6 SIS Grass Hybrid fields for the next generation of soccer players

Hybrid technology has been installed at facilities for the Russian Football Union (RFU) Youth Team. The Russian Football Union (RFU) is committed to improving soccer infrastructure nationwide, mainly focusing on youth development. The RFU has invested in facilities that provide high-quality playing surfaces to enable the next generation of footballers.

These facilities are used for grassroots soccer and professional training and are part of the RFU’s vision to increase soccer standards in Russia and create opportunities for young players.

The Background

In 2020, SIS Grass was tasked with converting six soccer fields across five key training centres and stadiums in Russia from natural grass to SIS Grass Hybrid grass surfaces. This project highlights the RFU’s commitment to improving nationwide field quality for youth players. The facilities include:

• Bronnitsy RFU Youth Training Centre (2x)
• Strunino RFU Youth Academy (1x)
• Yaroslavl RFU Youth Training Centre (1x)
• Nizhny RFU Youth Training Centre (1x)
• Tomsk RFU Stadium (1x)

SIS Grass Hybrid technology has been used at major soccer tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup, and is trusted by the sport’s biggest names. This project continues to build on SIS Grass’s reputation as a provider of elite playing surfaces.

The RFU required SIS Grass Hybrid to upgrade six fields to hybrid grass surfaces to deliver high performance, durability, and surfaces. The fields needed to combine the qualities of natural and synthetic turf to meet the needs of intensive usage. Despite logistical and environmental challenges, the project was to be completed in time for winter.

Bronnitsy RFU Youth Training Centre

Bronnitsy, previously used as the home of the Argentina National Team for the 2018 World Cup, was upgraded with two reinforced stitched hybrid fields. Over two weeks, SIS Grass installed high-performance polyethylene fibers, creating two high-performance surfaces.

Strunino RFU Youth Academy

The field at Strunino was completed in only eight days using one stitching machine. The team’s expertise and technology ensured the installation ran smoothly and efficiently.

Yaroslavl RFU Youth Training Centre

In September 2020, the team installed SIS Grass hybrid technology at the Yaroslavl facility. The surface was stitched at 180mm depth with 2×2 spacing, ensuring long-term durability and performance.

Nizhny RFU Youth Training Centre

Famous for hosting the Uruguay National Team during the 2018 World Cup, Nizhny’s hybrid field was installed to allow for increased playing hours and faster recovery. The SIS Grass team worked day and night to complete the installation, delivering a surface that blends seamlessly with natural turf while being over 95% natural grass.

Tomsk Stadium

The final project was completed in October 2020 at Tomsk Stadium, home to FC Tom Tomsk, who compete in the Russian Football National League. SIS Grass hybrid technology provides professional footballers with a robust and consistent playing surface.

Completing this multi-pitch project has significantly upgraded soccer facilities across Russia, providing elite-quality surfaces for youth and professional soccer. Despite the challenges posed by the project scale and external conditions, all six fields were delivered on time and to the highest standards.