Turf Soccer Field Builders

Last Updated on June 17, 2025 by UDC Sports

Building a high-performance turf soccer field takes more than synthetic grass and a bulldozer. It demands specialized knowledge of drainage systems, base construction, infill materials, field usage patterns, and athletic performance requirements. This article breaks down how top-tier turf soccer fields are designed and built, and what sets UDC apart as a preferred builder in this space.

Why Choose Turf for Soccer?

Synthetic turf offers year-round usability, reduced maintenance costs, and excellent resilience to high-frequency use. These advantages make it the surface of choice for many competitive soccer programs, especially in climates with frequent rain or high heat.

Key benefits include:

• All-weather playability: Turf fields remain consistent and usable regardless of rain or drought.

• Durability: A well-built synthetic field can handle thousands of hours of play annually.

• Lower long-term maintenance: No mowing, seeding, or irrigation required.

• Consistent surface conditions: No divots, bare spots, or mud.

• Multi-sport adaptability: Turf can be customized for shared use by multiple sports.

Despite the higher initial cost, a properly constructed turf field often proves to be more cost-effective over a 10-15 year lifecycle than its natural counterpart.

Core Elements of Turf Field Construction

1. Site Preparation and Base Construction

Every high-performing turf field starts with a stable, well-draining base. UDC Sports Construction begins with careful grading and excavation. The subgrade is compacted to exact specifications to prevent uneven settling, then layered with materials such as crushed stone or engineered aggregate.

Key goals of base construction:

• Ensure long-term stability

• Support shock pad and turf layers

• Allow efficient drainage

• Maintain precise slope (typically 0.5-1%) for runoff

Laser-guided grading equipment is often used to ensure absolute accuracy across the field surface.

2. Drainage Systems

Poor drainage is one of the most common causes of field failure. UDC installs subsurface drainage networks that move water away from the playing surface quickly and reliably. This often includes perforated piping laid in gravel trenches beneath the base layer, as well as optional vertical drains for high-volume areas.

In some regions, fields may also integrate water retention systems for reuse or controlled release, supporting sustainability and compliance with local regulations.

3. Shock Pad Installation (Optional)

A shock pad is an elastic layer placed between the stone base and turf system. Though not mandatory, it’s increasingly common for soccer fields because of its safety and performance advantages.

Shock pad benefits:

• Improves player safety by reducing impact forces

• Enhances energy restitution (bounce and feel)

• Extends the life of the turf above

• Maintains consistent Gmax ratings over time

UDC can install either prefabricated shock pads or in-situ poured systems depending on project needs.

4. Turf Surface Installation

UDC partners with top turf manufacturers to supply high-quality soccer-specific synthetic grass. These turf products typically feature monofilament or slit-film fibers tufted into a permeable backing, designed for traction, ball roll, and foot stability.

The turf is unrolled in wide panels and seamed together using adhesives and seam tape or mechanical systems. Careful attention is paid to ensure fiber alignment and uniform tension across the field.

Options include:

• FIFA-certified products

• Varying pile heights for different competition levels

• UV-stabilized fibers for color retention

• Turf with built-in antimicrobial treatment

5. Infill Application

Infill gives turf its structure and performance. It supports the fibers, provides cushioning, and affects ball response. UDC works with several infill materials, including:

• Rubber/sand blends: Most common and cost-effective

• Organic infills: Cork, coconut husk, or walnut shells for environmentally-conscious projects

• Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE): Non-toxic, odorless, and recyclable

• Coated sands: Reduce migration and lower surface temperatures

Infill is applied in even layers using specialized spreaders and groomers to ensure uniform depth and distribution.

6. Field Markings and Customization

Permanent field lines are tufted or inlaid into the turf during installation. UDC can also incorporate:

• Club logos

• Center circle crests

• Sponsor branding

• Multi-sport field striping

For facilities that serve multiple teams or sports, removable paint options or modular field overlays can be integrated.

7. Perimeter Finishing and Accessories

The final stage includes securing the turf edges with nailers or concrete curbing and integrating features such as:

• Fencing

• Netting

• Team shelters

• Lighting systems

• Scoreboards

• Bleacher pads

UDC also ensures compliance with ADA access standards and other local codes.

Types of Soccer Fields UDC Builds

Full-Size Competition Fields

Used by colleges, high schools, and municipal complexes. These fields are built to regulation size and often include seating, lighting, and press boxes.

Training Grounds

Smaller layouts with multi-field configurations, often with more economical turf options or minimal amenities.

Indoor Soccer Fields

UDC can install synthetic turf over concrete or asphalt in domes, gymnasiums, and indoor training centers. Specialty turf products are used to match the bounce and speed of outdoor play.

Multi-Sport Complexes

Many clients opt for fields that support soccer along with football, lacrosse, or rugby. UDC can design custom layouts that satisfy overlapping sport regulations while maintaining performance for soccer use.

What Sets UDC Sports Construction Apart

UDC is not just a turf installer. They are a full-service sports facility builder with expertise in every stage of the project; from planning and budgeting to execution and long-term support.

Notable differentiators include:

• In-house project management: UDC oversees the build from concept to completion with dedicated managers who coordinate every step.

• Experience with complex builds: From fields in flood zones to multi-field complexes with tiered layouts, UDC has the engineering and planning knowledge to tackle difficult sites.

• Turnkey solutions: Lighting, fencing, bleachers, scoreboards, and more, handled in-house or through trusted partners.

• Commitment to quality: Every project is delivered to precise standards with thorough testing, documentation, and warranties.

• Long-term support: UDC offers maintenance programs, turf grooming services, and resurfacing options for worn fields.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Turf Soccer Field?

Timelines vary based on project complexity, but a typical standalone turf soccer field takes 10 to 16 weeks from ground-breaking to completion. Permitting and site preparation can extend that timeline, while indoor or modular projects may move faster.

UDC works closely with clients during pre-construction to align on scheduling, budget planning, and value engineering when necessary.

The Value of Professional Design

UDC offers professional design support, including CAD layouts, field cross-sections, and drainage schematics. These services ensure proper spacing, regulatory compliance, and seamless integration of auxiliary features. Early design input also helps prevent costly change orders or site delays later in the process.

Many clients come to UDC with only a rough idea. The company can refine that concept into a fully scoped plan complete with timelines, budgets, and engineered drawings.

Environmental Considerations

Turf fields have gained attention for their environmental impact, and UDC prioritizes sustainable solutions wherever possible.

• Recyclable turf systems

• Organic or non-toxic infills

• Water retention or reuse systems

• Low-emissions adhesives and materials

• Cool turf technologies to reduce heat island effects

As regulations evolve, UDC adapts its processes to meet or exceed emerging standards.

Getting Started with UDC

The path to a high-performance turf soccer field starts with an idea—and a qualified builder to bring it to life. UDC makes it easy to explore your options with a consultation process that includes site analysis, budget assessment, and design recommendations.

Whether you’re building a single training field or a full-scale tournament complex, UDC brings the experience, materials, and precision needed to make the vision a reality.

Build It Right with UDC

A turf soccer field is an investment in player development, community engagement, and year-round athletic access. With UDC Sports Construction, that investment is protected by decades of experience, industry-leading materials, and a commitment to quality at every level. If you’re ready to bring your field to life, UDC Sports Construction is ready to build it; contact us today to get started.