As an Independent Hockey Federation (FIH) Certified Field Builder we are particularly pleased that the scheme is centred on the provision of new hockey facilities. S&C Slatter will be providing two 101.4m x 61m sand dressed artificial grass hockey fields and a 59m x 27m training area – all to the FIH National Performance Standard. The selected playing surface is Hockey Gold Elite from manufacturing partner FieldTurf laid over an in-situ bound rubber shockpad. FieldTurf are an FIH Preferred Supplier.

The pitch build is an engineered macadam construction complete with lateral drainage system, and supplemented by LED Floodlighting, 868 rigid panel weld mesh perimeter fencing and sports pitch equipment.

However, a significant element of this exciting project lies in support and ancillary infrastructure which is another in-house specialism of S&C Slatter.

In this case, the company is creating a new 52-space barrier entry system Bodpave car park with tarmacadam access road which necessitates a S278 connection to the adjacent highway. The car parking is linked to the sports pitches and a new pavilion via tarmacadam and resin-bound gravel pathways which feature recessed and bollard lighting.

Site-wide surface and foul water drainage is also provided together with tree protection and soft landscaping works.

This broad scope capability, including the connection of relevant utilities, is particularly appreciated by clients in the independent schools and leisure sectors, who value the cost and operational efficiencies derived from a one supplier, one solution, delivery.

And for S&C Slatter, their growth in estate-wide business completely validates the substantial, and indeed, ongoing investment in new in-house technology and machinery seen over the last couple of years.

Two Benenden players also won individual awards. Scarlett Johnson was named Best Tournament Midfielder and MVP with Eliza White the Best Attacker.

S&C Slatter constructed the FieldTurf sand-dressed artificial turf pitch which is home to Benenden’s new National Schools Lacrosse Champions. The Gold SD pitch system is well recognised for delivering a high and consistent quality of play performance which enables players of all abilities to develop and hone their skills.

The pitch at Benenden also hosts the school’s hockey programme and is certified to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) National Performance Standard. S&C Slatter is of course an FIH Certified Field Builder and has an impressive portfolio of hockey and lacrosse pitches built for the Independent Schools sector. Benenden’s lacrosse and hockey facility is a tremendous example of the school’s commitment to providing the very environment within which students can reach their maximum potential.

Benenden School’s first team now has the rare distinction of being both National Champions and holders of the Vivien Jones Cup. The Vivien Jones Cup is a league between the top eight schools in the South of England.

Harrogate Town AFC, Tamworth and Eastbourne Borough are hosting the matches and were chosen because their local communities have long-standing relationships with the Army – and the fact they have a high quality 3G pitch. It was vital that all three games could take place on the same day at the same time. No room for cancellations due to water-logged pitches and of course a high-quality pitch performance has to be guaranteed.

David Slatter, Managing Director of S&C Slatter, comments ‘We are delighted to partner with The National League, The British Army and Vanarama in staging this unique footballing occasion. It illustrates again just how far artificial pitch technology has come and the contribution it is now making to the sport – both in terms of play and practicality.’

Each of The National League squads are drawn from players who play in The National League North and South only, with Tommy Widdrington of Eastbourne Borough, Simon Weaver of Harrogate Town and Andy Morrell of Tamworth being the squad managers.

Kick off time is 19.45 and entry for each game is just £5 for Adults (including a programme) with Seniors & Juniors FREE. Extra programmes are £2.

The National League v The British Army series is just the latest high-profile football showcase for S&C Slatter 3G football turf pitches. Just recently the 3G pitch installed by S&C Slatter for Sutton United received high praise and National, even International, media coverage during the club’s epic Emirates FA Cup campaign.

For S&C Slatter it was 90 minutes of pure pride. Back in the summer of 2015 we installed the FieldTurf 3G football turf pitch in a fast track programme during the short window between the end game of one season and the first pre-season friendly of the next.

We knew that we had built the club an outstanding example of cutting edge artificial pitch technology. One which would be a catalyst for change at Gander Green Lane; providing a constantly available, consistently high quality playing surface for the first team, while creating a vital new revenue stream and enhanced engagement with the local community.

We did not know however that in the space of just eighteen months the pitch would host a league promotion, England C international and an FA Cup run which saw off AFC Wimbledon, Leeds United and made Arsenal work hard to get the upper hand.

