When the school set out to create an inclusive cricket facility, it aimed to cater to students of all skill levels, from novices to potential academy prospects. The goal was to provide a comprehensive environment where both students and professionals could enhance their cricketing skills outside the traditional classroom setting. The centre boasts five distinct cricket lanes, each equipped with varied surfaces. This deliberate diversity in playing conditions transforms the centre into a dynamic testing ground, strategically designed to challenge and foster the development of students.
These varied surfaces are essential for simulating different playing conditions, helping players adapt and improve their skills. The positive impact of the new cricket centre extends beyond the school grounds. With Merchant Taylors’ close affiliation with Middlesex County Cricket Club, the benefits of these cutting-edge facilities are shared with Middlesex CC as well. This collaboration ensures that both the school and the cricket club can fully utilise this elite facility. Playrite, a prominent manufacturer of artificial sports surfaces, partnered with Durant Cricket to develop Duraweave, a woven surface specifically designed for indoor cricket facilities. Cristian Durant, Owner of Durant Cricket, stated, “We believe that the woven surface offers the best performance and durability for cricket practice. Its strength and resilience make it an ideal choice for our installations. We are confident that this surface will provide a realistic and long-lasting cricket experience.”
The installation of the Duraweave woven wicket, manufactured exclusively for Durant Cricket, demonstrated superior strength, drainage, resistance to spikes, and durability. “The new cricket centre at Merchant Taylors’ School is a testament to their dedication to sports excellence,” said Chris Pickles, Sales Director at Playrite. “This facility is a game-changer for both the school and Middlesex County Cricket Club, providing unmatched opportunities for skill development.”
The completion of the Julian Hill Indoor Cricket Centre at Merchant Taylors’ School highlights the successful collaboration between Durant Cricket and Playrite. This state-of-the-art facility not only enhances the cricketing experience for students but also strengthens the school’s relationship with Middlesex County Cricket Club, providing mutual benefits and fostering a robust cricketing community.
For more information about Playrite’s artificial cricket surfaces, contact us today.
The key objectives were to provide better protection for users, ensure all-year-round access, and accommodate both tennis and padel. The new surface aims to replicate the playability of natural clay while offering the durability and lower maintenance of an artificial surface.
The Clayrite MF surface is designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, providing a natural clay-like appearance that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Tennis Centre.
Additionally, the surface supports the University’s sustainability initiatives by being durable and requiring less maintenance compared to natural clay courts.
The installation is expected to significantly benefit both the University and the wider community by providing a high- quality playing surface that can be used year-round. This encourages greater participation from both students and local community members.
The project involved collaboration between the University of Warwick, the contractor, and Playrite, the manufacturer of the Clayrite MF surface. This partnership ensured that the selected surface met the University’s needs and was installed to the highest standards.
Feedback from the University’s tennis clubs and members has been overwhelmingly positive. Users have praised the playability of the new surface, noting its similarity to natural clay and its suitability for various weather conditions. As Matthew Tew, Tennis Manager, noted, “We are very pleased with this surface and its playability, and initial feedback from our customers has been positive. This sand-filled artificial clay surface is a great addition to our Tennis Centre and plays just like a real clay surface. As we head into the summer season, our clubs and members are looking forward to utilising this great facility.”
Chris Pickles, Sales Director at Playrite, commented, “We are delighted to have partnered with the University of Warwick on this project. The Clayrite MF surface is an excellent choice for their Tennis Centre, offering the perfect balance of playability and durability. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the University and its community.”
Contact us today to learn more about Playrite’s tennis surfaces and how the team’s expertise can help with your next project.
Padel, a fast-paced blend of tennis and squash, has been making waves on the UK sports scene. With its accessible rules and exhilarating gameplay, padel has attracted a dedicated following, with numbers potentially even higher than reported, as noted by Stratford Padel Club, boasting over 22,000 registered players alone. Similarly, pickleball, a fusion of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has seen rapid growth, with Sport England’s figures mirroring estimates from Pickleball England, indicating a burgeoning community of players eager to embrace this exciting sport.
But what’s behind the rise of padel and pickleball, and how can sports venues, including tennis facilities, capitalise on this trend? The answer lies in the accessibility, social appeal, and adaptability of these sports. Padel and pickleball offer a welcoming environment for players of all ages and skill levels, with smaller courts and modified equipment making them easy to pick up and enjoy. Moreover, their emphasis on doubles play fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, drawing players together in a shared love of the game.
For sports venues looking to capitalise on the growing interest in padel and pickleball, investing in high-quality surfaces is key. Playrite’s surfaces, renowned for their durability and performance, provide the ideal playing environment for these fast-paced sports. By retrofitting existing tennis courts or creating dedicated padel and pickleball facilities, venues can attract new players and diversify their offerings, tapping into the burgeoning market for racket sports.
