The emergence of Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs) and in particular the third generation surface has impacted significantly on the way football is played and delivered throughout the country. AGPs offer a quality playing surface throughout the year, allowing for increased opportunities for training and match competition at all levels and ages. In a wider context and when delivered against a strategic setting such as a school site, they enhance curricular activity and provide quality playing opportunities for the wider community.
There are specific requirements for artificial grass pitches used in all FA competitions with the exception of The FA Challenge Cup and FA Youth Cup (rounds proper).
Where sanctioned by the competition rules, artificial grass pitches may be used in FA competitions provided the pitch is listed on The FA’s Register of Artificial Grass Pitches. The use of such pitches is however, dependent on compliance with FA conditions of use; a copy of this is available in The FA Guideline to Artificial pitches.
The FA's Artificial Turf design brief 2009