THE sports grounds at King William’s College are simply pitch perfect – and that’s official.
Staff and pupils are celebrating after winning the Institute of Groundsmanship School, College, University Sports Club Grounds Team of the Year Award at the IOG Industry Awards.
The announcement was made at a glittering Oscar-style ceremony at York Racecourse hosted by talkSPORT Radio personality Mark Saggers
The award was presented to KWC groundsmen Mike Atherton and Christian Hawthorn by the IOG treasurer Ian Wall.
The event was attended by 350 of the UK’s and Europe’s leading groundscare experts, as well as dignitaries from the governing bodies of sport and influential sports administrators.
Mike and his three groundstaff lead by example at the two Manx sites – King William’s College and Buchan School – looking after playing surfaces for rugby, cricket and hockey.
While they have made steady and recognised improvements to the playing surfaces, as well as to the planted areas and overall site presentation, they have also done much to improve the development and standing of the grounds team.
This includes enhanced health and safety procedures, improved communication (internal and external), focused training, general environmental awareness and improved industry support through local and national manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and organisations.
The IoG Award scheme, which covers the whole of the UK and Isle of Man, highlights the top standards of volunteer and professional grounds professionals and facilities, from those providing facilities for amatuer level sport to those looking after professional stadia.
The awards are judged by an independent panel on criteria that included effective use of resources, budgetary control, presentation and housekeeping standards, as well as environmental considerations.
The IOG is the leading membership organisation for everyone involved in the management of sports pitches, landscape and amenity facilities.
The annual awards embrace categories of entry covering sport, young people and the environment.
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