Multi-Use Games Area you’re involved in any kind of sport, from your local five-a-side league to a kickabout with friends, then chances are that you’ll play on a synthetic surface. Also known as astro turf, these pitches are designed to look like grass but can offer much better performance and safety for players than traditional natural surfaces.

The most common types of football pitch are made from a mix of silica sand and rubber granules. This gives a good playing surface for football, rugby and hockey. The type of surfacing will vary depending on the needs of each sport; for example, a rugby pitch wants to have a higher pile height to help with cushioning a fall and hockey wants a harder surface for quick play.

Play, Sport, and Community: Embracing the Magic of Multi-Use Games Areas

Synthetic football pitches also have a shock absorbent pad underneath which helps reduce the impact on players and provides a safer playing surface. The surface will be tested and accredited by an independent governing body to make sure it meets strict performance and safety standards.

The industry points to several studies that have been peer reviewed in scientific journals from various countries to support their argument that artificial surfaces are no more hazardous to player’s health than natural grass. However, some of these studies have been criticised by other epidemiologists for their design limitations and lack of data [21]. It’s also worth noting that waste tyres are a significant source of pollution and contain chemicals including phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals which may be carcinogenic or reprotoxic.