A football pitch in your garden allows training professionals and enthusiasts to elevate their game without relying on sports facilities. With the rise of synthetic turf, it's easier than ever to create a durable and low-maintenance football pitches or mini football pitch in your own outdoor space, which has the added benefit of being enjoyed by the entire family.
No longer do football athletes and leisure players have to make do with the bumpy or uneven pitch at the local park or busy and expensive training facilities.
In this article, we'll share some top tips on how to plan and design your pitch and the steps needed to prepare and install your turf including some maintenance guidelines to keep it performing for years to come.
Types of Astro Turf Football Pitch
Before diving into the design and installation process, let's understand the types of football turf available. Astro turf garden football systems are not simply 'fake grass'. They are highly engineered, technologically advanced fibres designed to ensure maximum player performance. There are two main standards of this type of turf used for football and is mainly down to the football playing and certification standard required.
With these turf systems there are specific requirements for the sub base in terms of infill and shock layer thickness needed for professional football. Recreational football requires less criteria and is a good option for garden pitches, making it more affordable and easier to install.
2G Football Turf
2G, or second-generation, football turf consists of short, dense fibres with a sand infill and is widely used in school and community football and as well as different sports. It provides a natural look and feel, making it a popular choice for garden football pitches. However, it may require more maintenance compared to 3G turf.
3G Football Turf
3G, or third-generation, football turf features longer fibres with a mix of sand and rubber infill. This type of artificial grass offers better shock absorption and is suitable for heavy use, making it ideal for mini football pitches in gardens that are intended for more serious training.
Key Differences:
- Durability: 3G turf is generally more durable and suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Maintenance: 2G turf may require more frequent brushing/raking to maintain its appearance as well as replenishing sand infill.
- Cost: 3G turf is often more expensive due to its advanced features.
Designing Your Turf Garden Football Pitch - Steps involved in Making a Back Garden Football Pitch
Make an astro turf pitch by following these simple steps. There are various online guides for professional assistance in designing your pitch from basic designs to european football championship drawing outlines that are a good starting point in determining the scale and dimensions for different garden pitch options. Alternatively you can use an astro football pitch installer with experience in ground preparation, installing a weed membrane and the build up of a sub base.
Planning
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Measure the Area: Determine the size of your football pitch in the garden. A mini football pitch typically measures around 30m x 20m, but you can adjust the size according to your space and requirements.
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Choose the Turf: Decide between 2G and 3G artificial grass based on your budget and usage needs. Also decide whether you want to include a shock layer base which is a layer of closed cell foam which increases shock asborption and player safety.
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Prepare the Sub-base: A typical sub base for a 2G grass has the following build up:
- Synthetic Grass
- Silica Sand & Rubber Infill
- 10mm or 12mm Shock Pad
- 50mm Layer of Blinding
- 200mm layer of stone type 3"
- Geotextile membrane
- 80mm diameter land drain
Installation
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Lay the Base: Add a layer of crushed stone or grit to create a stable base for your astro turf football pitch.
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Shock Pad Layer: Install your shock pad layer. Recommended for extra safety and enhanced playability.
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Install the Edging: Use treated timber or plastic edging to define the boundaries of your football pitch.
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Lay the Artificial Grass: Roll out the artificial grass over the prepared base, ensuring it fits snugly against the edges.
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Infill: Spread sand or a mix of sand and rubber infill over the turf to provide weight and support for the fibres.
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Markings: Mask out the football court markings with tape then use a specialist synthetic grass paint to complete the pitch lines.
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Accessories: You may want to invest in features such as goalposts for a complete pitch setup.
Maintaining Your Artificial Grass Football Pitch
Maintaining your garden football pitch is relatively straightforward compared to natural grass. Here are some tips:
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Regular Cleaning: Remove leaves, debris, and any other foreign objects from the surface.
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Brushing/Raking: Use a stiff brush or rake to brush the fake grass fibres upright, especially in high-traffic areas.
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Infill Top-up: Periodically check and top up the infill to maintain the pitch's level, upper soil level and resilience.
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Deep Cleaning: For thorough cleaning, use a mild detergent and water solution to wash the turf, then rinse with clean water.
Benefits of a Garden Football Pitch
Installing a new artificial grass pitch has huge plus points from increased usage and playbility throughout the year to the ability to enhance football skills by dedicated practice from the comfort of home. Let's look at the benefits of making your own astro pitch in more detail.
- Low Maintenance: Artificial grass requires very little maintenance compared to natural grass which requires regular mowing, weeding, feeding etc.
- Authentic to Real Grass: Astroturf delivers all the qualities of playing natural grass garden football with its dark green and lush aesthetic and high comfort feel
- Durability: Withstands heavy use and remains in good condition for years.
- All-Weather Play: Drainage systems allow for play in all weather conditions.
- Safe and Comfortable: Provides a cushioned surface that reduces the risk of injuries.
- Versatility & Inclusivity: Creates a back garden sports space for entire family whenever they like.
- Promotes Exercise & Goal Setting: A home football pitch can inspire young footballers and ambitious sports enthusiasts to focus on training and set personal goals
FAQ
Is there a higher risk of footballers injuring themselves or slipping on artificial grass?
No artificial grass is designed to have the perfect blend of resilience and traction needed for football.
Is a turf football pitch comfortable?
Yes turf pitches are made with comfort in mind and together with the recommended sub base system and shock pad layer provides the highest quality game experience.
What are the temperatures like in summer with fake grass?
Artificial turf is excellent for staying neutral during hot weather as well as colder weather conditions and is UV resistant. The sun will not affect it's peformance or aesthetic.
When installing your fake grass do you use a layer of sharp sand or silica sand?
Silica sand is recommended for installing astroturf as it is finer.
Do you need a specialist to lay your artificial grass?
No you don't require a specialist installer, however if you don't have prior experience or knowledge it is recommended.
Conclusion
Creating a mini football pitch in your garden with artificial grass offers a convenient and durable solution for football practice and training. Whether you opt to create a mini football pitch or use your entire back garden space, synthetic turf provides a low-maintenance, all-weather playing surface that can be utilised all year round.
From planning and installation to the finishing stages of adding posts and pitch lines, follow these steps to transform your backyard into an astro turf football pitch that's ready for action.
