Staffordshire football club making history with installation of new pitch - featuring technology used in Everton's stadium

Hednesford Town will become the second club in the world to adopt a revolutionary 'circulate system' - pitch technology designed to control water, air, and temperature beneath the surface to ensure optimal playing conditions all-year-round.

The cutting-edge technology has been deployed at Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium that has cost more than £800 million to build.

The project at Hednesford's home stadium Keys Park began on May 5, two days after they secured promotion to step three non-league football (the seventh tier of English football) with victory over Congleton Town in the Northern One West play-offs. 

Works on the pitch in partnership with SEL Environmental are expected to be completed in time for the new season.

The project's commencement was celebrated by Hednesford owners Craig and Amanda Gwilt who were present to kick-off the works.

The Gwilt's officially took over the club in March last year and have overseen several improvements at Keys Park including the installation of solar panels, an electronic scoreboard and more parking spaces, among others. 

Craig Gwilt said: "Since taking over the club, we’ve been committed to investing in the long-term future of Hednesford Town. This new pitch is a huge part of that vision. 

"It’s not just about improving the surface for matchdays - it’s about elevating the experience for everyone who plays here, from our first teams to our community sides. 

"Partnering with SEL Environmental allows us to bring Premier League quality to Keys Park, and we can’t wait to see the difference it makes."

The project has several phases including the removal of more than 5,000 tonnes of the old pitch material, installing a high-tech air and water management system beneath the surface, seeding, and stitching the natural grass to ensure durability and performance.

Unlike traditional football pitches, the new state-of-the-art system creates an 'air gap' beneath the surface, improving drainage, oxygen levels, and root health. 

It means the pitch can 'breathe' helping to prevent flooding and maintaining peak conditions, regardless of the weather.

Chief Executive at Hednesford Town, Marvin Robinson added: "Thanks to the learnings from Everton's installation, our new pitch takes it a step further, it is now one of the most sophisticated, technically advanced, and sustainable pitch in the world. 

"This opens up exciting possibilities for the future, including our ambition to bring international football, on a regular basis, to Keys Park."

Commercial Director at SEL Environmental, Jack Shuttleworth,  said: "We are extremely proud to work with a club that has such ambitious plans for the future. The circulate system is at the forefront of pitch technology, and it’s fantastic to see Hednesford Town leading the way. 

"The progress has been excellent, and we’re excited to see the project through to completion - and beyond."

It was confirmed by the Football Association (FA) on Thursday (May 15) that Hednesford will play in the Northern Premier League next season. 

Head Groundsman at the Pitmen, Gary Birch has been involved in the new pitch project from the start and is excited to see the work completed and to use the new technology. 

"The work done so far has been incredible to witness," he said. "From excavation to the precision installation of the new irrigation and air systems, it’s clear this will be a game-changer for the club.

"Having the ability to control the pitch environment means we can maintain a consistent, top-quality surface."