Football is the most popular sport in the world. The football pitch on which the matches are played must meet strict FIFA requirements. Ball rolling, rebounding, sliding characteristics, heat generation, amortization and consumption are just a few of the characteristics for which football fields are tested in detail. Problems with natural grass or the use of obsolete artificial turf can affect ball throw and player moves, and this has a negative impact on the game from the perspective of both the player and the spectator.
The FIFA Preferred Producer (FPP) initiative was launched in 2009. In response to the growing demand for higher quality, not only in the product itself, but also in the process of installing football turf. The overall objective is to protect the interests of consumers when purchasing football fields, while ensuring the quality, performance and safety of the football pitch.
SALTEX artificial turf (part of the Unisport group) used by Green Turf for the construction of football pitch can boast of the status of a holder of this prestigious status.
FIFA gives two types of Certificates with artificial turf:
We work closely with the UNISPORT Group, which has its own modern production plant for artificial surfaces in Alajärvi, South Ostrobothnia, Finland, with highly qualified and experienced staff. The use of the most modern technologies allowed us to shorten the implementation time and optimize the production efficiency.
We build our football pitches approved by FIFA on the basis of 2 basic principles of construction:
A. Systems with base, elastic PAD.
We have tested systems partly with on-site PAD and partly with prefabricated PAD. These systems will typically be made of artificial grass with a relatively low stack height of 40 or 45 mm. The PAD produced in-situ is 20 or 25 mm thick and consists of granulated SBR rubber granules. We always use SBR rubber (from used tyres) of Western European origin. As a prefabricated PAD we use most often ProPlay type mats, which, apart from good drainage and elastic properties, have exceptional durability. The factory has a 25-year warranty. Where rainwater is to be controlled, i.e. without irrigation, we use a special ProPlay mud with integrated drainage channels. Apart from quartz sand at the bottom, the filling may be SBR rubber, EPDM or TPO rubber.
B. Systems without PAD.
For systems without PAD, artificial turf must be 55-60 mm long. It provides space for a thicker layer of fill to meet FIFA requirements. For economic reasons, the filling will usually be made from recycled SBR rubber.