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Waterlogged pitches have always been one of the biggest challenges facing football clubs in the UK. Heavy rain, poor drainage and saturated ground can quickly lead to postponed fixtures, cancelled training sessions and mounting pressure on already congested schedules.

This summer, however, clubs are confronting the opposite problem. Prolonged dry weather and high temperatures have left some natural grass pitches so hard that they have been considered unsafe to play on.

This year, some leagues have even been forced to delay the start of the new season and pre-season fixtures have also been cancelled as clubs wait for conditions to improve.

Pitch Disruption Is No Longer Just a Winter Problem

It is a striking reminder that disruption to natural grass pitches is not limited to wet winters. Extended dry periods can also affect player safety, surface quality and fixture schedules, particularly where clubs have limited access to irrigation or face restrictions on water use.

Year-Round Reliability at Spalding United FC

At Spalding United FC, the full-size artificial grass pitch at Sir Halley Stewart Field provides a reliable surface for football throughout the year, including during prolonged periods of dry weather.

PST Sport completed the new FIFA Quality Pro artificial grass pitch for Spalding United in 2025, replacing the club’s existing natural grass surface. The pitch features our TriPlex 45 surface system installed over a shock pad and was designed to provide consistent performance while supporting a significantly higher level of use.

Transforming Day-to-Day Club Operations

Since its completion, the pitch has transformed day-to-day operations at Spalding United. It has improved reliability, increased the number of hours available for football and given the club greater confidence when planning fixtures, training and community use.

The facility has also helped the club attract players, provided its youth teams with a genuine home and created a platform for continued growth both on and off the pitch.

Natural grass will remain an important part of football, but maintaining a safe and playable surface through prolonged wet or dry periods can require considerable time, specialist knowledge, water and ongoing investment. For many clubs, particularly those operating at grassroots and non-league level, those resources are limited.

Artificial grass pitches offer a practical alternative where reliability, capacity and year-round access are central to a facility’s objectives. They allow clubs to plan with greater certainty and make better use of their grounds, whether the challenge is weeks of heavy rain or an extended period without it.

Supporting Spalding United’s Long-Term Vision

At Sir Halley Stewart Field, the benefits are already clear. Spalding United now has a high-performance surface that supports the first team, provides a home for its youth structure and opens the facility to greater use.

The pitch represents a major investment in the club’s long-term vision and a clear statement of its ambition for the future. PST Sport is proud to have played a part in delivering a facility designed to support Spalding United’s continued growth for many years to come.

The Growing Need for Year-Round Reliability

As weather patterns place new pressures on traditional playing fields, pitch reliability is becoming more important than ever. The question for clubs is no longer simply whether their surface can cope with a wet winter. It is whether their facilities can continue supporting football safely and consistently throughout the year.

Planning an Artificial Grass Pitch Project?

PST Sport provides a complete turnkey service for artificial grass pitch projects, including design, groundworks, drainage, base construction, shock pad, artificial grass installation, fencing, floodlighting, testing and handover.

With more than 500 artificial grass pitches delivered throughout the UK and Ireland, we work with clubs, schools, universities, local authorities, developers and project teams to build sports facilities from the ground up.

Contact PST Sport to discuss your project.

PST Sport is delighted to announce that works will commence shortly on the construction of two full-size FIFA Quality Pro artificial grass pitches for AFC Greenwich Borough at the GB10 Sports Hub on Footscray Road in New Eltham.

This landmark project represents a significant investment in the club’s future, delivering a state-of-the-art facility designed to support player development, increase capacity and create a centralised home for football across all levels of the club.

A Centralised Home for AFC Greenwich Borough

The new all-weather pitches will bring AFC Greenwich Borough’s 50+ youth teams and senior squads together in one dedicated location, helping to unite the club’s community and academy teams under one roof. The facility will provide consistent, year-round training and matchday capacity, reducing the impact of weather-related cancellations and fixture congestion.

Having all teams based in one place will also help create a consistent environment and culture across the club, improving coordination, increasing efficiency and strengthening the sense of community on both training nights and matchdays.

