As part of Westminster City Council’s commitment to improving access to physical activity in undeserved neighbourhoods , the Kennet House Multi-Use-Games-Area (MUGA), located just off Church Street, has undergone a major refurbishment. Delivered through the Active Westminster Programme, the project was led by MSC Consultants, with Playrite’s Matchplay 2 surface playing a key role in delivering a durable, low maintenance, and high-performance facility.
According to public procurement documentation from Westminster City Council, the Kennet House MUGA was described as “not used much” and in need of upgrades to ensure it was safe and appealing for children, young people, and families. The council also identified the surrounding area as facing health inequalities and low levels of physical activity, making the MUGA refurbishment a priority community investment.
This investment aimed to transform the MUGA into a safe and accessible environment, helping to meet the local need for accessible spaces that support movement, play and social connection.
Installed by Play Innovation as part of the full site refurbishment, Matchplay 2 is a needle-punch synthetic turf system designed for high-traffic, multi-sport environments. Chosen for its performance and resilience, the surface delivers:
Manufactured in the UK, Matchplay 2 complies with Sport England guidance and EN safety standards, making it a future-proof surface solution for community-led sport and recreation projects.
Refurbishment works began in mid-August 2025 and were completed within an 8-week construction programme, on-time and to specification.
The MUGA was officially reopened in October 2025 during a community celebration attended by Councillor Aicha Less, alongside local families, young People, and community groups. The event marked the return of a safe, revitalised space for play and activity and highlighted the importance of investing in local infrastructure to address health disparities and social isolation.
While Playrite’s role focused on supplying the surface system, the wider refurbishment also delivered essential improvements, including:
These features were designed to support informal, skills-based play across age groups, ensuring the facility appeals to a broad and diverse community.
The upgraded MUGA is already delivering tangible benefits for the local community:
“We’re very pleased with the performance and finish of the Matchplay 2 surface by Playrite” said MSC Consultants. “It’s robust, weather-resistant, and ideal for community-level usage. The vibrant colour options also helped us bring energy and character into the court design.”
Matchplay 2 continues to be a trusted choice for councils, schools, and contractors looking for resilient, low-maintenance multi-sport surfaces. Manufactured in the UK, it offers a cost-effective and future-ready investment, helping public bodies deliver inclusive, safe and vibrant community sports facilities.
To learn more about Matchplay 2 or explore surface options for your next project, contact the Playrite team today.
Greenwood Park Lawn Tennis Club (LTC), based in Chiswell Green, continues to enhance its offering to the local community with the successful completion of a significant court resurfacing project. Known for its inclusive ethos and wide-ranging tennis programmes, from mini tennis for young children to competitive Herts County League fixtures, the club welcomes players of all ages and skill levels.
Recently, Greenwood Park LTC officially unveiled three newly resurfaced courts, completed in collaboration with ETC Sports Surfaces, using Playrite’s Matchplay 2 XL surface. The occasion was marked by a well-attended Grand Opening event, underscoring the club’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible facilities for its members and the wider community.
Prior to the resurfacing, the courts were beginning to show visible signs of wear. Surface inconsistencies and reduced grip were starting to affect both play quality and user satisfaction. Recognising the need for a long-term solution that could withstand heavy use and varied weather conditions, the club sought a solution that would combine performance, durability, and low maintenance.
Matchplay 2, part of Playrite’s advanced needle-punch range, was selected for its strong track record at club level. Designed for its high-performance play, the surface combines exceptional durability with a unique dimpled profile that enhances grip and ball control. With a medium ITF pace rating (3) and excellent porosity, it provides consistent ball bounce and year-round playability, ideal for community clubs with busy schedules and diverse user groups.
The new courts provide a resilient, low-maintenance solution suited to both recreational and competitive tennis. The Grand Opening reflected the club’s inclusive vision, with strong outreach to local schools, community organisations, and neighbouring clubs. More than 100 attendees joined the celebration, including the Mayor of St Albans, Jamie Day, and former Mayor and High Sheriff, Annie Brewster, who performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Throughout the event, attendees participated in a range of tennis activities tailored to all ages. From toddlers as young as three to seasoned adult players, the coaching team ensured that everyone had the opportunity to try the new surface. Rackets were available to borrow, making the event welcoming even for those new to the sport.
