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Football clubs hold a special place in the hearts of players and fans alike. They are more than just fields for the beautiful game; they are centres of community, competition, and hometown pride.
To ensure a secure, safe, and visually appealing environment for players and supporters, it is crucial for football clubs to make the installation of appropriate fencing and railings a top priority. These structures not only meet essential safety standards but also enhance the club’s aesthetics and overall atmosphere.
Read on, and we’ll explore how railings, barriers, and fencing can enhance your football club’s safety, ensure you comply with FA regulations, and contribute to an attractive environment that will be appreciated by both players and fans. From crowd barriers to spectator railings, learn how Alexandra Security can help you create a secure and professional space for your football club.
Why Football Clubs Need Railings and Fencing
Safety should always come first when it comes to football clubs, and fencing and railings play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of players, staff, and fans.
One of the key safety benefits of fencing and railings is crowd control. By creating designated areas for spectators, and restricting access to unauthorised areas of the stadium, these structures maintain order and prevent incidents of trespassing or unauthorised entry.
Additionally, railings often act as a barrier between spectators and the playing area, ensuring that players can perform without disruption (except, it seems, when there’s the occasional canine pitch invader!)
This separation also keeps the ball within the field of play, and minimises any potential harm caused by fans getting too close to the action. With a dedicated sports railing system in place, players can fully immerse themselves in the game, knowing their safety is a top priority.
Furthermore, fencing and railings provide protection against accidents and falls. Needless to say, it’s pretty important to install sturdy railings around elevated areas, such as grandstands or balconies, in order to prevent potentially tragic accidents. This is especially crucial in stadiums with multiple levels, or where fans may be standing or sitting on higher ground. These measures ensure that everyone can enjoy the game without worrying about their safety.
Lastly, ball-stop fencing, also known as rebound fencing, is specifically designed to keep the ball in play. Ideal for medium and high-impact sports, this type of fencing features double horizontal wires that have increased rebound properties. So, balls bounce back from the fence rather than stopping dead.
Pitch Perimeter Barriers Meeting FA Ground Grading Requirements
Here at Alexandra, we have heaps of experience in manufacturing and supplying spectator rail barriers to various non-league football clubs in the UK. With our network of approved installers nationwide, we are confident in our ability to specify, manufacture, deliver, and even arrange the installation of a perimeter barrier system tailored to your club’s exact needs.
When considering a railing installation for your stadium, it is essential to adhere to the ground grading rules outlined by the FA, both for your current league and any future promotions. The FA’s ground grading guidelines specify the type of pitch perimeter barrier required by default, including a permanent fixture ideally 1.1 metres high, constructed to be sturdy and free from sharp edges. For existing grounds at step 4 or higher, the barrier must have in-filled panels to prevent the ball from passing through or under it. All new-build grounds must incorporate in-filled panels as standard.
At Alexandra, our Protek football pitch railings are meticulously designed to meet all FA requirements. The top railing provides a strong area to lean on, supported by robust posts securely anchored in the ground. The lower mesh fence area is made from overlapping twin-wire mesh, ensuring that balls stay within the pitch and offering space for advertising boards, which can generate additional revenue for the club.
The Visual Appeal of Fencing and Railings
Sports fencing and railings not only enhance safety but also contribute to the overall aesthetics of football clubs. These structures can be customised to align with the club’s branding and image, creating a cohesive look and a visually pleasing atmosphere.
For example, metal fencing and railings can lend a sleek and modern touch to the club’s design. The clean lines and durability of metal make it a popular choice for clubs seeking a contemporary and sophisticated look. At Alexandra, our Spectator Railings and mesh panels are manufactured to high standards and come in a variety of colours, allowing them to endure while enhancing the visual appeal of your stadium.
Football Pitch Perimeter Gates & Player Walkways
Maintaining a secure perimeter is vital for sports grounds, but having designated access points along the fencing run allows for controlled entry and exit, enhancing safety and crowd flow.
Alexandra offers a range of complementary gates that seamlessly integrate with the Protek Spectator Rail. These gates provide convenient entry for pedestrians and vehicles and, like the Protek Spectator Rail, are constructed with welded mesh frames. Each gate is equipped with pad-lockable slide-bolts and drop-bolts to bolster security and is delivered with a durable powder-coated finish in your chosen RAL colour.
The FA’s ground grading guidelines mandate that grounds at step 5 or above ensure a secure, unobstructed pathway for players and officials between the dressing rooms and the pitch. The FA recommends the use of permanent fencing or retractable tunnels for this purpose. Alexandra Security’s Spectator Rail serves as an excellent, cost-effective solution for a player walk-way and can be paired with a corresponding gate to safeguard entry to the pitch or dressing rooms.
Requirements for Football Pitch Fencing and Boundaries
According to the National Ground Grading Criteria, all grounds ranked from grade 1 to 4 must have a permanent boundary enclosure. This enclosure should obstruct views of the game from outside the ground and have a minimum height of 1.83 metres. For grade 1 grounds, the perimeter fencing should secure all sides of the ground and be robust enough to deter potential climbers.
For grades 5 and 6, there’s no requirement for the perimeter fencing to block external viewing. However, we still recommend a perimeter boundary fence to provide a reasonable level of security around the club facilities. Metal weldmesh fencing is an ideal cost-effective and secure option for use around the perimeter of lower league football grounds.
Boundary fencing also helps control spectator flow on match days and prevents access to unauthorised or restricted areas. At Alexandra, we recommend our Protek Privacy Fencing system as a contemporary, robust, and durable boundary fence system – perfect for situations where sightlines need to be obstructed. Our ProFence Palisade offers a modern take on traditional metal palisades, often used at football grounds to restrict access to secure areas outside match days. When high-level security is not the primary concern, and visibility is not an issue, a v-mesh metal fence stands as an excellent cost-effective solution.
Need Fencing for Your Football Pitches?
Fencing and railings are essential for enhancing safety, aesthetics, and functionality in football clubs. They not only protect players, staff, and fans, but also contribute to the overall appeal and atmosphere of the club. At Alexandra, we are committed to providing high-quality solutions that meet FA requirements and enhance the look of your football ground.
Contact us at 01892 833 001 to learn more about how we can secure your sports pitches, multi-use games areas, tennis courts and other sports facilities.
