Hamworthy Recreation FC Groundsman wins Dorset FA Groundsman of the Year Award 2019

The Dorset County Football Association are pleased to announce Gavin Fisher of Hamworthy Recreation FC as the Dorset Groundsman of the Year 2019. 

The awards are open for all clubs operating at Step 7 and below of the football pyramid, and were set up to recognise the contribution of these unsung heroes of the grassroots game and encourage the development of groundsmanship.

The majority of football in this country is played outside the Football League. Quality pitches are therefore essential for the development of football at every level. Grassroots groundsman, the vast majority of whom are volunteers, play a huge role in ensuring pitches are in their best possible condition, week in, week out. The Awards recognise those who work in all weather, all year round, to make sure that thousands of matches can take place on a high standard of playing surface.

Following the nomination deadline, shortlisted were visited by a judging panel who used a set of marking criteria which took into account the club’s resources, equipment, budget, pitch usage, and the individual challenges faced by each groundsman. 

Sponsoring the Dorset awards again this year were Fleet Line Markers UK who were pleased to be able to offer an amazing first prize to the winner of a Kombi Line Marker and 2 Drums of Super C paint.

Gavin was presented with his award by Kath Purnell, County Facilities Officer from Dorset FA and Simon Moore, Area Sales Manager from Fleet Line Markers.

This year's winner Gavin Fisher said,

I am pleased to have won this Award for 2019, it just goes to show that all the hard work has paid off, i would like to thank the Hamworthy Club for all their support.

Mike Pomeroy, Hamworthy Recreation FC Secretary, said:

"Hamworthy Recreation FC is delighted that Gavin has received this award. Gavin has kept the pitch in an excellent condition throughout the season and we have only had one game called off through weather this season testament to all his hard work. Congratulations Gavin."

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. Gavin has done an amazing job maintaining the pitch. Following accessing the FA Pitch Improvement Programme in 2016, Gavin was able to put in place a maintenance programme that has delivered a pitch of a high standard and should be commended for all his hard work."

As the winner of the County Award at Step 7 and below, Gavin was put forward as the County entry into the National stages of the competition where he has since gone before a national judging panel and undergone independent adjudication. 

For information on accessing the Pitch Improvement Programme please contact Kath Purnell (County Facilities Officer) on 01202 688278 or email Kathryn.Purnell@dorsetfa.com