ESTO SCORES

MAIDENHEAD RFC - LUZHNIKI OLYMPIC COMPLEX, MOSCOW - SARACENS RFC CIUDAD DEPORTIVA JOAN GAMPER, BARCELONA - AZERBAIJAN - FC NORDSJÆLLAND

ISSUE 2

INSIDE

CASE STUDY

ESTO Case Study

Maidenhead RFCIn the summer of 2012, English rugby union side Maidenhead RFC achieved a worldwide first as the club became owners of the first ever ‘One Turf’ pitch.

The synthetic playing surface was the first of its kind to meet the new specification for dual use purposes, which has been approved by both the International Rugby Board (IRB) and FIFA.

One Turf programme Launched in 2011, the IRB’s One Turf programme was set up with the aim of regulating and standardising the development, performance and maintenance of synthetic turf worldwide through the appointment of preferred producers and accredited test institutes, to ensure the highest possible player welfare and performance standards are achieved.

Playing surfaces that are regulated under the One Turf programme must yield at least 30 hours playing time per week and should be able to be used for competition, training and community activity in both a rugby and multi-sport environment.

Prior to the launch of the programme, the IRB signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FIFA, which focused on the two governing bodies delivering

research and development that would lead to a common product suitable for both sports.

Driving factors behind the new pitch With 19 teams including both men’s and women’s rugby and over 600 youth players, Maidenhead RFC experiences high demand for its facilities, particularly mid-week floodlit training areas, and holds back-to-back fixtures during most weekends throughout the season.

As the club continues to grow, it needed to provide a playing surface solution that would not only keep up with the increasing demand from all of its members but would also maintain the high specification required for senior first team matches.

Having recently refurbished and extended its clubhouse, Maidenhead RFC wanted to make its facilities more inclusive and accessible not only for the rugby club, but for school and community events as well as a facility for hire for other sports.

It was decided that the installation of a synthetic turf surface would not only solve these elements but that, importantly, it would provide better opportunities for rugby, both in training and matches.

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Maidenhead RFCInternational-standard playing surface Maidenhead RFC kicked off the 2012/13 season playing on its new IRB and FIFA accredited synthetic surface.

Installation of the pitch cost £575,000 and was funded by the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) Capital Investment Programme and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead via developer contributions.

In order to qualify as part of the ‘One Turf’ programme, the new pitch at Maidenhead RFC underwent stringent laboratory and field tests based on three basic categories that define the overall performance of a synthetic surface for rugby, as outlined by the IRB. These are as follows:

1. Ball/surface interaction – the reaction of the ball to the surface

2. Player/surface interaction – the reaction of the player to the surface

3. Durability – the resistance of the surface to wear and tear, and the environment.

The surface was tested for a range of values that most affect players when using the pitch, including its shock absorption, Head Impact Criteria (HIC), slip resistance and skin friction.

Further tests were also carried out to measure the height to which the ball bounces when dropped from a specific height onto the surface, to ensure that players can maintain control over the ball when it drops.

Speaking in summer 2013, following a full season with the synthetic turf surface in use at the club, Maidenhead RFC’s chairman Steve Bough said: “The new pitch has allowed the club to continue to grow and feedback throughout our age groups has been excellent. We find that those who are new to the surface can be curious initially, but as soon as they start playing any reservations they may have had are soon forgotten.”

The new pitch came at the same time as a clubhouse extension and refurbishment, as Maidenhead RFC works towards increasing its community presence and involvement.

“Since the install of the new pitch, almost all county rugby is now based at our club because of the high levels of availability facilitated by the synthetic surface. We are also in talks with a local school who are interested in moving their sports curriculum to our facility,” confirmed Steve.

“We are extremely proud of the facilities at Maidenhead RFC and look forward to new and existing members, visitors and the local community enjoying them for years to come.”

Educating users In order to support its decision to install synthetic turf and answer many of the common queries relating to the use of the new surface, Maidenhead RFC released detailed information via the club’s website.

Visitors to the website were able to find out how the surface has been constructed and the effects that different weather conditions will have, as well as support and advice on the appropriate footwear for playing on synthetic turf.

This information can be read in full by visiting www.maidenheadrfc.com/AGPFAQ.html

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Luzhniki Olympic Complex, MoscowIn October 2012, two new synthetic turf pitches were installed at the Luzhniki Olympic Complex in Moscow.The facility comprises of more than twenty synthetic turf and natural grass pitches, used by professional sports teams and the local community.

