A new 3G sports surface has given a tremendous boost to students at Brookfield Community College near Chesterfield, Derbyshire and to the community as a whole. The FIFA one star Domo Sports Grass surface was part-funded by the Football Foundation and completed last summer.

There is a need to avoid cross contamination when carrying out a maintenance regime on a synthetic surface. This can often occur if an existing ride-on is used to tow brushes that have both been previously used on a natural grass pitch. Not only is this mandatory to maintain FIFA accreditation, but also common sense.

The need for a routine maintenance regime to get the best out of a synthetic surface, and to prolong its life, is a must. However, to fulfil an FIFA accreditation for a synthetic pitch it is important to avoid cross contamination, which could occur if you use an existing ride-on to tow a brush. A dedicated machine should be specified such as a sisis Rosca ride-on brush system.

A synthetic playing surface often gets more use than a natural one. It is therefore imperative that Groundsmen should have a regular brushing programme, suitable for the area and usage. A programme of light brush between play, and now and again a more intense brushing to stand the pile or fibre up, is recommended.

Part of the Foundation of King Edward VI Schools is King Edward's in Edgbaston, Birmingham. This independent establishment has separate boys' and girls' sections offering education for 11-18 year olds. Extensive sporting facilities include 5 rugby pitches, 3 cricket squares, synthetic and natural hockey pitches, plus a First XV-First XI field with an athletics track for the boys, and netball and tennis courts for the girls.