The comprehensive project from PST Sport will include full groundworks, the installation of an enhanced drainage system, a dynamic stone base, fencing, netting, floodlight bases, spectator steps for a viewing area and a 5,500m² tarmac spectator area.

Proposed site layout showing the two new full-size FIFA Quality Pro artificial grass pitches to be delivered by PST Sport at the GB10 Sports Hub in New Eltham.

TriPlex 45 Surface System

The pitches will be surfaced with our TriPlex 45 system, designed to deliver exceptional durability, performance and playability. TriPlex 45 uses an advanced triple-yarn design, combining three distinct fibre shapes within every tuft to provide a balance of strength, upright resilience and a soft, player-friendly playing texture. The system will be installed with a high-performance shock pad to meet FIFA Quality Pro standards, delivering a consistent, world-class playing surface for intensive football use.

Commenting on the project, Colin Teahon, Managing Director of PST Sport, said:
“We are delighted to be delivering this exciting project for AFC Greenwich Borough. This is a landmark development for the club and one that will have a lasting impact on its players, coaches and wider football community. The new GB10 Sports Hub will provide AFC Greenwich Borough with a centralised, high-performance facility capable of supporting year-round training and match play across all levels of the club.

The inclusion of the TriPlex 45 surface system is key to delivering the standard of performance, durability and consistency required for a facility of this scale. Designed for high-use football environments, TriPlex 45 will help ensure the pitches can withstand regular use while maintaining excellent playability and ball roll.

We are proud to be partnering with AFC Greenwich Borough on this important project and look forward to helping bring the club’s vision for a world-class football facility to life.”

PST Sport looks forward to commencing works on site and delivering a facility that will support AFC Greenwich Borough’s players, teams and long-term growth for many years to come.

PST Sport with our partners Saltex International have been appointed as the contractor at Forest Sports Zone in Nottingham to deliver a major redevelopment of the facility’s artificial grass pitches. The redevelopment  will see both existing pitches upgraded to FIFA Quality standard, delivering two full-size artificial grass pitches for Nottingham Forest Community Trust, Nottingham City Council and the wider local community.

Phase 1 of the project is now underway and will involve the resurfacing of the existing artificial grass pitch, which measures 106m x 70m. Works will include the removal of the existing carpet, installation of prefabricated shock pad, new 40mm Polar 40 carpet, upgrades to the existing lighting system to LED and the installation of trek boards to the existing fencing.

Phase 2 is due to commence in September will see the full redevelopment of the existing sand-based pitch into a 97m x 61m FIFA Quality artificial grass pitch. The works include groundworks, new kerbing, spectator fencing, trek boards, netting and six  no. 15m floodlights. The new surface will feature Saltex Polar 40, installed over a preformed shock pad.

Ralf Oechies, Commercial Director at Saltex, said:

“We are proud to be working alongside PST Sport on the redevelopment of Forest Sports Zone and to support the delivery of high-quality facilities for Nottingham Forest Community Trust, Nottingham City Council and the wider local community.

Projects such as this demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships in delivering sustainable, accessible and durable playing surfaces that will support grassroots football and community sport for many years to come.

We are delighted to be contributing to a Football Foundation framework project that will have such a positive long-term impact on participation and local sport in Nottingham.”

The wider redevelopment forms part of a £1.9m investment into Forest Sports Zone, which has been operated by Nottingham Forest Community Trust since 2015. The facility plays an important role in supporting grassroots football, local schools, community groups and recreational sport across Nottingham.

Once complete, the upgraded pitches will provide high-quality, durable and accessible playing surfaces designed to support year-round training, matches and community use.

Colin Teahon, Managing Director of PST Sport, said:
‘We are proud that PST Sport with our partners Saltex International have been appointed as the contractor on this scheme, working alongside Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Nottingham City Council to deliver these facilities. It is a real privilege to be involved in projects like this, not just for the build itself, but for the long-term impact it will have on participation and community use.

