In 2019, TigerTurf and framework partners, McArdle Sport Tec, completed an ambitious development to create a football hub in Washington, on the outskirts of Sunderland.
The development saw the partners create three new artificial football pitches and a rugby pitch for community use – and earned the two companies a place on the finalist list at the SAPCA Awards 2020.
Community Hubs
The project was part of a £18m programme to create three similar hubs across the city of Sunderland. All three facilities were funded as part of Parklife Football Hubs project, a national initiative supported by The Football Association (FA), the government and The Premier League to offer alternative, sustainable solutions to the long-term future of community football.
The FA, in partnership with the City Council, reviewed a number of strategic locations across the city and identified three sites that were most suited to deliver the requirements of the Funding Partners. One of the three sites was Washington Football Hub.
Premium Quality
The Washington site was the sixth Parklife project which TigerTurf and McArdle Sport Tec have worked together on. Construction started in January 2019 and the hub became operational in November 2019.
The development was their biggest Parklife project to date and saw TigerTurf and McArdle build three brand new synthetic football pitches and one World Rugby-accredited rugby pitch.
The football pitches were fitted with TigerTurf’s Atomic Pro surface. The fibre on the Atomic Pro has been developed with longevity in mind and has been designed to withstand constant wear. Its ribbed surface diamond shape makes for an advanced, ultra-durable grass fibre offering resilience, increased comfort and safety as prime attributes.
Meanwhile, the rugby pitch was fitted with a Rugby 360 surface, a 60mm 3G turf with a pile density suited to the rigorous demands of rugby training and fixtures – as well as competitive football.
Welcome Addition
The Washington Football Hub has been a tremendous success since its opening. The hub has attracted more than 10,000 registered users and the new pitches have accommodated over 300 adult and junior matches. The new hub has also created 14 jobs.
“The effect Washington Football Hub has had on the local community is exactly what TigerTurf and McArdle strive for when planning and building framework projects,” the two companies said in a statement.
“By providing a second-to-none service, along with an industry-leading quality pitch, we hope to increase sporting participation within the community and allow schools and clubs like Washington Football Hub to gain additional revenue streams by encouraging adults and children alike, to get out and play sport!
“TigerTurf and McArdle feel incredibly honoured and privileged to be part of the framework programme and hope to deliver many more pitches like Washington Football Hub to get more people moving!”
For more information on TigerTurf (UK) Ltd, please click [here] and for more information on McArdle Sport Tec Ltd, please click [here]