The new product that was selected was a 60mm sand/rubber infilled 3G monofilament synthetic grass, Conqueror 60 MF. Manufactured by Playrite – a UK based manufacturer of tufted, woven and needlepunch surfaces for sport, leisure and play. Playrite have been established since 1991 and are committed to innovation and providing high quality products suitable to the specific purpose. Conqueror 60 MF, a newly developed tufted turf, was chosen due to the fact it is a dedicated football surface, meeting FA Community Approval and rated to the IATS FIFA 1 star equivalent. The 3G product looks like grass and offers similar playing characteristics, and when installed over Matchpad shock absorbing layer, Conqueror 60 MF offers extra comfort and increased playing performance.
Soft Surfaces in Cheshire were selected to undertake the full refurbishment, including a 5 meter high rebound fencing, 5 floodlighting columns and then the installation of 6 new football pitches. Soft Surfaces are very aware of the impact on the environment and are committed to the removal and recycling of the old synthetic turf. James Dooley comments: “We take a pro active responsible approach to the environment, and to lessen the impact on the environment and landfill sites we recycle whenever possible.”
The end result, a state of the art sports pitch that has not only improved the leisure centres perspective on sport and play, but the facility can also be rented out to the public to create additional revenue, and due to the new floodlighting columns the pitches can now be used both day and night.