60 SECONDS WITH... KATIE STOTT
KATIE STOTT Katie, aged 27 and a mother of two, swapped an office job for a sportsturf operative role at the University of Leeds and says she loves working outside so much that she’s never looked back BY KAREN MAXWELL
What’s your career background and your interests outside of work?
In September last year, I moved from working in hospitality corporate administration for a law firm to becoming a sportsturf operative apprentice at the University of Leeds. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, baking and spending time with my two young children. Why did you decide to move into groundscare?
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I found I had a real interest in horticulture and wanted to pursue a career working outdoors rather than in an indoor environment. I originally applied for a job as a gardener at the university’s city campus. When I didn’t get that position, I worked with Churwell Environmental Volunteers and then applied for the sportsturf operative role instead. My mental health is so much better from being able to work outdoors, even if it’s cold. It’s so satisfying to feel like I’ve done a hard day’s work and then get to see the amazing results. I’m constantly mentally stimulated by working
outdoors and there’s so much variety in what I get to do. The most challenging part is fitting in a full-time role and studying around family time – my children are aged two and four so childcare needs to be well organised and I often study on the bus to work. What does your role entail?
I mainly work on football, rugby and cricket pitches, and maintain the hockey pitch and the triathlon centre’s grounds. I’ve been trained to use the small tractors and will be trained on loader tractors soon. The head groundsman, Dave Thrackray, has helped me tackle different challenges and although I’m the only woman in a male environment, we all work well together.
How do you think more women could be encouraged to embark on a career in this sector?
We need to highlight the women who currently work in the sportsturf sector to help promote the possibilities and the job satisfaction benefits to the younger generation.
I WOULD RECOMMEND A CAREER IN GROUNDS TO ANYONE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A MORE FULFILLING CAREER PATH
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SUMMER 2022
I’M CONSTANTLY MENTALLY STIMULATED BY WORKING OUTDOORS AND THERE’S SO MUCH VARIETY IN WHAT I GET TO DO Traditionally, televised and local sport has been dominated by men, which naturally attracts men into sport-related jobs. However, now that sportswomen are finally getting more exposure, hopefully this will inspire more women to get involved in the sports sector – including grounds management. I would recommend a career in grounds to anyone who is looking for a more fulfilling career path. I’ve never been particularly practical or hands on, but I’ve learned so much on the job and I’m part of a great
community of people who help me learn. My familywork balance is far better, and I want to encourage my kids to get active and be outdoors more too. I’d like to pass down all the skills I’ve learned in grounds to them! I love getting to work outside and I’ve honestly never felt happier. What are your future plans?
My immediate plans are to gain my Level 2 in sportsturf and I’d also love to do some Royal Horticultural Society qualifications so I have a more rounded knowledge of horticulture.
