Artificial Turf FAQS

Is it possible to make sliding tackles on artificial turf?

Yes. Thanks to advances and improvements in the materials that go into artificial turf surfaces, today sliding tackles can be done more effectively and safely. Polyethylene resins are the current standard for producing softer fibers that create a natural grass feel that enable players to safely slide, tackle and fall without nasty abrasions.

Is it safe to play soccer on an artificial turf pitch?

Yes. Safety continues to be the major concern amongst players when it comes to artificial turf, which has been wrongly accused of causing more injuries than natural grass, often due to misconceptions linked to the first generations of artificial turf pitches. Recent research conducted by UEFA shows no increase in injury incidence when elite soccer is played on artificial turf compared to natural grass. Today, with the increasing spread of third generation artificial turf pitches, players will find they are less injury prone than when playing on natural grass.

Can I play on an artificial pitch in all weather conditions?

Yes. The ability to play soccer or any other sport year-round is one of reasons why artificial turf was designed. Rain and snow do not affect the quality and condition of an artificial pitch. You can play on sand-filled pitches down to a temperature of -10 C°. Water based pitches can be played down to temperatures above 0 C°. Under soil heating and drainage can help keep the pitch from building up puddles or frost from the inside.

What are the playing characteristics of an artificial turf pitch compared to a natural grass pitch?

Artificial turf has evolved significantly, and today specially designed artificial turf surfaces for soccer offer basically the same playing characteristics as natural grass in terms of ball-surface and player-surface behavior, combined with the familiar benefits of artificial surfaces: consistency of play, durability and low maintenance.

Does an artificial turf pitch for soccer differ from other sports?

There are differences in playing surfaces for different sports. As a broad consideration, soccer will have some characteristics similar to rugby and American Football – both are deemed to be ‘contact sports’ so a suitable playing surface for both needs to have high shock absorbency and pile height. However in a finer comparison between these sports, a soccer pitch will have slightly shorter pile height and require slightly lower energy absorption than is needed for rugby or American Football.

What is the most favored material for the manufacture of soccer pitches?

While the majority of pitches are made from polypropylene or polyethylene, neither FIFA nor UEFA dictate the use of any particular type of material. In recent years however, polyethylene has been used to a greater extent due to its better sliding factor (lower slide resistance) and its increased softness properties compared to materials such as polypropylene or nylon.

How long does an artificial turf pitch last for?

Generally around ten years. Although for sports that are consistently played on, such as soccer, the lifespan is usually around seven years.

What kind of maintenance does an artificial turf pitch need?

Artificial turf needs very little maintenance, minimal compared to that required for natural grass pitches. It consists mainly of brushing the surface to loosen the compacted infill, bring the yarns into an upright position and remove dirt such as leaves, clay, and small branches off the pitch. Thus it does not require highly qualified skills or an expensive workforce for maintenance. Furthermore, depending on the construction quality of the water drainage within the turf system, the drainage characteristics of a well-built artificial turf system are better than those of a natural grass pitch.

How long does the installation of an artificial turf pitch take?

On average, once the grounds have been prepared for the laying of artificial grass carpets (i.e. the sub-base has been constructed), the installation of the carpet takes approximately three to six weeks. Installation time also depends on prevailing weather conditions.