The resurfacing project has not only revitalised the club’s facilities but has also helped strengthen community engagement and encourage greater participation in tennis. Manufactured in the UK by Playrite, Matchplay 2 features UV-stable fibres and a construction method proven to drain faster than traditional tufted surfaces. With a minimum five-year warranty, it presents a reliable, future-proof investment for tennis clubs prioritising performance and reliability.
Greenwood Park LTC’s latest upgrade underscores the value of investing in high-performance, multi-season surfaces. As part of a broader effort to promote healthy, active lifestyles and expand access to sport, the new courts represent a meaningful step forward for both the club and the wider St Albans community.
To learn more about Matchplay 2 or explore surface options for your facility, contact Playrite’s surface specialists today.
In the world of sports, the surface plays a critical role in supporting athletic movement, reducing fatigue, and protecting the body from harmful impacts.
One of the most important features of a sports surface is its ability to absorb shock. Shock absorption directly affects how much force travels back into an athlete’s body during high-impact activities like running, jumping, or falling. Without it, players are more prone to injuries such as joint strain, stress fractures, and long-term musculoskeletal issues.
This article explores the science behind shock absorption — how it works, why it matters, and how it influences both safety and performance on the field.
Shock absorption is a surface’s ability to cushion and reduce the force of impact when an athlete encounters the ground. Whether it’s a quick change in direction, a jump, or a fall, every movement generates force — and that force must go somewhere.
When a surface lacks proper shock absorption, most of that force travels straight into the athlete’s body — particularly their feet, knees, hips, and spine. Over time, this can lead to:
A well-designed sports surface absorbs and disperses impact energy, reducing the load on the athlete’s body and making the activity safer and more comfortable.
Shock-absorbing sports surfaces are designed to reduce impact by applying principles of physics. Here’s how: Here’s how:
How surfaces reduce the force transferred to the athlete
Instead of the full force bouncing straight back into the athlete’s body, the surface “catches” some of it and spreads it out.
Analogy: Imagine jumping on a trampoline vs. a wooden floor. The trampoline stretches and absorbs your energy, attenuating the force — whereas the wooden floor doesn’t move, and your knees take the hit.
In sports surfaces, shock pads absorb part of the force, so less of it travels back into the athlete’s body.
How impact energy is absorbed and dispersed through the material
When an athlete’s foot hits the ground, energy is generated. A good shock-absorbing surface doesn’t just store that energy — it spreads it out and reduces it.
Analogy: Think of a sponge. When you squeeze it, it takes in the pressure and slowly returns to its shape — the energy is absorbed and released gradually.
Now think of a rubber ball — it stores the energy and bounces right back.
In sports surfaces, shock-absorbing materials behave more like the sponge — they absorb energy from impact and release it slowly, protecting the athlete.
How materials change shape under pressure — and return
There are two types of deformation:
In sports surfaces, ideal materials show mostly elastic deformation — they absorb shock but return to shape, maintaining surface integrity.
When an athlete hits the ground:
Scientific studies have shown that surfaces with proper shock absorption significantly reduce:
A study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that athletes training on harder surfaces had a higher incidence of shin splints and knee pain compared to those training on shock-absorbing surfaces.
Other biomechanical research shows that poor shock absorption increases peak impact forces, which can accelerate cartilage wear and lead to long-term joint degeneration.
Better Shock Absorption = Better Performance
It’s not just about preventing injuries — quality shock absorption also helps athletes perform at their best.
Benefits include :
Below are some sports-related injuries that can be minimised or prevented with proper shock absorption:
| Injury Type | How Shock Absorption Helps |
| Stress Fractures | Reduces repetitive bone impact during running and jumping |
| Shin Splints | Lowers stress on the tibia caused by hard surfaces |
| Knee Pain / Patellar Tendinitis | Absorbs force that would otherwise strain ligaments and tendons |
| Ankle Sprains | Softens unexpected impacts during fast changes in direction |
| Back Pain | Prevents force from travelling up through the spine |
Shock-absorbing sports surfaces are not just a luxury — they’re a performance tool and safety feature.
They:
Different sports demand different shock absorption properties based on how the game is played.
Your choice should consider:
Shock absorption isn’t just about comfort — it’s about injury prevention, performance, and long-term value.
