ASSEMBLING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly. The present invention also relates to a method of assembling a temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly.

The temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly and method of the present invention are suitable for the provision of a temporary sports pitch capable of being used for professional sporting events. It may also be used for other activities that could be held on a sports pitch - e.g. other games or events.

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

Many sports stadiums can host a limited number of games because the pitch is suitable for only a limited number of sports. Traditionally, sports pitches are covered by natural grass, which requires constant, costly maintenance. Natural grass pitches can be damaged by excessive heat, cold, or precipitation.

Further, stadiums of appropriate capacity may not be available for some sports, or newly-built stadiums may not have been provided with a permanent pitch yet. Additionally, pop up stadiums have become more widely used in recent years, due to space constraints in larger cities and the temporary need for larger stadiums in smaller cities and for‘one off’ major events.

For this reason, the inventors have appreciated a need for a temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly which may be placed into an existing stadium which is configured to host other sports, into a newly-built stadium which has not been provided with a pitch yet, or into“pop-up” stadiums. It is further desirable that such a temporary, relocatable, sports pitch is of sufficient quality to host professional sports matches in any weather/climatic condition, and for it to be relocatable multiple times while maintaining the same quality.

The inventors have appreciated a need for such a temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly to be flexible in terms of the underlying surface (e.g. ground) on which it may be assembled and placed.

The inventors have appreciated a need to minimise any damage caused to the surface on which the temporary sports, relocatable, pitch assembly is installed.

Although some temporary sports pitches have been developed, the inventors have appreciated the need for a novel and improved temporary and relocatable sports pitch assembly capable of satisfying the international playing standards as defined by the administrative bodies of sports such as football, rugby, cricket, and hockey etc.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

As used herein, the term“geotextile or geogrid layer” is used to refer to permeable fabrics or geosynthetic materials used to reinforce soils. They are commonly made of polymers, and can be woven, punched, or bonded. They act to filter, reinforce, protect, or drain the soils.

As used herein, the term“sport” or“sports” is used to refer to any activity involving physical exertion and/or skill in which individuals and/or teams compete against others, in particular any such activity performed on grass or which may be performed on grass. The term“sports” does not only refer to organised team sports such as football, rugby, cricket, lacrosse, and hockey etc. The temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly may also serve as a ground covering for other sports such as a temporary, relocatable, bowling green, or track etc.

The present invention in a first aspect provides a temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly comprising at least one base layer comprising a plurality of removably coupleable base layer elements, wherein each base layer element comprises drainage means, and at least one base layer element coupling device for removably coupling adjacent base layer elements to one another. The assembly further comprises at least one shock absorbing layer comprising a plurality of removably coupleable shock absorbing elements comprising a resiliently compressible material, and at least one shock absorbing element coupling device for removably coupling adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another. The assembly further comprises at least one playing surface layer comprising a plurality of removably coupleable playing surface elements, and at least one playing surface element coupling device for removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another.

The temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly of the present invention provides a temporary, relocatable, sports pitch which may be easily assembled and disassembled, transported, and efficiently stored between use.

As the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly comprises layers and each of said separate layers comprises elements which are removably coupled to adjacent elements, it may facilitate rapid and straightforward assembly and disassembly as well as facilitating transport and storage.

The modularity of each element of each layer allows for each element to be easily stackable or Tollable, which facilitates storage and portability. The temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly may enable reconfiguration of the playing surface in a stadium, allowing for greater opportunity and flexibility to host a variety of sports, in particular those which do not have access to stadiums with a range of capacities. This may provide improved scope for a sport, such as hockey, to grow commercially through enabling existing stadiums normally designated for one particular sport (e.g. football / soccer) to enable use of their facilities and infrastructure to host games of another support (e.g. hockey).

Preferably, the at least one playing surface element coupling device is a temporary seam.

A temporary seam or tack may take any form of temporary stitching intended to be removed when adjacent playing surface elements are to be uncoupled. Such a temporary seam may provide sufficient support to oppose lateral movement of adjacent playing surface elements relative to one another, but may also be easily removable and installed.

