Resurfacing Seddon Fields

To all members and supporters,

On behalf of the executive I’m pleased to announce that Auckland Council have confirmed that resurfacing of all artificial pitches at Seddon fields will commence March 2022. Through constructive dialogue, Council they have confirmed that the 3-year phased resurfacing previously discussed will now be ‘fast tracked’ ensuring all pitches are resurfaced this year.

The pitch resurfacing will see contractor Polytan install an upgraded artificial surface detailed below.

We’re expecting the resurfacing will take between 6-8 weeks which will impact on training, pre-season and early competition rounds. The club is currently working through plans for alternative playing facilities however there is a high likelihood access to available grass pitches will be constrained over this period. Further information will follow as these plans are confirmed.

The upgrade of lighting to 300 Lux on Pitch 1 & 2 has been completed. A similar upgrade to lighting on pitch 3 will be undertaken prior to the Women World Cup but at this stage we have no confirmed timeline.

We’re also pleased to report that construction of the MOTAT car park(s) is progressing well.

Beyond these improvements the club has established a project steering committee, chaired by Grant Lester, to prioritise the next phase of our site development. These long-term projects take time and resource and involve many stakeholders so would caution members around expecting too much change in the short term.

At this stage we have had no further updates around the Women’s World Cup and whether WSAFC is be a training facility. We will update you when we know more.

With Covid impacting the club’s ability to access sponsorship and community trusts we would respectfully ask members and supporters to consider if they, or businesses they’re associated with, may be in a position to support our community club.

Before signing off, I would like to acknowledge Auckland Council’s Andrew Case and Donovan Grobbelaar for the constructive process undertaken in reviewing timelines for the pitch resurfacing. Also, thanks to club members Zoran Jerkovic and Paul Rutland for their efforts in working with Auckland Council on the project.

Keep fit and stay safe

Regards

Warwick

P/S A reminder to please scan in whenever you’re visiting the club

Artificial Turf

Install LigaTurf Legend Pro 240 18/4. The high wear protection of the grass filaments has been verified in extensive laboratory tests for both FIFA and World Rugby, and ensures the required sustainability.

Shock pad

Install Schmitz Pro Play 23. This shock pad is made from 100% post-industrial polyethylene foam and fulfils FIFA requirements. It has enhanced drainage and durability capabilities.

Infill material

Install BrockFill material. This artificial infill is made from engineered wood particles. With the ongoing concerns around microplastics, UV temperatures and embodied carbon, Polytan have been investigating and trialling (with FIFA testing) natural infills as an alternative to rubber. UV temperatures on synthetic turf systems are renowned for reaching up to 60 degrees during New Zealand’s peak summer temperatures. BrockFill can reduce the surface temperature by up to 20 degrees as the wood particles can absorb moisture from rainfall events and morning dews, meaning the overall temperatures are cooler for the climate and users. This will be Auckland Council’s first and New Zealand’s first artificial surface that will have Brockfill prescribed as the preferred infill. This is a step in the right direction to enabling artificial turf systems to be more climate friendly and prevent rubber from ending up in natural environments.