It has been a special journey for all concerned.

Our in-house team of pitch construction specialists including designers, planners, supply chain managers, engineers, contract and project managers are of course used to delivering high quality sports facilities and infrastructure. On performance, on time, on budget.

But usually our work doesn’t receive quite so much attention. That’s fine by us, we’re happy to just go about our business, working with clients in non-league football, independent schools, sports clubs, leisure centres creating new pitches or remodelling existing ones for Football, Hockey, Rugby, Lacrosse, Tennis, Netball, Cricket and Multi-use games.

However, it IS great for the S&C Slatter team to be in the National spotlight for once. Earning acknowledgement and praise for our work from such a universal audience. It IS special when you hear that real football legends like Matt Le Tissier, Paul Merson and Ian Wright reckon you’ve produced a good football pitch.

So, it’s been special, we’ve enjoyed it, and now it’s on to hopefully helping the ‘next Sutton United’ achieve their ambitions. In fact, on Wednesday we hosted a Workshop on 3G Stadium Pitches for non-league football clubs down at Maidstone United – another of our existing stadium pitch clients. Over 25 clubs joined us for another highly successful and enjoyable day of discussion and debate; working through the whole process of converting from natural to artificial grass.

Our panel of expert speakers provided a comprehensive insight into their own areas of specialisation in a series of absorbing presentations which thoroughly engaged the delegates. It was great to see everyone playing their own part in the day with the Q&A sessions really covering some important issues. We’re sure everyone gained a good deal from the opportunity to share information and ideas and together debate areas of challenge.

Among the subjects covered were actual case studies – proven business plans, community engagement, logistics – the FIFA Quality Pro Programme, artificial turf system design and manufacturing, funding and the creation and implementation of a ‘delivery’ plan.

So thank you to Garry Plant and Paul Thirlwell of Harrogate Town, Dr Colin Young of Labosport, Paul Fraser and Lee Gladwell of FieldTurf, James Pollock and Jeremy Julius of Tifosy and our own Jason Douglass for their contributions to the day.

A special mention to Paul Thirlwell who found time within his very busy schedule to share some of the benefits of coaching and player development on 3G pitches. His own experiences were enlightening and underlined just how wide the ‘pay off’ of conversion to 3G can be. And of course, congratulations to Paul on his appointment as Assistant Manager of Harrogate Town.

Obviously we’re grateful to the club for allowing us to use their facilities and showcase their own FieldTurf 3G pitch which we installed last year. And we’re delighted to have been introduced to the catering expertise of Rob and Mandy – their steak and ale pie is worth the cost of season ticket on its own! Thank you Rob and Mandy.

This workshop was the latest in a series of events which S&C Slatter has organised over the last couple of years in order to provide sound, practical information to the non-league football sector.

The next is on 22 February at Maidstone United.

You can register on-line and reserve your place by visiting sandcslatter.com/3g-workshop. It’s free of charge but we do ask that you pre-register. We’ve already had an excellent response but places are still available so book yourself in right now!

Newspapers, radio and social media have been universally unanimous in their praise for another great cup win from a club which is being applauded as a class act both on and off the pitch.

Certainly, everyone at S&C Slatter is proud to be associated with Sutton United and it’s brilliant to read and hear the really great comments that the 3G pitch itself has been receiving about the way it plays.

Many see this as potentially a defining moment in the growing acceptance of artificial turf pitch technology as a positive and beneficial force certainly within the non-league reaches of the game.

While the current euphoria over what’s been happening on the pitch at Sutton is to be enjoyed and savoured, the financial benefit of the cup run – hundreds of thousands pounds to date – is so important to the club. As it would be to most outside of the upper echelons of the game.

And here again, the introduction of a 3G pitch has in itself made such a positive impact on the financial wellbeing of Sutton United. All the club’s teams are able to their home games at their ‘home’ ground, instead of having to use other ‘hired in’ facilities, significantly reducing outgoings. At the same time the pitch is available to other clubs and organisations, which include AFC Wimbledon Ladies, creating a completely new and valuable revenue stream. And of course, no more cancelled matches due to the weather.

The higher footfall generated by these opportunities also increases income for the wider club facilities including function rooms, catering and of course the club bar.

