Loughborough
University has unveiled its new state-of-the-art sport pitches, installed by
world-leading sports surface provider and pitch partner, SIS Pitches.
Installed in summer
2019, the new elite level water-based hockey surface is the first of its kind
in the UK and has been designed specifically to encourage speed of play.
The full-size pitch
harnesses the latest innovations and was manufactured at the company’s
state-of-the-art £1.8m headquarters in Cumbria.
The SISTurf
Xcel Ultra surface is the product of SIS Pitches’ continuous pursuit of
high-quality and innovative surfaces. The combination of a high-grade,
polyethylene polymer, 10-ended texturised yarn and optimised turf construction
provides a truly elite-level system, with exceptional ball speed and
uniformity, as well as outstanding durability.
SIS Pitches has also recently installed
SISGrass hybrid technology into the newly built pitch at the Loughborough
University Stadium. The pitch consists of 95 per cent natural grass
supported with 5 per cent synthetic fibres and is the same style of pitch as
used at the 2018 World Cup.
The football pitch
was the first in the UK to be installed using a new-to-market, 100% electric
machine from SISGrass. This innovation can stitch a full-size football pitch in
just seven days, a huge step forward in reducing the environmental footprint of
each pitch installation.
SIS Pitches has been
named as the official partner for all Loughborough University’s Stadium
pitches. As part of this remit, it will also sponsor the Women’s Hockey
first-team in a multi-year deal, following last season’s promotion to the
Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division.
"We are
thrilled with the installation of a new elite level playing surface here at
Loughborough," said Brett Holland, Women’s Hockey Performance Head Coach.
"The pitch is designed to the highest possible standard, ensuring matches
are fast-paced and exciting to both play in and for spectators to watch.
"The squad
achieved fantastic things last season which culminated in promotion to the
Premier Division and winning British Universities College Sport (BUCS) gold.
It’s brilliant news for everyone involved that we have the surface to continue
with this momentum for the new campaign
The new pitch takes
the university's football offer to the next level and help showcase the
excellent facilities it already has on offer. "The durability of the
surface will give more opportunities for our students to experience playing at
the stadium, which will undoubtedly help their personal development as
footballers," added Richard Allen, Director of Football, Loughborough
University.
Loughborough
University is the leading sports University in the UK and one of the leading
institutions worldwide in relation to research, technology and performance in
sport.
"This
partnership represents a unique opportunity for us to work together with
Loughborough University’s elite staff and athletes to maximise our product
quality, delivery, service and to conduct key research into athlete performance
and interaction with natural, hybrid and synthetic surfaces in a variety of
sports," said Joe Shaw, Sales Manager at SIS Pitches.
