Floodlit five-a-side pitch in a netted enclosure, with new artificial turf at night

Sports surfaces

Built around your sport.

Artificial sports surfaces for schools, clubs and commercial facilities. We design and install the right surface system around your sport, level of use, site conditions and performance requirements.

Discuss Your Project Send Plans / Specification

  • UK-manufacturedsurface options
  • Wide rangeof sports
  • Groundworks& drainage
  • Our owninstallation teams
  • Performance-testedsystems available
  • Completesports facilities

Free quote for your pitch

Leave your details and we will come back to you the same day.

We measure the garden from satellite imagery, so we rarely need to visit.

Rather skip the call? WhatsApp us your address and a photo of the garden — that is usually all we need to price it.

Clubs, schools and venues we have worked with

  • Canons High School
  • UTC Reading
  • Wyvil Primary School
  • Power League
  • Legoland Windsor Resort
  • Team GB
  • ParalympicsGB

Sports & facilities we build

The right surface for every sport.

Different sports demand different playing characteristics. We select the surface system around the sport, level of use, facility and required performance — from school and community facilities to specialist sports environments.

  • Football 3G surfaces for training, clubs and competitive facilities. FIFAFIFA-performance options available
  • Rugby Long-pile systems designed around rugby use and impact requirements.
  • Hockey Specialist hockey systems for consistent ball roll and performance. FIHFIH National performance options
  • Tennis Surfaces available across different playing speeds and facility types. ITFITF Pace options 1–5
  • Netball Dedicated and multi-sport systems for schools, clubs and leisure facilities. England NetballApproved Netball Performance options
  • Cricket Specialist woven, tufted and needlepunch systems for wickets and practice areas.
  • Bowls Specialist synthetic bowling surfaces for indoor and outdoor facilities. World BowlsWorld Bowls system options
  • MUGA / Multi-Sport Versatile systems for football, hockey, netball, tennis, basketball and more. EN 15330Options to EN 15330
More sports. More possibilities.
  • Padel
  • Pickleball
  • Basketball
  • Training Areas
  • Schools & Universities

Need something more specialist? Tell us how the facility will be used and we’ll help identify the appropriate surface system.

Tell us what you need to play.We’ll help establish the right surface and performance requirements for your facility.
Discuss Your Project Send Plans / Specification

The right surface system

The right surface for the required performance.

We work with leading UK and international sports-surface manufacturers to provide high-quality, sport-specific systems. This allows us to specify the most appropriate surface for your sport, level of use, budget and any required performance standards.

  • Sport-specific systems
  • Performance-tested options available
  • UK-manufactured and specialist systems
  • Football & Rugby High-performance 3G and long-pile systems for training, club and competitive use, with options for FIFA quality systems where required.
  • MUGAs & Multi-Sport Durable, versatile surfaces for schools, leisure centres and community facilities, suitable for a range of sports and activities.
  • Hockey FIH-appropriate surfaces with the right playing characteristics for all levels of play, from community to elite facilities.
  • Tennis & Netball Specialist surfaces designed for consistent play and long-term durability in both training and competitive environments.

Surfaces from leading manufacturers

UK-manufactured options and specialist systems.

We work directly with Playrite, a UK sports-surface manufacturer based in West Yorkshire, giving us access to a wide range of needlepunch, tufted and woven surfaces, as well as specialist systems from other manufacturers when required.

  • NeedlepunchDurable, highly porous surfaces ideal for multi-sport use.
  • TuftedNatural appearance with a range of pile heights for different sports and performance requirements.
  • WovenDense, non-directional surfaces with excellent stability and consistent playing characteristics.

PlayriteManufactured in the UK (West Yorkshire)

Performance standards

Accredited systems where required.

For projects that require governing-body accreditation, we can specify appropriate systems and work towards the relevant performance requirements, with independent testing arranged where needed.