Alternatively, the at least one playing surface element coupling device may be a hook-and- loop fastener.

A hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a plurality of hooks on a first part and loops on a second part. Said first part may be attached to one of a pair of adjacent playing surface elements, and said second part may be attach to the other one of a pair of adjacent playing surface elements. Hook-and-loop fasteners may easily be provided for each playing surface element, provide sufficient support to oppose horizontal movement of adjacent playing surface elements relative to one another, and allow for adjacent playing surface elements to be easily uncoupled. Further, hook-and-loop fasteners may be used repeatedly.

Hook-and-loop fasteners may be provided in very thin strips on the bottom side of the playing surface elements.

Preferably, the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly comprises fixing or gripping means for opposing horizontal movement of the playing surface layer relative to the shock absorbing layer.

A gripping means may take any appropriate form, such as steel beams placed to form a bordering around the playing surface layer.

A gripping means may further comprise plastic wedges to be placed between the bordering and the playing surface. The gripping / fixing means may ensure that the playing surface layer provides for stable, consistent, flat and secure ball-rolling and ball bouncing behaviour by securing the position of the playing surface layer relative to the shock absorbing layer.

Preferably, the playing surface layer is a synthetic turf. Synthetic turf may require less maintenance and is more resistant to damage than natural grass.

Preferably, the synthetic turf is an unfilled synthetic turf. Unfilled synthetic turf may not require any infill material, which improves playing consistency which might be hindered by an uneven spread of the infill material or the degradation of the infill material over time.

As water needs to be applied to unfilled synthetic turf to reduce friction and allow for fast play, unfilled synthetic turf may not be suitable in some locations.

Alternatively, filled synthetic turf which does not require the application of water may be used. Preferably, the playing surface elements each comprise a textile secondary backing layer.

Preferably, tufts of synthetic grass may be secured to the textile secondary backing layer. The textile secondary backing layer may improve the stability of the playing surface.

The individual surface layer elements may be rolled or stacked. This may permit fast installation and easy transport of the individual surface layer elements.

Preferably, the resiliently compressible material is a foam. This may provide good shock absorption, energy restitution, and elastic vertical deformation properties.

Preferably, the shock absorbing layer elements may comprise a closed cell foam. This may have higher compressive strength than open cell foams.

Preferably, the shock absorbing layer elements may comprise a cross-linked foam. Preferably, said foam is a polyethylene foam. This may provide improved resilience, shock absorption, and strength.

A further advantage of using a foam, in particular a polyethylene foam, is that it may be capable of retaining large volumes of water. Together with the drainage means of the base layer elements, which include voids to retain water, the base layer and the shock absorbing layer are capable of retaining water such that it can slowly drain rather than running through the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly quickly, which may compromise the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly and its performance.

Preferably, the playing surface layer comprises line markings, which may differ by sport. In particular, the line markings may be inlaid lines and/or tufted lines manufactured within the playing surface layer. Advantageously, this allows for the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly to be assembled independent of weather conditions, as no additional markings need to be applied upon assembly.

One particularly suitable foam may be a polyethylene foam. This may be inexpensive, provide good shock absorption properties, and be impervious to water or may alternatively absorb water well.

Preferably, the foam comprises slits to accommodate for volume changes due to temperature changes. Such temperature changes may be natural (i.e. weather-related), artificial (i.e. under-soil heating), or installation-related. Providing for volume changes reduces the risk of the pitch becoming uneven due to expansion of the shock absorbing layer caused by temperature changes.

Preferably, the shock absorbing elements comprise a non-woven fabric on a first side.

Preferably, said non-woven fabric is attached to said first side of the shock absorbing elements.

Preferably, said first side of the shock absorbing elements is the underside of the shock absorbing elements. Preferably, the non-woven fabric is configured to grip the base layer. Providing such a non- woven fabric on the underside of the shock absorbing elements opposes movement of the shock absorbing layer relative to the base layer, ensuring that the pitch remains level and that the playing behaviour of the pitch remains constant and is consistent across the pitch.

