Grounds Event is highly successful
SUFFOLK FA held a highly successful Grounds Event in conjunction with Ipswich Town FC.
Around 30 groundskeepers attended the event held at the Ipswich Town Training Ground on Friday afternoon.
Rob Hayward (centre, right) of Jacobsen talks to groundskeepers about their machinery. Main photograph: The Grounds Management Association's Senior Regional Pitch Advisor Julien Morris (centre) gives advice during the Grounds Event
Ipswich Town Grounds Manager Ben Connell hosted the event and Julien Morris, Senior Regional Pitch Advisor for the Grounds Management Association, was present to also give expert advice.
There were demonstrations from Suffolk FA partners GroundTech, Jacobsen, MH Goals and Parkers Pitches, while Ben Connell gave everyone a tour of the training ground facility.
Danny White (centre) of GroundTech during his demonstration of robotic mowers
He said: “It has been a pleasure to host this turf event at Ipswich Town Training Ground. There was a good turn out and it was great to meet up with some new and old faces from our grounds community.”
Bury Town groundsman Paul Arnold said: “It’s been a brilliant afternoon - very informative and eye-opening and it has given us the opportunity to realise what funding there is available for football clubs.”
Will Parker of Parkers Pitches talks to the assembled groundskeepers
Russell Haynes, groundsman of Ransomes Sports, said: “It has been very interesting and I have really enjoyed it.”
Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Matt Stebbings said: “A huge thanks to Ben Connell and the team at ITFC for hosting our Grounds Event which saw around 30 members of the Suffolk Groundskeeping Community in attendance.
Ipswich Town Grounds Manager Ben Connell (right talks during the Grounds Event
“Big thanks also to Julien Morris and the Grounds Management Association for supporting.
“Finally, to our partners who attended, namely GroundTech, Jacobsen, MH Goals and Parkers Pitches.
Mark Harrod (left) and Matt Harrod (right) of MH Goals demonstrate their portable goals
“If you are interested in grants to improve the quality of your grass pitches or for grass pitch machinery then please get in touch.”
Matt Stebbings can be contacted on 07432 735961 or via email matt.stebbings@suffolkfa.com
