THE Suffolk FA Grounds Team of the Year is back – with increased prize money!

Sponsors Jacobsen Ltd have almost trebled the prize money on offer for 2023.

The winning club will receive £500, the runners-up will receive £300 and the third-placed club will receive £100. The prize will be in the form of vouchers to be spent with Ernest Doe Ltd.

The competition has been re-named Grounds Team of the Year, rather than Groundsman of the Year, to reflect the growing number of Grounds Teams of club volunteers and the diverse workforce within the grassroots football community.

The competition is open to clubs who play at NLS Regional Feeder League (formerly known as Step 7) and below in the county, with the winners invited to attend the Suffolk FA Awards Evening later in the year.

Adam Underwood, Jacobsen’s Senior Manager International Marketing, said: “Jacobsen® sports mowers are built by the first factory for mowers in the world, right here in Suffolk by over 200 passionate specialists from Ipswich.

“We are delighted to continue our support for Suffolk Grounds Team of the Year, where we get chance to give back prize funding, and hospitality at our partner Ipswich Town Football Club.

“This is a small token of our appreciation for the people who make grassroots football playable and enjoyable for our whole county.”

Suffolk FA Marketing & Communication Officer Nick Garnham said: “Finances have been tight for grassroots clubs since the pandemic, so we are extremely grateful to Jacobsen Ltd for their generous increase in the prize money on offer.

“We hope that this will increase the interest among eligible clubs in competing in the competition for this prestigious award.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots clubs, so why not show your appreciation of the dedication and hard work of your club’s grounds team by nominating them for the award.”

To enter please 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, March 20th 2023. Judging will take place in the fortnight thereafter.

A Jacobsen® sports mower is pictured in use above.