The role of the Football Foundation in making projects like this possible cannot be overstated. Their funding model and commitment to grassroots sport continue to set the standard across the UK, and we are proud to play our part in delivery. Looking forward to bringing this one to life.’

The completed redevelopment will further strengthen Forest Sports Zone’s role as a key community sports hub in Nottingham, providing modern, high-performance artificial grass facilities for players, clubs and local residents for years to come.

PST Sport is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Combined Counties Football League (CCFL), becoming the League’s Official Artificial Grass Pitch Partner.

The Combined Counties Football League is a cornerstone of the National League System, featuring 64 clubs across its three primary senior tiers: Premier Division North, Premier Division South and Division One.

The partnership brings together the League and PST Sport with a shared focus on supporting clubs as they plan, fund and deliver artificial grass pitch projects. As part of the agreement, PST Sport will provide a tailored support programme for CCFL clubs, helping them explore the feasibility of new artificial grass pitch developments, navigate funding opportunities and access expert guidance on planning and delivery.

Chris Conlon, Chairman of the Combined Counties Football League, said:
“We are delighted to announce our new partnership with PST Sport. This comes at an important time with climate change impacting the weather rendering football seasons less predictable than ever before.

Our football environment has been shifting towards greater use of artificial surfaces to improve pitch availability. This partnership recognises that move and provides support to clubs which will shape that future and give our members an opportunity to become sustainable and experience a long-term future in the National League System.

We are very pleased to join with PST Sport in promoting the use of Artificial Turf Pitches. We would like to thank Colin & his team for this opportunity.”

For PST Sport, the partnership represents another important step in working closely with leagues and clubs to improve facilities and help future-proof football infrastructure. With increasing demand for high-quality, durable playing and training surfaces, the agreement is intended to give CCFL clubs practical support and a clear route to progressing artificial grass pitch projects.

This partnership reinforces PST Sport’s commitment to providing clubs with industry-leading expertise. By offering support at every stage, from initial feasibility and planning through to final delivery, we are dedicated to helping CCFL clubs deliver and maintain world-class artificial grass facilities.

Through this partnership, CCFL clubs can benefit from:
✅ Free site visits & tailored quotations
✅ Expert planning guidance
✅ Loan finance options
✅ Funding application assistance

Colin Teahon, Managing Director at PST Sport, added:
“We are delighted to partner with the Combined Counties Football League as its official artificial grass pitch partner. Our aim is to support clubs with clear practical advice and expert guidance on artificial grass pitch projects. Through this partnership, we want to help clubs better understand the funding, planning and delivery process and ultimately give them greater confidence to move projects forward.”

This partnership marks another important step in PST Sport’s continued growth across the UK and underlines our long-standing commitment to helping grassroots football thrive.

For more information, contact 📧 helenkelly@pstsport.com 🌐 PSTsport.com

Major investment at Arbour Park Stadium to secure the future of player development and community football.

PST Sport is delighted to announce that works are set to commence in June on a major pitch resurfacing project at Arbour Park Stadium, home of Slough Town FC. Following a rigorous research and tender process, the club has appointed PST Sport to install a new, state-of-the-art artificial playing surface.

Arbour Park, which opened in 2016, is a vital community hub hosting over 40 club teams, various community initiatives, and an established schools programme. Since Slough Town secured a 50-year management lease for the site in 2024, replacing the original surface, now reaching the end of its natural lifespan, became a top priority for the club’s leadership.

The project represents a major investment by the club and an important step in supporting player development, community use and the club’s ongoing ability to compete in the National League. The works are expected to take approximately three to four weeks to complete, ensuring the facility is ready for the upcoming season.

Commenting on the project, Ashley Smith, CEO of Slough Town FC, said:
“PST Sport demonstrated a genuine willingness to deliver a first-class pitch for us. They have an excellent track record, and we are excited to see the months of research and consultation come to life with a state-of-the-art surface, reinforcing Arbour Park Stadium as one of the leading football facilities in the South East.”

Our high-performance TriPlex 45 surface has become exceptionally popular with clubs seeking top-level playability, consistency and durability. We are delighted to partner with Slough Town FC and look forward to delivering a world-class artificial grass pitch that will serve the club and wider community for many years to come.

