3G pitch finance: new pitches and carpet replacement

• Groundworks and drainage: excavation, a drainage system and an engineered base
• Shockpad and carpet: the artificial grass, infill and any shock-absorbing layer beneath
• Fencing and ball stops: perimeter fencing, gates, hard standing and paths
• Floodlights: columns, fittings, cabling and controls
• Goals and equipment: fixed or movable goals, dugouts and maintenance kit
• Testing: the field test needed to get the pitch on the register

A carpet replacement is a smaller job: the old carpet is lifted and disposed of, the base is checked and repaired, and a new carpet is laid and tested. On an older pitch the base or drainage may also need work, which can change the cost considerably, so get the contractor to survey it first. Sport England's design guidance on outdoor surfaces covers layouts, noise and carpet recycling.

Clubs that want to host FA-affiliated matches on artificial grass need the pitch to be on the 3G pitch register, which the Football Foundation runs on behalf of The FA. A pitch gets onto the register by passing a field test, and it has to be retested periodically to stay on it; expired pitches cannot be used for affiliated football. The register also offers a recreational standard aimed at small-sided providers. Lenders and grant funders will usually expect a new or resurfaced pitch to be built to a standard that can pass testing, so include the test in the project budget and timetable.

Not-for-profit organisations in England may be able to apply to the Football Foundation for 3G pitch funding. Its eligibility guidance lists organisations such as not-for-profit clubs, local authorities, schools providing community use, charities and community interest companies, and excludes individuals, sole traders and commercial entities. Organisations funded for a 3G pitch are expected to save into a Pitch Replacement Fund held by the Foundation, so the money for the next carpet builds up over the pitch's life. Grants are competitive and come with conditions on community use, so a club often needs its own contribution or a commercial loan alongside. Commercial small-sided operators usually fund the whole project through commercial finance.

Repay a carpet loan well within the life of the carpet, or the venue may still be paying for one surface when the next is due. Save towards replacement alongside the repayments, whether or not a grant requires it. Grant conditions on pricing or community access can limit how intensively a pitch is let, which matters for repayments. Borrowing of £25,000 or less by sole traders and small partnerships can be regulated consumer credit, which brings additional protections. Directors of commercial operators should expect personal guarantees.