Just because a sport is steeped in history doesn’t mean it should be left behind when it comes to facilities. Here sports specialist total-play looks at how schools can invest in state-of-the-art synthetic sports surfaces to bring 21st Century performance to traditional sports.
Cricket pitch experts
As an ECB Code of Practice Non-Turf Pitch installer with no less than three ECB approved non-turf cricket pitch systems in its range, total-play is a market leader in the provision of artificial cricket pitches for match play and practice. Its surfaces offer a balanced game between bat and ball and are designed to encourage turn and thus improve playing standards.
With non-turf practice net systems enabling coaching to take place year-round, investment in such a facility can really help schools up their competitive game by the time the season rolls around. total-play’s flagship tp365 non-turf practice nets can be found at schools around the country – including Harrow School, Solihull School, St Edwards School, Clifton College, Berkhamstead School and Merchant Taylors School to name just a few.
Beyond cricket
If space is tight, dedicating an entire area to cricket year-round may not be possible – total-play have recognised this and designed a cricket-based MUGA (Multi Use Games Area). Using its ECB approved non-turf cricket system base with a unique retractable netting system, the company has installed areas that can be quickly transformed from cricket practice net facilities to a synthetic surface suitable for general play and a host of other sports at sites that include Bromsgrove School, Churcher’s College and Orwell Park School in Suffolk.
MUGAs are something of a buzz-word for independent schools and, in addition to its popular cricket-based MUGA, total-play can tailor solutions to specific sports – including football, hockey and general play. Whatever the requirement, total-play will handle everything – from planning permission, to design ensuring the facility will meet the Performance Quality Standards set by the relevant governing body for sport, to specification of the best type of surface, fencing, any integrated goal mouths and basketball hoops and flood lighting, to ensure the project is fit for purpose and comes in within budget.
Synthetic track and field facilities are also increasingly popular – offering the desirable combination of consistent performance and low-maintenance requirements. At St Helen’s School in Middlsex, total-play designed and constructed a bespoke synthetic long jump facility to cater for both long and triple jump, and has also installed an artificial long jump alongside the MUGA at Orwell Park School.
To find out how total-play can help create state-of-the-art synthetic sports surfaces that strike the perfect balance between functionality and affordability, call 01604 864575 or visit www.total-play.co.uk.
