Horsham FC

Only last week a vote amongst Conference clubs rejected plans to allow synthetic pitches to be used in their division, news which comes as a major blow to Maidstone United, who play on a 3G pitch and were on course for promotion from the Ryman Prem.

Mr Lines though said building a synthetic pitch was crucial to their plans to build a facility the whole community could use and that it was only a matter of time before 3G pitches were allowed in the Football League.

He said: “These new pitches are incredibly hard wearing and similar to natural grass in terms of how they play. Years ago when the Football League allowed them, they were hard plastic surfaces, often covered in sand to soften the bounce of the ball.

“FIFA allow international matches to be played on them but the Football League down to Conference level do not permit their use for match conditions. However, the FA allow teams from step 3 of the Football League and below to use them and also allow FA Cup matches up to the First Round proper. I believe however that despite the recent vote by Conference clubs, the tide is turning and it is only a matter of time. Maidstone United are leading the campaign to have 3G accepted at a higher level and we will be attending a seminar being held by them on the subject later this month.”