  • FIFAFIFA Quality ProgrammeApproved football systems available for projects requiring FIFA performance standards.
  • FIHFIH Quality ProgrammeAppropriate hockey systems available for facilities requiring FIH certification.

Built properly from the ground up

Performance starts below the surface

How a pitch plays depends on what is under it. On a full build we manage every layer, from the dig to the finished surface, and the sport decides the specification rather than the budget.

  1. Sports surfaceHigh-quality synthetic surface for the chosen sport and performance level.
  2. Infill (where applicable)Stabilises the surface, supports performance and helps with durability (e.g. sand and/or rubber).
  3. Shockpad (where required)Provides impact absorption and helps meet performance standards.
  4. Regulating layerA precise layer to achieve correct levels, surface consistency and drainage falls.
  5. Engineered stone baseTypically Type 1 stone, compacted in layers to the required specification.
  6. Drainage systemPerforated pipes and free-draining stone to efficiently remove water from the surface.
  7. Prepared formationExisting ground excavated, graded and compacted with geotextile membrane where required.
Installer unrolling a length of sports turf over the pale shock-pad panels of a five-a-side pitch
A five-a-side pitch being laid: each length of grass is unrolled over the shock-pad panels beneath it.
  • Drains all yearDrainage planned before the surface
  • Over tarmac tooA sound hard court is repaired and reused
  • Shock-pad where it mattersNever value-engineered out
  • Inlaid line markingsTufted in, never painted
School 3G football pitch with inlaid white lines, goals and mesh perimeter fencing

Complete sports facilities

More than just the playing surface.

We deliver complete sports facilities, from initial groundworks and drainage through to fencing, line markings and equipment. Whether it’s a school MUGA, a tennis court or a specialist sports facility, we manage all associated works so you have one contractor, one programme and a facility ready to play.

  • One contractorGroundworks, surface, fencing, markings and equipment.
  • Tailored to your projectWe design the complete solution around your sport, site and budget.
  • Built to lastQuality materials, expert installation and long-term performance.

Associated works we can provide

  • Fencing & nettingPerimeter fencing, ball-stop netting and gates to suit your facility.
  • Sports lightingCoordination and installation of lighting systems (through approved partners).
  • Sports equipmentGoals, posts, nets and other equipment for all key sports.
  • Paths & accessTarmac, resin or paving for access routes and spectator areas.
  • Seating & spectator areasBenches, terracing and viewing areas to suit your facility.
  • Landscaping & surfacingEdging, planting and surrounding works to complete the facility.
  • Drainage solutionsPerforated drainage, ACO channels and engineered systems designed for sports use.

Real sports projects

Sports facilities we have built

From school MUGAs to full 3G pitches, for schools, clubs and commercial facilities.

View all projects
  • 3G football pitch with white line markings at The Queen's CE Primary School, RichmondSchool 3G pitch

    The Queen's CE Primary School

    Richmond

    A full 3G football pitch built from the dig up: excavation, a compacted stone sub-base, rubber-crumb infill, inlaid lines, goals and fencing.

    • 3G, rubber infill
    • 1,750 m²
    • 17 days
    View project
  • School multi-use games area with new artificial grass, inlaid white lines and a basketball goalSchool MUGA

    Wyvil Primary School

    South West London

    An uneven tarmac court with poor drainage, turned into a multi-sport MUGA: holes repaired, a drainage channel hidden under the grass, a 10 mm shock-pad and inlaid lines.

    • The same school court before: worn tarmac with faded painted linesBefore
    • School multi-use games area with new artificial grass, inlaid white lines and a basketball goalAfter
    • Stadia 4G, no infill
    • Drainage fixed
    • 5 days
    View project
  • Finished five-a-side pitch under floodlights, inside a netted enclosureFive-a-side

    Floodlit five-a-side pitch

    A netted, floodlit five-a-side pitch. The grass was laid in long lengths over shock-pad panels, then joined and fixed.

    • Football
    • Over a shock-pad

From brief to finished facility

A clear process from start to finish.

