a small community project or large-scale elite facility, we work collaboratively with clients to deliver at every stage of your project. Please get in touch with us on 01635 345 21 or email info@sandcslatter.com to discuss your needs.

Since early June, the UK government have been slowly easing lockdown restrictions, with participation in sport – for both physical and mental health – rightfully high on the agenda. With schools, businesses and some sports clubs cautiously opening up, we take a look at the latest guidance from the government, industry and sporting bodies.

This article looks at the advice for schools, sports clubs and leisure centres, to help you understand what’s possible when it comes to social distancing sport.

What sports are currently allowed during lockdown?

Whilst exercise was initially limited to once a day, with members of your own household, guidance has now eased to allow (social distancing) sport activity.

From June 1st, the government changed the rules so that those living in England may exercise with up to 5 other people outside of their household, so long as a 2m distance is maintained.

For some sports, such as tennis, this marked a return to (almost) normal play, where matches against others may be played. However, for group sports that require close contact between players – such as football and rugby – it was made clear that only group training would be allowed.

Here’s a breakdown by sport:

 

Football, Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Netball, Basketball, Lacrosse and other team sports

  • Sports teams may train together in wholly separate groups of 6 people
  • Matches must not be played (including small-sided)
  • Ideally players should have their own equipment, but equipment may be shared if necessary, during drills – e.g. throwing a basketball or kicking a football between teammates – so long as hand hygiene practices are implemented

 

Tennis

  • Players from different households may play doubles together
  • Small group coaching is allowed, with a maximum of 6 people (including the coach)

 

Athletics

  • Tracks may reopen at the discretion of facility owners

 

Golf

  • Can be played with up to 6 people from different households

 

In all cases, social distancing guidelines must be adhered to, as well as increased hygiene requirements for any shared equipment and facilities. More information can be found on the government website.

With many sports now back on the table, for matches or training, let’s take a look at how sectors can maximise their offering under the new guidance.

Ensuring safe and varied sport in schools

Many schools have opened their doors to specific year groups this month, with new rules and regulations in place to limit the risk of coronavirus. So how do these new guidelines work with the government guidelines for social distancing sport?

First things first, there’s no doubt that physical activity remains an important requirement of schools. The UK government are actively promoting physical activity, particularly for ‘those children who have had limited opportunity for exercise’ during lockdown – who are encouraged to exert themselves at school.

The guidance states that PE Lessons may continue so long as they are strictly non-contact and involve one temporary group – also known as a ‘protective bubble’ – at a time. This means that PE may be taught in groups of up to 15, overruling the maximum of 6 people that applies to sport outside of school.

The Association for Physical Education have created a guidance document to help schools interpret government guidance.

 

Ways for schools to safely deliver social distancing sport include:

  • Undertaking PE lessons outside where possible, to support social distancing
  • Asking students to attend school in their PE kit on days when PE lessons will be held, to limit the spread of virus on clothing and the need for shared changing facilities
  • Limit, where possible, the sharing of equipment and implement strict hand washing routines
  • Ensure hand sanitiser and tissues are available to students throughout lessons to prevent the spread of germs
  • Carry out a deep clean of facilities, to minimise the risk of virus spread from surfaces

Where shared equipment and/or changing facilities are implemented, these should be cleaned before and after each lesson.

 

Promoting team spirit

Although matches aren’t allowed, it doesn’t mean that students can’t enjoy safely practicing their favourite team sports.

It’s been great to see many clients getting creative, finding ways to re-introduce the idea of ‘team’ sports with training drills for football, hockey, tennis and cricket that can be safely enjoyed from a distance, without equipment being shared by hand.

You can keep pupils’ competitive spirit alive by splitting your bubble into teams, and competing for:

  • Highest number of goals scored (football, hockey)
  • Highest number of wickets (cricket)
  • Longest rally (tennis)
  • Fastest completion of dribbling course (football, hockey)

All in all, there are plenty of ways to keep children safely engaged in their favourite sports, while still adhering to government guidance!

Maximising available facilities at leisure centres and sports clubs

Although gyms and indoor sports facilities are unlikely to open until 4th July at the earliest*, since June 1st outdoor sports facilities (such as tennis courts, basketball courts, football pitches) have been able to reopen, so long as the facility owner feels they are able to do so safely.

*The one exception to this is indoor sports facilities used by elite athletes, which have been allowed to open in line with the government’s two-stage programme for elite sport.

With coaches able to return to work and tennis, football, basketball and other sports back on the table (whether for matches or training – as in the top section of this article), those with outdoor sports facilities are now able to offer small group coaching and facility hire.