Preferably, the at least one shock absorbing element coupling device is one or more interlocking recesses and corresponding projections in adjacent shock absorbing elements.

Preferably, a first one of a pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements may comprise one or more projections along a first side, said one or more projections fitted to conform with one or more corresponding recesses in the adjacent first side of the second one of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements.

Preferably, said second one of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements may also comprise one or more projections along said adjacent first side, fitted to conform to one or more recesses in said first side of the first one of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements. Providing such interlocking recesses and projections in adjacent shock absorbing elements may permit rapid installation. It may also facilitate repeated use of the shock absorbing elements.

Alternatively, the at least one shock absorbing element coupling device may be an adhesive.

An adhesive means may comprise adhesive tape, which may be double-sided adhesive tape, or a glue or a cement or a paste, or a spray or a combination of two or more of these.

Using an adhesive to removably couple adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another may provide an effective but temporary coupling the allows for separation of the adjacent shock absorbing elements. It may also permit repeated coupling and uncoupling of adjacent shock absorbing elements.

An adhesive may be an adhesive tape with adhesive properties that mean that it may be removed easily to uncouple adjacent shock absorbing elements from one another and does not damage the shock absorbing elements upon removal.

Individual shock absorbing elements may be rolled. Advantageously, this may permit fast installation and easy transport of the individual shock absorbing elements.

Preferably, the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly further comprises a geotextile or geogrid layer positionable between the base layer and an underlying surface on which the base layer is laid (e.g. the ground). This may permit the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly to be used on a wider variety of underlying surfaces (e.g. ground types) by providing reinforcement and separation to the base layer.

A drainage means may allow for the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly to be used in any weather.

Allowing for horizontal conveyance of water and air may enable the base layer to be placed on a wider range of surfaces. Preferably, the drainage means comprises one or more holes in each base layer element.

Holes may allow liquid to drain from the top of said base layer elements to an underlying surface (e.g. ground), or horizontally through the base layer elements, from one side of the base layer to the other.

Preferably, adjacent base layer elements are provided with interlocking devices so as to permit interlocking of adjacent base layer elements. This may provide improved stability of the base layer. It may oppose movement of base layer elements relative to one another. The interlocking devices may be recesses in the base layer elements for coupling with the base layer element coupling device, or they may be independent or additional interlocking devices comprising recesses and corresponding projections which form (part of) the base layer element coupling device.

Preferably, the at least one base layer element coupling device comprises a plurality of ties or clips. This may permit adjacent base layer elements to be securely and removably coupled to one another. A plurality of ties or clips may be reused multiple times and may be easily replaced if they become damaged.

Optionally, one or more of the base layer elements may comprise a lid. A lid may improve the mechanical properties of the base layer and therefore aide the base layer to act as a support for the other layers of the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly.

A lid may comprise a drainage means.

A drainage means of the lid may comprises a plurality of holes.

A plurality of holes in a lid may be aligned with the plurality of holes forming the drainage means of the base layer elements.

Preferably, the base layer comprises levelling means configured to level the pitch. Said levelling means may be any suitable way of ensuring the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly is level.

For example, one or more base layer elements may simply straddle some minor inconsistencies in an underlying surface (e.g. ground).

Alternatively or additionally, a levelling means may comprise an additional geogrid layer.

Alternatively or additionally a levelling means may comprise a tilting means to adjustably tilt individual base layer elements or the entire base layer.

A tilting means may be hydraulically operated.

A tilting means may be pneumatically operated.

Preferably, the base layer elements are made from a plastics material.

The base layer elements may be made from polypropylene. Such material may be inexpensive, widely available, relatively light, and mechanically robust.

In some embodiments, the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly further comprises a first coupling device for removably coupling the shock absorbing layer to the base layer. Preferably, the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly further comprises a second coupling device for removably coupling the playing surface layer to the shock absorbing layer.

A means for removably coupling the shock absorbing layer to the base layer may comprise adhesive means.

An adhesive means may comprise adhesive tape, which may be double-sided adhesive tape or a glue or a cement or a paste, or a spray or a combination of two or more of these.

