Coventry University, one of the first in the UK to use the high-tech pitch by the England football team

Coventry’s student footballers and aspiring sports coaches have something unexpected in common with the England football team – their 3G pitches. The city’s university is among the first in the UK to acquire a high-tech playing surface used by players for the national team.

The artificial grass pitch, which opened at the university’s sports center in Westwood Heath, uses a LigaTurf PRO II synthetic turf system, giving players a synthetic surface as close to the feel of natural grass as possible. He is also in force at his St George’s Park training base in England.

The turf system uses technology designed to help reduce skin abrasion and keep the surface cooler on hot days. The pitch, which has a small covered stand, will also support those studying Coventry University’s BSc (Hones) Sports Training course.

READ MORE: Teenager seriously injured in Coventry car and moped crash

READ MORE: Fury in Coventry over ‘worst kept’ cemetery

An important element of the taught content and assessment is practical, giving students the opportunity to apply coaching theories to the meaning of coaching practice, and this can now take place on the 3G pitch.

Anna Draper, football sports researcher at Coventry University, said: “I think Westwood Heath’s new ground here is incredible, what facilities you must have. It’s one of the few in the country and the fact that we have that access now, not just for the university but for the teams we play, it’s fantastic to share that and hopefully have a lot of success in it as well. .”

Gemma Lavery, director of student services at Coventry University, said: “We are the third in the UK and the second outside St George’s Park to have this type of state-of-the-art 3G artificial grass pitch. Those who play and watch are in for a real treat, it really is our hidden gem. It’s a first for Coventry University, a fantastic project to run for our students and community users.

“The newly built full-size synthetic pitch is suitable for 11-a-side football and has a 66-seater spectator stand, as well as driveways, fencing and LED lighting. This extra high spec 3G pitch delivers quality and will improve your gaming experience and performance.

“We gave an outstanding presentation to the 11, providing an opportunity for all to enjoy. It looks incredible and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved. Our students and community now have a first-class 3G presentation to experience as we begin accepting bookings from May 2024.”

To inquire about booking your pitch visit https://www.coventry.ac.uk/business/facilities/the-place/

Sign up here for our FREE daily newsletter for all the latest news on Coventry.