Winter Sports - Football


In the affluent North London borough of Barnet, football has always been a major concern. The area is known around the world for its consistent concentration of world-class players. Less publicised is the area’s grassroots and non- league pedigree, and still flying that non-league flag is well- supported Wingate & Finchley Football Club. We stopped in to watch a Saturday fixture, and speak with their Head Groundsman, Andrew Ward


Wingate & Finchley Football Club


The view from the Isthmian League


A


ndrew Ward is the Head Groundsman at the Maurice Rebak Stadium, home of Wingate and Finchley Football club in north west London. In this


question and answer session, he talks about his day to day work, his career to date and his hopes for the future, both for himself and the industry.


How did you get into the industry and where did you work prior to your current position?


When I left school, I didn’t know what path to take into further education; on my gap


62 I PC FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018


year I was offered a job at my school as a groundsman. That year led to me realising I enjoyed it and pursued it as a career.


Whilst at university, I was approached by the club chairman Aron Sharpe to take over the grounds at Wingate, where I had played as a youth player. This was the start of me starting my contracting company Award Amenity, which manages grounds around London, though Wingate has always been considered my home. I also worked on the seasonal ground staff at the All England Lawn Tennis Club for two seasons, and I can honestly say that I owe a lot to Neil, Grant,


Will, Leighton and Scott for the time and opportunity they have given me over the years, not only at their top‐class venue, but with advice for me.


What training and education did you undertake?


I studied at Myerscough college, completing two years of a BSc in Sports Turf Management, which I will be completing the last year online, due to work commitments.


Was there one person who inspired you?


I think that Paul Burgess, through his time at Arsenal, was a massive influence on me as I


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