KNVB Campus (NL)
A pitch with a purpose
Sustainable artificial turf field with organic infill and ProPlay-Sport23/150
At the KNVB Campus in Zeist, the renovation of the main training pitch was a top priority.
Project details
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Project |
Field replacement KNVB Campus |
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Product |
ProPlay-Sport23/150 |
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Address |
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Application |
Soccer |
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Completion |
2025 |
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In cooperation with |
FieldTurf Tarkett |
The location introduced several unique challenges: the field is situated in a recessed, wooded area where moisture lingers and winter temperatures can drop significantly. This increases the risk of freezing, potentially affecting both playability and player safety.
At the same time, the KNVB aimed to construct the new pitch as sustainable as possible—without compromising performance. They sought components that together could deliver a field capable of withstanding intensive use (over 1,500 playing hours per year), while meeting the growing social demand for environmentally responsible sports facilities. Tarkett Sports won the tender and supplied both the artificial turf system and the conversion of three natural turf fields into hybrid fields.
From polymer to organic
The original project specifications included a polymeric infill, mainly for its frost resistance. However, the KNVB ultimately opted for an organic infill made from corn cob residues—the woody core of specially cultivated corn. This material has a high density, resulting in minimal migration, and provides a pleasant, natural playing feel. Combined with coarser sand, it allows moisture to drain more quickly, reducing the risk of freezing within the fibre layer. The result is a pitch that stays cooler in summer and remains playable for a longer period during winter months.
The invisible strength beneath the surface
A key component in the field construction is the ProPlay-Sport23/150 shock pad. Installed directly beneath the FieldTurf Vertex Core Prime artificial turf, it forms the essential buffer between the top layer and the subbase. Thanks to its thermal resistance, the shock pad slows down heat loss to the ground, reducing the risk of frost from below. ProPlay-Sport23/150 ensures consistent shock absorption, energy restitution and ball behaviour throughout its entire life cycle. For players, this results in reduced joint loading and a stable playing experience in every season.
The product complies with international standards such as FIFA Quality, World Rugby and FIH, making it suitable for multiple sports and performance levels. With a 25-year warranty, ProPlay-Sport23/150 delivers long-term comfort, safety and durability.
A field that performs and inspires
Since completion, the upgraded pitch has been used intensively by national teams, youth programmes and events. Players value the comfort and stability, while the maintenance team benefits from minimal infill replenishment and the consistent performance of the entire system. Even during wet or cold periods, the field remains highly playable. The combination of organic infill and ProPlay-Sport23/150 has resulted not only in a technically advanced pitch, but also in a blueprint for the future of sports field construction: sustainable, safe, comfortable and cost-efficient.
Performance meets responsibility
The KNVB Campus field renovation demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. The organic infill provides a natural playing character and a lower environmental footprint, while ProPlay-Sport23/150—acting as the invisible force beneath the surface—ensures frost protection, drainage, comfort and consistent performance. It is the foundation on which athletic excellence and social responsibility reinforce one another.
“Synthetic turf field withour performance infill only succeed when combined with shock pads that create a natural grass feel for the player.”
Ron Lokhorst
Export Manager
A key role for a quality shock pad
With a decreased reliance on infill, the shock pad has become an important component in delivering exceptional field performance.
Schmitz Foam Products leverages deep industry knowledge and a passion for foam to continually develope ProPlay, including for non-infill pitches.
