Notts Sport

We’re proud to see CocoTurf installed at Highbury Fields as part of a new outdoor fitness space delivered by Swing Fitness. Set within one of London’s busiest public parks, the project called for a surface that could handle high daily use while supporting comfort, safety, and sustainability. Made from natural coconut fibres, CocoTurf provides a non-plastic alternative to traditional synthetic turf — delivering durability for functional fitness alongside a softer, more natural feel underfoot. Its natural appearance also allows the space to sit within the park environment, supporting both performance and aesthetics. As Sam Morris, Notts Sport, explains: “This project is a great example of how we can rethink traditional surfacing using natural materials without compromising on performance. CocoTurf was developed to offer a genuine alternative to plastic-based systems, and seeing it used in a busy community space like Highbury Fields really brings that vision to life.” This installation highlights how sustainable materials can play a key role in shaping the future of urban fitness and recreational spaces. cocoturf.co.uk #SustainablePlay

Huge congratulations to our friends and partners at @GBHockey — @EnglandHockey, @ScottishHockey , @HockeyWales and @irishhockey — on qualifying for the @FIH_Hockey World Cup! An incredible achievement and a testament to the strength of hockey across the home nations. We’re proud to support you all on this journey. Roll on August… we can’t wait to see you on the world stage! #Hockey #FIHWorldCup #lovehockey

We’re incredibly proud to sponsor the Notts Sport Schools Championships Finals 2026, taking place the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. This fantastic event brings together talented school teams from across the country, competing in U14, U16 and U18 age groups across Cup, Plate, Shield, Trophy and Vase competitions. It’s an exciting opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills, compete at a high level and take a step closer to the Junior Clubs Championship Finals. Supporting the development of young players and school sport is something we’re passionate about at Notts Sport, and we’re delighted to be part of such an inspiring event. A huge congratulations to all the teams who took part and helped make this year’s championships such a memorable event. #LoveHockey #SchoolsHockey #GrassrootsSport #EnglandHockey

The play area at Murieston Park, Edinburgh has been revitalised with our ChildsPlay safer surfacing. Delivered for City of Edinburgh Council by McLaren Plant, the upgrade creates a durable, all-weather play area for the local community. #Playgrounds #SaferSurfacing #MuriestonPark

Great to be at the Notts Sport @EnglandHockey School Championships today! We’re incredibly proud to support such a fantastic event and to see so many talented young players competing with passion, skill and sportsmanship. Events like this highlight the bright future of hockey and the importance of providing quality facilities for the next generation of athletes. 🎥 Watch the action live: shorturl.at/mbmWR Good luck to all the teams taking part – the standard on show is outstanding! #englandhockey #lovehockey #schoolchampionships

Partner Spotlight: ChildsPlay GmbH We’re proud to work with ChildsPlay, our German distribution partner delivering innovative playground and sport solutions across Germany. With a strong focus on quality, durability, and safe play environments, they help bring outdoor spaces to life for communities, schools, and public projects. Find out more childs-play.de #PartnerSpotlight #Playgrounds #OutdoorSport Wir sind stolz darauf, mit ChildsPlay GmbH, unserem deutschen Vertriebspartner für innovative Spielplatz- und Sportlösungen in ganz Deutschland, zusammenzuarbeiten. Mit einem starken Fokus auf Qualität, Langlebigkeit und sichere Spielumgebungen tragen sie dazu bei, Außenräume für Gemeinden, Schulen und öffentliche Projekte zum Leben zu erwecken. Mehr erfahren childs-play.de #PartnerSpotlight #Spielplätze #OutdoorSport

A great day exhibiting at the @YouthSportTrust Conference Fantastic to connect with so many schools, PE leaders and partners who are passionate about improving opportunities for young people through sport and physical activity. We’re proud to help schools create high-quality sports spaces where every child can thrive – supporting projects from early planning and funding advice through to construction and ongoing support. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our stand today – it was great to meet you. If we didn’t get a chance to chat, feel free to connect with us here. #YSTConference #YouthSportTrust #SchoolSport #PhysicalEducation

