University of Leeds transformed by SIS Pitches

The University of Leeds is one of the UK’s largest and most prestigious universities known for its commitment to sporting excellence. This is achieved through high-performance facilities that support students in achieving their athletic goals, whether socially, casually, or competitively.

THE BACKGROUND

The University of Leeds has multiple centres and gyms that cater to a wide range of sports. Recognising the importance of modern, high-quality infrastructure, the university partnered with SIS Pitches to upgrade its facilities, ensuring they remain at the top of student sports provision.

THE BRIEF

The university required:

• Three full-sized 3G football pitches for grassroots and elite football development.
• State-of-the-art cricket facilities, including match and practice pitches, mirror international grounds’ quality.
• Surfaces that could withstand frequent use while maintaining top performance in all weather conditions.

What We Did

Three Full-Size 3G Football Pitches at Boddington Playing Fields

In collaboration with the Football Foundation, SIS Pitches installed three SIS Grass Synthetic Xtreme pitches. These pitches offer:

• Excellent ball performance, ensuring high-quality games.
• Flexibility with smaller goals and dividing nets, enabling multiple games simultaneously.
• Durability to accommodate extensive use in various weather conditions.

The Football Foundation, backed by the Premier League, FA, and government, aims to enhance grassroots football facilities nationwide. This partnership has expanded access to quality football infrastructure for students and the community.

World-Class Cricket Pitches at Weetwood

A long-standing hub for cricket, the University of Leeds invested in two 10-foot match pitches and a 7-foot practice pitch using SIS Grass Hybrid technology. These hybrid surfaces are composed of 95% natural turf and 5% synthetic fibres, combining the look and performance of grass with enhanced durability.

The new surfaces match the quality of pitches at iconic venues like Lord’s and Edgbaston, offering:

• Superior performance for men’s and women’s cricket teams.
• A training and playing environment on par with national cricket standards.

These upgrades strengthen the university’s role as a national cricket centre of excellence in partnership with Leeds Bradford MCCU. They allow students to train and play at an elite level while pursuing their education.

The Outcome

The University of Leeds now features top football and cricket facilities, further solidifying its leadership in university sports provision. Thousands of students benefit from these upgrades, whether engaging in grassroots games or striving for excellence in national competitions.