ASTROTURF PARTNERS WITH THE NATIONAL FIELD HOCKEY COACHES ASSOCIATION

(DALTON, GA) - It’s never been a secret that AstroTurf® is the preferred surface for field hockey pitches around the world.

Now, at least from a coaching perspective, it’s official.

In an announcement from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, AstroTurf® has been named the Official Artificial Surface Provider of the organization.

“We’re excited about our partnership with AstroTurf®,” said NFHCA Executive Director Jenn Goodrich. “There is no other surface to compare with AstroTurf® System 12. AstroTurf® fields are durable and consistent, just like the company that makes them. Their fields outperform other fields and those are the kinds of partnerships which help the development of our great sport.”

The NFHCA serves field hockey coaches and supporters across the United States. Its goal is to stimulate the professional development of coaching leadership. It also serves as a presence and voice regarding legislative matters of the sport, as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs.

AstroTurf® was first used in an international field hockey event in 1975 in Montreal. The same field hosted the Olympics in 1976. AstroTurf® surfaces also played host to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Closer to home, AstroTurf® surfaces are utilized by all the elite collegiate field hockey teams. In fact, last fall, the University of Maryland, under coach Missy Meharg, captured the NCAA title on a new AstroTurf® pitch.

“I can’t remember the last time an NCAA Division I Championship was not played on AstroTurf®,” said Pam Hixon, NFHCA Hall of Fame coach and Field Hockey Ambassador for AstroTurf®.

Hixson, who is heavily involved with the development of the sport, believes the partnership between the NFHCA and AstroTurf® is a valuable one.

“I am member of the NFHCA and a part of the AstroTurf® organization,” said Hixon. “The NFHCA is committed to the development and growth of the sport. From an AstroTurf® standpoint, a premier pitch is a tremendous part of growing young athletes and competitive programs. This is going to have a huge impact on our sport.”

AstroTurf® System 12 pitches are made of a short-pile, knitted nylon product which conform the sport’s need for high degrees of planarity, extremely tight tolerances, and sophisticated drainage systems. AstroTurf® System 12 pitches provide uniform traction and consistent footing. The fibers are UV-resistant, have a low-glare surface, and reduce the need for watering and maintenance costs.

About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.