Project Overview
West Yorkshire Artificial Lawns recently completed an impressive expansion project at Football World Leeds. The development features one outdoor 7-a-side football pitch and two outdoor 5-a-side football pitches, complementing the existing indoor facilities. After thorough consultations with project owners Harbinder Cheema and Andrew Bellenie, as well as various contractors, West Yorkshire Artificial Lawns was awarded the main contract for this significant undertaking.
Premium Turf Selection: San Siro 4G
For this project, we selected San Siro 4G turf supplied by Avalon—the same high-quality surfacing used at the prestigious O2 stadium. This premium turf, manufactured in Holland by Avalon, offers numerous advantages:
- Composed of high-quality, long-lasting yarn
- Specifically designed for both indoor and outdoor sports applications
- Features ultimate pile anchoring technology for exceptional durability
- Eliminates the need for rubber infill, preventing black rubber flakes from collecting in football boots
- Reduces injury risk through excellent recovery capability
- Provides superior grip for football studs
- Minimizes skin abrasion during play
The Construction Process
Site Preparation
The project began on an existing concrete foundation that previously served as a recycling compound. Our first task involved extensive groundworks to prepare a suitable base for the new pitches.
Perimeter Installation
We installed a comprehensive fencing system to divide the outdoor compound into separate playing areas. Each pitch features a vertical boundary standing 4.2 meters tall, supplied by First Fence (Derbyshire) and installed by our team. Once the lower section of fencing was assembled, we proceeded with the under-turf groundwork.
Foundation Development
Our groundwork process involved several critical steps:
- Installing and compacting a hardcore base to create a level, solid foundation
- Applying granite dust over the hardcore to enhance drainage and prevent water pooling, which could create ripples in the finished surface
Turf Installation
With the groundwork complete, we moved to the installation of the San Siro 4G turf:
- Carefully laying the turf according to specifications
- Securing the material with galvanized nails
- Joining separate pieces with specialized tape and adhesive to create the distinctive striped effect
- Applying a sand infill to enhance the yarn’s longevity and durability
Final Touches
We completed the project by:
- Assembling the upper section of the fencing
- Coordinating with specialist contractors for the installation of lighting systems
Client Testimonial
“Brand new and opened on 10th March 2025, our outdoor facilities are ready to impress. We’ve got two cutting-edge 5-a-side pitches and one spacious 7-a-side pitch, all built to the highest standards. Featuring the latest playing surfaces, these pitches provide unbeatable quality and durability, giving you the ultimate outdoor football experience.”
—Football World Leeds