Uxbridge FC praise ‘invaluable service’ from SSL

SSL are proud to add the impressive 3G pitch at Uxbridge FC to an extensive list of non-league stadia pitch conversions.

With a capacity of almost 4000, the club’s Honeycroft home ground has been extensively redeveloped as the club aims to progress up the football pyramid. SSL were appointed by the club as sports pitch consultants to deliver the pitch redevelopment.

Prior to construction commencing, SSL’s role included site survey work, project design and securing planning permission. A formal tender process was administered with several experienced pitch builders submitting bids. A preferred contractor was identified and after preparing & issuing formal contract documents, SSL’s role continued throughout the construction phase providing the Step 4 club with independent quality control assurance and, ultimately, a successful project sign-off.

As Mark Bantock, Uxbridge FC Chairman, explains;

“Uxbridge Football Club have had a relationship with SSL for several years, originating when the initial concept of replacing our existing grass stadia pitch with a synthetic surface was first considered.

From the very beginning SSL have provided an invaluable service, incorporating the initial design, through the difficult planning stage and finally managing the installation process.

Whilst ours was not a straightforward design or install, it is inconceivable that we would have been able to manage the process without the knowledge and professionalism of SSL, and Wes Bugg in particular. We would have no hesitation and indeed have recommended SSL to other parties.”

After an almost 5 year process of advice, design development, planning and project management services, SSL are thrilled by the fantastic end result and the recognition from a happy client.

Drone images courtesy of Sports Surface Solutions.

SSL project continues to meet high standards at Queen Ethelburga’s

Quality is never short term with a Surfacing Standards project!

Having been selected by Queen Ethelburga’s College to act as sports pitch consultant to develop a detailed design/specification before overseeing the project build, the water based hockey field continues to maintain exceptional quality standards having recently passed a re-test to FIH Global Performance standards.

SSL officially handed over the hockey field back in January 2015 as part of a stunning project to deliver six (yes six!) new synthetic turf pitches covering an area of 38,000m2. This created an outstanding sports village that could offer the complete sports development experience with different accredited pitch surface systems to cater for hockey, football and rugby. It marked the development of the largest private facility of this type in the North of England.

The successful re-test carried out by an independent FIH accredited test-house serves to demonstrate the quality and longevity of the design implemented by Surfacing Standards, together with the quality of the build and effective ongoing maintenance procedures.

SSL Provide the Platform for Buxton FC Academy

SSL are delighted with the news that Evo-Stik North Premier League team Buxton FC will next year be launching their own Academy to develop the stars of the future.

Earlier this year SSL were engaged by EvoStik league partners GreenFields UK to assist with detailed design work in order to convert Buxton’s natural turf stadium pitch into a state-of-the-art 3G synthetic facility.

The pitch was designed to meet both FIFA Quality and World Rugby Performance Standards which has ensured the Stadium can provide for dual-usage with Buxton Rugby Club also playing there.

With Buxton FC being established back in 1877, the development marked an important moment in the club’s long history, one which will also help future progression.

Speaking to footballtradedirectory.com, Buxton FC Chairman David Hopkins commented: “We are delighted with our new pitch which overnight, alongside the obvious commercial oppor­tuni­ties, allows us to at last fully engage with our local community“.

SSL are pleased to have played a part in this project and look forward to working on further stadium projects in the near future.

(image courtesy of footballtradedirectory.com)

Stadium conversion in Oldham continues to impress

This week marks 18 months since we formally handed over the impressive synthetic pitch at the VestaCare Stadium in Oldham (formerly Whitebank Stadium). Surfacing Standards were the appointed specialist pitch consultants to prepare design options, write and submit the planning application before managing the construction phase itself and carrying out key stage inspections. Funded by Oldham Council, the new 3G stadium pitch has significantly improved sports provision in the local area. The stadium, which has hosted amateur league football since the 1930’s, is the proud home to ambitious North West Counties league Avro FC. The pitch is also used by Oldham RLFC, with the surface specifically designed to RFL playing standards allowing competitive rugby usage. 

The service and expertise provided by Surfacing Standards did not go unnoticed – Avro FA Chairman Robert Fuller comments “They are a great company. Any club thinking of getting any major pitch should get in touch

Construction was by GreenFields UK

Old Southport Courts Transformed to Floodlit 3G

Job done! Just 50 working days since SSL secured planning permission, the old tarmac courts at KGV College have been converted to an impressive floodlit 3G training facility, compliant to FA dimensions.

Due to tight project timescales, SSL ensured the tender process was completed and a contractor in place so that the construction phase could commence not long after planning permission had been granted. Having overseen the construction phase, we were delighted with the results (Drone photo courtesy of CLS Sports)

Hertfordshire 3G resurface completed ahead of programme

Designed & project managed by SSL, the 3G resurface project at The Knights Templar School, Hertfordshire was completed within budget AND ahead of programme.

Thanks to additional survey works proposed by SSL prior to contract start, we were able to provide the client greater project cost certainty whilst enabling the old pitch to be kept in use for the maximum amount of time. This ensured less disruption to the School and local users.