Europe’s largest sports and entertainment complex First opened in 1956, the Luzhniki Olympic Complex is home to Russia’s biggest sports arena, the Luzhniki Stadium.

With a 78,360-seat capacity, Luzhnki Stadium has already hosted a number of international sporting events including the Summer Olympic Games in 1980, UEFA Cup Final in 1999 and 2008 Champions League Final; Luzhniki Stadium will also be home to the Russia 2018 World Cup Final.

In 2002, a synthetic turf pitch was installed at the stadium following extensive consultations with FIFA and UEFA. The pitch, which has been awarded FIFA’s highest RECOMMENDED TWO STAR quality mark, includes underground heating to allow for extended seasonal play.

In recognition of the complex’s diverse use, the Luzhniki Stadium and its surrounding pitches played host to the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 on 28-30 June. 24 men’s and 16 women’s teams from around the world took part in the tournament, with all matches played on the Luzhniki Stadium’s synthetic turf surface. The surrounding pitches were used for training in the build up to and throughout the three day tournament.

The complex comprises more than twenty football pitches and venues for training and competitions, four of which are mini-football synthetic turf pitches. There are also six full size synthetic turf football fields, all of which are available for public hire.

Most are heated and with floodlights, allowing extensive use of the facilities which are usually available for hire from 07:00 until 00:00 throughout the year.

Synthetic turf in colder climates One of the principle advantages of synthetic turf is its high durability, in particular its ability to withstand adverse weather conditions.

In Moscow, daily temperatures of -10°C are not uncommon during the winter months of November to March, when snowfall is also likely. The summer months of June and July particularly are very humid, with temperatures above 25°C and often with high levels of rainfall.

Therefore, surfaces have to be able to withstand varying weather conditions.

Already popular in other European countries where cold weather can hinder winter fixtures, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, synthetic turf reduces the impact from key external variables that often affect match conditions.

A document produced by FIFA, Football Stadiums – Technical recommendations and requirements (2011) highlights a number of advantages to using synthetic turf. The evenness of the playing surface remains throughout and is therefore an advantage to both teams; synthetic surfaces aren’t damaged by snow or rain, unlike natural pitches where maintenance throughout winter months can be both expensive and time-consuming. The overall cost of maintaining synthetic turf is also less than that of a natural surface.

That said, it is important that facilities provide suitable maintenance all year round. Synthetic turf surfaces often absorb a lot of water so by keeping the surface well-maintained and preventing a build-up of water from developing will help to ensure the pitch remains playable and fair better than natural grass in colder climates.

The management team at Luzhniki Olympic Complex requested that the new surfaces installed in 2012 provide ‘natural’ playing conditions. The bespoke surface used met these requirements, incorporating a system that is also abrasive-free and guarantees long term performance.

Following the install, the two pitches were subject to a rigorous training session; following this, the head groundsman commented “this premium quality football field plays like natural grass.”

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Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper, Barcelona In 2012, four new synthetic turf pitches were installed at Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper, the training complex for FC Barcelona.

Also known as FCB Sports City, the site was already home to four existing synthetic turf pitches, which had been in use since 2002. The new surfaces were in replace of these; since being installed, all four have been awarded the FIFA RECOMMENDED TWO STAR quality mark.

The facility Set within almost 137,000m² of land just 4.5 miles from Barcelona’s home ground the Nou Camp, Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper first opened in June 2006. Named after the club’s founder, the facility hosts training and matches for FC Barcelona’s first team, reserve and youth teams, who previously trained at the club’s Nou Camp facilities.

Comprising the four synthetic turf surfaces are three 11-a-side pitches, all with separate synthetic turf warm up areas. A 950-capacity terrace is shared by two of these pitches; both can also be transformed to accommodate 7-a-side matches. The fourth synthetic turf pitch is 55 x 38 metres and has been installed specifically for smaller-sided games.

Alongside the four synthetic surfaces are five natural grass pitches, a three-lane running track and onsite accommodation.

A multi-sport pavilion and grandstand building make up the remainder of the facility, housing a state-of-the-art gymnasium and swimming pool, hydrotherapy centre, changing rooms and medical areas, meeting and conference rooms, as well as three basketball training areas that are also used by youth handball and futsal teams.

Recycling existing surfaces In a decision that underlines the long term durability

of synthetic turf, two of the four existing pitches at FCB Sports City were removed and reinstalled at a site next to Miniestadi, a 15,276-seat stadium next to the Nou Camp and the venue for FC Barcelona B and C teams’ home matches.

