MJ Abbott

New 3G pitch surface

Chelsea Football Club, Cobham Training Ground

Introduction

New surface required for 3G pitch

The club wanted to re-surface their existing heavily used 3G pitch at Cobham Training Ground.

Through discussions with the club, MJ Abbott was selected to carry out the project.

The club employed Charles Henderson to approve the surface design and monitor construction through to final testing and sign off.

Project challenges

Coordination of works in a busy environment

The training ground is constantly busy, which made existing pitch removal and deliveries a challenge, considering the location of the pitch to be resurfaced.

Our approach

The first surface of its type in the UK

The scope of work included:

  • Removal of existing 3G surface and existing rubber shockpad
  • Carry out repairs to the existing engineered tarmac surface where required
  • Installation of new shockpad
  • Installation of new 3G surface and infill.

The surface selected by Paul Burgess, Chelsea’s Director of Global Sports Surfaces, was the Field Turf Vertex Core with their ProMax Hydro Flex granular infill. This unique surface is the first of its kind in the UK.

The project was assisted by S&C Slatter, who are the UK’s provider of Field Turf systems.

Outcomes

FIFA certification

The pitch was installed within the club’s required timescales, and successfully passed FIFA testing prior to first use.