Do you want to improve your pitch?
It is that time of the year again when the weather can dramatically affect our pitches.
We have a pitch aeration initiative, as part of our FA Pitch Improvement Programme, which aims to help clubs improve the quality of their natural turf (grass) football pitches.
Our pitch aeration initiative has been recognised and endorsed by the FA as one of the best projects launched by County FA's last season.
This initiative, which saw a £40,000 investment, enabled us to purchase verti-drain equipment and a tractor which is contracted out to clubs, offering them quality pitch improvement at an affordable price.
Mark Young, Football Development Manager said, “We always strive to find new ways to help our grassroots clubs and I am delighted this unique initiative has been recognised and shared as best practice.
“We understand the impact compacted pitches can have for our clubs when they have to cancel fixtures and we know that increased aeration and decompaction is the single most effective way to improve pitches.”
Pitch aeration is a solution for the common pitch problem of heavily compacted surfaces. Aeration is the process of putting holes in the pitch to allow air to get into the subsoil and allow effective drainage.
Mark continues, “We must thank the Institute of Groundsman (IOG), Football Foundation, Gordon Gill Turf Maintenance and all of the clubs that are using the service, who are committed to improving their natural turf pitches and in turn supporting our aim of providing enjoyable football for all.”