Hydra’s Synthetic Turf Field Continues to Perform

IMG_5188 (2)Hydra is a small island off the coast of Greece that is a prominent tourist destination that preserves its historical integrity.  The picturesque island features cobblestone streets, charming taverns, and blue-watered beaches.  While tourism brings many people from around the world to Hydra, the island sustains its own municipal population of just under 2,000 residents as well.  Hydra offers a tranquility driven by a ban on all vehicles ranging from cars to bicycles.  A preservation order sustains Hydra’s antique appeal and unique charm.

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IMG_3302 (2)A few years ago Act Global had the opportunity to construct a professional quality football pitch for the residents of Hydra.  Voted the “most beautiful” field in Greece, the synthetic turf system also offers substantial safety and performance benefits.  The artificial grass is engineered and tested to offer a superior playing surface for the players by offering a surface that is fast under the foot and provide sufficient firmness to limit fatigue injuries to the lower extremities of the player’s body.  The synthetic turf system also provides proper Rotational Resistance (traction) to ensure foot stability and to enable quick release of the shoes during rotation and traction movements.  The surface also maintains consistent and uniform ball-to-surface interaction for superior ball control.

Act Global is committed to bringing the highest quality turf surfaces to people across the world, inspiring health and happiness through the power of active play.

Learn how our synthetic turf is beneficial to athletes. 

FC Cincinnati Set New Season Record Attendance at Nippert Stadium

Cincinnati FC 5 UBU M-6FC Cincinnati might have only begun play in 2016, but the past two seasons have established FC Cincinnati as one of the most successful and most supported teams within the USL league.  FCC holds a captivated and engaged fan base including more than a dozen different support groups alongside casual fans that support the local team’s extraordinary success.  Drawing in almost 500,000 fans to Nippert Stadium throughout the season, FCC broke its single-season record for attendance.

United Soccer League compiled a “Year in Review” for FC Cincinnati that showcased the strong 2017 season. The team ended with a 12-10-10, 44pt record and placed sixth in the Eastern Conference.  The first-class coaches did an excellent job in retaining 17 key players Cincinnati FC 4 UBU M-6from 2016 that helped build a stable foundation for the team going into 2017.  FCC continued to compete at a superiorly high level, dominating not only the USL league but also defeating Major League Soccer teams Columbus Crew SC and Chicago Fire in the U.S. Open Cup national tournament.  While average attendance was over 21,000 per game making FCC the only team in USL to average over 20,000 fans per game, the matches against MLS teams drew up to 33,250 supporters.

The 2017 season ended in October and FCC competed in one payoff match where they lost to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Act Global is excited to continue to watch the team grow and excel going into 2018.  The team currently has its home at Nippert Stadium where Act Global’s brand of synthetic turf has been the surface of choice since 2013.  The artificial grass system is engineered for safety and performance and backed by intensive laboratory tests and natural grass benchmarks of top fields to ensure its high-caliber quality.

Cincinnati FC 7 UBU M-6 2

Congratulations to FC Cincinnati on a phenomenal season, and good luck going into 2018!

FIBA 3 x 3 World Tour Final – this weekend

FIBA’s professional World Tour 3 x 3 league comes to an exciting close this weekend at the FIBA World Tour Bloomage Beijing Final at the Bloomage Hi-Up Shopping Mall in Beijing, China.  The top twelve 3 x 3 teams in the world, led by top ranked Serbian squad Novi Sad Al Wahda (sponsored by UAE club), will be competing Saturday and Sunday for $100,000 USD in prize money, all on top of Sport Court’s signature Power Game™ grey (GRY) and granite (GRT) official FIBA 3 x 3 surface.

Below are the rankings of the 12 teams heading into the weekend and you can follow matches live starting at 5PM local time (GMT + 8) both days at www.fiba.com/3x3worldtour:

  1. Novi Sad Al Wahda (UAE)
    2. Ljubljana (SLO)
    3. Liman (SRB)
    4. Zemun Master(SRB)
    5. Piran (SLO)
    6. Riga (LAT)
    7. Saskatoon (CAN)
    8. Belgrade (SRB)
    9. Krakow R8 Basket(POL)
    10. Kranj (SLO)
    11. Lausanne (SUI)
    12. Humpolec (CZE)

A collection of photos from the qualifying 2017 World Tour Masters events held from July thru September in various venues around the world is attached to this email…..

