I have always tried to give value for money, but value can be regarded in different ways. For some people it will be getting the best price; another way of saying the lowest price. Others will want better performance; measured by test standards such as FIFA Quality Pro. There are those who see value in terms of how long a product lasts; this will be measured in time.
Rarely can you combine all three aspects, but occasionally one aspect can far out perform expectations, and thereby raises its value, above and beyond.
I say this, following a recent visit to a pitch that I was involved with 24 years ago. This was back in the days before 3G surfaces, when you played football on a sand-filled polypropylene surface. The turf was low cost, guaranteed for no more than 5 years, and, with a fair-wind would last 10 years. I did not expect to see the original surface still intact, no patches, no open seams or bald areas.
The 23mm pile height had been filled to within 3mm of the top, with sand. Over the years, the fibre had worn away to half that height, but the pitch was still playable. Located at a school, it is in constant use during the day, and rented out in the evenings and at weekends. In fact, due to a shortage of facilities in the area, the pitch is used up to 60 hours a week during term time.
It still has hockey markings and the remains of two hockey goals, but has not been used for this sport for a long time. Most usage during school time is football, recreational cricket in the summer and other ball sports. At night, it is all cross-pitch football.
Part of the longevity of this field is down to the original quality of turf. Simply put, it was well made. Under the turf is an insitu shock pad, which still looks good and will be re-used when the turf is replaced. The pad has contributed to the longer life of the turf, and, having always recommended shock pads, this experience underlines one of the main reasons why.
There are two other factors for the exceptional pitch life. Firstly, it was well built and well laid by AP Thompsons. The pitch has retained its levels, drainage and apart from the failing surround fence, is as good as pitches built today. The second reason is that the school has looked after the surface. It has been brushed regularly, kept clean of litter, leaves and other debris and been used correctly.
These days we talk about better quality fibres with better play characteristics. However, I doubt we will see many of today’s turf systems lasting 24 years. The value the school has had from this pitch is remarkable. Not just the time, but when it comes to surface replacement, it will be simply, uplift the turf and lay a new surface.
