Elite standard hockey pitch at the University of Exeter

Back in July 2012, The University of Exeter had unveiled a brand new synthetic turf hockey pitch supplied by a leading synthetic turf manufacturer. Boasting some of the best facilities in the South West, the University of Exeter’s Sports Park has become a regional sports hub for students and local residents alike. This is far from ending as this new pitch has now added to the quality and importance of this sports complex.

The University of Exeter is a leading UK university in terms of sports excellence. Indeed, facts such as its recent £8.5 million investment into the development of its sport facilities, its number one ranking in sports science and of its hockey teams in the 2012/2013 BUCS standings tend to prove that. Therefore, to meet the University’s standards and the specific performance criteria laid out by the International Hockey Federation, this new state-of-the-art synthetic turf was necessary.

Benefits brought by this new hockey surface range from a longer life expectancy than any other product on the market to a performance level that also stands out in the market. Indeed, this hockey field is manufactured from a unique texturized monofilament. This advanced fibre technology has produced a grain-free playing surface that allows the ball to travel smoothly in any direction as well as allowing the player to pull the stick in all directions without noticeable grabbing or catching on the surface.

As a result, while complying with the FIH national standard, this new field guarantees the best conditions for elite level hockey, international matches and tournaments. Phil Attwell, Director of sport at the University of Exeter commented: “We are delighted with the installation of the synthetic sports surface which has been used many times already and will continue to be used for many years to come. We can now continue to host a number of regional and national competitions as well as increasing the number of elite level fixtures that can take place at the University.”