Reminder:  the IOC announced in June that 3 x 3 will be an official basketball discipline in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020……

 

Sport Court 3 x 3 from South America

This weekend’s South American Youth Games 3 x 3 basketball event held at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago, Chile.  Three Power Game™ 3 x 3 courts in colors bright blue (BBL), bright red (BRD), and green (GRN) were installed for the event by our longtime partners in Chile, MW Sport Welt.  Players from 11 South American countries participated in this event running from October 5th thru October 8th.

Thanks to MW Sport Welt for the photos and support of this event……

Stay tuned for more exciting Sport Court 3 x 3 photos in the next couple of weeks as the official FIBA 3 x 3 season wraps up!!

Sport Court at 2017 Invictus Games

For the second year in a row, Sport Court will be the centerpiece for sitting volleyball at Prince Harry’s Invictus Games

Prince Harry started the Invictus Games as a way to honor the injured servicewomen and men to help them recover from their “physical and mental wounds”. The 2017 games in Toronto is the third year military athletes from all over the globe will compete, while all coming to win for their country it’s not their single purpose for being at the games.

Act Global Supports Homeless World Cup and Its Mission to Impact Our World

Leading synthetic turf manufacturer issues open statement of congratulations

21366768_10155676104784508_9013485301763464281_oAct Global participated in the 15th edition of the Homeless World Cup event in Oslo, Norway last week through its donation of three top quality artificial grass pitches. These fields hosted hundreds of players from around the world in an effort to help each of these players and numerous other players in their home countries away from homelessness.

The United Nations estimates a 100 million people are homeless worldwide. As many as 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing. The Homeless World Cup Foundation (co-founded by Mel Young) works to “Beat Homelessness through Football” through 74 different grassroots social programs. The efforts continue to raise new heights as men’s and women’s teams representing 50 countries participated in this year’s event in Oslo.

Act Global CEO John Baize remarks, “We want to thank and congratulate the Homeless World Cup players, the numerous volunteers and staff, its sponsors and the organization.  As synthetic grass suppliers, Act Global has seen poverty in its sales in 80 countries around the world.  We see how homelessness is caused by death, poverty, lack of sufficient employment, disability, trauma or many other reasons.  While extreme poverty is pervasive around the world, in my home country of the United States every year 3.5 million people including over 1 million children are homeless. These homeless people are not ‘them’ – they are ‘us’.  They are fathers, mothers, uncles, sisters, grandparents, and daughters. Homelessness is a world problem, but not one without hope for change.”

“We all know and understand how playing sports can have a tremendous impact on a person’s physical and mental health.  Through the use of synthetic turf, we can give millions of adults and children around the world the ability to spend more time building themselves up and a time away from the streets.  The Homeless World Cup Foundation is another example of this and will serve as a tool for homeless people to change their lives while opening our eyes and hearts. Act Global is so blessed to be a small part of this event by donating the playing surfaces. To the players, we are cheering for you not just for this event but in reminding all of us that you are important, you are needed and you have brilliant football skills.”

About Homeless World Cup

The Homeless World Cup operates via a network of 74 national partners, supporting football-based programmes and social enterprise development around the world. These street football organizations run local projects in 420 cities, reaching 100,000 homeless people every year. So far, the Homeless World Cup and its partners have impacted the lives of 1 million homeless people around the globe. Some of the ambassadors for the organization include Colin Farrell, Honey Thaljieh, Tegla Loroupe, Scott Brown, David Eustace, Desiree Scott, Irvine Welsh, Kevin Carroll, Jason Roberts, Whitney Mercilus, and Jeb Brovsky.

About Act Global

Act Global is a world leader in synthetic turf technology, with manufacturing facilities on three continents and sales in more than 80 countries. The company carries a full range of products for sports (Xtreme Turf, UBU, and Xtreme Grass), landscaping (Xtreme Lawn), aviation (AvTurf) and land reclamation (LiteEarth). Act Global is a FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Turf, Synthetic Turf Council Certified Manufacturer, World Rugby Preferred Turf Producer, FIH Preferred Supplier, and holds ISO 9001 Certification. Its products have undergone hundreds of independent laboratory tests for quality, durability, safety, environmental soundness and performance. For more information, visit http://www.actglobal.com

Act Global Donates Three Synthetic Turf Fields for the Homeless World Cup

The top quality pitches from Act Global hosted players from around the world for eight days of football and fellowship in Oslo’s City Hall Square.