A means for removably coupling the playing surface layer to the shock absorbing layer may comprise adhesive means.

An adhesive means may comprise adhesive tape, which may be double-sided adhesive tape or a glue or a cement or a paste, or a spray or a combination of two or more of these.

The base layer elements and shock absorbing layer elements may be provided as integral units, i.e. units which comprise one or more base layer elements and one or more shock absorbing layer elements.

The present invention in a second aspect, provides a method of assembling a temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly comprising the steps of laying a base layer comprising a plurality of base layer elements and removably coupling adjacent base layer elements to one another with at least one base layer element coupling device. The method further comprises the steps of laying a shock absorbing layer comprising a plurality of shock absorbing elements on the base layer and removably coupling adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another with at least one shock absorbing element coupling device. The method further comprises the steps of laying a playing surface comprising a plurality of playing surface elements on the shock absorbing layer and removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another with at least one playing surface element coupling device.

Alternatively, the“base layer element coupling device" may be referred to as“means for removably coupling adjacent base layer elements to one another”. The“shock absorbing element coupling device” may be referred to as“means for removably coupling adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another”. The“playing surface element coupling device” may be referred to as “means for removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another”.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect may be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention may be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred or example embodiments of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic, sectional view of the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic, sectional view of a base layer of the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a schematic, sectional view of a shock absorbing layer of the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4a to 4d show plan views of a portion of the base layer of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows a schematic, plan view of an alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing layer of the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a schematic, sectional view of a playing surface layer of the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7a shows a perspective view of a base layer element, Figure 7b shows a perspective view of multiple connected base layer elements, and Figure 7c shows a tie or clip for connecting adjacent base layer elements of the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 8 shows a block diagram of the method of assembling the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1 , a temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly 100 is provided. The temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly 100 is configured to provide a temporary and portable / relocatable sports pitch capable of hosting professional standard sporting events. The temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly may be assembled / laid and used for one or more sports fixtures or events and then disassembled and stored for later use on the same site or transported for use (i.e. reassembly) at another site.

Assembly 100 comprises a base layer 104, a shock absorbing layer 106, and a playing surface layer 108.

Base layer 104 is configured to be placed directly on an underlying surface (e.g. ground) 102, which may be any suitable kind of surface, such as natural grass, artificial grass, sand, soil, concrete, tarmac, etc.

Base layer 104 comprises a plurality of base layer elements 110. Each base layer element 110 is reminiscent of a crate for transporting goods or a soakaway used in construction. Each base layer element 1 10 may comprise a lid 112.

Adjacent base layer elements 1 10 are removably coupled to one another to form a substantially continuous base layer 104 over the desired area of the sports pitch assembly.

Shock absorbing layer 106 is configured to be placed on base layer 104. Shock absorbing layer 106 comprises a plurality of shock absorbing elements 1 14. Adjacent shock absorbing elements 1 14 are removably coupled to one another to form a substantially continuous shock absorbing layer 106 over the desired area of the sports pitch assembly.

Playing surface layer 108 is configured to be placed on shock absorbing layer 106. Playing surface layer 108 comprises a plurality of playing surface elements 1 16. Adjacent playing surface elements 1 16 are removably coupled to one another to form a substantially continuous playing surface layer 108 over the desired area of the sports pitch assembly.

Figure 2 shows base layer 104 in more detail. Each one of base layer elements 1 10 comprises drainage means 200, which in the preferred embodiment is a plurality of drainage holes. These holes 200 allow liquid to pass through from the top of the base layer elements 110 to in an underlying surface (e.g. ground) 102 beneath the base layer.

A lid 1 12 of each base layer element 110 may comprise drainage means 202, which in the preferred embodiment is a plurality of further holes. Drainage means 202 of lid 1 12 may be aligned with the drainage means 202 of base layer element 110.

Adjacent base layer elements 110 may interlock with one another via interlocking elements 204. Adjacent base layer elements 1 10 are further removably coupled to one another using a plurality of ties or clip 206. A base layer element 1 10 in the centre of the pitch would therefore be removably coupled to four adjacent base layer elements 1 10 using a plurality of ties of clips 206.