Furthermore, embracing padel and pickleball can help venues future-proof their operations, catering to evolving trends in sports participation and ensuring a steady stream of revenue. Whether it’s through league play, tournaments, or social events, there’s ample opportunity for venues to engage with the growing community of padel and pickleball enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant and inclusive sporting culture.
The rise of padel and pickleball in the UK represents a seismic shift in the recreational sports landscape. With their accessible gameplay and infectious energy, these sports are capturing the hearts and minds of players across the country. By embracing this trend and investing in top-notch facilities, sports venues can position themselves at the forefront of the padel and pickleball revolution, providing a home for enthusiasts to thrive and grow.
In the fast-paced world of sports surfaces, one company has been making significant strides in global exports: Playrite. Based in the UK, Playrite has established itself as a premier manufacturer of top-quality artificial sport surfaces, exporting its products to destinations around the world. With decades of experience under its belt, Playrite has built a reputation for excellence, exporting over 5 million square metres of surfaces annually for the past 20 years.
What sets Playrite apart is not just the quality of its products but also its commitment to meeting international standards. All Playrite surfaces comply with the requirements set by relevant sports governing bodies, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of performance and safety. In fact, Playrite proudly holds the EN15330 performance accreditation, demonstrating its dedication to excellence.
But it’s not just about the products themselves; Playrite understands the importance of providing comprehensive support to its customers. That’s why the company has a dedicated in-house export sales team ready to assist with everything from production and product knowledge to shipping information. This commitment to customer service ensures that every interaction with Playrite is a seamless experience.
Among Playrite’s flagship exports are its outdoor tennis surfaces, manufactured to meet the strict standards set by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). These surfaces are not only of the highest quality but also suitable for wheelchair users, making them accessible to all. Additionally, Playrite offers Multi-Sport surfaces (MUGA), perfect for facilities looking for versatile options for sports like football (soccer), hockey, cricket, and basketball.
What’s more, Playrite manufactures all of its surfaces in the UK, ensuring the highest levels of quality control. With installations across the country and even in other parts of the world, Playrite’s surfaces are trusted by schools, sports clubs, and facilities worldwide. And with ISO9001 and ISO14001 accreditation, customers can rest assured that they’re getting products of the highest standard.
Looking to the future, Playrite is focused on expanding its global reach even further. The company understands that global partnerships are key to promoting the brand and reaching new markets. That’s why Playrite is set to launch an export website, designed to drive brand awareness and facilitate international sales. With its commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation, Playrite is well-positioned to remain a key player in the global sports surfaces market for years to come.
To find out more visit www.playrite-export.com
The main objective of choosing a MUGA surface was simple: to give students a place to play sports all year round, with a focus on football, both 7-a-side and 5-a-side. With the unpredictable British weather, having a dependable surface means the fun doesn’t stop, come rain or shine. In collaboration with a nearby contractor, the college was recommended to explore several potential options, ultimately opting for Playrite’s Matchplay 2 due to its outstanding features that met the college’s needs.
Ken smith, Area Sales Manager from Playrite commented “With the college looking to cover such an expansive area, it was imperative that a multi-sport surface would deliver a solution that accommodated all of their needs. We worked with the Design Team to establish what their long term objectives were for the overall sports facilities, to ensure the surface they chose would more than meet them”.
The college selected Playrite’s Matchplay 2 in a green shade to seamlessly integrate with the pitch’s surroundings. This particular MUGA surface allows students to use outdoor pitches throughout the year, enabling sports and recreational activities in any weather conditions. Additionally, its cost- effective maintenance ensures the college can allocate resources effectively for long-term sustainability.
Taking charge of the main installation was Smith Construction (Heckington) Ltd, a trusted name in installations. They were tasked with installing Matchplay 2 surface, covering an impressive 2000 square metres. Sophie Spencer, Contracts Coordinator & Health and Safety Manager at Smith Construction (Heckington) Ltd comments, “Working on the Sir Harry Smith Community College project was a real pleasure. We take pride in our work, knowing it makes a difference in the community. We’re confi dent this new facility will be enjoyed by many for years to come.”
With the new MUGA surface in place, students can expect to enjoy a boost in their outdoor sports activities. Whether it’s a casual kickabout or a competitive match, the improved facilities are encouraging more students to get active. And it’s not just the students who will benefi t – the whole community stands to gain from having access to better sports facilities.
Ken Smith, further commented “We’re thrilled to have been part of this project. Our aim with the Matchplay 2 MUGA surface was to provide a reliable, high-performance solution for sports enthusiasts. We hope it inspires students to stay active and pursue their passions.”
If you are looking to update your sport facilities and would like further information about Playrite’s surfaces, please do not hesitate to contact the team.
At Playrite, we strive to deliver high-quality artificial grass solutions with a focus on performance and safety. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our products and practices, ensuring that we meet industry standards while prioritising environmental responsibility and occupational health.
