TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY INTO GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AND HOW YOU BECAME A REGIONAL PITCH ADVISOR?

Like so many before, I ‘fell’ into the industry.

My local cricket club (Ingrow) were on the lookout for some help around the ground and being naturally inquisitive, I slowly began preparing pitches independently.

As most grounds people will testify, I quickly picked up ‘the bug’ and found myself at the club most evenings after school, mowing the square for absolutely no reason other than the get the perfect straight line. I think the presentation aspect inspired me the most to begin with. Being creative with stripe designs on a sunny day was just so therapeutic

From there I was fortunate to pick up a role on the matchday staff at Weetwood sports park which ultimately lead into a full time role at Headlingley Cricket Ground. I learned an incredible amount in my six or so years there and for such an iconic venue to be your place of work on a daily basis was real pinch yourself stuff.

As hybrid technology hit the cricket market, I was introduced to the idea of travelling the globe managing installations at some of the worlds great sporting arenas. It was a great opportunity to gain more valuable knowledge and expand my skill set, one I simply couldn’t refuse. Along came the birth of my daughter Eliza and time at home became an absolute priority.

I joined the trials ground department at STRI alongside maintaining the pitch at my beloved Keighley Cougars RLFC. Being able to assist and advise the club from what was historically, a pretty ordinary pitch, into something the club could be proud of was a great achievement.

This led to more advisory type enquiries across a multitude of sports and is what, ultimately, gave me a glimpse into what life may be like at the GMA. Joining the GMA was an huge opportunity and one I’m very proud to be a part of. Being able to help clubs and grounds people, both volunteers and professionals alike is something I certainly don’t take for granted.

 

WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING A PAS KAM?

Just seeing pitches constantly improve and clubs prioritising pitch management perhaps more than they may have previously is great.

We’re looking to shine a spotlight across the industry, but in particular, the volunteer sector. They all play a vital part in communities across the country and without their hard work and dedication, tomorrows stars simply aren’t.

Being able to get out and support clubs and grounds people is hugely rewarding.

 

FAVOURITE SPORT? WHO’S YOUR TEAM?

Its close between Rugby League and Cricket.

Keighley Cougars were the first love in my life!

 

CAN YOU SHARE A STANDOUT PROJECT OR PITCH YOU’VE WORKED ON AND WHY IT WAS MEMORABLE?

The construction of the Ibrox pitch in 2021 was memorable for a few different reasons, but being involved from the initial strip off to the last stitch going in was a great experience and one that I was particularly proud to be a part of. There was a tight deadline and with such big projects, setbacks and delays are inevitable but the way the team worked to get it across the line was inspiring.

WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU ALWAYS GIVE TO GROUNDS TEAMS?

Just have a go.

Outside of chemicals, there are very few operations which can dramatically damage a playing surface. We only learn by doing in my opinion and if your intentions are correct, the outcome is irrelevant. Just don’t make the same mistake twice.

 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT?

Firstly, a love of sport.

Sport is all I knew as a kid and to be involved in it every day is amazing. The learning opportunities are incredible and the industry is constantly changing, with new innovation, research and people meaning two days are very rarely the same. In my opinion, the nature of the industry, starting predominantly through volunteers, gives grounds people a special quality.

 

WHO’S BEEN A MAJOR INFLUENCE OR MENTOR IN YOUR CAREER?

Richard Robinson without doubt.

I remember our very first conversation when I expressed my interest in the industry and it changed my path in life completely. I’ve never seen such passion and skill from one bloke. He gave me my first break into the industry at a professional level and pushed me to constantly better myself and the progress he has made in his own career is by no means by chance.

 

WHAT’S ONE SKILL EVERY GOOD GROUNDSPERSON SHOULD HAVE?

Passion, for sure. There are huge highs, and defeating lows but you need to keep pushing forward.

Mowing and marking on matchdays in the sun is great, but pulling frost sheets, covers and digging holes in December when in hammering down is just as important. A sense of pride pulls you through the tough times and allows you to enjoy the end product.

 

IF YOU WEREN’T WORKING IN TURF, WHAT CAREER COULD YOU SEE YOURSELF IN?

I’m secretly a bit of a truck nerd. I grew up around trucks and spent my school holidays motoring up and down the country with my dad.

A V8 Scania T-Cab if anyone fancies helping me out! Might not be the most economical or practical travelling to site visits though.

 

COFFEE OR TEA ON A COLD MORNING PITCH INSPECTION?

Tea one sugar please!

 

FINISH THIS SENTENCE: “PEOPLE DON’T REALISE, BUT GROUNDS MANAGEMENT IS ACTUALLY…”

A hugely diverse industry.

From physically managing and maintaining pitches, to research, sales and education, there’s pretty much something to suit anyone. Career paths can be endless and aside from the emergency services, I believe our industry to be the most rewarding in terms of job satisfaction and the impact you can have on people across the globe.

Contact Ben at bweatherall@thegma.org.uk