quality of the pitch

At UTD, some of the soccer fields are so uneven that nearly every pass on ground bounces along unpredictably. This slows down the speed of play for teams that try to make a lot of passes on the ground. Even an extra fraction of a second to receive a bouncing ball results in more pressure, more physical play, more turnovers, etc. Chinn Chapel and Moss are in similar condition(at least the fields our team has played on this year).

In contrast, fields like the complex at FCD are much more conducive to possession soccer.

I know that players in other parts of the world learn to play on dirt lots with rocks or broken glass, etc., and that maybe our kids are forced to develop a better touch by playing on poor surfaces, but with the relative wealth and passion for youth soccer in this area, it is surprising that there aren't more high quality pitches that encourage more skilled play. I don't know anything about field maintenance- is there there something about the soil or weather that makes this more difficult or costly in north Texas?

Most are built on flood plains land developers could not build on so you'll notice that there's usually a creek running through or adjacent to the fields. This is what causes the undulations and puddling. Few are drained at all (college and professional sit on sand and gravel beds) and almost none are irrigated. Also doesn't help that they're in constant use.

Something to keep in mind is the amount of play that UTD and similar fields get. It seems like they are always being played on with little time for the ground to recover. I remember at the beginning of the season during qualifying they looked pretty good. At FCD i know some league play is there but they keep those fields in top condition. They almost have to since so many high level tournaments end up having games there. Its also getting towards the end of season. So maybe the fields need a little time off and some TLC to get back into good shape. I have never been out to Moss so dont know much about those fields.

ekkeeper1 wrote:Something to keep in mind is the amount of play that UTD and similar fields get. It seems like they are always being played on with little time for the ground to recover. I remember at the beginning of the season during qualifying they looked pretty good. At FCD i know some league play is there but they keep those fields in top condition. They almost have to since so many high level tournaments end up having games there. Its also getting towards the end of season. So maybe the fields need a little time off and some TLC to get back into good shape. I have never been out to Moss so dont know much about those fields.

Also, UTD 7-8-9-10 are still in great shape, they are new and the ball rolls true. SO much more fun to see the girls play be pure. RR is also great, but the games keep getting switched away from there whats up with that?

RR understands that fields need rest also. Limiting games to allow the field to be maintenanced is smart!

Hook It wrote:

ekkeeper1 wrote:Something to keep in mind is the amount of play that UTD and similar fields get. It seems like they are always being played on with little time for the ground to recover. I remember at the beginning of the season during qualifying they looked pretty good. At FCD i know some league play is there but they keep those fields in top condition. They almost have to since so many high level tournaments end up having games there. Its also getting towards the end of season. So maybe the fields need a little time off and some TLC to get back into good shape. I have never been out to Moss so dont know much about those fields.

Also, UTD 7-8-9-10 are still in great shape, they are new and the ball rolls true. SO much more fun to see the girls play be pure. RR is also great, but the games keep getting switched away from there whats up with that?

The lower field at UTD will be just as bad as the upper fields if they do not shut them down and give them a much needed rest.

Hook It wrote:Also, UTD 7-8-9-10 are still in great shape, they are new and the ball rolls true.

At a NE to SW angle. I swear all of those new fields slope to the SW.