At Playrite our BSI ISO 9001 certification symbolises our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality management. By adhering to ISO 9001 principles, we continuously refine our processes, ensuring that each Playrite product and service embodies excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Our ISO 14001 certification serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to minimising our environmental footprint while maximising efficiency. Through the implementation of stringent environmental management systems, we meticulously monitor and mitigate our impact on the environment at every stage of our operations. From the procurement of raw materials to the distribution of our products, Playrite remains steadfast in our commitment to eco-conscious practices that lead the way towards a greener, more sustainable future.
At Playrite, excellence isn’t just a goal; it’s our standard. Our BSI ISO accreditations epitomise our commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, sustainability, and safety in everything we do. By adhering to these international standards, we not only enhance our products, services, and processes but also contribute to a brighter future.
With Playrite, expect nothing less than exceptional performance, reliability, and innovation — today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Contact us to find out more …..
When it comes to producing artificial surfaces for sport and leisure, Playrite emerges as one of the UK’s top manufacturer’s in the industry. With a legacy of innovation, precision engineering, and a commitment to quality, Playrite excels as the go-to choice for artificial sports surfaces. Check out why Playrite stands out:
1. Expertise and Experience
With decades of experience, the Playrite team has a wealth of expertise that allows them to understand how to engineer surfaces for a diverse range of sports and leisure activities that exceed expectations, setting new standards of performance and durability. Moreover, our influence extends to a number of industry leaders who have benefitted from our training and teachings, now holding prominent positions within the sector.
2. Utilisation of Advanced Technology
Playrite prides itself on ultilising production facilities that rival our competitors with manufacturing processes, materials, and techniques to create surfaces that deliver optimal performance, resilience, and safety. From advanced shock absorption systems to superior traction and ball response, every aspect of a Playrite surface is meticulously engineered to enhance the playing experience.
3. Quality and Warranties:
Quality is paramount at Playrite as such we offer a minimum 5 year warranty on all of our surfaces. Adhering to rigorous quality control standards, we ensure each surface meets our specifications for performance, consistency, and longevity, ensuring our surfaces withstand intense use, delivering unparalleled value and peace of mind to our customers.
4. Customisation and Versatility
Recognising that every sport and leisure activity has its own unique requirements, Playrite offers a wide range of customisable solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. Whether it’s a professional sports facility, a community playground, or a multi-purpose recreational area, we have the expertise and flexibility to design and manufacture surfaces that perfectly align with our customers’ vision and objectives.
5. Environmental Responsibility
Playrite is committed to implementing and eco-conscious practices (where possible), prioritising the use of recyclable materials, minimising waste generation, and reviewing energy-efficient manufacturing processes to reduce our carbon footprint.
In a competitive landscape crowded with options, Playrite stands out as a leader in manufacturing artificial surfaces for sport and leisure. With a legacy built on expertise and innovation, we continue to raise the bar and redefine the standards of excellence in our industry.
Discover the Playrite difference today and elevate your sporting and recreational experiences to new heights.
Merstham Primary School, a proud member of the GLF group of schools, is committed to providing a nurturing environment where children grow, learn, and flourish. Located in London, the school embarked on a remarkable journey to revitalise their barren playground into a dynamic space where children could thrive.
Teaming up with Newby Leisure, approved Playrite partner, Merstham Primary School ensured that the playground design met the specific needs of their early years’ foundation team. The result was an inspiring outdoor play area featuring caves, streams, a mud kitchen, and sand areas, fostering exploration and imaginative play.
To withstand the diverse play elements, Newby Leisure recommended Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30, an artificial turf known for its durability, safety, and versatility. This choice allowed children to freely engage in sand, mud, and play in inclement weather without the inconvenience of a natural grass surface transforming into a muddy quagmire.
Headteacher Gavin Oulton commented, “The children adore their new play area, learning through play and having a blast. In fact, we now have difficulty getting them back into the classroom as they want to be outside all the time!”
The acclaim extended beyond the school, as the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Frank Kelly, officially inaugurated the playground, braving the snow. The children eagerly invited the mayor to return and experience the equipment firsthand.
Merstham Primary School’s commitment to providing an exceptional learning experience is evident in the transformation of their playground. Through imaginative play and exploration in this vibrant outdoor setting, students gain invaluable skills, forge lifelong memories, all while staying safe and clean thanks to the gentle cushioning of Nearlygrass 30 underfoot.
Ready to transform your playground into a dynamic space for learning and play?
Contact us today to learn more about Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 and how it can enhance your outdoor environment.
Product Information:
Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 is a premium artificial turf designed for durability, safety, and versatility. With its gentle cushioning underfoot, Nearlygrass 30 provides a safe and clean surface for children to explore and play in any weather condition. Whether it’s sand, mud, or grass, Nearlygrass 30 ensures a hassle-free play experience, making it the perfect choice for school playgrounds, parks, and recreational areas.
