SUFFOLK groundsmen can take advantage of two courses being run in the county.

The courses are being organised by the Institute of Groundsmen and are both Level 1 Winter Pitches courses – the first on Renovation and the second on In Season (Maintenance).

The Renovation course will be taking place on Wednesday, March 18th and the In Season (Maintenance) on Wednesday, August 5th.

The courses are both being held at Walsham-le-Willows FC and cost £330 each, although this is £179 for IOG members.

Phil Jeggo, who is the IOG Regional Pitch Advisor East, Grounds & Natural Turf Improvement Programme, said: “After the recent awareness evenings/workshops that have been very well attended in the county, a few clubs and individuals have expressed an interest in furthering their education and understanding of what it takes to successfully maintain football pitches to the desired standard.

“It was felt that after a number of years that we should look to run two Level 1 IOG Winter Pitches courses in Suffolk; these courses at Walsham-le-Willows FC are Ideal for the volunteer, new employee or just as a refresher for the established employee, to develop your knowledge with the latest best practices and explore the requirements you need in order to optimise your playing surface.

“The first courses will look to cover end-of-season renovations and off-season maintenance tasks, with registration starting at 9am for a 9.30am start and will run until 4.30pm; refreshments and lunch will be provided to the delegates attending on the day.

“The pre and in-season maintenance course will have the same time format as above, but please see the attached documents for more information around both of these courses.

“For those clubs applying for the new grass pitch funding from the Football Foundation and looking to carry out the works themselves, then it’s recommended that someone from your club attends these courses and even if a contractor is carrying out these, or any works, then both of these courses would be hugely beneficial to all that look after pitches and the challenges that you all experience given the recent weather over the past few years.

“A huge thank you goes to Walsham-le-Willows FC for agreeing to host both of these courses and although the course is aimed at all Suffolk clubs, neighbouring County FA’s clubs are more than welcome to attend these courses if spaces are available.”

Anyone wishing to book on either of these courses or requiring more information on them or any IOG courses, can phone 01908 312 511 or click here

Phil Jeggo is pictured (above right) with Claydon FC groundsman Tony Adams during last year’s judging of the Suffolk FA Groundsman of the Year competition sponsored by Ransomes Jacobsen.

The deadline for clubs at Step 7 and below to enter this year’s competition is Wednesday, February 5th.

For details of how clubs can enter click here