Sturminster Newton FC Groundsman wins Dorset Groundsman of the Year

The Dorset County Football Association are pleased to announce that Tom Matthews from Sturminster Newton United FC has been awarded the 2018 Dorset Groundsman of the Year Award.

The Groundsman of the Year Awards look to recognise the contribution of these unsung heroes of the grassroots game and encourage the development of groundsmanship. All nominations were visited by the Regional Pitch Advisor at their respective clubs to assess the pitch based upon a set ctriteria.

Tom Matthews (27) who works for Sturminster Town Council as an Assistant to the Head Groundsman has been involved with the club since he was a small boy taking on the voluntary role of club groundsman about 6 years ago.

Tom who previously attended Kingston Maurward College where he undertook an Apprenticeship in Sport Turf, undertakes all the maintenance of the pitch ensuring that the pitch remains playable throughout the season.

This year the Dorset FA were pleased to have partnered with Fleet Line Markers UK who provided some excellent prizes for the award winners. 

The prizes that were awarded were;

1st Prize  Kombi Line Marker and 2 Drums of Super C paint

2nd Prize  2 Drums of Super C paint

3rd Prize  1 Drum of Pitchmarker C paint

Tom was presented with his first prize of a Kombi Line Markers and 2 drums of Super C paint by Simon Moore (Fleet Area Sales Manager) and Kath Purnell (Dorset FA Facilities Officer).

Tom said:

"It's really amazing to be recognised for the job that I do at the club. I'm really grateful to Dorset FA and Fleet Line Markers for their support of this years awards and for such an amazing prize which will really benefit the club"

Kath Purnell, Dorset FA Facilities Officer, said:

"On behalf of the Dorset County Football Association i would like to thank all those groundsman around the County that do such an amazing job to keep their pitches in tip top condition sometimes under the worst conditions possible. 

There are some exciting times ahead for dorset groundsman with a better support network put in place and opportunity to access funding to meet their machinery needs."

Congratulations to our award winners for 2018.

1st Place Tom Matthews      (Sturminster Newton FC)

2nd Place       Malcolm Aplin        (Milborne St Andrew)

3rd Place         Geoff Franklin        (Portland United Youth)