Replay Maintenance, the synthetic surface maintenance specialists, has carried out its specialist Revive® Plus+ process at the Gallagher Stadium – home of Ryman League side Maidstone United in Kent.
Maidstone United was the first football club in Britain to develop a purpose built stadium using a 3rd generation (3G) pitch. The surface is used by the club’s first team, their 30 community teams, as well as other local clubs, businesses, community groups and schools.
Regular maintenance is essential to the long-term playability of the pitch as the overall life of it will be seriously reduced if it is not cared for properly. Brushing and cleaning the pitch correctly and checking seams will ensure not only enjoyable playing conditions in the long term, but also that the synthetic pitch passes its FIFA inspection and is certified for competitive use.
The Replay Revive® Plus+ process extends the life of a synthetic sports pitch and minimises the risk of injury to players by improving surface grip and reducing compaction. It uses a specially developed, single operator machine to remove contaminants from rubber infill surface. Rotary brushes penetrate deeper into the infill compared to static brushes, which are commonly used, breaking up the contamination and removing it with a powerful vacuum filter system for disposal off-site. The rubber in-fill is then filtered before it is distributed back onto the surface. It helps reduce compaction of the surface and lifts the pile of the carpet whilst enhancing its porosity and helps maintain the playing characteristics.
“We do have our own in-house equipment for regular drag brushing, but after the season finishes and before the next one begins we bring in the specialists so that we are able to continue to offer our first team and local community a wide range of use,” said John Harvey, Maidstone United’s full time Stadium Manager.
The three-day brushing and de-compaction process carried out by Replay to keep the 3G football pitch in a playable condition for a multitude of use throughout the year is in conjunction with the on-going synthetic surface maintenance programme John already has in place.
The Replay Revive® Plus+ process should be carried out annually or bi-annually dependent on the levels of pitch usage and current maintenance procedures.
Due to the nature of the operation it is most effective during the summer months when the pitch surface is dry allowing the brushing action and powerful vacuum turbine to remove surface dust, debris and broken-down carpet fibres. Failure to do this will result in the contamination filtering down and through the infill, ultimately affecting the drainage and playing characteristics of the surface.
“Because the pitch is not just used for the first team, but also the local community, it is crucial our surface is maintained to a very high level. We’re pleased to have Replay Maintenance looking after our pitch and carrying out the regular maintenance.
“We have been extremely impressed by their overall level of work and service in maintaining our synthetic pitch. Replay has some excellent pieces of equipment which clean the synthetic surface to a very high standard and when they finished their deep clean, it was like a new pitch.”
For further information, please contact Replay Maintenance on 01636 640 506 or visit the company’s website www.replaymaintenance.co.uk
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