Colin Teahon, Managing Director at PST Sport, added:
“PST Sport is proud to support Slough Town FC with the installation of their new artificial playing surface at Arbour Park Stadium. As the market leader at the higher end of football in England, we are committed to setting the standard for performance and player experience.”

The Slough Town FC project will mark another important addition to PST Sport’s growing portfolio in England and underlines our continued commitment to delivering durable, high-performing surfaces for clubs, schools and community facilities.

PST Sport has now completed the repair works at Oriel Park following damage to Dundalk FC’s FIFA Quality Pro artificial grass pitch.

After carrying out a full assessment, we worked closely with Dundalk FC to ensure the surface has been restored to world-class standards and ready for action.

We look forward to seeing the club back out on the pitch and wish them the very best for their upcoming fixtures.

PST Sport is issuing the following statement in relation to Friday night’s incident at Oriel Park.

“PST Sport is working closely with Dundalk FC following Friday night’s incident at Oriel Park. Our team will carry out the necessary repairs as soon as weather conditions allow.

We want to reassure supporters that at no stage was there any risk of the surface igniting or the full pitch catching fire. The damage is localised and will be restored promptly. Our thoughts are with the young supporter who was injured, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. We remain committed to supporting Dundalk FC and ensuring the pitch is returned to the highest standard, FIFA Quality Pro, as quickly as possible.”

PST Sport is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Midland Football League (MFL), strengthening our commitment to supporting non-league football clubs across England.

Through this partnership, PST Sport will work closely with the League’s member clubs across 5 divisions, providing expert guidance on artificial grass pitch (AGP) projects, facility development and long-term sustainability.

This collaboration reflects PST Sport’s belief in the importance of high-quality playing surfaces and infrastructure in supporting player development, community engagement and the long-term future of clubs at non-league level.

As a leader in AGP construction, PST Sport delivers complete turnkey solutions, from groundworks and drainage to surfacing and maintenance, with all systems tested to the highest international standards.

“We’re delighted to welcome PST Sport as an official League partner. We look forward to working together to provide our member clubs with experienced guidance as they consider future facility improvements.” – Midland Football League

Supporting the Future of MFL Clubs

Through this partnership, Midland Football League clubs can now access:
✅ Free site visits and tailored quotations
✅ Expert planning and feasibility guidance
✅ Funding and loan finance options
✅ Support with grant and funding applications

Colin Teahon, Managing Director at PST Sport, said:
“We’re proud to partner with the Midland Football League. This partnership allows us to work closely with the League and its clubs, sharing our experience and supporting them as they plan and deliver facility improvements that benefit players and the wider community.”

This partnership marks another important step in PST Sport’s continued growth across the UK and reinforces our long-standing commitment to supporting non-league football.

Earlier this month, PST Sport completed a full-size artificial grass pitch resurface for Dublin grassroots football club, Malahide United FC. The new FIFA Quality certified surface, featuring TriPlex 45 laid over a 12mm preformed shock pad, sets a new benchmark for artificial grass pitches under FIFA’s updated 2024 testing and certification standards.

This project marks an important milestone for PST Sport as the first completed under the new FIFA Test Manual 2024. The updated manual introduces significant changes in how pitches are tested and approved, including revised methods for shock absorption, vertical deformation, recycled content validation and dynamic fatigue testing. These updates reflect FIFA’s ongoing commitment to innovation and long-term performance standards across the football industry.

Enhanced Shock Absorption Requirements

The 2024 FIFA Test Manual introduces stricter shock absorption and deformation criteria, aligned with EN standards, to enhance player safety and pitch consistency. Shock pads must now meet tighter performance limits, ensuring uniform playability and durability under heavy use throughout the pitch’s lifespan.

Advanced Testing and Measurement Systems

The manual introduces new testing devices, including the Advanced Artificial Athlete (AAA) for shock absorption and energy return, and the Rotational Traction Athlete (RTA) for traction and rotational stability. Additionally, the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) test now measures critical fall height (CFH ≥0.60m) to assess high-impact safety, providing a more accurate evaluation of player–surface interaction and long-term durability.

