Clubs
across the country are starting to play on the first artificial pitches that
feature all the benefits of the highest performance infill while eliminating
safety, health and environmental concern.
PRO-gran
has literally ‘changed the game’ in high-performance infill for artificial
sports pitches.
A
polymeric infill that is engineered to offer the very best in performance and
is safe for players and the environment, PRO-gran combines the exceptional
dynamic properties of rubber which is then coated in polyurethane to make it
100% safe. It has been thoroughly tested and exceeds the EU’s toughest
toxicology standards since it releases no heavy metals, PAHs or micro plastics.
Shelford
RFC were the first rugby club to have turf laid with the unique PRO-gran infill
as part of the new pitch installed by leading UK artificial grass manufacturer
TigerTurf.
Club
Secretary Dr Leslie Gelling shares the delighted reaction of their players:
“Some players were anxious at first, but after a few minutes they were able to
focus on playing rugby,” he said.
“We
have five men’s teams, one ladies team and 12 mini and youth sides, and they
have all relaxed once they knew how safe and enjoyable it is, and the best
thing is the absolute consistency of play across the pitch. Players have
reported how the true nature of the PRO-gran infill leads to greater confidence
in the surface, especially when kicking at goal, creating a reliable base for
the standing foot, reducing the risk of injury and hopefully improving
accuracy. There have been no problems with abrasion”
PRO-gran,
which is being formally launched at FSB - the international trade show for
sports and play facilities, was developed by Murfitts Industries to address
growing concerns that that there may be health risks from playing on some
synthetic pitches.
Managing
Director Mark Murfitt said: “We wanted people to enjoy participating in sport
without worrying about the playing surface. After a year of research,
development and a rigorous testing programme, PRO-gran exceeds the EU’s
toughest toxicology and safety standards so it’s 100% safe for people and the
environment. Not only that, but it provides the ultimate in playing experience
too.”
Releasing
no heavy metals, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) or micro plastics,
PRO-gran has been approved by the Dutch Soil Decree and meets the criteria for
REACH 1272/2013 as an article.
No
other artificial pitch infill matches PRO-gran’s performance for ball bounce,
ball roll, consistency of play and surface stability. It doesn’t significantly
compact and keeps the pitch safe from becoming slippery as well as providing
excellent drainage.
Other
benefits include lower surface temperatures, no aroma, no airborne particulates
and extensive testing shows that skin abrasion is reduced by 20-25%.
PRO-gran
artificial pitches are more visually attractive than with any other infill. It
comes in a choice of green or brown and will look vivid, colourful and clean
for many years to come – especially on TV. It is UV stable and meets the
requirements of FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf and World Rugby
Regulation 22. Every batch is tested to ensure full compliance with industry
standards.
PRO-gran’s
unique coating doesn’t break down and is guaranteed to last in perfect
condition for the lifetime of the pitch. Then the infill can be extracted,
returned to the factory, recoated and reused.
Dr
Gelling added: “Everyone loves how good the pitch looks and feels -
particularly the hundreds of kids who use the pitch every Sunday morning.”
For further information, please visit-murfittsindustries.com/home
