Recent concerns about the rising number of injuries in women’s football have led to questions about the suitability of pitch surfaces. Brighton’s CEO, Paul Barber, has called for more research into whether the pitches designed for male athletes might be contributing to injury risks for women. The club is considering building a new stadium for the women’s team by 2027-28, exploring how pitch quality can be improved.

Most top-tier football pitches are hybrid surfaces, combining natural grass with synthetic materials. While the Women’s Super League (WSL) teams use a variety of pitches, including hybrid and natural grass, there is no specific focus on whether these surfaces are optimal for female players. Experts suggest that while pitch quality is important, other factors like training load and player physiology also play a significant role in injuries.

Former players and coaches argue that managing pitch quality, rather than switching to separate surfaces, could reduce injury risk. Some believe that there needs to be more research into women’s unique physical needs, such as the effects of menstruation and anatomical differences on injury susceptibility. Others feel that focusing on pitch surfaces alone might distract from more pressing issues like conditioning and player health.