What to consider when investing in 4g turf pitches for semi professional football clubs
Investing in the installation of a 4G pitch is costly and time consuming , however there is no doubt an increasing number of semi professional clubs in the UK who are ripping up their grass and laying 4G for potential commercial benefit,
4G turf, also known as artificial turf, can provide many benefits to Semi-Professional football clubs, including:
- Durability: 4G turf is much more durable than natural grass, which means that it can withstand heavy use and inclement weather without becoming damaged or worn out. This can result in lower maintenance costs and also less staffing costs.
- Consistency: 4G turf provides a consistent playing surface, which can help reduce injuries and improve player performance.
- All-weather use: 4G turf can be used in all weather conditions, which means that games and practices can go on as scheduled, even in rain or snow.
- Cost-effective: 4G turf can be more cost-effective in the long run than natural grass, as it requires less maintenance and can be used year-round.
- Multipurpose: 4G turf can be used for a variety of sports and activities, not just football, which can increase the usage and revenue of the facility.
The commercial benefits are predominately the key reasons why many semi professional clubs are installing 4G. With costs around football increasing, clubs are looking to offset those costs with further revenue streams and ultimately for many clubs making themselves self sufficient.
Semi-professional football clubs can commercialise the installation of 4G turf in several ways, including:
- Sponsorship: Clubs can seek out sponsors to help offset the cost of the installation or even explore contra deals. These sponsors could include local businesses or companies that produce and sell artificial turf.
- Advertising: Clubs can sell advertising space on the field or on the surrounding walls to local businesses.
- Facility rental: Clubs can rent out the field for other sports teams, schools or universities, special events, or activities to generate additional revenue.
- Merchandising: Clubs can sell merchandise related to the new field, such as shirts, hats, or other items, to generate additional revenue.
- Ticket sales: Clubs can increase ticket sales by promoting the new field and the improved game experience it provides. Fan engagement with the football club no doubt increases.
- Community engagement: Clubs can organise events, clinics, or tournaments in the field to attract more community engagement and generate revenue.
- Long-term investment: The club can see the installation as a long-term investment and monetise the field over the years.
It’s worth noting that, before commercialising the installation of 4G turf, the club should consider the economic feasibility and calculate the return on investment (ROI) of the project. Also like a carpet, 4G turf wears therefore a fund should be saved within your year on year budget to replace the turf after circa 10 years, based on average use.
The cost to install a 4G turf football pitch can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size of the field, the type of turf used, and the location. However, generally speaking, the cost to install a 4G turf football pitch can range from £250,000 to £500,000.
- Size: The size of the field will affect the cost, with larger fields requiring more materials and labour.
- Type of turf: Different types of turf have different costs, with some more expensive than others.
- Location: The location of the field, including factors such as transportation costs and local labour rates, will also affect the overall cost.
- Drainage and Irrigation: The cost of drainage and irrigation systems will also have to be considered.
- Sub-base preparation: The cost of preparing the sub-base of the field will also affect the overall cost.
These cost estimates are subject to change and should be used as a rough guide only. It is always recommended that clubs contact a minimum of 3 local contractors for a more accurate estimate based on their own specific project.
Just like when you are buying a car, there are different standards, qualities and materials of 4G turf that are available on the market. Each option deliver different benefits but also obviously reflect a different price point.
Some common quality levels of turf include:
- Economy: The lowest quality 4G turf, economy turf is made with cheaper materials and is less durable. It’s suitable for low-use areas and has a shorter lifespan.
- Standard: Standard 4G turf is made with higher quality materials and is more durable than economy turf. It’s suitable for moderate use and has a longer lifespan.
- Premium: The highest quality 4G turf, premium turf is made with the best materials and construction. It is the most durable and has the longest lifespan. It’s suitable for high-use areas such as professional sports fields.
- Monofilament: 4G turf made with monofilament fibres is similar to premium turf, but the fibres are more resilient and have a more natural look and feel.
- Sand-filled: 4G turf filled with sand is a more cost-effective option, but it can be less durable than turf filled with rubber.
- Rubber-filled: 4G turf filled with rubber is more durable than sand-filled turf and provides a better playing surface.
Quality level of 4G turf also depends on the thickness of the turf, density of the fibres and the infill used. Certainly recommended that clubs research by visiting other 4G turf sites, gain samples and consult with experts before making a decision.
Would your club benefit from 4G turf installation? I hope our guide has assisted your decision making process.