Groundsmen honoured for improving standards at grassroots level.

Once again the Groundsman of the Year Awards have recognised the contributions of the unsung heroes at grassroots level who ensure that thousands of football matches are able take place week after week around the country.

Now in their ninth year, the Awards are selected by a panel of six judges, all of whom are, or have been, Groundsman at professional clubs. The judges not only look at the quality of the pitch but also take into consideration the Groundsman’s knowledge, the resources available, how often the pitch is used and the amount of time they are able to work on the pitch.

With the vast majority of football in this country played outside the Football League, quality pitches are essential for the development of football at every level. And despite the tough conditions of the past season, it was acknowledged nominees had performed incredibly well to overcome difficult circumstances.

"It was noted that despite the adverse winter weather, the standard of the pitches was well above the average,” said Maurice Armstrong, Chairman of The FA’s Pitches and Facilities Committee. “Groundsmen had a very difficult time in keeping the pitches to a reasonable standard and the judges took this into account when making their final decisions."

There were seven award categories in all, with many of this year’s nominees working on a voluntary basis for their local clubs.

One of this year’s biggest winners was Rob Darby of Corinthian Casuals FC, who picked up both the Isthmian League Award and Step 3 and 4 National Award.

“It was a surprise and an honour to win the Isthmian League and Steps 3 and 4 National awards this season; especially after such a challenging winter period when we really struggled to get games played.

“I am only able to work part-time at the ground and having seen the high standard of pitches throughout the league this season I’m really pleased to have been recognised in this way,” said Robert.                

The winning Groundsman in each category will receive a trophy at their respective grounds on the day of a pre-season friendly or league game. They will also, along with a guest, be invited to The FA Club for dinner, followed by the England v Montenegro European Championship qualifying fixture in October.

Peter Kay, Senior National Game Facilities and Investment Manager, said: "I am delighted to see that the standard of Groundsmanship has again improved this year with some worthy contenders and outstanding winners.

“At a time when financial pressures are impacting on the game, it is reassuring to see that there is still huge pride, time and effort being invested in developing and maintaining football grounds across the country.

“The role of volunteer groundsman cannot be under-estimated and I hope that in some small way, this public acknowledgement of their efforts will provide encouragement and motivation not just for those receiving an award, but for groundsman generally across England upon whom we are hugely reliant."

Results in full

The Football Conference Award
Winner, Ian Darler, Cambridge United FC
Runner Up, Oxford University Ground Staff on behalf of Oxford United FC
Third Place, Dick Peters, Dover Athletic FC
Highly Commended, Bob Mills, Bishops Stortford FC

Northern Premier League Award
Winner, Philip Varney, Belper Town FC
Runner Up, Keith Crostan, Boston United FC
Third Place, Graham Foxall, Trafford FC
Highly Commended, Mark Freeman, Loughborough Dynamo FC
Highly Commended, Elfed Morris, Colwyn Bay FC

Southern League Award
Winner, Paul Kuhn, Brackley Town FC
Runner Up, Idris Elms, Leamington FC
Third Place, Craig Ringsell, Chesham United FC
Highly Commended, Jeff Hinde, Uxbridge FC
Highly Commended, Peter Howard, Farnborough FC

Isthmian League Award
Winner, Rob Darby, Corinthian Casuals FC
Runner Up, Alan Mitchell, Wingate and Finchley FC
Third Place, Simon Rudkins, Hastings United FC
Highly Commended, Ken Fisher, Croydon Athletic FC
Highly Commended, Dave Blaszkowski, Leatherhead FC

Steps 3 and 4 National Award
Winner, Rob Darby, Corinthian Casuals FC
Runner Up, Philip Varney, Belper Town FC
Third Place, Keith Crostan, Boston United FC
Highly Commended, Paul Kuhn, Brackley Town FC
Highly Commended, Graham Foxall, Trafford FC

Steps 5 and 6 National Award
Winner, Harefield United Grounds Committee, Harefield United FC
Runner Up, Brian Foley, Cogenhoe United FC
Third Place, David Naylor, St Neots Town FC
Highly Commended, Tony Sitford, Corinthian FC
Highly Commended, Mark Webb, Shortwood United FC
Highly Commended, David Bland, Eversley FC

Step 7 and Below National Award
Winner, Jim Ferguson, Poppleton Junior FC
Runner Up, Chris Willcock, Matrixgrade FC
Third Place, Kevin Arbon, Framlingham Town FC
Highly Commended, David Hunt and Matthew Dunster, Somersham Town FC
Highly Commended, Mike Currie, Shamblers FC
Highly Commended, Keith Miller, Cold Ashby Rovers FC