Leeds United Training Headquarters, Thorp Arch, Wetherby
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Leading UK sports surface manufacturer Playrite have just had their Conqueror 60 3G surface installed at Leeds United’s training headquarters, Thorp Arch, Wetherby.
Leeds United is a club of great heritage within UK football, with some of the most enthusiastic fans in football. Thorp Arch became their training ground in the early-mid 90’s and they have always maintained extensive facilities to give their players the very best facilities. The club can also now boast that they also have a state of the art training pitch that can be used in all weathers, offering consistent playing characteristics and opportunity for all of their teams to train whatever the weather.
Playrite are famous for being impartial specialist’s in the artificial surface market, meaning that they can offer useful advice and discuss different options to be able to fulfil a client’s exact requirements.
Originally the club specified a FIFA 2 star 3G surface, not being aware that Playrite 3G surfaces carry the IATS performance criteria equivalent to FIFA 1 star without the hefty price tag associated with being a FIFA licensee. Once Playrite began the discussion and consultation period it was evident with the amount of planned use of the surface a FIFA 2 Star pitch would not be suitable; Leeds United could see the obvious benefits of a Playrite surface and the Conqueror range was specified in the design.
Richard Naylor, Leeds United U18’s coach has been impressed with the new surface: “The fact that training can take place on this new surface in any weather is great for us, especially after the weather we’ve had lately. The lads think it’s great and are reaping the benefits of the surface in the way it offers such a consistent surface whilst still playing like real grass”
Playrite manufacture a range of 3G surfaces with varying pile heights of 40, 50, 60 and 65mm. Their 3G surfaces are filled with a sand and rubber granule to form a rubber crumb sports pitch which offers maximum comfort under foot, exceptional ball bounce and great ball control.
Artificial 3G sports surfaces have been used to hold UEFA Champions League games and The FA has re-cently announced that they will allow the use of 3G artificial pitches in every round of the FA cup from the 2014-15 season. Playrite artificial football pitches hold the IATS performance rating equivalent to FIFA 1 star classification, as well as meeting EN15330 part 1.
