In the demanding world of professional football, the quality of the playing surface is paramount. It influences everything from ball control and player speed to injury risk. Recognizing this crucial element, Liga Portugal annually bestows the “Prémios Relvado” – the Pitch Awards – celebrating the clubs that maintain the finest turfs across the season.
For the 2024-25 season awards, two clubs stood out, achieving the maximum 5-star rating: SL Benfica in the top-tier Liga Portugal Betclic, and Portimonense in Liga Portugal 2 Meu Super.
Benfica`s Estádio da Luz: Premier Pitch in the Top Flight
SL Benfica`s iconic Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica earned the prestigious Pitch of the Year award for Liga Portugal Betclic. Evaluated meticulously over 18 home matches throughout the season, the pitch consistently met the highest standards, culminating in a perfect 5-star rating. The award was presented by Paulo Mariz de Rozeira, Executive Director of Liga Portugal, to Sílvio Cérvan, Vice-President of SL Benfica, acknowledging the hard work behind maintaining such a high-calibre playing surface.
Portimonense`s Portimão Estádio: Masters of the Second Division Surface
Down in Liga Portugal 2 Meu Super, the honor of Pitch of the Year went to Portimonense`s home ground, the Portimão Estádio. Like their counterparts in the top division, Portimonense`s pitch achieved a 5-star rating, assessed over 17 home games. For Portimonense, this is not unfamiliar territory; it marks the fourth time the Algarve club has received this distinction, showcasing a consistent dedication to pitch excellence. Rodiney Sampaio, President of Portimonense, accepted the award from Bernardo Azevedo, General Director of Liga Comercial, adding another trophy for their groundkeeping team to the cabinet.
The Science Behind the Stars: Liga Portugal`s Rigorous Evaluation
Achieving a 5-star rating is no simple feat. The Pitch Awards are the result of a comprehensive, game-by-game assessment conducted throughout the entire season. Evaluators include the Liga Portugal Match Center, League Delegates present at each match, and the officiating team (referees and assistants).
The evaluation process is based on three essential technical parameters:
1. Structure: This category examines the foundational elements of the pitch. Key factors include the efficiency of the irrigation system, the infiltration rate (how quickly water drains), and the planimetry (the flatness and levelness of the surface). Ensuring proper drainage means matches are less likely to be affected by waterlogging, and a flat surface provides a predictable bounce for the ball.
2. Performance: This measures how the pitch interacts with the game itself. Evaluators look at the regularity (consistency across the entire surface), compaction (the firmness of the ground), and tensile strength (how well the grass and root system hold together, resisting tearing). A high-performance pitch offers stable footing for players and a true roll for the ball.
3. Maintenance: This parameter assesses the ongoing care and presentation of the turf. It covers density (how thick the grass coverage is), the degree of infestation (presence of weeds or pests), cutting height (uniformity and appropriate length), the overall maintenance plan (is there a clear strategy?), and, naturally, the visual aspect (does it look good?). This is where the artistry of the groundskeepers truly shines.
The combination of these detailed technical assessments results in a final rating that determines the Pitch of the Year. It highlights the critical, often unseen, work carried out by groundskeeping teams whose efforts directly contribute to the quality and safety of the game played on their surfaces.
Congratulations to SL Benfica and Portimonense, and their dedicated groundskeeping staff, for setting the benchmark for pitch quality in Portuguese professional football for the 2024-25 season awards.