 

Ways to open, or partially re-open your outdoor facilities (and prepare for the re-opening of indoor facilities) include:

 

Undertaking a deep clean

Many sports governing bodies, such as FIFA, have advised that prior to opening it is advisable to undertake maintenance of your facilities, including a deep clean of sports courts and artificial surfaces to ensure that you minimise risk to users.

 

Staggering classes and alter class lengths

With coaching class sizes limited (for now) to 6 people including the coach, who must be socially distanced, it’s understandably difficult to generate the same revenue from classes that were previously jam-packed.

At the same time, staggering classes will likely be required, to limit the contact between different groups and allow for time to clean between sessions.

Ways to mitigate this could include reducing the length of class sizes, which could help to account for the extra preparation time, and allow more members to access your facilities overall.

 

Offering outdoor classes

If you don’t offer outdoor facilities such as tennis courts or artificial pitches (or even if you do!) there are still ways to re-introduce socially distanced sport if you have outdoor space.

Whilst perhaps weather dependent – you could move equipment outdoors to enable groups of 6 (including instructors) to resume the classes you usually offer indoors, such as spin classes, HIIT classes and yoga. David Lloyd, for example, have recently launched such classes.

 

Offering online classes

If you don’t feel that it is safe or economical to re-open your outdoor facilities, or your facilities are indoors, you could instead offer online classes or coaching to generate revenue.

This is exactly what Everyone Active did, launching their ‘Stay Active At Home’ platform during lockdown, a great way to keep members engaged until re-opening in the future.

 

Bringing a segment of your workforce back

From 1st July employers may bring back furloughed workers for any amount of time and any shift pattern, while still being able to claim from the job retention scheme for normal hours not worked.

If you want to re-open your outdoor facilities or begin offering online sessions, this is a way to slowly get your business up and running again while protecting your employees.

 

Requesting advance bookings + contactless payments

By taking bookings in advance online or over the phone, you’re able to limit social contact, whilst able to better manage employee time and resources.

If you still have someone in-house taking bookings, then making contactless or card payments mandatory, including face coverings for employees, should help to limit contact.

 

There many ways in which sports facilities owners can slowly begin to kick-start their offering for social distancing sport during the time of coronavirus. For further guidance, UKActive have put together a framework for the re-opening of gym, leisure centre and wider fitness industry during social distancing.

Sports club training – preparing for a return to match play

For community and semi-professional sports clubs, the situation is much the same as for leisure centres. Indoor facilities are not set to open until July 4th at the earliest, but outdoor facilities may now open, and the decision to re-open facilities or begin training will ultimately rest with the club.

At the current time, for non-elite team sport, match-play is not allowed but training is. All training should fall in line with government guidelines, which includes:

  • Maximum 6 people per training group
  • Limited sharing (where possible) of equipment and strong hand hygiene
  • Social distancing measures adhered to

 

Again, this still leaves plenty of room for drills and practice to keep your team on their toes, whilst keeping team spirit alive from a safe distance.

The government guidance on outdoor sport may be set to change when rules on indoor sports facilities are announced, so it’s worth getting training up and running now in preparation for the next step for your individual sport, which may include increased group sizes or reduced social distancing limits.

Most sports governing bodies have produced guidance for facilities re-opening, as well as roadmaps for the sport, to show what’s currently allowed, and what the next stages for training and match playing will be:

 

 

Common takeaways from all of these documents include:

  • Preparing facilities for use with inspections, maintenance and deep cleaning
  • Introducing measures to reduce social contact and enforce good hygiene habits
  • Undertaking risk assessments and adhering to current guidance while preparing for the next possible stages
  • Ensuring that any pitch certifications (FIH, FIFA, World Rugby) are valid and in-date prior to matches resuming

 

Whilst sport as we know it may not return for some time, it’s important for the sports, leisure and education sectors to ensure maximum availability of sports and sports facilities for children and adults alike. Let’s continue to build an active nation!

We’re working to support sport through Covid-19

If you want to ensure your facilities are safe and ready for use as lockdown continues to ease, please get in touch with us for a free assessment of your facilities. Our expert in-house maintenance division can carry out a deep clean and any necessary repairs of your pitch or court.

This week, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s risk assessment committee backed restriction proposals for an EU ban on the deliberate addition of microplastic particles to products. As part of this, the committee agreed on the need for a total ban on the use of microplastics in artificial grass playing fields.

Does this mean that artificial pitches will be banned?

Not at all. If this position is adopted and a ban put into place, it relates specifically to the use of microplastics in artificial turf – so would only impact plastic derived infill, such as SBR, TPE and EDPM, commonly used in 3G pitches.
 
A ban would thus involve the removal and replacement of that infill material with an organic alternative. Non-fill water-based pitches, sand-dressed and sand-filled pitches would be unaffected by this.

 

When might a ban come into place?

There’s still a long way to go before any changes to the use of artificial turf microplastics are decided upon or implemented by the European Commission.
 
