Leading sports pitch construction specialists, O'Brien Sports, has been awarded a contract by Isthmian League Division One South side, Worthing FC, for the construction of a new 60mm ACT Global 3G Synthetic Grass pitch.
The project will see O'Brien convert the main natural turf pitch into an all-weather surface that meets the requirements of the FIFA quality concept. The works will also include drainage, kerbs and a dynamic aggregate sub base.
Worthing FC plan to use the new 3G pitch as a springboard to increase their profile and provide a hub for the community. The club expect an increase of approximately 1,000-1,500 players, plus parents, to use the new facilities each week at Woodside Road, with training and exercise for squads from toddler groups through to the first team.
Steve Hillman, General Manager, O'Brien Sports said: "Worthing FC has an historic footballing pedigree and we are absolutely delighted our sports pitch credentials have lived up to the high standards they were seeking from a partner."
Replacing a natural turf pitch, which can typically deliver only 5 hours use per week, with the installation of a 3G pitch can cost between £300,000 to £500,000 and take up to 12 weeks to complete. However, once installed, the new pitch can provide an additional revenue source generating in the region of £200,000 a year based on 50 hours use per week.
"The installation of a synthetic pitch can provide sports clubs with a much needed financial boost and become an asset to the club and community rather than a financial burden." said Steve Hillman.
O'Brien Sports has over 55 years' experience in sports pitch construction and is the first and only large civil engineering firm able to offer turnkey solutions for a range of sports facilities, delivering projects ranging from stadiums and arenas through to rugby, football and hockey pitches.
Recent projects have included the construction of a FIFA-compliant football pitch, an Olympic-standard, eight lane athletics track (complete with long jump, triple jump, high jump and pole vault) and a football club (complete with 11 natural turf pitches, changing facilities, entrance road and car park).
