Falkirk FC has appointed GreenFields to install an artificial pitch at the Falkirk Stadium.  The installation started on the 25^th June, after the Status Quo concert, and will be completed for a first home league game on 17^th August. This will be one of the first new generation of woven synthetic turf systems to be installed in the UK. It is specifically designed for football and will have an enhanced appearance through the use of a green infill.

Unique properties of GreenFields® MX

The surface to be installed is a GreenFields MX synthetic turf.  Compared to the tufting method used in current installations, the patented weaving technique enables a higher density, higher resilience, less compaction and a more equal ball roll.  The surface has been specifically designed for football with 50mm tufts compared with the longer 65mm which has been used for mixed football and rugby uses.  It is of course fully FFA two star compliant and conforms to rules laid out by the SPL and SFL.

This surface is currently used in the Dutch Premier League at Heracles Almelo and PECZwolle.  And the Dutch First Division has awarded GreenFields and TenCate the contract for at least 6 stadium fields. Falkirk FC sent Head Coach, Gary Holt, out to these pitches in early May and he came back enthusiastic about the playing surface claiming it to be remarkably better than any artificial surface he had used in theUK.  All the feedback from players and coaches has been exceedingly positive.

The best product in the market

Falkirk FC appointed PSD Scotland as consultants to manage the tendering process, advise on the best installation and oversee the installation.  GreenFields was chosen from five companies that submitted tenders.  Bill Gillespie of PSD Scotland said “The benefit of the woven product is the ability of the carpet pile to stand upright allowing the players to get their boot under the ball and the durability of the product due to the strength of the carpet – it is almost impossible to withdraw yarn from the pile.  There are a combination of yarns used is carpet making it a much more comfortable surface for the players.”

Once installed, the pitch will be used for all First Team and U20 games.  It will be used by these squads for training allowing them to locate back to Falkirk from the current base atStirlingUniversity.  It will also be used by the charitable arm of the club, the Falkirk Football Community Foundation, for football coaching courses.  The Academy, which is in the process of being integrated into the newly formedForthValleyRegionalAcademy, will continue to be based atStirlingUniversity.

The pitches will also be available for hire to local clubs and to individuals.  Details of this will be announced in the next few weeks.  Expressions of interest in using the pitch can be made to David White at the club.