Exploring the Benefits of Artificial Grass for Sports Fields in the UK

One of the most exciting innovations for modern outdoor recreation facilities is next-generation artificial grass for sports fields. From artificial turf for football pitches to artificial sports turf for playgrounds, leisure centres, sports clubs, and community facilities, high-performance and ultra-durable artificial grass capability stretches far beyond homeowners and stylish landscaping. In fact, artificial grass for sports centres provides a long-lasting surface for all sorts of activities, can provide cost-savings in the long run through easier upkeep, and can be used all year round. Attractive, easy to maintain, and comfy underfoot, artificial turf is rapidly becoming the modern sports surface solution. In this blog, we’ll look at the benefits of choosing durable artificial grass for sports grounds, and why it could be a worthy investment for the future of your club, school or sports centre.

Why Artificial Grass is Gaining Popularity on UK Sports Surfaces

Durable artificial grass for UK sports surfaces has come a long way since the early artificial pitches in the 80s and 90s. These surfaces tended to be stiff, scratchy, and looked noticeably artificial, whereas modern artificial turf can look amazingly lifelike, but without all the upkeep that real grass needs to maintain its aesthetic. Artificial turf is also impressively strong, giving a perfectly uniform appearance, and unlike natural grass, it’s less at risk of damage from drought, flooding, insect damage, or seasonal changes. The naturally soft fibres, firm through to bouncy underlay and shockpad options, various infill choices, and the smooth, consistent yet heavy-duty exterior, can make for a safer and more user-friendly sports surface in every season.

HPerformance Advantages for Football and Other Sports

The great British weather can wreak havoc on sports pitches. Even in the summer, rain causing muddy and slippery surfaces can call off games and training sessions, and damage from burrowing animals can create hazards for pitch users. However, durable artificial grass for UK sports surfaces presents a reliable solution. It offers year-round usability for clubs, leisure facilities and outdoor sports, as it’s weather-resistant, and can offer flood prevention through the installation of effective drainage underneath. Its uniform nature always looks good, and it offers a consistent playing quality, as well as options for a softer surface or even UV and heat-resistant products for younger users. It also never needs mowing or fertilising, providing a cost-effective solution which is easy to maintain.

Artificial Turf for Football: Meeting the Demands of the Game

In the UK, certain types of artificial turf are considered the best alternative to natural grass, as they can allow more football matches to be played thanks to their strength, uniform surface, and all-weather usability. Importantly, artificial grass football pitches must be long-pile to reduce injuries and prevent friction burns, have impact-absorbing shockpads underneath, and have specific infill materials – including sand or rubber – to create so-called 3G (third generation) pitches which cushion and allow the ball to roll evenly. You’ll also need to choose a heat-resistant turf, which won’t get too hot in the summer sun, as well as robust, safe and secure edges and joins during installation, and have the correct drainage system installed underneath to prevent flooding.

The FA have produced guidance which sets out the rules for artificial turf football pitches in the UK, to ensure the safety of players. FIFA also has a Quality Programme to test and approve specific pitch materials. The exact requirements and testing standards can vary, depending on how regularly the pitch is used and the playing level (whether it’s pro, semi-pro, or just for fun). It’s important to thoroughly do your research before purchasing an artificial turf for your football field.

If, however, you’re looking more for the appearance of a Wembley-inspired football field, for play areas, recreation or leisure use, Grass247’s Wembley Striped 30mm Artificial Grass gives that realistic, freshly-mown-lawn look but with virtually no maintenance. It’s UV-resistant, latex-backed with drainage holes, and pet and child-friendly.

Durability and Cost Efficiency Over Time

Artificial grass is the preferred option for many schools, leisure facilities, and sports clubs due to its durability, all-weather guarantee, and low-maintenance finish. With no mowing, fertilising or watering needed, it’s easy to look after and it looks green and inviting all year round, which can provide cost savings over time. Most products come with a minimum guarantee for peace of mind that your faux turf will safely stand the test of time. When it comes to artificial grass vs. natural grass, faux turf comes out on top every time during heatwaves, droughts, or extreme rain, and there will be no more muddy puddles to contend with, which can put off play. 

