West Moor Community Centre in Newcastle officially opened their new 3G football pitch on Thursday and Newcastle United’s First Team Defender Chancel Mbemba was there to cut the ribbon and welcome the children onto their new synthetic surface.
In October 2017, SAPCA member Synthetic Turf Management (STM) resurfaced the previous sand-based surface with an all-weather pitch. The new 3G pitch would be used predominantly for football. The installation of 3G involves infilling the artificial grass with a layer of sand and then rubber crumb. This provides sufficient properties to enhance ball roll and allow all players to extend their performance and play to the best of their ability which is one of the main reasons why West Moor decided on this popular product.
The Football Foundation helped to fund the project and recognised that the installation would allow members of the community, including local 5-a-side teams and grassroots clubs such as West Moor Juniors FC, to have a place to play which is accessible and affordable for everyone.
STM were invited back this week for the open day and to finally see the teams using their recently fitted surface. Newcastle United’s Mbemba signed autographs for the children and posed for photos while the grassroots team practised their football skills on the new 3G pitch. One parent mentioned that having the 3G pitch was very convenient as no games have been called off due to bad weather as the surface is useable in all conditions.
West Moor Community Centre Manager, Jayne Maxwell, said that since the new pitch has been installed they have been fully booked up every day; before the resurfacing only two teams were using the surface.
Alex from STM commented, “We complete installs like this all of the time and don’t usually get to see the surface being used. We were thrilled to be invited to the open day and it is really rewarding knowing that this project will make a real difference to the community.”
For more information on Synthetic Turf Management Ltd, please click [here]