Plastic Pitch

Given the number of games called off in the last two "summer" seasons, and the fact that UEFA have now sanctioned the latest plastic pitches is it time for us to consider looking into getting one?

The one obvious advantage of never having another game called off due to waterlogging - and some of the games that have been called off have cost the club serious bucks.

All games for all age groups could be played in Flancare, and the Longford training sessions thus saving on rental for other pitches. There would also be potential rental income (and associated bar profits if it ever opens) from other clubs/teams - including training sessions (for football teams and other codes), corporate hire etc. There could even be a return of the paddy clabby cup, which also could be a money spinner for the club (entry fees, again bar profits).

Also add in the fact we have a poor home record and clubs with plastic pitches invariably have good home records. A good home record, should increase gates, which inturn is more money into the club (and yet again bar profits).

I think that it's something that the club should be looking into, particularly now as I think UEFA are giving grants for clubs to pilot the latest technology.

There may be additional costs however, as an all weather pitch would require an all weather ground (more cover would be needed), but long term the benefits must out weigh the costs?

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Originally Posted by Macy

Given the number of games called off in the last two "summer" seasons, and the fact that UEFA have now sanctioned the latest plastic pitches is it time for us to consider looking into getting one?

The one obvious advantage of never having another game called off due to waterlogging - and some of the games that have been called off have cost the club serious bucks.

All games for all age groups could be played in Flancare, and the Longford training sessions thus saving on rental for other pitches. There would also be potential rental income (and associated bar profits if it ever opens) from other clubs/teams - including training sessions (for football teams and other codes), corporate hire etc. There could even be a return of the paddy clabby cup, which also could be a money spinner for the club (entry fees, again bar profits).

Also add in the fact we have a poor home record and clubs with plastic pitches invariably have good home records. A good home record, should increase gates, which inturn is more money into the club (and yet again bar profits).

I think that it's something that the club should be looking into, particularly now as I think UEFA are giving grants for clubs to pilot the latest technology.

There may be additional costs however, as an all weather pitch would require an all weather ground (more cover would be needed), but long term the benefits must out weigh the costs?

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have to agree with all of the above BUT its just not the same as grass, simple fact.

the advantage of playin on it the whole time would be of benefit to our players and knowing all ours games would be on is great.....but with the drainage works underway at the flansiro fingers crossed water logged pitches will be a thing of the past for us.

The club's already committed to spending money on the drainage system that's out there already, can't see them being willing to spend more money digging it up again..I can see where you're coming from though..About our home record though, I was working out that we won more games at home this year than we did away, in the league anyway..It's improved on last year anyway. Plus we won the league cup at home too

Okay, I'd say we'd need a grant but still something we should look into. If it gave a return like Torquay reckon, it wouldn't take long to pay off....

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Torquay said that although one would cost £300,000, they would not hesitate. "We could dispense with renting our training pitches and turn an under-used ground into a thriving centre for the local community," said chairman Michael Bateson. "Multi-usage would give us a return of something like £50,000 a year."

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To be honest although it would maybe save money it would also mean more hassle for players and staff having to travel down three nights a week, if we were going to go full time then maybe but as a part time set-up we're a more attractive bet training in Dublin, considering that's where 90% of players are based

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Originally Posted by Longfordian

To be honest although it would maybe save money it would also mean more hassle for players and staff having to travel down three nights a week, if we were going to go full time then maybe but as a part time set-up we're a more attractive bet training in Dublin, considering that's where 90% of players are based

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Sure I know, but there are Longford Training sessions as well aren't there?

Just throwing it out there really, being one of those that has to plan and travel for home games. Very annoying when they get called off...

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Originally Posted by Macy

Sure I know, but there are Longford Training sessions as well aren't there?

Just throwing it out there really, being one of those that has to plan and travel for home games. Very annoying when they get called off...

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also a lot of gaa teams would love facilities like that to train in the winter, might be an idea for the side pitch, it could then be divided in 5 a side pitches when the whole thin gis not being used and a full pro lighting system might not be needed......