Turf Soccer Field – Is it Really that Bad for Players?

What is a Turf Soccer Field?

Turf soccer fields are artificial turf fields that are made of synthetic material. They can be used for playing soccer and many other field sports as well. They are most often used in places where grass won’t grow well or at all. This includes places such as in high-altitude areas, indoors or regions with short temperate seasons.

Turf fields are preferable over grass fields because they provide a consistent surface with better traction and grip. These fields do not require mowing or raking after games while also being sustainable. They don’t require irrigation, fertilization or insecticides. Additionally, turf fields tend to be more durable than grass in dryer seasons or due to heavy use. The most common type of 3rd generation artificial turf field is called “crumb rubber infill”. It consists of tiny pieces of ground up rubber from old tires. There are also other types like “sand infill” and “rock fill” which use sand or rock instead of the ground up rubber from old tires. 2nd generation artificial surfaces are most often constructed of polypropylene, a highly elastic polymer with a rubber-like texture.

Nevertheless, artificial fields have had a contentious past. Many soccer players have complained of more serious and repetitive injuries playing on artificial turf fields. Modern 3rd generation turf fields have made significant improvements in this area. FIFA has a comprehensive quality programme for football turf. This includes quality assurance, installation best practices and certification for approved vendors.

Field Surface Benefits

Artificial turf fields are a great option not only for soccer but for many different sports. They provide a safe, durable surface that can withstand the wear and tear of high use. Artificial turf is a great alternative to natural grass. The artificial turf field is made of synthetic fibers that are designed to look like natural grass. Artificial turf fields are meant to be more durable than natural grass and can withstand the wear and tear of high use. This makes them ideal for sports like soccer where you need a lot of space and there is a lot of running on the field. This is especially true in wet regions and in the goalkeeper 6 yard box.

Artificial turf fields also don’t require as much maintenance as natural grass because they do not need regular watering or mowing. Turf is also a good option for areas that don’t get much sunlight, water or have a short growing season. One of the benefits of synthetic grass is that it reduces the overall water usage by up to 70%.

Additionally, artificial turf fields are designed for use in high traffic areas such as stadiums and baseball fields. It can also be installed into or over existing surfaces such as sand, clay, natural grass or dirt. All these benefits have lead many sports teams, schools, and municipalities to transition from natural grass to artificial turf.

Lastly, due to the durability and low maintenance of turf fields, they are ideal in regions with short temperate seasons. This significantly increases the practice and playing hours available. Field managers no longer have to worry about the field defrosting, drying up or regrowing. Fields can easily extend their playing season by months earlier or later into a soccer season.

Field Surface Disadvantages

There are disadvantages to the use of artificial turf fields that make it less favorable than natural grass. Some of the disadvantages of artificial turf fields include maintenance, upfront cost, and a bad reputation. Artificial turf requires regular cleaning and maintenance which can be expensive and time-consuming for a club, school or facility.

Artificial turf also has an overall cost which is about $200,000 more than a natural grass field over a a 10 year period. This is due to the fact that artificial turf needs more material to cover it in order for it to look like real grass.

Lastly, artificial turf has a bad reputation because it is claimed by many athletes to be not as safe or aesthetically pleasing as natural grass fields because they do not provide the same type of natural bounce or give when playing on them. Albeit, the safety and performance of artificial fields has improved dramatically. Many studies still show that artificial fields tend to cause more injuries than grass fields.

Turf Soccer Field Player Benefits

Although artificial fields have had a checkered past, turf soccer fields have been a popular option for players and sports facilities for years. Artificial turf sports fields provide many benefits for players as well.

They are safer than poorly designed and maintained natural grass surfaces because they do not have to worry about injuries from the field ‘s edges, ditches, countless ruts and pits in the grass pitch (leading to ankle rolls) or extremely dry almost grassless pitches.

The fields are easier to maintain as they are more durable. The playing surface is generally more consistent, which means that players can expect better performance from their own skills. A more consistent playing surface allows for a cleaner game of soccer and allows players to make and predict passes more precisely.

The standardized surface also provides more predictable traction especially in dry conditions. In addition, compared to less maintained grass pitches, you get clear and consistent painted lines on artificial turf all year round, in all conditions.

Many older soccer players also prefer artificial turf fields. They can wear soft rubber cleated turf shoes with lower profiles or flat soled indoor shoes. This helps prevent and protect knees from those pesky knee injuries. Although you may have a less traction. You also won’t get your knees and ankles jammed, twisted or locked up as easily.

Turf Soccer Field Player Disadvantages

Turf fields are not without their disadvantages. These fields tend to lead to more injuries and soccer players don’t like the artificial turf because it is hard on the knees and ankles.

The surface of an artificial turf field is not as forgiving as natural grass (even with infilled generation 3 surfaces). This means there is more risk of injuries to the players who play on it. Artificial turf fields also have a higher risk of erosion. This can lead to bald patches in the ground. These fields can also cause burns if they get too hot in sunny weather conditions. Mainly due to the field’s composition and black rubber infill.

Sliding on turf fields can often feel like sliding on a bed of razor blades. You will often end up with a finely cut injury which is also subject to infection commonly known as turf burns. Bring on that tub of polysporin 🙂

Wet turf fields are also notoriously known to be extremely slippery. Even with the correct cleats, you will definitely lose some traction in wet conditions – players, you have been warned!

A pettier annoyance is the little rubber infill pebbles. How often have you found yourself picking pellets out of your soccer bag, clothes, shoes and even your car seats and trunk? On occasion I have had to pull a few out of my hair and mouth as well :).

Conclusion

In conclusion, artificial turf soccer fields are now an integral part of soccer culture. There are pros and cons to artificial turf fields both relating to the field and the player. Whether you like them are not turf fields are here to stay and FIFA also endorses these fields now. You need to learn to play on artificial soccer fields as they grow in popularity. You can take advantage of all the positives such as longer playing seasons and consistent playing surfaces. In addition, while taking active measure to minimize the chances of injuries such as proper stretching and using the correct soccer shoes.

Many teams actively look for good reliable players of all skills to play on turf soccer fields. Consider listing yourself on Subsneeded.com to get yourself noticed! If you play a high demand position such as a quality goalkeeper or rock star striker, you may even consider charging a fee for your services. Refer to our blog for tips on how to get paid to play soccer.