The pitch was prepared by Wembley head groundsman Tony Stones, who described being involved in the project as “a real honour”


IOG annual industry awards


The IOG celebrates the best in grounds management at its industry awards ceremony on 5 December at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Young volunteer professional and innovative groundsmen, groundswomen and grounds teams have been nominated for 18 industry awards by their peers. Their applications have been judged by groundscare experts and those shortlisted will receive a site visit to determine the award winners, who will be announced at the event, which attracts hundreds of guests.


James Talbot from Nantwich Town


FC, Mark Webb from Shortwood United FC, Brian Quinnell from Bognor Regis Town FC and Phil Bailey from South Normanton Athletic were all presented with their Groundsman of the Year awards at the palace by the Duke of Cambridge. Commenting on the recognition of volunteers, Geoff Webb, CEO of the IOG, said: “The fact that The FA has recognised the contribution made by volunteer groundsmen up


Issue 3 2013 © cybertrek 2013


and down the country reinforces how the groundscare industry is not only endorsed by national governing bodies, but also, importantly, how it continues to gain widespread national publicity through events like this. The IOG consistently champions the role of groundsmen, both professional and volunteer, and this includes our annual Industry Awards that achieve national recognition for the unstinting dedication of the groundscare sector.”


He added: “It’s also clear that the


effort that went into converting the palace lawn into a football pitch typified the attitude and approach of Tony Stones and his team – and the groundscare industry as a whole. It was gratifying and appropriate to see that the decision was made to play this historic match on natural turf.” l To find out more about the Institute of Groundsmanship, go to www.iog.org or call +44 (0)1908 312 511


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