Pro Pitch System — Full Specification

Complete technical specification for the Pro Pitch PVC pitch perimeter fencing system. All dimensions are nominal. Three product variants are available — see the tier guide for which applies to your club.

Mandatory pitch setback by FA step

The FA mandates a minimum distance between the edge of the pitch and the perimeter barrier. This varies by grade:

We recommend a standard setback of 2,250mm across all tiers for consistency, safety, and future-proofing. Source: FA National Ground Grading Handbook v18.

Double Mesh Specification

Component	Specification
Post dimensions	127 × 127 × 1,800mm — white PVC coated steel
Rail dimensions	50 × 110mm ribbed oval rail, 3 per bay — panels are pre-assembled with rails attached
Panel width	2,373mm per panel (determines post centres)
Mesh infill panel	Double-layer welded steel mesh, white powder-coated, hole size 155 × 75mm
Fence height above ground	1,100mm — meets FA 1.1m barrier height requirement
Post spacing (centres)	Determined by panel width — confirm exact spacing with our team before ordering. The FA does not specify post spacing; this is governed by the product specification.
Post installation depth	Approximately 600mm into ground via steel ground anchor, set in concrete
Rail expansion gap	10–12mm between rail sections — allows thermal movement
Colour throughout	Bright white PVC — posts, rails and mesh infill panels
Hardware	All gate hardware Grade 304 stainless steel — will not corrode

Gate Options

3m double machinery gate with double welded mesh infill and stainless steel hardware.

Independent Test Certifications

Football Club Tier Guide — FA Requirements by Step

Sourced directly from the FA's National Ground Grading Handbook (v18) and the official NLS Step 7 Minimum Requirements document. Every club must meet the requirements for their current step and be mindful of what will be required upon promotion.

League Directory — FA Steps & Official Leagues

Use this directory to identify which FA Step your club plays at and which fence specification applies.

Why install Double Mesh at Steps 5–7?

Pricing by FA Tier — Per Linear Metre

All prices shown ex VAT. Prices are per linear metre of fencing run. Based on a standard 11-a-side pitch (105m × 68m) with fence positioned at 2,250mm setback — giving a total fenced perimeter of approximately 350 metres.

All prices are ex VAT. Final project pricing is based on your exact pitch dimensions, ground conditions, number of gates and chosen service option. Use the calculator below or request a detailed quote.

Calculate Your Pitch Perimeter

Enter your pitch dimensions for an instant indicative material quantity. Fence is calculated at 2,250mm setback from the pitch edge.

Installation Guide

The Pro Pitch system is designed to be installed by any competent, organised team. Every supply-only order includes a full printed installation guide with step-by-step instructions and diagrams. A downloadable version will be available here shortly.

1. Site Survey & Mark-Out

   Establish your fence line at a minimum of 2,250mm from the edge of the playing area on all four sides. Use string lines and stakes to mark the full perimeter. Mark post positions at 2,500mm centres along the line. Identify and mark gate positions — we recommend one double gate and one single gate on each accessible side as a minimum.

2. Dig Post Holes

   Dig a hole at each marked post position to a depth of 650mm. The hole should be wide enough to accommodate the post with a concrete surround on all sides. An auger or mechanical post hole borer is strongly recommended and will significantly reduce labour time, particularly on large installs and compacted or clay ground.

3. Set Posts in Concrete

   Place the post in the hole and check it is perfectly vertical using a plumb line or spirit level. Fill the hole with concrete to a level of 150mm below ground level — do not fill to the top. The remaining 150mm is backfilled with soil once the concrete has cured, giving a clean, natural ground finish at the base of each post. Allow a minimum of 24 hours curing time before fitting rails or panels. Do not proceed while concrete is wet.

4. Install Rails

   With all posts set and concrete fully cured, slide the rails into the mortise holes in each post — 3 rails per bay. Engage rails to the minimum depth specified in your installation guide. Leave a 10–12mm thermal expansion gap between rail sections at each post to allow for movement in hot and cold weather. Work systematically around the full perimeter.

5. Install Mesh Panels

   Mesh panels are supplied separately. Each panel slots between the rails using the pre-drilled holes in the rails — the mesh clips into position quickly without additional fixings or specialist tools. Work bay by bay around the full perimeter.

6. Fit Gates

   Gate posts are installed using the same concrete method as fence posts. For additional rigidity and load-bearing strength, gate posts are doubled up — two posts set side by side at each gate hinge and latch position. Fit hinges, latches and drop bolts following the installation guide. All hardware is Grade 304 stainless steel. Check all gates open, close, latch and bolt correctly before sign-off.

7. Final Inspection & Sign-Off

   Walk the full perimeter. Check all rails are correctly seated with the correct 10–12mm expansion gap at each joint. Check all mesh panels are fully seated in the pre-drilled holes with no loose sections. Check all gates function correctly. Measure the setback from the playing area on all four sides and confirm it meets the minimum requirement before submitting for any ground grading or inspection.

Post foundation cross-section — 650mm hole, 500mm concrete with 150mm soil backfill.

Tools Required

🔴 Red = Required 🟢 Green = Recommended

A full installation guide with detailed graphics will be available to download from this page shortly. All supply-only orders include a printed guide.

Test Reports & Certifications

Every performance claim about the Pro Pitch system is backed by independent testing carried out by SGS — the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. All reports are available to download.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything clubs ask about pitch perimeter fencing. Can't find your answer? Call us on 01282 526428.

Funding Your Pitch Fencing

Budget is the most common barrier to installing proper pitch fencing — but grants exist specifically for this type of project. Many clubs don't realise how much is available, or that they can use it with any reputable supplier. Here is the complete guide.

Grant Application — Step by Step

1. Check Your Eligibility

   Football Foundation grants are open to affiliated clubs in England. The Premier League Stadium Fund is for NLS Steps 1–6. Confirm which fund suits your club and step before starting.

2. Contact Us for a Specification & Quote

   Both funds require a specification showing total metres, height, construction and number of gates. Contact The Outdoor Look — we'll provide everything you need to support your application at no charge, including a marked-up site plan if required.

3. Confirm Planning Permission

   At 1.1m height, planning permission is generally not required. However, always confirm with your local authority. The Football Foundation will not approve grants without this being confirmed.

4. Submit Your Application

   Apply online via the relevant fund's portal. Include your site drawing, our specification and your reasons for the improvement. A detailed, thorough application gets a faster decision.

5. Receive Approval & Place Your Order

   Once your grant is approved, you'll receive a decision letter and grant terms. Place your order with The Outdoor Look. Important: do not purchase before grant approval — retrospective applications are not accepted by the Football Foundation.

Get a Free Quote

Tell us about your club and we'll provide a detailed, no-obligation quote within 24 hours — along with any specification documents needed to support a grant application.