GreenFields has successfully installed their first dual use FIFA and IRB certified artificial turf pitch in China. The prestigious Western Academy of Beijing chose GreenFields for their popular pitch construction and their focus on quality for the installation process. The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) is an international school set up in 1994 to accommodate the growing expatriate community in Beijing. Currently educating over 1,500 children from 57 different countries, ranging from kindergarten to high school, the school has to offer a range of sports facilities to accommodate all ages and cultures.

Dual FIFA and IRB accreditation

With such a broad spread of nationalities at this school it was essential to have a artificial turf pitch that not only delivered multi use but also delivered the highest quality experience. GreenFields, being both a FIFA and IRB Preferred Producer, identified that their unique dual use FIFA and IRB certified artificial turf would provide flexiblity of usage that the school specifically required. The pitch is also used for a range of other sports activities including running and futsal, a format of five a side football.

Costs versus Quality

There were a number of competitors for this prestige site and it would have been easy to make the assumption that cost was the only factor. However, a cheap installation can often lead to a shorter product life cycle and higher maintenance and subsequent replacement costs. GreenFields opted for a more robust system of sewn seams and hot melt inlays, rather than simply gluing joints. The system contains TenCate yarns which are based on the TenCate XQ TM technology. These yarns have exceptional split resistance compared to conventional turf fibres. The quality of the installation has been recognised by the pitch receiving the FIFA Two Star certification, the highest possible.

Focus on maintenance

With such intense usage the pitch has to be maintained properly. GreenFields developed a maintenance programme which could be carried out by the school’s own maintenance staff, ensuring that the pitch stays in top condition at all times.

Hugo de Vries, Director of Sales and R&D of GreenFields comments: “Being one of the first FIFA and IRB Preferred Producers and installing our first dual certified synthetic pitch in China represents another milestone in our company’s history. The fact that the Academy chose GreenFields over cheaper competitors demonstrates the value customers place on our commitment to innovation and quality”.

GreenFields offers a free guide, “Step by step to a FIFA or IRB certified field” upon request. Please call Mr Ed Donkers at +31 6 526 393 89 to request a copy or more information. You can also send an email to marketing@greenfields.eu.