We manage every stage of your sports project, providing expert advice, clear communication and high-quality construction from initial enquiry to a facility ready to play.

  • Dedicated project supportA single point of contact from enquiry to handover.
  • Experienced teamGroundworks, sports surfaces and associated works.
  • Clear programmesRealistic timelines planned around your requirements.
  • Quality assuredBuilt to relevant standards with independent testing where required.
  1. 1 Tell us about your project New build, resurfacing, school, club, tender or private facility. Let us know your requirements, timescales and budget.
  2. 2 Send plans or specification Share your drawings, BOQ or consultant specification if available. If you’re not sure, we can help establish the right solution.
  3. 3 Site assessment We assess ground conditions, existing surface, levels, drainage, access and site constraints to inform the design and specification.
  4. 4 System specification We recommend the most suitable surface system, including base construction, drainage, shockpad (where required), line markings and associated works.
  5. 5 Quotation & programme You’ll receive a detailed proposal including scope of works, materials, programme and any optional extras. We can work with your existing tender processes and documentation.
  6. 6 Construction & handover Our experienced installation teams deliver the project to specification, with quality checks throughout. Where required, we arrange independent testing and provide all relevant certification.
Already have a specification?Email drawings, a specification or a tender pack to hi@mylovelylawn.com and we will price it in writing.
Email your plans
Not sure what you need?Tell us the sports, the users and the space. We will recommend a surface and build-up for your site and budget.
Discuss your project

Why My Lovely Lawn

A sports-surface contractor you can rely on.

We combine high-quality materials, expert installation and a commitment to excellent service to deliver sports facilities that perform and last.

  • 200+5-star reviews from happy clients
  • 10+ yearsof experience in landscaping and sports surfaces
  • Dedicatedin-house installation teams
  • London & Home Countiesand larger projects further afield
  • Specialist surface systemsA range of artificial grass and synthetic surfaces for multiple sports and performance levels.
  • Direct manufacturer relationshipsWe work with leading manufacturers, including Playrite, to specify the right system for your project.
  • Built to relevant standardsSurfaces installed to relevant performance standards (e.g. FIFA, FIH, ITF) where required.
  • Experienced installation teamsOur teams have extensive experience in groundworks, drainage and sports-surface installation.
  • Complete construction serviceFrom enabling works and drainage to the finished surface, fencing, line markings and associated works.
  • School & commercial experienceTrusted by schools, universities, clubs, local authorities, main contractors and private clients.
  • Project documentationWe can provide RAMS, method statements and other project documentation where required.
  • Independent testingSurfaces can be independently tested for performance and compliance where required.
Close view of a white line tufted into a 3G football pitch, with a goal and fencing behind
  • Quality materials from trusted manufacturers
  • Professional installation
  • Groundworks & drainage expertise
  • Fencing, goalposts and equipment
  • Line markings for multiple sports
  • Clear communication
  • Projects delivered on time
  • Long-term performance
  • Support with specification and tender requirements

Fully insured: £2m public liability, £10m employers’ liability and £500,000 contract works cover. Enhanced DBS checked teams.

What our clients say

Trusted by schools and organisations

What schools and organisations say about working with our team.

4.9/5 177 reviews on Trustpilot
  • ★★★★★

    “Brilliant job, the kids are happy and the drainage issues are fixed. Great team, thank you.”
    Wyvil Primary SchoolSouth West London
  • ★★★★★

    “Thrilled with the service from My Lovely Lawn - Adam and the team were very pro-active and professional in replacing our artificial grass main area which looks brilliant - the kids and parents will love this. We will continue to work with My Lovely Lawn and our partner schools in the years to come.”
    Carlos, Adamsrill Primary School
  • ★★★★★

    “Thank you to you and the team for this great result. Very professional and courteous to all our staff.”
    HM Ministry of Defence
  • ★★★★★

    “There was little effort on our side and they worked extremely hard, were on time and kept me updated throughout the whole process. We have already asked them to install at another Nursery of ours!”
    Kate, Holly Lodge NurseryNorth London

Sports surface questions

Your questions, answered

The questions schools, clubs and facility managers ask us most. If yours is not here, just ask.

