Maidstone United’s new 3G pitch will be used up to 50 hours a week for five years, according to co-owner Oliver Ash.

A FIFA Quality Pro playing surface is set to be laid at the Gallagher Stadium ahead of the 2017-18 season, meeting the standards set by the National League.

Stones expected their pitch to last for eight years when they moved into the Gallagher in 2012 but the lifespan for international-quality surfaces like theirs has fallen to around half of that time – when used in ‘an intensive way’.

Mr Ash said: “It seems, from discussions we’ve had with suppliers and consultants, that by the end of this year, the top manufacturers will be in a position to offer packages where they virtually guarantee you’ll be able to get five years and 50 hours out of FIFA Quality Pro.

“Five years and 50 hours will enable the business model to succeed."

Mr Ash also said clubs wanting to switch from grass pitches to 3G would have to spend £300,000-£450,000 depending on ground conditions, with access to grants to help cover the costs depending on what level clubs play at.

He said: “It will be difficult to get grants for National League. The FA are concentrating their grant efforts on the Ryman League downwards because if you go down from Step 3, you don’t have to have a FIFA Quality Pro.

“You can have a lower type of pitch, which means it gets more use and, therefore, the FA can have more community use on it which justifies a grant.

“The new Quality Pro pitches, which we’re going to have to comply with, are international quality and at the moment, it’s unlikely we’ll be able to use them so much that we would get an FA grant.

“Suppliers are now offering funding packages and maintenance packages so there are possibilities to get contributions but not from the FA or the Football Foundation.”