REDLANDS will be battling to get their 3G surface up to sanctioned standards, after the pitch was recently struck off the FA’s official register for competitive fixtures.

The playing surface, which a whole host of youth and senior teams in the area use to train on, does not currently make the grade to host competitive fixtures.

Explaining the current situation, The Dorset FA’s county development manager Todd Govan said: “All 3G pitches are required to undergo a performance test every three years to be included on the FA’s register of approved 3G football turf pitches, and subsequently permit their use for competitive sanctioned matches in line with FA rules.

“Following a recent test, The FA are working with Redlands to resolve this matter to allow the pitch to be included back onto the register, subject to a successful test.”

Redlands Community Sports Hub general manager Lewis Stripp added: “We have met with the contractors about the pitch and we are just waiting to hear some more information from them.

“We have done everything we need to do in terms of equipment and maintenance, everything that needs to be done has been done. It’s just a case of making sure we have everything up to the required standards.

“A few of the junior clubs have expressed that they wanted to play some of their fixtures on it.

“We want to get it resolved as quickly as we can and we are working with the FA and the Football Foundation so that they are happy and we can get everything going again.”