One year ago we launched CocoTurf. Our goal was simple: create a playground and sports surface that delivers performance while removing plastics from artificial turf. Made from natural coconut husk fibres and natural rubber backing, CocoTurf offers a safer and more environmentally responsible alternative to traditional synthetic surfaces. Twelve months on, we’re proud to see CocoTurf gaining momentum — and honoured to receive the @SAPCA Sustainability Award recognising our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. #CocoTurf #Sustainability #Innovation #Playgrounds #SAPCA

We’re here at the @YouthSportTrust conference today. We’re here talking to schools and education leaders about how we can help create spaces where every child thrives. From planning and feasibility through to build, funding support and ongoing maintenance, our team delivers full turnkey sports facility projects that helps schools provide high-quality sport and activity opportunities for every pupil. If you’re at the conference today, come and find us at stand 55, to chat about your next sports facility project. #YSTConference #YouthSportTrust #SchoolSport #SchoolFacilities

Notts Sport is proud to announce that CocoTurf has won the 2026 @SAPCA Sustainability Product of the Year Award, with the trophy presented last night at the SAPCA Annual Conference & Awards Dinner held at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. The Sustainability Award recognises outstanding environmental innovation within the sports and play construction sector. CocoTurf was selected by the judges for its pioneering approach to eliminating plastic from artificial surfacing and reducing long-term environmental impact in playground and recreational environments. Tom Walton, Head of Multi Sport, accepted the award on behalf of Notts Sport at the ceremony on 26 February 2026, attended by industry leaders, contractors, suppliers and partners from across the UK. “We are incredibly proud to receive the SAPCA Sustainability Award,” said Tom Walton. “CocoTurf was developed to challenge the assumption that artificial surfacing must rely on plastic. This recognition from our industry body confirms that there is both a need and an appetite for more sustainable solutions in sports and play construction.” CocoTurf is the world’s first non-plastic artificial turf, manufactured using natural coconut husk fibres combined with a natural rubber latex backing. Unlike traditional synthetic surfaces, which depend heavily on plastic fibres and infill materials, CocoTurf removes plastic entirely from the playing layer. By doing so, it prevents microplastics entering soil and drainage systems and reduces end-of-life waste challenges commonly associated with synthetic playground surfacing. The SAPCA Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence within the sports and play construction industry. Winning the Sustainability Award highlights CocoTurf’s role in advancing environmentally responsible innovation while maintaining the durability, safety and performance required in playground and community settings. Over the past year, CocoTurf has been installed in a growing number of schools, parks and recreational spaces, demonstrating that plastic-free surfacing is both commercially viable and operationally practical. The award reflects not only material innovation but also real-world impact. “This award belongs to our entire extended team,” Tom added. “From research and development through to installation, everyone involved has shared the same ambition — to create a surface that performs to the highest standards while significantly reducing environmental harm.” As sustainability expectations continue to rise across public sector procurement and private development, Notts Sport believes CocoTurf represents a scalable and future-focused alternative to conventional synthetic surfaces. To learn more about CocoTurf or to talk to us about your project visit cocoturf.co.uk #SustainablePlay

In May 2025, Rye Hills Academy in Redcar officially unveiled its newly refurbished all-weather sports pitch — a project that Notts Sport was proud to help deliver This £250,000 project, funded through Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Levelling Up Fund, has transformed the school’s original 2007 pitch into a modern, multi-sport facility that’s ready for action all year round. The upgraded surface is designed for both hockey and football, offering the school and local community a top-class place to play, train and compete. A vibrant blue surround gives the pitch a real splash of character, and energy-efficient LED floodlighting means games and training sessions can keep going long after the sun sets. Rye Hills Academy has always been a central part of local life — and it’s also the home of Redcar Hockey Club, which has the only full-sized artificial hockey pitch in Redcar and Cleveland. Thanks to this refurbishment, the club is finally able to return home, reigniting community passion for hockey and providing opportunities for players of all ages. We worked closely with the North East Learning Trust (which manages the Academy), Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, and Bernhards Sports Surfaces, who handled the installation with their usual expertise and attention to detail. Andrew Crosby, Estates Director at the North East Learning Trust, summed it up perfectly: “This project has been a very successful collaboration, and I am delighted that we have been able to give the pitch a new lease of life. The energy-efficient, multi-use pitch allows Rye Hills Academy to offer a brilliant sports facility to its students and the wider community.” At Notts Sport, we’re passionate about helping schools and communities make the most of their sports facilities. It’s not just about creating great surfaces — it’s about enabling more people to play, train and enjoy sport together. Projects like this show what’s possible when everyone works towards a shared goal. We’ll continue to support Rye Hills Academy with after-care and maintenance guidance, helping to keep the surface performing at its best for years to come. We can’t wait to see students and local players making the most of this fantastic new space.

