FAQ
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What exactly does Namsports do?
Namsports builds sports and leisure facilities using artificial grass and rubber surfaces. We offer solutions for, amongst other things, football, hockey, multi-sports, tennis, padel, golf, and play and leisure areas. In doing so, we look not only at the materials, but at the entire project: from the requirements and the available space to the installation and maintenance.
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Who does Namsports work for?
We work for, amongst others, cities and local authorities, schools, sports clubs, leisure centres and other organisations that invest in sports and play areas. We tailor every solution to the intended use, the available space and the budget.
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Why choose Namsports?
At Namsports, you can count on us to guide you through the various stages of your project. We work with you to find the right solution and coordinate the different elements, from the choice of surface to the practical implementation. This means you have a single point of contact for the management of your project.
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Can Namsports manage the entire project?
Namsports can support you through various stages of a sports or leisure project: from identifying requirements and advising on the right solution to selecting materials, preparation, installation and maintenance. The specific elements we cover are tailored to the nature and scale of the project.
Thanks to our experience with a wide range of sports and leisure applications, we can advise on the technical requirements, usage intensity and practical layout. This means you have a single point of contact to coordinate the various elements and monitor progress. At the start of the project, we clearly outline which tasks and responsibilities fall within the scope of our remit.
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What is the link with TenCate?
Namsports is part of The Grass Company, which is a subsidiary of TenCate. This enables us to draw on the expertise and technological knowledge of an international group specialising in artificial turf solutions.
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What is the Centre for Turf Innovation?
The Centre for Turf Innovation (CTI) focuses on research, development and innovation in the field of artificial turf. Its expertise and testing facilities support the development and evaluation of solutions for various sporting applications.
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How do I request advice or a quote?
Tell us what you intend to use the pitch for, the dimensions you have in mind, the location of the project, and your budget or timeframe. With this information, we can work with you to identify the solution that best meets your needs. Please contact Namsports to discuss your project.
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What should be included in the specifications for a multi-sport pitch?
At a minimum, describe the intended use, the required sporting performance standards, the system design, the sub-base and drainage, the dimensions and markings, the conditions of works, the supporting documentation required, maintenance and the warranty terms. This will enable quotations to be assessed on a comparable basis.
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How do you compare quotations for an artificial turf pitch?
Do not just compare the purchase price, but also technical compliance, the complete system structure, installation, maintenance, guarantees and the expected costs over the lifetime of the pitch. Also check whether the proposed solution meets all the requirements set out in the specifications.
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What should you take into account when budgeting for a sports or play area?
The budget for a sports or play area involves more than just the price of the artificial grass or surfacing. The preparation of the sub-base, the foundation, drainage, line marking, sports equipment, installation and future maintenance all play a part. Depending on the project, additional facilities may also be required.
You should therefore consider not only the initial investment, but also the expected lifespan, maintenance requirements and any replacement costs. By comparing different solutions based on the same criteria, you’ll gain a better understanding of the total long-term costs. Namsports helps you tailor the options to the available space, the desired functionality and your budget.
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How much does it cost to install a multi-sports pitch?
The price is determined, amongst other things, by the surface area, the condition of the sub-base, the foundation and drainage, the type of artificial turf, any shock-absorbing underlay, the pitch markings and the sports facilities. An accurate cost estimate is therefore based on the entire project and not just on the price per square metre of artificial turf.
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What technical specifications are important when choosing artificial turf for a sports pitch?
The right choice depends on the sport, the intensity of use and the desired playing characteristics. Factors such as pile height, fibre type, fibre density, infill and the underlying technical layer influence, amongst other things, ball bounce, ball roll, grip, shock absorption and playing comfort. The sub-base, drainage and maintenance also play a role. You should therefore choose an artificial turf system that is tailored to the intended use and complies with the applicable technical standards for sport.
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How is an artificial turf pitch installed?
A project begins with determining the requirements, the sporting application, the dimensions and the desired performance. Next, the sub-base, drainage, construction and choice of materials are assessed. This is followed by site preparation, installation and finishing. The exact steps vary depending on the type of site and the existing conditions.
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What sub-base is required for the installation?
That depends on the location and the project. The load-bearing capacity and levelness of the sub-base, drainage, site accessibility and the desired sporting performance are key considerations. A preliminary analysis helps to determine the correct construction method.
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How long does it take to install a sports pitch?
The construction time depends, amongst other things, on the surface area, the sub-base, the chosen construction method, weather conditions and any additional facilities. A realistic schedule can be drawn up following an analysis of the project.
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Can an existing sports pitch be refurbished?
Yes, in many cases an existing sports or play area can be refurbished. First, the condition of the sub-base, drainage and other infrastructure must be assessed. Based on this, it can be determined which components need to be retained, repaired or replaced.
