Sand-dominated rootzones are widely used for professional football pitches because their use ensures good drainage and adequate air-filled pore space needed for healthy grass growth (Adams 1981). However if grass cover is lost through wear, sand-based rootzones can become unstable reducing the amount of grip or traction available for the players (Baker 1989). The use of reinforcement materials in rootzones to improve the stability of the surface has been well documented. Current reinforcement materials for professional football pitches are based on the use of artificial polymer-based fibres either mixed into the upper part of the rootzone or punched in after grass establishment (Baker 1997). A reinforced material based on natural coir fibres rather that synthetic fibres may help moisture and nutrient retention as well as stability, although no field trials of this material has been previously undertaken. The objectives of the study were to examine the optimum rate of coir inclusion into the rootzone for winter games pitches and to determine whether performance was enhanced through the addition of a small amount of soil into the rootzone mix.