21248315_10155667094409508_6620074814652855691_oAustin, TX- For the third consecutive year, Act Global has collaborated with the Homeless World Cup to be the official turf sponsor and donor. This year’s tournament took place in Oslo, Norway, and brought together 50 countries with more than 500 players for the eight-day festival.

The Homeless World Cup is an annual celebration by the participating National Partners that use the power of football to help those who are homeless or socially disadvantaged. By playing football, individuals who have become displaced and isolated can build relationships as well as reintroduce structure and support into their lives. The tournament is an opportunity for individuals who are invisible on the streets to become heroes on the field while representing their nation. Norway’s capital city hosted the 15th edition of the Homeless World Cup from August 29- September 5.

An estimated 100 million people are homeless worldwide, and as many as 1 billion lack access to suitable housing. Of past Homeless World Cup participants, 94 percent have said that the event positively impacted their life, and 77 percent have experienced significant change.

Gathered from a uniting love of football, the participants had the opportunity to play on a professional-level synthetic turf system from Act Global. The durable, consistent, all-weather surface was more than just a pitch for the participants, rather a place to belong. It is on these fields that players were joined by thousands of fans, volunteers and members of the media for the celebration of strength and resiliency. In the end, Brazil’s mixed team won the tournament for the third year in a row, and Mexico’s women’s team claimed victory in the female bracket.

“We love working with the Homeless World Cup”, comments director Chris Clapham. “Each year we have the opportunity to witness the positive impact that the tournament leaves on the players, and it is a privilege to watch this impact grow each year. We congratulate and are inspired by the remarkable work by the Homeless World Cup co-founder Mel Young, and his entire organization. They have truly changed the world.”

The Netherlands Hockey Club Selects Act Global Synthetic Turf for it’s Game Pitch

20882720_1678130715540220_3918702243486846800_nHCQZ (Hockey Club Quick-ZOW) or QZ is a hockey club from The Netherlands that has its home in the southwest  region of Nijmegen at Staddijk Sports Park. The club emphasizes an atmosphere of teamwork, involvement, engagement, and solidarity for each of its players, fostering sportsmanlike athletes.  The club was officially founded in 2006 after a long-discussed merger that brought together the Mixed Hockey Club Quick (formerly known as Nijmeegsche Ladies Hockey Club Quick) and MHV ZOW to encompass 650 hickey members.

20915548_1678130718873553_6689560477494556355_nThis summer we had the opportunity to work with our partners at Sallandse United to install our synthetic turf in HCQZ’s wet field.  Our artificial grass is engineered and tested to offer a superior playing surface by offering greater speed and precision.  Our hockey turf gives a flat, fast surface with lower friction, free moving fibers for footing and stick movements, and technical accuracy for consistent ball roll and rebound.  This means that the teams of HCQZ will compete on a professional hockey system that will allow them to play at their best.

The official grand opening of the field for the fall 2017 season will be on September 2nd.

Top 2016 NFL Plays

From 2012-2016 there has been one single surface that has seen the most professional football games played on it-the S5.  It’s 350 matches within this time frame lends to the dependability of synthetic turf for player safety and performance.  It’s only when athletes are confident in the tools they are given that they can excel.  For fans, this means great football.  With preseason in full swing and just 16 days until the 2017 season kickoff, we though what better way to celebrate artificial grass then look at the NFL’s top plays on our surface from 2016.

Photo source: The New Work Times

Photo source: The New Work Times

10. Jets Fumble and Recovery

This week 4 play with the New York Jets and the Seattle Seahawks left most players looking around confused on the field.  The Seahawks were able to block a throw from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, but that didn’t stop Charone Peake from scooping the ball and running straight to the in zone.  Both teams were startled and confused, letting Peake run straight for the touchdown without anyone stopping him.