A preferred material for the base layer elements 1 10 is Permavoid™ 85 or Permavoid™ 85s. A preferred material for the base layer element lids 1 12 is the Permavoid™ lid. The base layer elements 1 10 may also be Permavoid™ 150. A preferred material for the ties or clips 206 to removably couple adjacent base layer elements 1 10 to one another is PermaTie™.

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of shock absorbing layer 106 in more detail. Each one of the shock absorbing elements 114 is made from a closed cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam. The foam has slits 300 to accommodate for volume changes of the foam which may occur either during installation or removable coupling of adjacent shock absorbing elements 1 14, or due to weather.

Adjacent shock absorbing elements 114 are removably coupled using an adhesive 302, which may be an adhesive tape. The adhesive tape may be specifically engineered to be welded onto the joints to removably couple adjacent shock absorbing elements 1 14 to one another. As the welding process may require elevated temperature, slits 300 in the foam allow for relatively large volume changes. Each one of shock absorbing elements 1 14 may further comprise a non-woven fabric 304 laminated to the underside of the shock absorbing elements 114. Non-woven fabric 304 is configured to grip the surface of base layer 104 which shock absorbing element 114 is placed on.

However, the large surface area of a professional sports pitch created using the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly according to the present invention, e.g. a hockey pitch, may result in each of the upper layers, i.e. the shock absorbing layer 106 and the playing surface layer 108, being sufficiently heavy such that they do not require any further means for gripping or coupling to the other layers. As such, horizontal movement of one layer relative to the other layer(s) may be restricted by the weight of the upper layers rather than means specifically designed for that task.

Nevertheless, for sports pitches having a smaller surface area, means for removably coupling the shock absorbing layer to the base layer and/or means for removably coupling the playing surface layer to the shock absorbing layer may be advantageous.

The playing surface layer 108 may be secured to the ground around the edge of the assembly 100. In particular, a securing device such as nails may be driven through the edges of the playing surface layer 108 and into the ground to secure the assembly 100. Alternatively, a securing device such as self-drilling screws may be driven through the edges of the playing surface layer 108, and the face of the base layer 104 to secure the assembly 100.

A preferred material for the shock absorbing elements 114 of the embodiment of Figure 3 is ProPlay™-Sport15/215 shock pads. An alternative shock absorbing material 1 14 may be Trocellen™ ProGame shock pads.

Figure 4a shows the interlocking elements 204 of two adjacent base layer elements 110, which comprise a female element 306 such as a recess and a male element 308 such as a corresponding projection. The two adjacent base layer elements 110 of Figure 4a are shown in Figure 4b when in an interlocking position, i.e. when male element 308 abuts female element 306.

Figure 4c shows alternative interlocking elements 204 of two adjacent base layer elements 110, which comprise a female element 306 in each of the base layer elements 110. As shown in Figure 4d, in an interlocking position, a tie or clip 206, sized to fit the two female elements 306, is used to secure the base layer elements 110 to one another.

Preferably, at least one interlocking elements 204 is provided in the same position, and along each edge, of each base layer element 110, such that interlocking elements 204 of each base layer element 110 may be aligned with interlocking elements 204 of each adjacent base layer element 110.

Figure 5 shows an alternative preferred embodiment of shock absorbing layer 106 in more detail. Each one of the shock absorbing elements 1 14a, 114b is made from a closed cell, cross- linked polyethylene foam and has slits 300 to accommodate for volume changes. Adjacent shock absorbing elements 1 14a, 114b are removably coupled using interlocking recesses 400 in and projections 402 of adjacent shock absorbing elements 1 14a, 1 14b. A first one 1 14a of a pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements 1 14a, 114b may comprise one or more projections 402 along a first side 404, said one or more projections 402 fitted to conform with one or more recesses 400 in the adjacent first side 406 of the second one 1 14b of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements 1 14a, 1 14b. The second one 114b of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements 1 14a, 1 14b may also comprise one or more projections 402 along said adjacent first side 406, fitted to conform to one or more recesses 400 in said first side 404 of the first one 1 14a of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements 1 14a, 1 14b.

