"It is estimated our training capacity will increase to 60% with the completion of the main pitch and training field. It’s also great to have the assurance that, when other sports fields are closed, we can continue planning and scheduling training and games with confidence." Mark Weipers, President, Ellerslie AFC

• Turf: Football
• Area: 11,457m2
• Surface: TigerTurf Pinnacle 40P with 10mm BSW Roll Out shockpad
• Base: Dynamic base
• Completed: April 2013

Overcoming four seasons in one day
For many years the Ellerslie AFC struggled with the perennial problem facing football clubs around NZ; how to accommodate all players with training and game time on the fields. Auckland’s “four seasons in one day” weather was the core problem as the club struggled with field capacity, especially with demands of over 120 club teams and schools wanting to train and play.

Environmental impact was closely monitored by Council
A significant consideration was the special environmental status of the greater Michaels Ave Reserve. Extensive testing showed the water and air quality was well within workplace and ambient air quality guidelines, alleviating concerns raised. The Auckland Council continues to monitor air and water quality to ensure no future environmental impact.

Designed to replicate the best natural grass fields
The turf for football fields has soft, non-abrasive fibres that replicate grass in colour, feel and performance.

TigerTurf synthetic grass allows the football to “sit” in the surface, controlling ball roll, and allowing freedom of movement for the player to perform sliding tackles and a full selection of skills.

Near the base of the fibres sits a layer of recycled rubber, which adds resilience to control ball bounce and absorbs impact. The drawbacks of natural turf are eliminated: Cancelled matches due to waterlogged pitches are a thing of the past. No heavy maintenance to restore worn surfaces. Daily maintenance is reduced dramatically. The result – a perfect pitch throughout the year.

Collaboration between Club and Council pays off
The club was meeting only 20% of the capacity required for training.  The solution was a synthetic field and the Club, in association with Auckland Council, embarked on creating a long term facility that would meet the needs of the community for many years. The project includes a full-size international field constructed to meet FIFA 1* accreditation, plus a half size warm-up and training pitch.

A significant consideration was the special environmental status of the greater Michaels Ave Reserve.  Extensive testing showed the water and air quality was well within the workplace and ambient air quality guidelines, alleviating concerns raised.   The Auckland Council continues to monitor air and water quality to ensure no future environmental impact.

Laid with TigerTurf’s Pinnacle 40P football system, the field is ideal for players of all levels from kids through to senior teams.   It is created from blades that look, feel and play like natural turf, with a 10mm rubber underlay and layers of sand and crumb rubber in the grass.

It is the result of years of research and development to replicate the characteristics of natural turf while enhancing player performance and safety.

Using TenCate’s patented Evolution yarn, renowned for its resilience and performance, the fibres literally “stand up” to intensive play.