Birkwood Primary School recently upgraded its outdoor sports facilities by installing Playrite’s Tournament Elite playing surface paired with Matchpad 1500gsm shockpad (10mm thick). This project was designed to provide the school with a high-quality, durable, and versatile sports surface that meets the needs of various activities. The installation was completed by Axo Leisure, a leading contractor in sports surface installations, with Playrite providing the state-of-the-art materials.
When it comes to selecting the right materials for a school sports surface, several factors come into play, such as durability, maintenance requirements, and suitability for a range of sports. For Birkwood Primary School, the choice was clear. Darren Akeroyd, Director of Axo Leisure, explained, “We chose the materials because they are suitable for multi-sports and relatively low maintenance. This allows the school to host a variety of activities without needing to worry about excessive wear or frequent upkeep.”
Ken Smith, Area Sales Manager from Playrite, also emphasised the advantages of the chosen products. “The combination of the Matchpad shockpad and Tournament Elite surface offers an optimal balance of comfort, safety, and performance. This makes it an ideal solution for schools looking to maximise their sports facilities while minimising long-term costs.”
Product Overview: Matchpad 1500gsm and Tournament Elite
The Matchpad 1500gsm shockpad is a 10mm thick underlay designed to provide enhanced shock absorption, ensuring a safer and more comfortable playing experience. This is particularly important in a school setting, where young children are prone to slips and falls. The shockpad's density and thickness help reduce the impact on joints, making it ideal for a variety of sports, from football and hockey to general physical education activities.
On top of the shockpad sits the Tournament Elite surface, one of Playrite's most advanced multi-sport surfaces. The Tournament Elite surface is known for its durability, excellent ball bounce characteristics, and low maintenance requirements. It is designed to withstand heavy use, making it perfect for schools that host multiple sports activities on the same field.
The surface's unique construction also contributes to its versatility. It provides excellent traction for sports like football, while also offering a smooth, consistent surface for hockey and other games that require a fast, flat pitch. Moreover, its UV-stabilised yarns ensure that the vibrant colours and performance characteristics are retained over time, even with constant exposure to the elements.
Benefits of a Multi-Use Surface
One of the primary reasons Birkwood Primary School opted for this specific combination of Playrite products was the need for a multi-use sports surface. A multi-use surface offers several benefits, particularly for schools with limited space and resources.
Firstly, it allows for a wide range of sports to be played on the same surface without compromising the quality of play. This is crucial in a school setting, where the sports curriculum can be diverse, and the same area might be used for football, hockey, netball, and other activities. The versatility of the Tournament Elite surface means that students can enjoy a high-quality playing experience regardless of the sport.
Secondly, multi-use surfaces like the one installed at Birkwood Primary School are cost-effective. Instead of investing in separate surfaces for different sports, the school can rely on one surface to meet all their needs. This not only reduces the initial installation costs but also minimises ongoing maintenance expenses. As Ken Smith noted, “A multi-use surface is a smart investment for any school. It provides the flexibility to accommodate various sports while keeping maintenance requirements and costs low.”
Finally, multi-use surfaces contribute to better space utilisation. Schools often have limited outdoor space, and having a surface that can accommodate different sports ensures that the available area is used efficiently. This allows more students to engage in physical activities simultaneously, promoting a more active and healthy school environment.
The installation of Playrite’s Tournament Elite playing surface at Birkwood Primary School marks a significant upgrade to the school's sports facilities. The new surface not only enhances the safety and comfort of students but also provides a versatile and durable platform for various sports. With its low maintenance requirements and long-lasting performance, the school is set to benefit from this investment for years to come.
Darren Akeroyd from Axo Leisure summed it up well: “We’re confident that Birkwood Primary School now has a sports surface that will serve its students well across a wide range of activities. It’s a practical, high-quality solution that meets all the school’s needs.”
Ken Smith from Playrite added, “We’re proud to have contributed to this project, providing a surface that will help nurture the next generation of athletes and active individuals.”
In choosing Playrite, Birkwood Primary School has ensured that its students have access to a top-tier sports surface that supports both their safety and their athletic development.
