New guidance on artificial surfaces drawn up by nations sporting bodies.
The FA has come together with Sport England, the Football Foundation and the governing bodies of hockey, rugby union and rugby league to agree a new strategic approach to selecting artificial grass pitches.
New guidance drawn up by the sports bodies will ensure the right surfaces are installed in the right places, delivering maximum value for investment in pitches.
The last decade has seen an explosion in the number and type of artificial pitches. But, with some surfaces only suitable for certain sports, some of these pitches did not have the most appropriate surface to meet the needs of local sporting communities.
The national governing bodies of have all committed to using the new guidance for selecting the most appropriate artificial grass pitch.
Sport England is recommending that all planners, schools, universities, clubs and local authorities that are considering installing an artificial grass pitch also follow the new guidance.
The
guidance document sets out which types of artificial pitch are appropriate for each of the four sports – and at what level.
A simple four-step guide explains how to select the right type of artificial grass pitch to meet local demand.
Minister for Sport and the Olympics Hugh Robertson said: “Getting as many people as possible to give sport a try is one of my top priorities so it’s important that new facilities are multi-use and accessible.
"As a keen hockey player and a fan of football and rugby I’m pleased to see them all working together to ensure that, where appropriate, artificial pitches are more versatile.”
Sport England’s Chair, Richard Lewis, said: “Sport is at its strongest when partners tackle issues jointly. This guidance will help our stakeholders to make the right choice for their local sporting community when investing in artificial grass pitches.”
