In an ideal world, football at all levels would be played on high quality, natural grass pitches which are well maintained. The reality here in Scotland, however, is that neither the weather nor the financial climate is perfect at the moment. 3G artificial playing surfaces therefore have a vital role to play across the game.
Fundamentally, 3G pitches are here to stay and greatly help to ease the burden on grass pitches, which can only be used for football between five to eight hours a week.
Considering that pitch maintenance budgets are continually under threat – given the financial challenges faced by local authorities, who look after the vast majority of public pitches – it is obvious Scotland is faced with real difficulty in supporting its national game in facility terms.”
Developments in pitch technology means 3G pitches are only becoming safer and closer to mirroring the performance characteristics of natural grass. These developments, along with the stringent testing standards in the European Union, make these facilities safe to use.
The impact 3G surfaces have on the development of football is significant – the increase in access, hours of use and the ability to address the climatic challenges of playing football in a country like Scotland are undeniable.