Hednesford Town Football Club has officially unveiled its brand-new, world-leading pitch at Keys Park, with over 2,000 fans in attendance for the first home game of the 2025/26 season on Tuesday 12 August.
The surface, developed in partnership with SEL Environmental, is now fully complete, marking the end of a major infrastructure project that makes Keys Park home to one of the most advanced pitch systems in football.
A crowd of 2,003 were there to witness the first fixture on the new surface, which combines natural grass with cutting-edge technology beneath. The build includes the Circulate System and Formavoid sub-structure – a combination that manages air, water and temperature with precision to maintain optimal playing conditions all year round.
Chairman Craig Gwilt, who led the official pitch opening ceremony, said: “This is a huge moment in the history of Hednesford Town Football Club. From the very start, we said we wanted to invest in something that would benefit the whole club – not just now, but for generations to come.
“Seeing over 2,000 people here to witness the first game on this surface shows just how far we’ve come. It’s the most advanced pitch – not just in non-league football, but Premier League too. Our thanks go to every supporter who’s backed the club throughout this journey.”
The project was delivered over the summer by SEL Environmental, who worked closely with the club to bring the ambitious vision to life.
John Lamoury, Director of SEL Environmental, said: “It’s been a privilege to work with a forward-thinking club like Hednesford Town. We were proud to attend the opening ceremony and share the moment with fans at the first home fixture. The finished result is a true example of what’s possible when ambition and technology come together – and we’re delighted to see it now in play.”
The pitch build included:
- Removal of over 5,000 tonnes of the previous surface
- Installation of a high-performance Formavoid base made from recycled, carbon-neutral material
- The Circulate System – controlling oxygen, moisture and temperature for elite playing performance
- Hybrid stitching to combine durability with natural grass aesthetics
The new pitch forms part of a wider transformation programme at Keys Park under the Gwilt family’s ownership, which includes renewable energy investment, drainage and facility upgrades, and a renewed commitment to long-term sustainability.
