Synthetic turf in Scotland

In January 2012, Scotland had a total of 3596 registered football clubs; with an estimated 296 full size synthetic pitches. Overall player participation has seen a 15% increase since 2004.

The photo seen above is the artificial turf pitch at Scottish club Stenhousemuir FC. In 2011 it received its 6th annual FIFA 2 Star certification. The general success and benefits of synthetic turf seen by football clubs in Scotland has prompted clubs in the English Football League to realize the long term, sustainable benefits an artificial turf pitch could bring to their clubs.

On the subject of synthetic pitch development, Cameron Watt, Facilities manager at the Scottish FA said, “We are currently in the response period of a ‘professional player and 3G perception’ survey that we are conducting in partnership with PFA Scotland. Finally and perhaps most importantly. The demands of the Scottish climate dictate that synthetic surfaces will be needed to support the ever increasing participation levels in our game. Full size is the priority.”