Here’s the timeline of events so far, and what’s yet to come:
 

2018

The European Commission asked the European Chemicals Agency to prepare a restrictions proposal targeted at reducing pollution from microplastics and oxo-plastics in products for professional and consumer use – including artificial turf.

 

2019

The ECHA proposed a wide-ranging restriction on intentional uses of microplastics. The Committee of Risk Assessment (RAC) and the Committee of Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) asked to deliver their opinions by the end of 2020.
 

June 2020

 
The ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) has finalised its opinion, recommending a ban on the use of polymeric infills in artificial turf.
 
The Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) has reached its draft opinion, which is inconclusive, considering two options:
  • Introducing risk management measures to contain synthetic infill material on artificial pitches
  • A complete ban (in line with the RAC)
 
This is where we’re currently at.
 

2020 – 2022

Both committees will deliver finalised opinions to the European Commission by the end of 2020. The Commission will consider the opinions and if the conditions for restrictions are met, will prepare a proposal which member states can vote on in the REACH committee.
 
This vote would be followed by scrutiny by the European Parliament and Council before any proposed restrictions could be adopted. Based on the timeline provided by the ECHA, the earliest that the EU would adopt any proposed restrictions would be 2022.
 

2028

The RAC has recommended a transitional period of six years from any adoption date. So, if restrictions are adopted in 2022, the earliest they would come into force is 2028.

What can artificial pitch owners do if a microplastics ban is adopted by the EU?

Ultimately, it might be that no changes come into force. Yet, as we move towards a more environmentally aware future, we believe it’s best to prepare for the very real possibility that there will either be a complete ban or enforced containment measures, on microplastics in artificial turf.

As we discussed in our article last year, we’re proud to already offer many of the measures required for clients to adapt should this ban, or mitigation methods, come into place.

Whether these measures are adopted by the EU, or you simply want to ensure your facilities are as environmentally sound as possible, our dedicated teams will provide guidance and advice on the latest best practice and options available.

Currently, these options include:

 

  • Removing and replacing existing SBR infill with organic alternatives

If a ban is introduced, then the focus for existing artificial turf pitches will be safely removing any existing plastic infill with a suitable organic performance infill of the same quality. This process uses specialised equipment to ensure no damage to the artificial turf fibres.

We work exclusively with leading artificial turf manufacturers FieldTurf, who already offer organic performance infill in the form of PureFill and PureSelect, fully certified to governing body criteria such as FIFA and World Rugby Regulation 22.

 

Coventry Rugby Club following the removal and replacement of performance infill
  • Constructing pitches with proven alternative turf solutions that do not require SBR

In the case of new 3G pitches, which use a combination of sand and performance infill material, this will involve selecting an organic infill material (as above) to be used in place of SBR or similar plastic products.

It’s worth noting that by the time any such measures come into place, non-fill artificial turf technology currently in development – often referred to as ‘4G’ – may be certified for use, removing the need for performance infill altogether.

 

  • Retrospectively install containment measures to existing pitches

Even with a complete ban on microplastics, environmental charity FIDRA have suggested that containment measures should still be introduced to protect the environment from infill migration.

Containment measures that can be fitted retrospectively include:

  • Physical ‘ground-up’ barriers around the pitch
  • Advanced silt traps in drainage systems
  • rush off zones and stamp off trays in the entrances and exits to the pitch

 

  • Designing new pitches with containment measures in place

For new pitches, the above elements can be built into the pitch design, as well as additional options such as building elevated edges or a solid surface around the perimeter of the pitch.

 

  • Offering true recycling options for end of life turf and infill

When artificial turf has come to the end of its useful life, we can advise on economically and environmentally sound options for recycling of turf and infill into new materials.

Having already completed the removal and recycling of several field installations in the US, FieldTurf is at the forefront of developing technology to expand end-of-life turf applications. Their Driving The Field To Zero initiative is a commitment a future where none of their artificial turf products make it to landfill.

S&C Slatter are committed to ensuring that our business operates in the most environmentally sound way possible.

Our in-house Health, Safety and Environmental Quality Manager is working to ensure business-wide compliance in line with the latest guidance. This includes working towards an ISO 14001 accreditation, the acquisition of specialist plant and machinery operating with biofuels and the implementation of new policies and procedures.

We’ll keep a close eye on the developments in the proposed ECHA restriction and ensure that if and when restrictions come into place, we’ll be ready to help clients ensure their artificial pitches are compliant with regulations.

Preparing for a microplastic free future with S&C Slatter and FieldTurf

If you would like to discuss the latest recommendations from the risk assessment committee, or would like to discuss alternative infill methods, pitch recycling or similar, please get in touch with us on 01635 345 21 or email info@sandcslatter.com