Pitch Perfect: The best 3G pitches in London

By Ellen O'Riordan on Mar 30, 2016

Pitch Perfect: The best 3G pitches in London

With Central London rapidly becoming more and more densely overpopulated, open green spaces are limited and even more lacking are those comprised of 3G artificial grass. This means that finding a full sized 3G pitch in London is an astronomical feat and finding one that is available at, say 7pm on a Tuesday is next to impossible. They are often booked for leagues, training and corporate play, meaning free pitch time is a rarity. Most of the good, large pitches are either council run, or part of school facilities so are difficult to find online. Nonetheless, we’ve unturfed some of the best 3G pitches around London for you to sink your studs into, just make sure to keep your eye on the ball and book well in advance.

Whittington Park Football Pitch (Archway)

Managed by better.org, the pitch can hold eleven-a- side to five-a- side play and has floodlights and changing facilities. The full size pitch is £90/hour, and bookings can be made via the Islington Tennis Centre on 0203 793 6880.

Market Road (Caledonian Road)

With such a central location, it’s amazing to find a venue with not one, but two full size 3G pitches. They are perfect for eleven-a- side or five-a- side play and can be used for tag rugby or training. The pitches are used by leagues and junior programmes so do tend to get booked up well in advance. For bookings call 0203 793 6880.

Capital City Academy (Willesden Junction)

The eleven-a- side 3G pitch is available for rent as a full size pitch, or as a third or two third rental. The facility was upgraded in 2014 so is in excellent condition and has floodlights and changing facilities. Bookings are made via www.capitalcityacademy.org/hire-our-facilities where you can complete an enquiry form and a team member will be in touch.

Burgess Park (Elephant and Castle)

This full sized pitch is in top condition, with a well maintained 3G surface, excellent nets and goals, floodlights and nearby parking. The pitch costs £135 per hour. It’s a rare gem for eleven-a-side teams, so Monday to Thursday bookings are snatched up like gold. However, cancellations do occur, so call Quadron services on 0207 525 5000 or email southwark.sports@quadronservices.co.uk and you might just be in luck.

Canada Water Bacon’s College Community Sports Centre (Canada Water)

Is an eleven-a-side 3G astroturf pitch with floodlights and on site changing facilities. A 10 minute walk from Canada Water station, the full sized pitch is £125 for an hour’s rental. The pitch is used for academy training and corporate teams so book early to get a time slot; 020 7450 4974.

Mile End Sports Centre

This complex has a series of pitches; 1 eleven-a- side sand based astro, 3 seven-a-side 3G pitches and 4 five-a-side 3G pitches. It’s managed by GLL on behalf of Tower Hamlets, so bookings are through the GLL on 020 8709 4420.

Paddington Recreation Ground

A floodlit 3G pitch, suitable for eleven-a- side play, 2 seven-a- side games or touch rugby. There are also 2 5-a-side pitches, also with 3G surfaces and a full sized floodlit astroturf pitch. Changing facilities are available on site. Bookings are through Nuffield Community health; 020 7641 3642 to hire a pitch.