Which sports surface do I need?

It follows the sport. 3G, a long pile with rubber infill such as Champion 3G, is what football and rugby need. A 4G MUGA surface such as Stadia 24mm needs no infill and suits multi-use games areas, tennis, netball and general play. School play areas rather than pitches usually need a shorter play grade over a shock-pad. Tell us the sports and the age group and we will say which applies before anyone talks about price.

How much does a sports surface cost?

£60 to £80 per m² installed, excluding VAT. On a pitch the groundwork is most of it. A MUGA over an existing hard surface sits at the lower end, with no digging and no spoil. A full pitch build on open ground sits at the upper end. Line markings are quoted per layout.

Can one surface take several sports?

Yes, and most MUGAs do. A surface tuned for football is slightly slow for tennis, and one tuned for tennis is slightly firm for football, so a 4G MUGA sits deliberately in the middle. Each sport is marked in its own colour, cut and tufted in, so the surface carries all of them permanently.

Do we need a shock-pad?

For rugby and for school play areas where children fall from height, yes. For a general MUGA it depends on the specification you are working to. The shock-pad is a separate layer under the surface, and it is the part that should never be value-engineered out.

How are the line markings done?

Cut out of the carpet and tufted in as inlaid strips of coloured grass, not painted on. They do not fade, do not need repainting and do not wear differently from the rest of the surface.

Can you resurface an existing court?

Often, yes. Where the tarmac is sound we repair it, add drainage where water sits and lay the new surface on top, as we did at Wyvil Primary School. Where it is not, we dig out and build a new base.

How long does it take, and how long does it last?

A MUGA over existing hard standing is a few days. A full pitch build on open ground runs to a couple of weeks, almost all of it groundwork. A well-built surface lasts around ten years under club use and longer under lighter use.

What maintenance does a 3G pitch need?

Brushing to keep the pile upright, clearing debris, and redistributing the rubber infill so it does not thin out in the busiest areas. Topping the infill up every few years is normal. A 4G surface has no infill to top up. There is no mowing, seeding, rolling or feeding.

Can you work around a season or term dates?

That is normal for us. School work runs in the holidays and club work runs in the close season. Tell us the window and the area and we will say honestly whether it fits before you commit to it.

Can a worn area be repaired rather than replaced?

Yes. Goalmouths and centre circles wear first and can be cut out and replaced in matching grass without relaying the pitch. Doing it early costs a fraction of a full replacement.

Areas we cover

Sports surfaces across London and the South East

We install across London, Surrey and Hertfordshire with our own teams, and take on commercial, school and sports projects across London and the South East.

  • Local installation teamsOur own experienced teams
  • London, Surrey & HertsWider South East for larger projects
  • Flexible datesInstalled at a time that suits you

Popular areas we cover, including but not limited to:

Get a free quote Check if we cover your area

Areas we cover: London, Surrey and Hertfordshire M25 Kent Essex Berkshire Buckinghamshire Bedfordshire Hampshire West Sussex East Sussex Harrow Enfield Ealing Richmond Kingston Croydon Bromley Woking Guildford Farnham Leatherhead Reigate Watford St Albans Hertford London Surrey Hertfordshire

Contains National Statistics and OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2024. M25 © OpenStreetMap contributors.

School multi-use games area with new artificial grass and inlaid white lines

Ready to transform your garden?

Planning a sports surface? Let us talk it through

Whether you are resurfacing a court or building a new pitch, send us your plans or a few photos and we will recommend the right build-up and price it in writing.

  • Quick & easySend a few details and photos
  • Fixed-price quoteNo hidden costs
  • Flexible datesAt a time that suits you
  • Rated 4.9/5177 Trustpilot reviews