The investment in 3G technology has been the catalyst for a highly successful business plan created and driven by a dynamic and insightful management team. Sutton United is a shining example of what can be achieved both on and off a 3G pitch.

Call us on 01635 345210 to find out how we can help your club or visit sandcslatter.com/3g-workshop and register for one of our forthcoming FREE 3G stadium pitch workshops.

The prospect of another home tie for Sutton United against one of the Championship’s leading sides would also be a fabulous showcase for the club’s acclaimed 3G football turf pitch installed by S&C Slatter.

Widely praised for its consistently excellent play performance by players, managers and pundits alike, it is a superb example of what can be achieved with cutting edge 3G football turf technology.

Last summer Sutton United was the venue for the England C versus Slovakia U21 International Trophy match, following which Paul Fairclough, the England Manager, commented “Having played Slovakia U21’s and trained at Sutton United’s new 3rd generation pitch, it was the best surface I have seen, and this includes all those pitches I have ever come across in Europe as well.

It seems the e-layer sub base and choice of field turf has given SUFC a fantastic pitch and one that I would be very happy for England C to use again in the future”

Fingers crossed for another great result for Sutton United!

This appointment recognises our standing within the Independent Schools sector and confirms our commitment to work with the Association and its member schools in delivering the very highest standards of sport facility provision and aftercare.

ISA members value innovation and inspiration and aim to build on the best traditions to promote a range of qualities including integrity, industry and responsibility.

During the year the Association provides an extensive calendar of courses and events encompassing educational, personal development and networking opportunities. S&C Slatter aims to play an active part in the programme making available our substantial expertise and experience where a beneficial contribution can be made for member schools.

Over the last 25 years, the company has grown into the principal National specialist in artificial sports pitch construction with our work with leading Independent Schools providing a strong and acknowledged endorsement of our partnership approach to project delivery.

However in the last two years, we’ve extended our range of product and service reach still further, now offering a truly inclusive end to end project solution featuring key infrastructure elements such as enhanced user and spectator facilities, access roads and pathways, car parking, hard and soft landscaping and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).

The first International Hockey Federation Certified Field Builder, S&C Slatter operates an ISO 9001 certified quality management system and is a member of UK ActIve, The Institute of Groundsmanship Corporate Plus and the Sports and Play Construction Association. The company carries EXOR Gold, SafeContractor, Constructionline, CHAS and Builder’s Profile accreditations and is a sponsor of Bucks SportsAid which looks to provide funding support for local young athletes.

S&C Slatter is also a Category A Supply Chain Partner to Willmott Dixon which confirms our ‘Preferred Supplier’ status and commitment to collaborative working during all stages of the construction process. Achieving continuous improvement in service performance and delivery is a particular goal of the relationship.

These will follow an established and highly successful formula covering a wide range of issues of interest to clubs and organisations who are considering installing a 3G football turf match pitch or training facility. An S&C Slatter workshop at Sutton United last March attracted over fifty clubs from throughout England.

Aimed in particular at clubs in the upper levels of the Non—League pyramid, the workshop will look into the feasibility and process of installing 3G football turf. And of maximising the commercial and community development benefits which can accrue from the conversion to a 3G stadium pitch.

Registration is FREE of charge and is open for both venues

3G Pitch Case Studies, Artificial Turf Technology, the latest FIFA Rules for 3G football turf, Successful Business Plans, Funding Solutions and Pitch Construction and Maintenance will all be presented by a panel of experts who are acknowledged as leading specialists in their particular areas of expertise.

Delegates to the 3G Stadium Pitches Workshop will no doubt be looking forward to hearing the experiences of the two host clubs who have already made the decision to switch to 3G football turf. Irving Weaver, Chairman of Harrogate Town AFC will discuss the ‘Economic and community benefits of committing to 3G’ while Oliver Ash, Co-owner of Maidstone United and Founder of 3G4US is speaking on ‘Why football clubs should consider installing 3G stadium pitches.’

Admission is by pre-registration only. You can register by completing the 3G Stadium Pitches Workshop Registration Form at sandcslatter.com/3g-workshop or by calling S&C Slatter on 01635 34521. We will obviously be pleased to answer any questions you may have about the workshop.