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Futuristic plastic pitch
laid at Maidstone United's new ground

by Martin Jefferies

Maidstone United are treading new ground when it comes to the
pitch at their Gallagher Stadium.

An artificial grass surface has been laid at the club's £2.6m
home – the first time a UK stadium has been kitted out with the
revolutionary '3G' surface during construction.

The pitch looks similar to grass, but does not freeze in snowy
or icy conditions and does not flood during heavy rain.

It can survive even the strongest of non-league tackles and will
last for up to 10 years.

When it does wear out, ground staff simply roll up the 'turf'
and add a new strip - just like laying a carpet.

The surface is still relatively uncommon – and controversial –
in football.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho – whose side played on synthetic
grass when they travelled to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League
earlier this season – is not a fan, and says the game is "much more
beautiful when it is played on natural grass".

Here, the Football Association will not allow teams to play FA
Cup matches on an artificial pitch.

The sport's governing body is likely to keep a close eye on
Maidstone's Ryman League matches, as part of a consultation on the
possible use of synthetic surfaces in the Football League in the
future.