Students at Erich Kästner School now have a bold new space to play and express themselves, with the opening of a vibrant streetball court that perfectly complements the school's colourful mural. Designed and installed in collaboration by Notts Sport's German partners, ChildsPlay GmbH, Spiel & Freizeit Nord SFN GmbH and Susanne Moisan. The court's striking colour palette and dynamic lines mirror the graffiti by Gerrit Peters that adorns the adjacent school wall, creating a unified and energising environment. This thoughtful design transforms the outdoor area into much more than a play space—it's a creative, living part of the school's identity. "We wanted the new court to reflect the energy and creativity of our students, and the mural was the perfect inspiration," said a school spokesperson. "Now, the whole space feels connected—whether you're playing streetball or just spending time outside." The streetball court features a durable, high-performance sports surface from Notts Sport, ideal for dynamic play in all weather. The colourful, artificial surface includes game markings. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the space is accessible to all students and built to withstand heavy use. This project is part of Erich Kästner School's broader mission to create welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring environments for students. The combination of art and sport in the new court area is a testament to the school's belief that learning occurs everywhere—and that creativity and physical activity are inextricably linked. The new streetball court is already a favourite among students—a vibrant, joyful space where play meets imagination.

We are proud to have completed the installation of a brand-new 3G artificial grass pitch in Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil, transforming a valued community sports facility into a modern, all-weather space designed to support year-round use. This project is particularly significant for us, as it marks a return to a site we first worked on 21 years ago. At that time, Notts Sport installed the original sand envvelope Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), delivering a surface that served the local community for two decades. Being trusted again to support the redevelopment highlights the strength of long-term relationships and reflects our continued commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable sports environments across the UK. “Having installed the original sand envelope MUGA here 21 years ago, it is incredibly rewarding to return and deliver this next chapter for the facility. The move to a modern 3G system ensures the site can support increased participation, improved performance and year-round access for the community. Being trusted again reflects the strength of our long-term partnerships and commitment to creating sustainable sports environments,” said Tom Walton, Head of Multi Sports. The new pitch features TigerTurf Rugby 350, a high-performance 3G surface chosen to support both rugby and football, with the durability and playing characteristics required for modern community sport. Designed to withstand heavy use and challenging weather conditions, the upgraded facility provides improved performance, enhanced comfort underfoot and a significant increase in year-round availability — ensuring the pitch can meet the demands of grassroots clubs, teams and recreational users alike. Installation works were completed in partnership with South Wales Sports Grounds, with Notts Sport supporting the design and development of the project to ensure the finished facility meets the highest standards. Our experience in community and multi-sport pitch delivery helped guide the selection of the surface system and overall specification, ensuring the facility is built to provide long-term value for both the council and the community it serves. The pitch was officially opened on 5 February 2026 by Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, alongside Councillor Paula Layton, Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil, local representatives and community members. The reopening comes at a particularly poignant time for the village, as 2026 marks 60 years since the Aberfan disaster. It was clear at the opening that this redevelopment represents more than just a new sports surface — it is a positive investment in health, wellbeing and opportunity for future generations. Councillor Brent Carter, Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, highlighted the wider investment in local sport: “It’s fantastic to see three significant facility developments open in such a short space of time, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to enhancing our recreational spaces and sports pitches, and ensuring our local clubs have fit for purpose facilities to play on.” He also thanked Notts Sport for supporting the design and development of the site and South Wales Sports Grounds for delivering the works in challenging conditions. The project was made possible through funding from Welsh Government, Sport Wales, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. We are grateful to have been involved in delivering a facility that will provide lasting benefits for the local area, and we are proud to play our part in supporting community sport through the design, supply and delivery of high-performance pitch systems. Returning to Aberfan after two decades has been a privilege, and we look forward to seeing the new pitch become a vibrant hub for local sport for many years to come.

