THE search is under way to find Suffolk’s top groundsman.

The Suffolk FA Groundsman of the Year competition, which is once again being sponsored by Jacobsen Ltd, is returning for 2022.

The competition, which is open to clubs at Step 7 level and below, was cancelled last year due to Covid-19.

As well as the prestige of being voted as the county’s Groundsman of the Year, the winning groundsman will win £200 for his club to spend on groundscare equipment.

The runner-up will receive £100 and the third-placed groundsman £50.

All three groundsmen will also be invited to attend the Suffolk FA Awards Ceremony later in the year to be presented with their prizes.

Adam Underwood, International Marketing Manager for Jacobsen Ltd, said: “Whether sports turf managers are at the award-winning Claydon FC, Portman Road, or preparing for the biggest tournament on earth in Qatar, Jacobsen provides fine turf mowing solutions that focus on quality of cut, and, through our specialist dealers, quality of service and support.

“Over 200 trained specialists make our mowers in Ipswich at the world's first factory for motorized mowing. We only make fine turf mowers and make them for people that mow.

“We are proud to support the Suffolk Groundman of the Year Award and are in awe of the volunteers who often give up a huge amount of time to ensure football at all levels thrives in the county of Suffolk. 

“As we say at the factory, no groundsman, no football.”

Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Matt Stebbings said: “This award is real opportunity to celebrate our groundstaff and all the hard work they put into keeping football playing.

“It is a chance to say thank you. The award did not take place last year but the standard of grass pitches has generally improved around the county due to the additional time grounds staff have been able to devote to playing surfaces with less matches in the past year or more. We are expecting the competition to be as strong as it has ever been.”

Claydon FC Groundsman Tony Adams is pictured (above right) receiving his award for third place in the 2020 competition from Andre Andrade, Key Account Manager of Jacobsen Ltd, at the Suffolk FA Awards Ceremony sponsored by McDonald’s & Jacobsen Ltd held at Portman Road in September.

To enter please download and complete the below entry form and return to Nick Garnham, Marketing & Communications Officer, Suffolk FA, Bill Steward House, The Buntings, Kestrel Drive, Stowmarket IP14 5GZ or email nick.garnham@suffolkfa.com

The closing date for entries is 9am on Monday, February 21st 2022.