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Can a single pitch be used for multiple sports?
Yes. A multi-purpose pitch can accommodate various sports and games, such as football, basketball and other ball sports. However, the dimensions, markings, equipment and surface must be tailored to the intended activities. This allows the available space to be utilised more efficiently.
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What standards must an artificial turf pitch meet?
That depends on the sport, the application and the intended use. For sports pitches, sport-specific standards and certifications may be relevant. For play areas, factors such as the applicable safety standards and the impact-absorbing properties are important. Namsports assesses which requirements apply to the project.
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Is artificial grass safe for children?
Safety depends on the overall layout, the materials used and the intended use. For play areas, factors such as fall height, impact absorption, any obstacles and the applicable standards are important. The right solution is therefore tailored to the specific play equipment and the layout of the space.
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Is artificial grass permeable to water?
Yes, artificial grass is generally water-permeable. Rainwater flows through the perforations in the backing (the underside of the artificial grass) to the underlying sub-base. A well-constructed and water-permeable sub-base ensures that the water can infiltrate further or be drained away, thereby minimising the formation of puddles as much as possible.
Please note: water permeability depends not only on the artificial grass itself, but also on the structure of the sub-base and any drainage system. In the event of heavy rainfall or poorly permeable soil, water may still accumulate.
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How much maintenance does an artificial grass pitch require?
Artificial grass generally requires different maintenance to natural grass, but it is not maintenance-free. Depending on the application, brushing, removing leaves and debris, checking seams and markings, and monitoring the condition of the surface may be necessary. For sports pitches, specialist maintenance may also be required.
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How often does an artificial grass pitch need to be maintained?
The frequency of maintenance depends on the sport, the intensity of use, the environment and the type of artificial turf. A heavily used sports pitch usually requires a different maintenance schedule to a recreational playing area. A tailored maintenance plan helps to support performance and longevity.
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How long does an artificial turf pitch last?
The lifespan depends on factors including the quality of the materials, the intensity of use, the installation and the maintenance. Technical requirements specific to the sport can also determine when a pitch needs replacing. The expected lifespan and warranty conditions must therefore be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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How do you minimise the maintenance burden of a sports ground?
The maintenance burden of a sports ground starts with choosing the right materials and a construction method suited to its intended use. A ground used daily by school pupils or sports clubs has different requirements to a recreational playing area. By taking into account the intensity of use, the desired performance and the available maintenance options, you can choose a solution that remains manageable in the long term.
Regular preventative maintenance also helps to maintain the quality, safety and playing performance of the pitch. With a tailored maintenance plan and periodic inspections, wear and tear and any potential issues can be identified in good time. Namsports works with you to find a solution that suits your infrastructure and the way you wish to manage it.
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Is artificial turf suitable for intensive use?
Yes, certain artificial turf solutions are designed for frequent and intensive use. The right choice depends on the sport, the number of users, the desired performance and maintenance requirements. By taking these factors into account in advance, a solution can be chosen that suits the intended use.
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What is the difference between sand-filled and infill-free artificial turf?
In sand-filled artificial grass, sand is placed between the fibres. Infill-free artificial grass is designed to function without loose infill material. Both systems have specific characteristics in terms of use, maintenance and system construction. The appropriate choice depends on the application and the required performance.
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What are the advantages of artificial grass over natural grass?
Artificial grass can provide a more consistent playing surface under intensive use and does not require mowing or fertilising like natural grass. Its use is less dependent on growing conditions, but maintenance is still required. Water management, choice of materials, intended use and the overall life cycle also merit consideration when making a comparison.
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Is artificial grass suitable for schools and public play areas?
Yes, depending on the chosen application, artificial grass can be used in school playgrounds, multi-sports pitches and play areas. Key selection criteria here include intensity of use, safety, accessibility, drainage and maintenance.
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Why choose a multi-purpose sports pitch?
A multi-purpose pitch makes it possible to use a single space for various sports and activities. This can be particularly beneficial for schools and local authorities with limited space. A well-designed layout and the right choice of materials help to cater for different user groups.
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How do you make a sports or play area accessible to different users?
An accessible sports or play area takes into account the diverse range of people who use it. Think of pupils of different ages, sports clubs, recreational users and people with varying levels of physical ability. A well-thought-out design takes into account accessibility, safe circulation space, the layout of the area and the activities that take place there.
Multifunctionality can also play an important role. By combining different sports and forms of play, a single space can cater for more users and be utilised more efficiently. The choice of surface, markings and equipment must therefore be suited to the intended use. Namsports helps schools and local authorities to explore the options and choose a solution that suits their location and target group. Specific accessibility and safety requirements must always be taken into account in the design.