Carpet Report and Future Resurfacing Compliance

A key update is the mandatory FIFA Carpet report, recording all materials, construction tolerances and test results. This becomes the reference for future resurfacing. When resurfaced, retained components such as the shock pad or infill must be retested and shown to perform within the manufacturer’s declared tolerances, typically ±5% for shock absorption and ±2mm for deformation, to maintain FIFA compliance.

Commitment to Sustainability and Long-Term Performance

The new manual places greater emphasis on environmental responsibility, requiring verification of recycled content in synthetic yarns and stricter testing of infill materials to ensure environmental safety and quality. FIFA Quality certification now remains valid for three years, subject to correct maintenance, ensuring surfaces continue to meet global standards over time.

“Delivering Malahide United’s new pitch under the revised FIFA guidelines is a major milestone for PST Sport. This was one of the first projects to be completed under the new FIFA Test Manual 2024, and we’re proud that Malahide United’s pitch was among the first to meet these newly implemented global standards.

As FIFA raises the bar for artificial turf quality and testing, our in-house team is leading the way in meeting and exceeding those expectations.”

Colin Teahon, MD, PST Sport

CCGrass’s TriPlex 45 system, featuring Triple Fibre Technology, continues to set the standard in artificial turf innovation, combining exceptional durability, resilience, and playability for both match and training use.

PST Sport remains committed to driving innovation across every stage of pitch construction, from design and pitch construction through to maintenance, ensuring every surface is built to perform at the highest level for years to come.

PST Sport is delighted to announce a new three-year partnership with The North West Counties Football League (NWCFL). The agreement will see PST Sport support the League’s Fair Play Awards across its 61 clubs competing in the Premier Division, First Division North, and First Division South.
This exciting collaboration reflects PST Sport’s ongoing commitment to grassroots football and our belief in the power of sport to strengthen communities and inspire the next generation of players.

As a recognised leader in artificial grass pitch construction, PST Sport delivers complete turnkey solutions for both new build and resurfacing projects. From groundworks and drainage to subbase construction, surfacing, fencing, floodlighting and long-term maintenance, we offer a full-service approach that ensures clubs receive world-class playing surfaces tailored to their needs. All of our artificial grass systems are tested to the highest international standards.

Chris Stirrup, Chairman of The North West Counties Football League Limited said:

“We’re pleased to welcome PST Sport as an official League Partner and sponsor of our Fair Play Awards. This partnership provides our clubs with access to expert support in pitch development, from initial planning right through to construction and aftercare. We look forward to working together over the next three years.”

Through this partnership, NWCFL clubs can benefit from:

✅ Free site visits & tailored quotations
✅ Expert planning guidance
✅ Loan finance options
✅ Funding application assistance

With over 500 artificial grass pitches completed to date across the UK and Ireland including multiple full-size FIFA certified surfaces, PST Sport’s reputation is built on engineering excellence, innovation and partnership. Whether it’s a full-size stadium pitch or a community training facility, our surfaces help clubs:

• Play Year-Round: No more cancelled matches or training sessions due to weather.
• Boost Revenue: Maximise usage with extended hours and unlock new income streams.
• Lower Maintenance: Reduce upkeep and refocus resources where they’re needed most.
• Deliver Proven Quality: FIFA-certified systems for reliability and long-term performance.
• Streamline Projects: A full turnkey solution from design to delivery.

Colin Teahon, Managing Director at PST Sport, added:
“We’re proud to partner with The North West Counties Football League. We understand the importance of high-quality, reliable playing surfaces in supporting both player development and long-term club sustainability. We look forward to working closely with clubs across the League to help bring their pitch projects to life.”

This partnership marks another important step in PST Sport’s continued growth across the UK and underlines our long-standing commitment to helping grassroots football thrive.

For more information, contact 📧 helenkelly@pstsport.com 🌐 www.pstsport.com