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Football & Stadium Management (FSM) is a print magazine and digital news resource for those involved with sports stadia, facilities, pitch and turf care.

New State Of The Art 3G Football Pitch For Coventry University

The new state-of-the-art 3G pitch at Coventry University It may be more familiar to England’s elite footballers at St. George’s Park, but Coventry University can now boast its own top class 3G pitch to benefit students and the wider community.

The artificial grass pitch, which has been opened at the university’s sports centre at Westwood Heath, is one of the first in the UK to use a LigaTurf PRO II synthetic turf system, offering players a synthetic surface as close as possible to the feel of natural turf.

It is the same turf system used at St. George's Park, the home of England Football's training camp, and includes technology designed to help reduce skin abrasions and keep the surface cooler on warm days.

The pitch, which has a small, covered stand, will also support those studying Coventry University’s BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching course – a large element of the taught content and assessment is practical, giving students the opportunity to apply coaching theories to coaching practice meaning and this can now take place at the 3G pitch.

Anna Draper, football sports scholar at Coventry University said: “I think Westwood Heath’s new pitch here is incredible, what a facility to have. It’s one of only a few in the country and the fact that we’ve got this access now, not only just for the university but for the teams that we play, it’s fantastic to share that and hopefully have a lot of success on it too.”

Gemma Lavery, Director of Student Services at Coventry University added: “We are the third in the UK, and the second outside of St. George’s Park to have this type of state‑of‑the‑art 3G artificial grass pitch. Those who play and spectate are in for a real treat, it really is our hidden gem. It is a first for Coventry University, a fantastic project to lead for our students and community users.

“The newly constructed full size synthetic playing area is suitable for 11‑a‑side football with dugouts and a 66‑seated spectator stand, as well as access pathways, fencing and LED lighting.

“This additional top spec 3G pitch offers quality and will enhance the playing experience and performance. We have delivered an outstanding 11‑a‑side pitch offering the opportunity for all to enjoy. It looks incredible, and I am very proud of what we have achieved. Our students and community now have a first class 3G pitch to experience as we will start to take bookings from May 2024.”