9.  Brandin Cooks 98-Yard Touchdown

It was the first week of the NFL season when Brandon Cooks surprised both Saints and Raiders fans with this touchdown.  The Saints were leading 17-10 in the third quarter starting off a play at 1st and 10 with the ball in their hands.  Quarterback Drew Brees threw the ball right into Cooks hands, allowing him to continue running full speed towards the in zone.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson returns a kickoff 104-yards for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)

Photo source: NFL RUSH

8. Cordarrelle Patterson’s 104-yard kickoff Return Touchdown

This play is an exceptional example of an entire team working together perfectly.  The Cardinals kicked off the third quarter with a punt straight into the arms of Cordarrelle Patterson.  Patterson immediately took off, weaving in between the Cardinal’s defense as the Vikings blocked many that came close to him.  After the 40-yard line, Patterson had a straight 60-yard sprint to the in zone.

7. Willie Snead’s Wide Open 50-Yard Pass

During week 12 of the 2016 season, running back Tim Hightower found himself wide open during a 4th quarter play.  Quarterback Drew Brees handed off the ball to wide receiver Willie Snead, who saw the running back completely unguarded.  The perfect pass led to a touchdown for the Saints.

6. Odell Beckham Jr.’s Stiff Arm

It was week 3 and the Giants were playing the Redskins at home at the MetLife Stadium.  Near the beginning of the 4th quarter, ODJ made a reaching one-armed catch with little space then caught Josh Norman off guard with a spin move past him.  During this move, Beckham Jr. also put the stiff arm to Norman’s face mask, block him from following.

5. Vikings Interception Against Packers

Photo source: NFL.com

Photo source: NFL.com

This 4th quarter interception by Trae Waynes solidified the Vikings defeat over the Packers.  With 1:50 left on the clock and a score of 13-17 in favor of Minnesota, the Packers were running out of time to make a comeback.  Waynes’ interception meant that the Vikings could maintain their lead to win the game.

4. Cooks and Brees 87-yard Touchdown

Following this duo’s week 1 98-yard touchdown, Brandon Cooks and Drew Brees follow up in week 6 with an 87-yard touchdown.  This perfect first quarter pass from Brees to Cooks was the Saints second touchdown of the game, making the Saints lead 13-0 over the Carolina Panthers.

3. Jets’ Trick Play and Bilal Powell Touchdown

This second-quarter play started like  an ordinary play with a pass to wide reciever Brandon Marshall.  The Jets took the Rams off guard by flipping the ball back to Bilal Powell where he was able to run straight into the in zone.  This touchdown helped the New York Jets take a 6-3 lead over of Los Angeles Rams.

2. Xavier Rhodes’ 100-Yard Interception and Touchdown

This record setting play during the 11th week of the 2016 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings raised their 13-10 lead to a 19-10 lead over the Arizona Cardinals.  The Cardinals were 3rd and Goal when Xiavier Rhodes cut in front of his man, intercepted the pass, and took off towards the Viking’s in zone.  Outrunning everyone else on the field, Rhodes completed a 100-yard touchdown,

Photo source: Newsday

Photo source: Newsday

1. Odell Beckham Jr.’s Game-Winning Touchdown

In the final 2 minutes of the final quarter against the Ravens, ODJ makes a cut inside-causing the Ravens CB and SS to collide.  Left wide open, OBJ catches the pass, cuts around the Raven’s last defender, and runs into the in zone.  This play was followed by ODJ’s iconic proposal to the net.

Mercedes-Benz Superdome Selects Act Global’s Synthetic Turf

American-based manufacturer completes installation of the latest artificial grass technology for iconic New Orleans stadium.

Dome-DDDAustin, TX- Act Global was chosen as the manufacturer and installer of turf for the SMG managed Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The surface has recently been installed and is ready for the upcoming NFL preseason game between New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans on August 26.

As Louisiana’s premier sports and entertainment venue for the past 42 years, the stadium is rich in social and cultural history. It is best known for hosting the New Orleans Saints, seven Super Bowls and the annual college Allstate Sugar Bowl and the R & L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. In addition, the historic Bayou Classic matching Southern University against Grambling State University will be played on November 25. As such, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome requires a turf surface that can meet the rigor and performance demands of the top pro and college players.

The synthetic turf by Act Global is engineered and tested to offer a superior playing surface for the players. This proven methodology includes a wide range of quality and durability checks, biomechanical measurements and surface testing. “Act Global is honored to have been selected by such a well-respected organization,” comments Act Global CEO John Baize. “We are impressed by the amazing professionals at the stadium who demand the best for their teams. We are committed to staying at the forefront of player safety and performance for the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and all our clients. Every player is important and our purpose is to serve their playing needs.”