The latest artificial grass technology that has been utilized at the likes of Wembley and Twickenham is called 4G football pitch. However, many sports clubs who have this type of surface incorrectly use the term to market their pitch.
This is a common mistake and it is very important to understand that the ‘4G’ in 4G football pitch does not refer to the technology used, but to the fact that the surface is non-infilled. It is this difference that makes it a different product to 3G, which is the most commonly seen of the two, and currently endorsed by sporting bodies.
Revolutionizing the Game: The Benefits of Playing on a 4G Football Pitch
3G surfaces consist of long pile of synthetic turf with a mix of rubber crumb and silica sand infill to help keep the grass fibres upright, provide a realistic ball bounce and assist with meeting accreditation requirements set out by sporting bodies such as FIFA. A shockpad layer is also included to reduce the impact on players.
A 4G pitch dispenses with the need for any infill and is made entirely of synthetic turf, meaning that the grass fibres do not touch each other. This makes a 4G pitch much denser, and as such, it is also cheaper to maintain.
The cost savings of a 4G pitch are very significant and mean that clubs, schools and recreational facilities can operate all-weather pitches without the need for costly maintenance and postponement fees. In addition, these pitches require far less water than natural grass and are suitable for a wider range of sports activities so can be used more often and throughout the year.