The various components that made up the system installed ten years ago, to include rubber, sand and turf, were carefully separated to ensure that they remained in a suitable condition to be recycled. The old turf was reinstalled to create two training pitches, further enhancing the facilities available to all teams within the club’s development programme.

FIFA accreditation The new pitches at Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper have been designed to meet and exceed the FIFA RECOMMENDED TWO STAR quality mark. In order to achieve the highest certification for synthetic turf set out by FIFA, the surfaces were subject to a series of laboratory tests. Analysis was carried out on the durability, strength and climatic resistance of the pitch, as well as the player-to-surface and ball-to-surface interaction. Field testing was used to examine ball reaction and player interaction, to include shock absorbency, surface deformation, slip resistance and traction.

The turf system has been designed to offer maximum safety, playability and durability, whilst also providing enhanced surface permeability.

Maintaining the club’s world class reputation World-renowned as one of the most successful clubs in the history of professional football, FC Barcelona have achieved unequivocal success in domestic, European and world club competitions.

To date (July 2013), Barcelona have secured 63 domestic honours including 22 La Liga titles and 26 Copa del Rey trophies. In 2009, it became the first Spanish club to win all six competitions it had competed in that season; Barcelona has also won 12 European titles including four UEFA Champions League competitions.

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Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper, Barcelona

The longstanding success of the club is often linked to its youth system and player development programme, for which the club’s facilities play an important role. The decision to build the Joan Gamper training complex in 2002 was seen as a means to further strengthen the club’s impressive reputation for producing world class players which include Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and, most notably, Lionel Messi.

When the new synthetic turf pitches were installed in 2012, FC Barcelona’s director of operations Emili Sabadell remarked that the quality of the new turf was chosen specifically with the club’s youth football in mind.

The reserve teams, otherwise known as FC Barcelona B and C, play a vital role in the progress and development of academy players; the decision to reinstall two synthetic turf pitches at Miniestadi not only shows the club’s proactivity but also its understanding of the role, in part, that synthetic turf can have in enhancing world class training facilities.

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Saracens RFCIn January 2013, Aviva Premiership side Saracens RFC unveiled their new synthetic turf pitch, marking a breakthrough for professional sport in England as the club became the first professional English rugby union side to play on synthetic turf.

The £500,000 pitch was installed at the Allianz Stadium, Saracens’ newly built 10,000-seat ground. Before moving to their new home in 2013, the Premiership rugby side had been based at Vicarage Road since 1997, in a ground share with the Football League Championship’s Watford FC.

Surface developed specifically for rugby union The decision to opt for a synthetic turf pitch was first voiced in 2011, when Saracens began implementing plans for the re-development of the existing stadium as Barnet Copthall leisure complex.

Despite a delay in the planning approval required for what would become the Allianz Stadium, the synthetic turf surface was installed in time for the club’s first fixture at the ground against Cardiff Blues in the LV Cup on 27 January 2013. The new surface then made history on 16 February 2013, making its debut in the Aviva Premiership as Saracens played Exeter Chiefs.

In preparation for reaching this milestone, extensive consultations took place between the club and the International Rugby Board, Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby, with each organisation advising on the install of the new pitch.

The surface has consequently been developed specifically for rugby union, passing rigorous field tests to ensure optimum playing safety and lifespan.

Making a positive impact In an interview with Pitchcare magazine, Scott Murphy, Saracens high performance director, confirmed the positive affects he expects the synthetic turf surface to have on his players: “A real benefit of using synthetic technology is that it complies with standards that have player welfare at the forefront. The surface has to meet strict guidelines for things like the Head Impact Criteria so, in many ways, it’s more quantifiable and certainly more consistent than natural turf.

“Saracens are confident that time will show synthetic turf is a safe and reliable surface for professional rugby.”

The new pitch permits a faster pace, with the flow of the game no longer hindered by mud or churned up grass; this has been aided by fewer reset scrums as a result of the turf’s robustness.

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Saracens RFCConsequently, Saracens’ coaching staff have adapted the players’ strength and conditioning programme – a change that will only benefit the team when they play their away fixtures on natural grass.

Overcoming concerns from within the sport The decision to install the surface at Saracen’s new ground was met by reservations from some; how would scrums and line-outs play; would players be susceptible to burns and lesions; will the surface withstand the force of the game?

Feedback so far would suggest that such concerns have been refuted, with positive reports from players and coaches alike.

Following one of the first training sessions on the pitch and in an interview with BBC London News, Saracens’ hooker Schalk Brits said, “I’ve been quite impressed with how soft the surface is; first impressions are very good,” whilst fly-half Owen Farrell commented how quick play remained, despite training in adverse weather conditions.

