This year's FA Groundsman of the Year Awards, in partnership with Carlsberg reached their conclusion at Windsor Racecourse on Wednesday when over 140 groundsmen from around the country gathered to find out whether they had been recognised by their industry peers.

The awards were set up five years ago to recognise the contribution of these unsung heroes of the grass roots game who are out in all weathers all year round, and encourage the development of groundmanship.

Each County FA nominate their top Groundsman in three categories - Step 5 and 6 Clubs, Step 7 and below Clubs and Local Authorities. The County winners are then visited by industry experts from the Institute of Groundsmanship who judge the Regional Winners.

The Judges are not only looking at the quality of the pitch, but also take in to consideration the Groundsman knowledge, the resources available to them, how often the pitch is used and whether they are full or part time.

The National Awards also include clubs from across the National League System, with judges including Tottenham Hotspur Head Groundsman, Darren Baldwin and his Manchester City counterpart Lee Jackson, along with The FA's Head of Facilities Steve Williams.

"Quality pitches are essential for the development of the game at every level" Steve told TheFA.com "and these awards have played a big part in motivating groundsmen up and down the country, encouraging them to maintain their high standards, and if they do, their efforts will be recognised. "

Wembley Stadium Head Groundsman Steve Welsh regaled the gathered nominees with stories from his career, including the challenges he has faced in recreating the famous Wembley playing surface. He also touched on his role in preparing England's World Cup training pitch in Baden-Baden which was commended by FIFA.

Steve said: "FIFA thought the pitch in its original state was fit for use by the England team, but in ten weeks I transformed it, and I think the art of Groundsmanship in England now has some huge respect around the world."

With 97% of all affiliated football played outside of the Football League, grassroots groundstaff play a huge role in ensuring pitches are in their best possible condition week in, week out around the country.

Speaking about the criteria for judging, Steve Williams continued:

"We travelled around the country, looking at the pitches, equipment, their overall knowledge and the level of financial support they receive. We discovered that we were dealing with a wide range of people, from those who are top experts in this field, to those doing their very best on an extremely limited budget and little machinery, but still commit countless hours voluntarily to providing the best quality surfaces."

The National winners on Wednesday not only received an engraved trophy and a crate of Carlsberg, they also received travel vouchers from The FA for a well earned break, and will also spend a day behind the scenes with Groundstaff at Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton Football clubs in the next couple of months.

Mark Welch, Groundsman at Bedworth United FC summed up the day by writing in to The FA. Mark wrote: "I would like to send you my sincere thanks, and commend you on inviting so many groundsmen to such a lavish event. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this extravaganza.

To meet the best in my category, and the very best in the industry is a special memory, and to think I was applauded by such people is beyond this. Personally, I believe what The FA are doing sends out a clear message to all the voluntary groundsmen - who all deserve massive credit - that you can be recognised.

"I'm already longing to return there to take the Southern League title next season...what are my chances?!"

The 2005-06 FA National Groundsman of the Year Award winners are:

Steps 1-2 Leagues - Ian Darler, Cambridge United
Steps 1-2 Runner-up - James Skachill, Hyde United
Step 1-2 Third Place - Bob Flaskett, Weston-Super-Mare
Step 3-4 Ryman League - Dick Peters, Dover Athletic
Ryman League Runner-up - Brian Hyde, Metropolitan Police
Ryman League Third Place - Andy Green, Braintree Town
Step 3-4, UniBond League - Steven Dutton, Wakefield & Emley
UniBond League Runner-up - Norman Lewis, Bamber Bridge
UniBond League Third Place - Eric Wilson, Whitby Town
Step 3-4, Southern League - Andy Cox, Boreham Wood
Southern League Runner-up - Mark Welsh, Bedworth United
Southern League Third Place - Eric Wilson, Whitby Town
Step 3-4 Overall Winner - Dick Peters, Dover Athletic
Step 5-6 Leagues - Idris Elms, Leamington
Step 5-6 Runner-up - Vanessa Smith, Tiptree United
Step 5-6 Third Place - Tommy Porter, Durham City
Step 7 - Shaun Hanna, Millom
Step 7 - Runner-up - Michael Owen, Heyford Athletic
Step 7 Third Place - Paul Clarke, Bodmin Town
Local Authority - Kevin Dollimore, States of Jersey
Local Authority Runner-up - Peter Conroy, Liverpool Soccer Centre
Local Authority Third Place - Martin Sampson, London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea