Pure PT™ at ETV Hamburg: performance in everyday use
ETV Hamburg is one of Germany’s largest multi-sports clubs, with around 22,000 members across more than 40 sports. Football is a major part of the club, with more than 1,500 players across different age groups and levels. The club combines a broad grassroots programme with a strong focus on player development and performance, from the youngest age groups through competitive youth football to the senior teams. Its football facilities therefore need to support both intensive daily use and the demands of performance training.
When ETV replaced its previous artificial turf pitch, sporting performance was central to the decision. The club selected Pure PT™, TenCate’s infill-free artificial turf system. Almost a year later, players and coaches have now experienced the surface through different seasons, weather conditions and training demands.
Performance came first
ETV considered sporting quality, durability, maintenance and long-term requirements when selecting its new surface. For the football department, however, the playing experience came first.
As part of the selection process, representatives visited an existing Pure PT™ installation in Ahlerstedt, put on their football boots and tested the surface themselves.
“For us as a football department, the sporting aspect was the most important. We wanted a pitch where we could play good football, that would last and that was something special.”
Jon Pauli — Player / Sports Director, ETV Hamburg
The first-hand experience of the surface became an important part of the club’s decision. Its infill-free construction also offered practical advantages for maintenance, with no performance infill to replenish on a pitch used intensively by teams throughout the club.
The playing experience
After almost a year of daily use, ETV’s players and coaches describe a surface they adapted to quickly. They point to predictable ball behaviour, grip and a playing experience that compares closely with good natural grass.
That comparison is particularly relevant for player development. As players progress through the club, the demands of the game change. ETV’s first men’s team and U17 team compete on natural grass while using Pure PT™ as part of their training environment. Coaches see similarities in playing feel, ball behaviour and intensity as valuable preparation.
The consistency of the surface also supports technically demanding training sessions across different weather conditions and periods of intensive use.
Keeping football going through winter
The value of availability became particularly clear during winter. Hamburg experienced several weeks of heavy snow, with snow depths approaching 30 centimetres. ETV was able to clear the Pure PT™ pitch and continue its training programme.
“In January and February, while there was almost 30 centimetres of snow across Hamburg, we had a piece of green here where every team could train.”
Jon Pauli — Player / Sports Director, ETV Hamburg
Other clubs also contacted ETV looking for opportunities to play friendly matches while their own facilities remained unavailable. For ETV, keeping the pitch operational meant teams across different age groups could continue training during a period when football elsewhere in the city was heavily disrupted.
Performance in practice
ETV’s decision started with football. The club compared different options, visited an existing installation and played on Pure PT™ before making its choice. Almost a year later, players and coaches point to predictable ball behaviour, grip, consistent playing conditions and a playing experience they compare closely with natural grass. The club has also experienced the practical value of an infill-free system under intensive everyday use.