A hub for the community Saracens’ decision to move from Vicarage road was in part due to the club’s desire to create a dual purpose facility capable of supporting both elite sport and community use.

Situated within Barnet Copthall leisure complex, the Allianz Stadium is next to a swimming pool and gymnasium and incorporates an eight-lane running track around the outside of the pitch; synthetic turf was seen as the catalyst for driving wider use of the facilities, as Scott Murphy confirms: “Our aim was to engage the whole community, and the only way we could do it was to build artificial.”

With significantly tougher durability than natural grass and able to withstand use in adverse weather conditions, the new pitch is already contributing to one of the club’s primary objectives: “From a community perspective, Allianz Park stands for what we are all

about. It is not only a home for professional rugby and elite athletics but it is a hub for the community. And not just from a sport point of view, also with school activities and educational purposes,” commented Sam Fulling, Saracens’ foundation manager.

“We want everyone to make use of the facilities. To have this base to bring things back to is pretty inspirational. It is quite amazing to see their reaction to being able to play on the same pitch as our players and it does really open their eyes to what is possible.”

In July 2013, local amateur rugby union side Hendon RC confirmed the club will be using Saracens’ pitch to train on once a week throughout the 2013/14 season.

Commenting on the decision, Hendon coach Chris Palmer said: “Most rugby players and coaches would recognise the scenario where productive and effective training sessions go out of the window because the training ground has turned into a bog, and the ability to perform even the most simplistic skills has also disappeared into the muddy abyss.

“We had the ability to train on the Allianz pitch a few times last season and the benefits in terms of what we could work on and do, coupled with the enjoyment that the players got out of these sessions, translated into tangible benefits on the pitch on match days.”

Rugby union is leading the way The introduction of synthetic turf to senior rugby union leagues is a relatively new one but is set to only be bolstered by the use of the surface in Aviva Premiership fixtures.

Gosforth RFC became the first senior rugby team in the UK to play its league fixtures on the surface when the club moved to Druids Park at the start of the 2007/08 season, with Brighton and Moseley RFC both working with the RFU, Football Association and Football Foundation on successful joint funding bids for new dual sport training facilities.

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Saracens RFC

Maidenhead RFC, a National League 3 South West team started the 2012/13 season playing on a synthetic surface.

With momentum building, only strengthened by the reported success of the synthetic surface at Allianz Stadium, RaboDirect Pro12 side Cardiff Blues look set to follow in Saracens’ footsteps. The club announced in May 2013 that they are the process of seeking permission from the Welsh Rugby Union to replace the natural turf at Cardiff Arms Park with a synthetic surface, following criticism of the existing pitch since the side returned to the stadium in 2012.

Wales’ national ground, the Millennium Stadium, has also become infamous for its problematic surface,

which is currently being replaced several times a year to combat such problems. At the time of the install at Allianz Park, Roger Lewis, group CEO of WRU and Millennium Stadium said: “We will study this very carefully because we will only do it if it’s right for rugby; if we can achieve it, it will save the Welsh Rugby Union millions of pounds.”

The number of advocates for synthetic turf in rugby union is rising; Saracens’ decision to play on synthetic turf sparked significant media interest and exposure and the positive reviews from both players and coaches will only provide further support for the surface amongst the sport.

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Azerbaijan

Football is the most popular sport in Azerbaijan and the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) has been the driving force behind the use of synthetic turf in the country, since it gained independence in 1991. With over 360,000 players nationwide, the AFFA is a longstanding advocate of the surface, supporting installs at both community and professional levels.

Synthetic turf for professional use In the country’s capital Baku, there are four stadiums with FIFA accredited synthetic turf pitches; both the Azal Arena and Dalga Stadium have FIFA

RECOMMENDED ONE STAR certification, whilst Bayil Stadium and Shafa Sport Stadium were awarded the highest TWO STAR accreditation in 2012.

Shafa Sport Stadium is the largest of the four with a ground capacity of 8125. Consequently, it is a popular choice for international matches and plays host to Azerbaijani Premier League side FC Inter Baku.

In spring 2003 Baku became home to a brand new technical centre adjacent to Shafa Sport Stadium, part funded by the FIFA Goal Programme. An initiative that supports FIFA Member Associations with projects designed to develop football in their countries, the Goal Programme has been in place since 1999 and to date, has supported three projects in Azerbaijan alone.

