Pitch Perfect: Real Grass vs 3G & 4G Pitches

Over the years, not a lot has changed to the fundamentals of football. However, what has changed is everything else, from the staggering salaries to even the pitch they play on! Football pitches have evolved from grass roots to 4G technology. Here garden supplies and topsoil retailer Compost Direct investigates the turf timeline over the years:
The roots of football pitches
Football owes its roots to the grass the game is played on. The sport still relies on it today. Pitches are heavily reliant on good levels of light and watering, requiring high levels of maintenance. Because of the delicacy of grass, intensive use can leave pitches far from perfect.
Keeping the pitch match-ready is a very important job — it can be the difference between a brilliant game and a total washout. Professional football clubs hire groundsmen to look after their pitches. High-profile roles can earn up to £42,000, so it’s clearly big business.
The evolution of artificial turf
Artificial turf might be common knowledge now, but that hasn’t always been the case. It was unheard of before 1960, when it was invented by David Chaney, head of the RTP research team. It was made from polypropylene or nylon fibre attached to a concrete or asphalt base.
First used in 1966, the UK soon caught on to the benefits of this type of turf — especially the low maintenance it requires. Queens Park Rangers, Luton Town, Oldham Athletic and Preston North End all replaced their natural grass pitches with it.
Despite the low maintenance, the turf has its downfalls. The harshness of the pitch was detrimental to player’s joints, while sliding tackles often lead to friction burn. In terms of matches and player performance, footballs were difficult to control and fatigue levels were higher.
Despite the negatives, these pitches were played on until 1995, when they were officially banned from English professional football. Premier League pitches were replaced once more by their grass counterparts.
The evolution of 3G
Aware of the negatives with the original artificial turf, the 3G pitch emerged victorious in the early 2000s. Learning from the mistakes of previous pitches, the turf was created to mirror real grass, with longer, thinly spaced tufts to ease the impact on players. Likewise, sand infills and rubber granules deliver both bounce and support.
According to the FA, 780 pitches were registered for 3G pitches in 2016/17 season. However, they are primarily used by lower league sides and as training pitches due to their all-year-round appeal.
The future of 4G
4G pitches hope to be the next step forward from 3G pitches. They contain a mixture of artificial and natural turf. They are created by growing natural grass around artificial blades, and work by combining the benefits of both natural and artificial pitches.
The pitches are hard-wearing and low-maintenance, as well as being soft underfoot and having minimal impact on how the player interacts with the ball.
