The resurfacing of the Eltham North FIFA Pitch, home of the Eltham Redbacks FC, is a perfect example of the opportunities to be environmentally sustainable when uplifting aged fields.

The Tuff Group team collaborated and consulted with the client, Nillumbik Shire Council, in the feasibility phase of the project to ensure the proposed scope would achieve the desired outcome for the club and community.

The existing field, after eleven years of service, had reached the end of its functional life and no longer passed FIFA Quality requirements.

In evaluating the surface, Tuff Group proposed to uplift and remove the existing synthetic grass and shockpad, and to remediate the existing base using only site-won material.

After the field was uplifted, the remediation process was undertaken. The field was surveyed and evaluated by our in-house design team, who created a 3D “TIN” model designed to bring the surface back within FIFA tolerances, if possible, without importing any additional material. Careful and considered design resulted in this goal being achieved.

The existing base was then re-shaped and re-graded by our in-house civil team using UTS-guided machinery, utilising the 3D model created by the design team. This posed some challenges in that some of the existing infrastructure directly surrounding the pitch had become dilapidated over time and had fallen away in height.

After evaluating this with the client, it was decided to re-build small sections of the spoon drain to ensure that stormwater continued to be effectively managed.

Following the successful completion of the base works, the FIFA Quality Vmax50 synthetic surfacing system was installed on the project. Tuff Group installed this surface because it meets the demands of an elite, professional surface, with multidimensional synthetic grass fibres that provide a durable, high-performance surface that resists folding and flattening.

After being played on for four weeks, the field was tested and certified to FIFA Quality standards by a certified, independent testing agent. This field will continue to perform for the community for at least the next ten years.