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AzerbaijanThe first of these, the technical centre, comprises two synthetic turf pitches, a hotel, changing rooms and conference and meeting facilities. Since its opening, the site has become known as ‘the hub for football development work in Azerbaijan’, regularly holding youth development programmes. The decision to install synthetic turf was a driving factor in securing the support from FIFA’s Goal Programme, as the pitches underlined the core objective of improving football facilities at a regional level, in turn developing youth football.

Diverse sub-tropical climate One of the most notable benefits of synthetic turf is its high durability, particularly in countries with interchangeable climates.

Azerbaijan has very warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, where temperatures can often drop below 0C. In Baku especially, winter snow storms are common so to combat the changing conditions, synthetic turf is often a preferred option. High soil and water pH levels in the country also mean its conditions are better suited to synthetic turf.

Whilst correct maintenance is vital in ensuring the longevity of all synthetic turf installs, it is particularly important for pitches within a varied climate such as that of Azerbaijan. During prolonged periods of hot weather the surface will naturally heat up, which can lead to friction between the surface and players. Irrigation and waterfall therefore become essential to preventing this from occurring.

During colder months when snowfall is likely, facilities must be vigilant when removing snow to avoid disturbing the surface infill.

2012 FIFA under 17’s Women’s World Cup In March 2010, Azerbaijan was awarded the 2012 under 17’s Women’s World Cup; the first time that the competition would be held in Europe since its inception in 2008.

Matches were played at six venues including the Shafa Sport Stadium, Dalga Stadium and Bayil Stadium, where

group matches were played on the synthetic turf surfaces.

With women’s football growing in popularity in Azerbaijan, the AFFA implemented the ‘Live your Goals’ campaign in the lead up to the tournament in 2012, a FIFA campaign that any Member Association can utilise to promote girl’s and women’s football.

The tournament was a resounding success, with local organising official Elnur Mammadov describing the event as “a big step forward in the promotion of women’s football in Azerbaijan.”

Summary The quality and diversity of the country’s sports facilities, underpinned by the confirmation that Azerbaijan can successfully organise and host an international competition will fuel the country’s ambitions; Baku has already bid twice to host the Olympic Games and whilst it may not yet have the capacity to hold the world’s biggest sporting competition, governing bodies including the AFFA are investing in facilities nationwide.

The use of synthetic turf is consequently becoming more widespread, combatting many issues caused as a result of the country’s varied climate and, as ESTO executive chairman Nigel Fletcher comments: “The prevalence of the surface in Azerbaijan really shows the power and impact synthetic turf can have in developing football and sport in general.”

CASE STUDY

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FC Nordsjælland Farum Park, the home of FC Nordsjælland, became the first stadium in the Danish Superliga to install synthetic turf in 2012.

The install coincided with the club’s debut in the UEFA Champions League, playing group matches against Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk and champions Chelsea on the synthetic surface.

Supporting youth and talent development FC Nordsjælland has enjoyed a period of on-the-field success over recent seasons, twice winning the Danish Cup in successive campaigns and winning the Danish Superliga in 2011/12, which earned the club its place in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

Its recent successes have reinforced the club’s reputation for focusing on youth and talent development, adopting an ‘aggressive’ and attacking-minded style of play. The decision to install synthetic turf at Farum Park and therefore switch all home games to the surface underpins FC Nordsjælland’s style of play, as a result of the playing characteristics that synthetic turf is renowned for.

In support of this, a recent study carried out by the European Synthetic Turf Organisation into the professional coach’s view of synthetic turf found that 62% of coaches asked believed that players are able to develop better technical skills by using synthetic turf.

When explaining their answer, respondents were quoted as saying: “Synthetic turf is always flat, with increased ball speed which therefore needs quicker thought processes and improved technical ability,” and “It is easier to learn the basics on artificial because you only have to deal with the ball and no other external factors.”

Wider use of the facility The football stadium is part of Farum Park Sports and Conference Centre, comprising a 48-room hotel, conference and meeting rooms, fitness centre and restaurant.

The synthetic turf surface within the stadium is available for private hire, an option made possible by the club’s decision to install synthetic turf, a surface that permits longer usage hours. The pitch therefore acts as an additional source of revenue for the club.

Not only does Farum Park hold all home matches for FC Nordsjælland, it is also the home ground for the Danish female national team and has played host to a number of international youth matches. As a FIFA RECOMMENDED 2 STAR site, Farum Park holds FIFA’s highest accreditation for football turf.

“This excellent example shows the impact of synthetic turf, not only for professional football but the positive role the utilisation of the surface can have for income generation and wider community use.”

Nigel Fletcher Executive Chairman, ESTO