We could watch this video of the new 3G pitch at Aberfan Community Centre all day... 🤩

The Powerplay Instant Wicket is a portable ‘all weather’ surface that allows schools to instantly add cricket capability to their 3G or MUGA facility. 💪 #SchoolSport #SchoolCricket 🏏

We’re excited to update you on the progress of our pledge to Tree Nation, a global initiative to combat deforestation and support reforestation efforts around the world. Here’s what we’ve achieved this month: Number of Trees Planted: 117 Location of Planting Projects: Save the Aberdare Forest, Kenya Environmental Impact: 5,850kg CO2 Captured Tree Species: Persea Americana This month’s contribution takes our total to 1,730 trees covering 16,000sqm (that's the size of 3 hockey pitches!!). This number of trees absorb approximately 120.89 tonnes of CO2 during their lifetime. Every tree we plant helps in the fight against climate change supports biodiversity and restores ecosystems. We’re committed to making a positive environmental impact, and we look forward to sharing more updates with you next month as we continue to grow this important initiative. You can find out more about ‘The Forest of Notts Sport’ and the impact of our initiative here: tree-nation.com/profile/impact…

We are delighted to announce the renewal of our long-standing partnership with England Hockey. As the only official facilities partner of @EnglandHockey and @GBHockey, the renewed agreement will run until January 2029, continuing a collaboration that has supported the development of hockey facilities across England for more than 14 years. Since the partnership began in 2012, we have worked closely with England Hockey to provide clubs, schools and facility providers with specialist technical advice and independent guidance. Our role supports the planning, design and development of hockey facilities nationwide, helping to ensure players at every level have access to high-quality places to play. The renewed partnership aligns with the launch of England Hockey’s Pitch Together Fund and reflects a shared ambition to improve facility quality, increase participation and support long-term sustainability across the sport. As part of the continued collaboration, we are also once again sponsoring the Boys’ and Girls’ School Championships, England Hockey’s flagship national school competitions involving hundreds of schools and thousands of young players from across the country each year. Rich Beer, Chief Executive of England Hockey, said: “Notts Sport renewing their partnership with England Hockey is a testament to the relationship we have with them and we are thrilled to have them back on board. As one of our most long-standing partners they have been a loyal and trusted partner for us for the last 14 years. Now with the new Pitch Together Fund in place we are looking forward to working together to help develop and improve more facilities that provide better places to play.” Duncan Bennett, CEO of Notts Sport, added: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with England Hockey which began back in 2012. Over that now 14-year period, the initial concept of offering clubs advice and support on their facilities has grown into a close working relationship at all levels of the sport. Whilst the support we provide to England Hockey has grown and developed immensely since 2012, the original intention of offering free support and advice to clubs, schools and hockey players of all levels continues to be the core service and focus for us. At a time where we are all increasingly aware of sustainability, environmental impacts, recycling and the use of plastics, it is clear that the specialist advice, services and support Notts Sport offer means that sustainable design has a key role to play in ensuring hockey is at the forefront of innovation and best practice.” The renewed partnership will help deliver tangible benefits for the hockey community by improving the quality and sustainability of facilities nationwide. By combining technical expertise, independent guidance and a shared commitment to innovation, we and England Hockey aim to create better places to play, increase participation and ensure the sport continues to thrive at every level.

