Industry News
FSM
London Stadium Named As Best Pitch In The Premier League
London Stadium has won the prestigious Grounds Team of the Season accolade for the first time in the venue’s history. The team consistently delivered outstanding surfaces for all home fixtures this season.
The award is determined by several factors, including amount of usage, environmental conditions, assessment of resources and management, marks given by the Referees and Match Delegates at each fixture, and a pitch-quality inspection conducted by independent sports turf experts.
In addition to the challenge of preparing a world-class surface, the team had the added responsibilities of managing and installing the pitch as part of the summer transition in 2024 from Major League Baseball, to concerts, to monster trucks and elite athletics, back to football in time for the first friendly fixture on 10 August.
The team this year has consisted of: • James Williams – Head Groundperson • George Signal – Ex Deputy Head Groundperson • Bailee Meadows -Deputy Head Groundsperson • Aaron Stevenson – Deputy Head Groundsperson • Jack Barnard – Skilled Groundsperson • Spencer White – Groundsperson • Alfie Gooch – Apprentice Groundsperson
The team have embraced all the tools at their disposal, from cutting edge technology, such as the HERO Hybrid Grass “lay and play” system, to more sustainable practices, such as the introduction of electric mowers, contributing to the overall work at the venue to lower carbon emissions and switch to renewable energy sources. The pitch will be recycled in the same way as each year, composting and using environmentally friendly methods.
James Williams, Head Groundsman, London Stadium, said: “I’ve been fortunate to win this accolade before at the Liberty Stadium, but receiving it this time is extra special. Not only is it the first time for London Stadium, but it’s also my first time winning it as Head of the Grounds Team. When I was appointed eight years ago, my goal was to build a reputation for having one of the best pitches – and one of the best Grounds Teams – in the Premier League. Having been runners-up two years in a row before this, I feel we are well on our way to achieving that.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team’s effort throughout the season. They’ve put in an immense amount of hard work to produce this magnificent surface. It certainly makes all the early mornings and late nights worth it!”
Graham Gilmore, CEO of London Stadium, said: “This is a superb achievement from our Grounds Team, who I know have been working tirelessly on the pitch, not only this year, but every season, to delivering the best possible surface for the football club. The Premier League is the best and most watched club competition in the world, so to be recognised by the league is as high an honour as James and his crew could get, so I am extremely proud and delighted for them.”
Darren Raczkowski, Director of Operations, London Stadium, said: “I’m ecstatic for James and his team, a lot goes into the pitch with work that is not always seen. The commitment and dedication is an achievement in itself.”
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