Perfect Pitch: Exploring Victoria Park’s World-Class 3G Pitch

The crowning glory of Victoria Park is undoubtedly its world-class 3G artificial turf pitch. When the stadium opens next year, thousands of players, coaches and referees will have the chance to experience match play on this quality surface for the first time, taking their place amongst some of the greatest players on the planet. We took a deep dive into what makes this pitch so special and the many benefits it will deliver to Guernsey football.

Over the past few years, football has seen major innovation and investment in the development of artificial turf surfaces. This means today's footballers can enjoy competing on surfaces that replicate first-rate natural turf with increased usability and exceptional pitch quality supplied as standard. 

The success of these surfaces means the Football Association, Football Foundation, and Sport England all fully support their use, recognising the value and benefit they bring to the game. Indeed, the technological advancement in these surfaces means they are even used in today's major competitions, including FIFA World Cup qualification matches and the UEFA Champions League. 

And now, it's Guernsey's turn…

These surfaces are even used in today's major competitions, including FIFA World Cup qualification matches and the UEFA Champions League.

The technical bit…

Supplied by Polytan, a FIFA-preferred provider, Victoria Park's 3G elite professional football turf comprises a 40mm pile height installed over a 10mm prefabricated foam shock pad. On the surface, the basic construction of this newest generation of artificial turf is a blend of grass-like fibres attached to a special backing with a mix of sand and/or rubber brushed in. This durable, safe, year-round playing surface can withstand intensive use of up to 80 hours per week – in any weather. 

This amount of usage compares favourably to a good-quality grass pitch, which can sustain just six hours a week. More importantly, however, this pitch evolution underpins the Guernsey FA's commitment to realising its strategic aims of developing and growing football in the island.

Modernising Guernsey football

This state-of-the-art pitch will provide Guernsey football with a high-quality all-weather surface that will be an integral part of the island's modern game. Due to the extensive availability and reliability of Victoria Park's 3G football turf pitch, islanders will be able to consistently engage in sport and physical activity regardless of the weather, and when matches would otherwise be cancelled. 

This development means more islanders will be able to experience the benefits of being active and participating in football, including improved physical health and mental wellbeing, while enjoying a playing experience matched by the best footballers in the world.