Are 3G pitches the way to go?

[Burnham Lad]

An article appeared in our local paper recently which raised the question of artificial pitches at Step 3 and below, which is worth a read and debate:

 

http://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/sport/football/articles/2010/05/06/46322-are-3g-pitches-the-way-forward/

 

It raises some interesting issues for clubs such as Burnham, where there are arguments for and against. The main argument against is that participation in the FA Cup (and for ambitious clubs, the Conferenceand beyond) may not be possible under current rules but the advantages in the amount of football which can be played all year round, giving clubs a commercial opportunity to get greater footfall in the ground and into the facilities (such as roomhire and the bar), is very persuasive, given that many Step 3 and below teams do not get big enough gates to justify Conference membership. The real loss would be the FA Cup. It also argues that much more junior football could be played on the ground, giving greater community use, without wrecking the pitch for senior football.

 

Bob and Gary make a very good argument for considering it, although it may put off teams who have ambitions of reaching the Conference and beyond, unless the FA and the leagues consider it worthwhile and look to change their rules.

 

 

[YHWhitby]

An article appeared in our local paper recently which raised the question of artificial pitches at Step 3 and below, which is worth a read and debate:

 

http://www.sloughobs...he-way-forward/

 

It raises some interesting issues for clubs such as Burnham, where there are arguments for and against. The main argument against is that participation in the FA Cup (and for ambitious clubs, the Conferenceand beyond) may not be possible under current rules but the advantages in the amount of football which can be played all year round, giving clubs a commercial opportunity to get greater footfall in the ground and into the facilities (such as roomhire and the bar), is very persuasive, given that many Step 3 and below teams do not get big enough gates to justify Conference membership. The real loss would be the FA Cup. It also argues that much more junior football could be played on the ground, giving greater community use, without wrecking the pitch for senior football.

 

Bob and Gary make a very good argument for considering it, although it may put off teams who have ambitions of reaching the Conference and beyond, unless the FA and the leagues consider it worthwhile and look to change their rules.

 

 

 

 

3G Pitches are the way forward. Fact. Less postponments and it could be hired out all the time. It would be an interesting idea if any clubs went for it.

[Big J R]

in principle a great idea, but at the lower league levels, I fancy the cost would be prohibitive.

 

What would be the coast of laying just one pitch ?

 

 

[NICE GUY]

SPOT ON BIG JR

 

ALL WELL AND GOOD SELLING THE PRODUCT, IT ALL SOUNDS SO EASY AND PERFECT BUT AS BIG JR STATES HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LAY A PITCH. THE REPORT ALREADY ADMITS THAT CLUBS ARE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY, SO HOW ON EARTH ARE RTHEY TGOUING TO GET THE MONEY TO LAY A WHOLE PITCH.....THINK AGAIN !

 

IF A CLUB HAS THE MONEY AT LOWER LEVEL I WOULD BE SURPRISED, VERY SURPRISED SO UNLES CLUBS GET AN INVESTMENT ITS A NO GOER IRRESPECTIVE OF WHAT COULD BE EARNED, WHICH THERE IS NO DOUBT, BUT YOU GOT TO GET THE PITCH FIRST THEN HOPE YOU DONT GET PROMOTED TO THE CONFERENCE !

[TomB]

A 3G pitch is not for everyone, for some aspirations to play Conference or League football make it prohibitive, for others it will be funding. The availability of funding depends on a number of factors, some you will appreciate relate to the availability of security to support lending i.e. land, property, directors guarantees, previous history (!) but what makes this interesting for some is the potential for generating income to support the lending. In simple terms if you lend £100k and can show that you can pay that back over a period of time, even now, there are funders out there that will consider it. What you are looking for now is not a handout but funding for a viable business model that can make you financially secure in the long term. And once a few clubs do it and start reaping the rewards imho The Conference and perhaps The Football League might review their position. FIFA's newsletter "Turfroots" is really interesting and has some good case studies for anyone who is interested! Link to docu,ment: http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/pitch&equipment/01/13/22/13/turfroots3_en.pdf

Edited June 16, 2010 by TomB