[spireitematt]

Lately I've noticed a surge in 3G and 4G pitches especially in non-league. Now I can see the pros and cons to 3G and 4G pitches but I think football is played better on turf than artificial turf.

I've never played on a 3G or 4G pitch but have played on a 2G pitch which is astroturf and there is sand on there to stop it becoming waterlogged but also to keep it clean, which is a pain if you go up for a header and get a load of gritty sand in your eyes. I've noticed on the 3G and 4G pitches that they use rubber pellets apparently they are old, cut up car tyres, not sure how true that is.

Artificial pitches can be a moneyspinner and bring in extra revenue for non-league and grassroot clubs because they can be hired out for 6 a side leagues or even just hired out for private parties to play on. The downsides to them are the knee and ankle injuries that can occur to players especially if they aren't wearing the right boots or if they get there studs caught in the artificial turf. The other downside is the ball travels and bounces a lot quicker on the pitches where as on real turf it would take the bounce out of the ball.

[Dancingwilldoit]

It's a nay from me. Don't think I have ever seen a good game on a plastic pitch. Keep 4 & 5G for mobile phones.

[themaclad]

Nope had them at Deepdale not real football

[HerefordBull]

nay from me too.

In the SPL Livingston and Kilmarnock both have them and they are awful.

 

[themaclad]

The one at Deepdale was severely rutted after several years and was dangerous, during the seven years it was down, players forgot how to tackle hence the fact we had numerous players breaking legs

[Devongone]

Football is an outdoor game, so should be played on an outdoor REAL surface. People who replace the grass in their garden with an artificial version should be subject to compulsory purchase orders.

As a former goalie my opinion is that there is nothing wrong with a bit of mud.

I don't care if an artificial surface would give you a chance to put on a U2 tribute band. You are a football club. If you are happy to play shit football, FIND A NEW SPORT or buy a guitar.

Bad for the game and bad for the planet.

[spireitematt]

Just to clarify, I'm in the Nay camp when it comes to plastic pitches. l can see the pro's for non-league and grassroots to bring in extra revenue to help club's stay in business but I'm someone who believes that football should be played on turf and not some artificial fibre.

I agree Dev with the point you make about them being bad for the planet and I too don't understand this craze of people ripping up there back gardens to flag it and then put down mats or strips of artificial plastic grass, it makes it look hideous and it doesn't help the wildlife.