We’re proud to have delivered a double lane CocoTurf Cricket practice facility at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The project involved a double lane practice net installation, providing a high-quality training surface now used by Middlesex County Cricket Club as a dedicated practice area for elite players and professional-level training. This installation represents the world’s first CocoTurf Cricket practice facility, and the world’s first use of CocoTurf Cricket in a practice net environment, delivered at one of the most prestigious venues in world cricket. As a heavily utilised area within the Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Nursery Ground requires surfaces that deliver consistent playing performance while withstanding regular, intensive use. The new facility was designed specifically to meet these demands, creating a reliable and repeatable training environment that supports high-volume practice schedules across the season. The installed system features CocoTurf Cricket, made entirely from coconut fibres, jute and certified natural latex. The system delivers elite-level pace, bounce and durability, while containing zero plastics, microplastics or PFAS, supporting both performance and sustainability objectives. This makes it a compelling alternative to conventional synthetic netting surfaces, helping to reduce environmental impact without compromising on the technical playing characteristics expected at professional level. CocoTurf Cricket is installed over a designed engineered base, ensuring consistent pace, bounce and ball carry to support realistic training conditions for both batting and bowling. Its robust construction offers excellent abrasion resistance and long-term stability, making it well suited to elite training environments. The surface requires minimal ongoing maintenance, typically limited to routine brushing and general surface care. This combination of durability and low upkeep helps ensure the facility remains in peak condition, even under the demands of intensive daily use. CocoTurf Cricket is currently undergoing ECB performance testing and assessment, in line with the relevant ECB requirements. This ongoing evaluation will further validate the surface’s performance credentials and suitability for wider adoption across cricket training environments. The installation was completed by @slatterCP our Notts Sport Cricket South Licensee, to a consistently high standard. Their expertise and attention to detail helped ensure a seamless delivery that reflects the quality expectations associated with Lord’s Cricket Ground and the elite athletes who train there. Learn more about CocoTurf Cricket here 👉 cocoturf.co.uk

We’re pleased to confirm that we have renewed our 2026 membership with The Sports and Play Construction Association @SAPCA. Our membership demonstrates our ongoing commitment to recognised industry standards, professional best practice, and responsible business conduct. SAPCA plays a vital role in raising standards across the sports and play construction industry, helping ensure projects are delivered with quality, safety and professionalism at their core. We’re proud to remain part of an association that supports consistency and confidence across the sector. We’re proud to continue supporting the delivery of high-quality sports and play facilities throughout the UK.

We are proud to have completed the world’s first CocoTurf Cricket match pitch at @BitteswellCC, a sustainable cricket surface designed to support year-round training and play. The project was delivered by our Notts Sport Cricket North Licensee – @BinghamGround, following consultation with the club to identify a low-maintenance solution capable of meeting increasing demand across both junior and senior cricket. Sustainability was a key driver behind the project. Bitteswell Cricket Club selected CocoTurf Cricket, the world’s first 100% natural, plastic-free artificial cricket surface, engineered to replicate the pace and bounce of natural turf while offering consistent performance and long-term durability, with sustainability at the heart of the design. CocoTurf Cricket builds on our pioneering CocoTurf technology and has been specifically re-engineered for cricket performance. The surface is constructed entirely from natural coconut fibres, jute backing and certified natural latex, creating a wicket system with zero plastics, zero microplastics and zero PFAS. This makes it the world’s first artificial cricket surface of its kind. The system has undergone full cricket performance testing, including a Ball Pitch Impact Assessment, confirming realistic pace, consistent bounce and durability comparable to professionally prepared non-turf wickets. An ECB application is also currently in process. By adopting CocoTurf Cricket, Bitteswell Cricket Club has invested in a future-proof facility that supports sustainable sports development without compromising performance. Richard Pearson, the club’s Chairman, said: “CocoTurf has been installed as an outdoor practice facility at the edge of the square, creating both a junior match pitch and a practice pitch for senior players. It has been extremely well received across the club. Our junior teams have already played matches on it and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The bounce is consistent and at a realistic height — neither too low nor too high. Senior players use the mat regularly with a roll-on net cage and report consistent bounce with a small amount of seam movement. The surface also offers enough grip to assist spin bowlers without producing excessive turn. Overall, it provides an excellent practice environment with a genuine contest between bat and ball. Unlike many artificial mats, CocoTurf does not lull batters into a false sense of security and better prepares them for match conditions on grass.” Visit cocoturf.co.uk to learn more about our new 100% natural cricket surfacing, or contact us to discuss how we can help with your project. #SustainablePlay