When it comes to sports, artificial turf can keep the games going throughout the year. Synthetic grass pitches are able to stay open during the football season and in the winter months, as they’re less at risk of flooding, freezing, or leading to slippery and muddy conditions than real grass. Instead, they can provide a consistent, safe surface to train, play and enjoy.

Environmental Benefits and Water Usage

Once installed, artificial grass sports fields are simple to maintain and require less upkeep and maintenance than real grass pitches do. Animals and insects can dig and attack natural turf, but artificial grass is ultra durable and can withstand inclement weather as well as natural weathering. In the long run, faux turf saves water, as it never needs watering to keep it a glorious shade of green, and you’ll no longer need to use chemical feed or fertilisers to maintain the look of your lawn. 

Choosing the Right Artificial Grass for Your Sports Field

If you’re looking for faux grass to re-vamp your sports venue, playground or club, we can help. Depending on the usage, we can recommend the ideal products for a safe, secure and cutting-edge surface which is always ready for play. Depending on the usage, the grass’s pile height, infill type and shock absorption rate can be tailored to fit your unique needs. For example, artificial turf for football pitches will need a longer pile with a firm yet shock-absorbing surface, whereas play areas for younger children may benefit from having a heavier-weight pile with a more cushioned underlay. Different sports and recreational activities have their own individual requirements, and our team will be happy to advise you on the very best products for your projects.

Our Top Artificial Grass Options for Sports Fields 

Artificial sports turf should be tough, ultra-long-lasting, yet look realistic and feel relatively soft underfoot. If you’re looking for child-friendly artificial playground turf, Ryder Pro 15mm is UV-resistant, dense and practical, with a curled pile and heavy-duty backing for durability. For golf courses and putting greens, Homestead 13mm is a wonderfully hard-wearing synthetic turf perfect for golf or multi-sports use. For a realistic effect, which is great for smaller sports areas, Daleside 40mm artificial lawn has a clever ‘C’ shaped yarn that gives the grass a more natural appearance, and helps it to spring into position quickly. For a freshly-mown appearance for play areas and leisure facilities, Someroaks 42mm PU Backed fake grass boasts a beautifully natural look, a fantastic feel underfoot, and is made from lead-free and cadmium-free materials for a truly pet and child-friendly option.   

What Makes Grass247 a Trusted Supplier?

At Grass247, our artificial sports turf for homes and leisure facilities offers exceptional quality at competitive prices, with the in-house expertise to provide helpful advice and support before, during and after installation. You’ll be amazed at how realistic our modern faux turf is, available at a lower price than you’d expect. We’re happy to support you if you have any questions about the best products for your needs, so get in touch today and take advantage of our lowest price guarantee to ensure your next outdoor improvements won’t cost the Earth.

Investing in Smart UK Sports Surfaces

Investing in a modern, adaptable and safe surface for your sports facilities ensures year-round usability, consistent play conditions, and an easy-to-maintain outdoor area for your ground team. Boasting premium performance, multi-sport functionality, and helping to save on water and chemical fertilisers in the long run, an artificial pitch could be the answer. Some clubs even prefer artificial pitches to natural grass, due to their uniform nature and shock-resistant underlay options, which can provide a safer and more secure space to practice, enjoy in all weathers, and improve skills. Weather-proof, with no more mowing or muddy puddles, artificial sports turf is supremely strong, looks attractive in all seasons, and can provide a secure space to play and train for clubs and classes of all ages. 

If you’re looking to upgrade to durable artificial grass for sports grounds, our expert team can help you. Contact us to discuss your needs, or browse our full range today. We are the UK’s leading online artificial grass supplier, with over 1,000,000m² of artificial grass in stock. What's more, we offer free, fast delivery on orders over £249*, and we guarantee to beat any like-for-like quote! Choose Grass247 to update your outdoor space today.