FOOTBALL
We’ll next apply granular slow-release fertiliser to both match and training pitches in one go, probably around Christmas time - two or three times a year is usual
”
ages up to eleven on Tuesday to Thursday evenings, also checking that everything’s in order for the first team training session on Wednesdays; “sometimes on the main pitch, or next door at other times”, he notes. Extra floodlightss positioned on the stadium columns light the way for the juniors. At cutting time for the training areas,
Steve brings out the John Deere, striping just one way to a 30mm height, then marking out as fixtures dictate. “Rain and sun have spurred on growth and I’ll be mowing into November, if last year is any guide,” he says. “We’ll next apply granular slow-release fertiliser to both match and training pitches in one go, probably around Christmas time - two or three times a year is usual.” This Saturday’s shaping up to be a busy one for Steve. “All bar one of the junior pitches are in play - we’ll have a fair few people on site. Security is part of my responsibility, although Gloucester City have their own personnel, and I’ll be here first thing helping coordinate car parking. Two sides of the ground are taken up with car parks and can accommodate up to 350. “When we hosted the JPL [Junior Premier
Trees line the perimeter of the training pitches. Most are young and deciduous, but larger, more mature ones, overhang pitches 1 and 2, covering the 18- yard box on pitch 1
” 94 PC October/November 2018
League] tournament finals last season, which kicked off at 9.30am and went through to 5.00pm, 900 cars came in.” I wondered how the car parking will work when the 3G facility opens, and this is home to Evesham Cricket Club. Exciting times ahead for Steve for sure.
Given its rural location, the club suffers less than you might expect from leaf drop in autumn. “Trees line the perimeter of the training pitches,” says Steve. “Most are young and deciduous, but larger, more mature ones, overhang pitches 1 and 2, covering the 18-yard box on pitch 1. We have no blowers, so I use the dragmat to remove them.”
Without the extensive budgets of larger clubs, Steve has to negotiate new kit purchases. “I sit down with Jim regularly and he asks me what I need most,” Steve adds. A third club plays at the stadium - Growers United FC. Launched in October 2012 by local horticulturalists Vicarage Nurseries, the initiative aims to raise funds for charity, promote horticulture and agriculture and “encourage integration between communities and cultures through sport”. Employees there are well catered for with, amongst other facilities, a football practice
area, so they can enjoy a little sport with their strawberry picking shiftwork. “We hire Evesham United’s ground for fixtures,” explains spokesman Vito Mauro, “and offer opportunities for businesses to cooperate in creating greater community spirit and cohesion.”
Charity football matches against TV Soap
Stars, West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool Legends, have raised money for good causes, while 9-a-side ‘World Cup’ and ‘Copa America’ weekend tournaments have provided multi-cultural stages for football. Anxious to complete his preparatory pitchwork while the weather permits, Steve excuses himself. A once “temporary” position for someone outside groundsmanship is rapidly expanding into a full-on, pivotal position in the evolution of Evesham sporting hub. Modest about his key role in Evesham United FC’s sporting delivery, Steve impresses you as a groundsman who can meet the demands and challenges of the turfcare maintenance programme.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148
