TigerTurf’s Soccer Real 60XQ surface has been used to cover six pitches at the new Alun Armstrong soccer centre in Durham, opened by UEFA Cup striker Alun Armstrong.

Soccer Real 60XQ, one of TigerTurf's latest innovations, has been created specifically for football uses and has been tested to meet IRB, FIFA 1 and FIFA 2 Star standards.

The XQ technology yarn is made using an advanced polymer processing method and has a vertical memory built into the blade, meaning the grass is designed to remain upright even under heavy use.

TigerTurf worked with STM World synthetic turf installation experts to deliver the project in the transformed carpet warehouse for the opening.

The pitches at the Alun Armstrong centre will be a platform to deliver soccer schools for boys and girls aged between 4 to15 years old. The aim is to provide fun, safe and effective coaching sessions including the tuition of basic skills and techniques.

Middlesbrough FC will be running a development centre for children aged 9 to 13 years old with different leagues to join every night, including an under 16 youth league and a ladies league on Friday nights. The centre will be available for pitch hire to local youth and adult football teams to use as a training facility.