A preferred material for the shock absorbing elements 114 of the embodiment of Figure 5 is ProPlay™-Sport15/215 shock pads.

Figure 6 shows playing surface layer 108 in more detail. Each one of playing surface elements 1 16 comprises tufts 500 of synthetic grass and a secondary backing 502. Tufts 500 are secured to the secondary backing 502. The synthetic grass is made from polyethylene. The secondary backing 502 may be made of textile.

With reference to Figure 6, adjacent playing surface elements 116 are removably coupled along a temporary seam 504. A preferred material for removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another is a hook-and-loop fastener 504. For example, in Figure 6, a left hand one of a pair of adjacent playing surface elements 116 shown in Figure 6 may comprise the hooks of hook-and-loop fastener 504 and a right one of a pair of adjacent playing surface elements 116 may comprise corresponding loops of the hook-and-loop fastener 504.

A preferred material for the playing surface elements 1 16 may be Poligras™ TokyoGT™ artificial turf.

The strength of the base layer should be sufficient to support a vehicle, e.g. a vehicle having pneumatic tires. This facilitates assembly and disassembly of the sports pitch. As a sports pitch built using the temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly of the present invention may be watered in use, and the elements of each of the layers may become heavier due to retained water, the strength of the base layer may facilitate transportation of the heavy (wet) elements of each of the layers. This is particularly important to decrease the length of time required for disassembly.

A geotextile or geogrid layer (not shown) may be used between an underlying surface (e.g. ground) 102 and base layer 104. Such a geotextile or geogrid layer may only be required on certain types of underlying surfaces, for example on natural grass surfaces which may require additional protection, or on particularly uneven underlying surfaces (e.g. ground and grass).

A preferred material for the geotextile or geogrid layer is Terram™ 1000. Another preferred material for the geotextile or geogrid layer is Terram Grassprotecta™. Another preferred material for the geotextile or geogrid layer is Enkagrid™ TRC 30. Figure 7a shows a perspective view of a preferred base layer element 1 10 having holes 200 as drainage means and a plurality of female elements 306 for connecting with adjacent base layer elements 1 10. Figure 7b shows a perspective view of a plurality of connected base layer elements 1 10 of Figure 7a, which are connected to each other using a plurality of ties or clips 206. Figure 7c shows a perspective view of one of the ties or clips 206 used to connect the plurality of connected base layer elements 1 10 of Figure 7b.

Figure 8 provides a method of assembling the aforementioned temporary, relocatable, sports pitch assembly. The method comprises laying a base layer S600. Base layer 104 is placed directly on an underlying surface (e.g. ground) 102 by placing individual base layer elements 110 on an underlying surface (e.g. ground) 102. The base layer elements 1 10 are Permavoid™ 85. Adjacent base layer elements 1 10 are removably coupled to one another S602 using PermaTie™ ties.

Optionally, lids 112 may be placed on each one of the base layer elements 1 10. Lids 112 may be placed on each one of base layer elements 1 10 before base layer elements 110 are placed on an underlying surface (e.g. ground)102, or before adjacent base layer elements 110 are removably coupled to one another. Alternatively, lids 112 may be placed underneath each one of the base layer elements 1 10.

The method further comprises laying a shock absorbing layer on the base layer S604. Shock absorbing layer 106 is placed directly on base layer 104 by placing individual shock absorbing elements 114 on base layer 104. Adjacent shock absorbing elements 114 are removably coupled to one another S606 using specially engineered tape. The specially engineered tape may be used to weld joints of adjacent shock absorbing elements 1 14.

The method further comprises laying a playing surface layer on the shock absorbing layer S608. Playing surface layer 108 is placed directly on shock absorbing layer 106 by unrolling individual rolls of playing surface elements 1 16 on shock absorbing layer 106. Adjacent playing surface elements 1 16 are removably coupled to one another S610 using a temporary seam.

These steps may be performed in reverse so as to disassemble the assembly for storage or relocation.