STUDENT OF THE YEAR | CALLUM ALLSOP
“I APPRECIATE WHAT I’VE ACHIEVED” GMA Industry Award winner Callum Allsop continues to enjoy life to the full and he describes being part of Leicester City FC’s grounds team as “my perfect job” NAMED AS THE 2019 GMA Toro Most Promising Sports Turf Student of the Year, 30-year-old Callum Allsop is senior sports turf and grounds manager at Leicester City FC’s Belvoir Drive training ground – a 24-acre site comprising pitches and training areas of varying constructions overseen by Callum and a team of 11 staff. That Leicester City is a club of great ambition has been seen in its headline-grabbing victories and recruitment, and that is matched behind the scenes where plans are well advanced for the move to a new 181-acre facility. This will include the equivalent of 16 full-size pitches, 16 acres of woodland and nine holes of golf, and it is occupying the majority of Callum’s time. Given his background, he appreciates that “it’s my perfect job”. At a time when the industry is wondering how to attract younger recruits, Callum’s journey to this
14 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | JUNE 2020
position offers valuable insight. Cutting pitches aged 14 for the team managed by his dad, he sought a career in football after leaving school only to be told by an agency that it would be difficult. He secured a greenkeeping apprenticeship at Lutterworth Golf Club and says his time there was enjoyable and rewarding, helping him develop practical skills and an understanding of the need for record keeping and planning. However, by his own admission, he could never reach an allconsuming interest in the game as he “is not very good at golf” and “football has always been my sport”. Subsequently, when Leicester City advertised for an assistant groundsperson, Callum was keen to apply. While there are similarities in managing the physical properties of modern golf green constructions and top-level football pitches, it was
Callum’s research and attention to detail that made a vital contribution to his successful interview. He explains that he employed an attitude that he learnt at school – to prepare thoroughly. He investigated mowing heights, how to mark the pitches and the types of task that would be expected of him. It clearly left an impression and, he says, he was “stunned” to receive the congratulatory phone call.
Team support Since starting with the Foxes in 2014, Callum has enjoyed a rapid rise, mirroring the success of the football team and reflecting head of sports turf and grounds, John Ledwidge’s development of the other on-pitch team. Callum jokes that the end of every season has seemed to herald a celebratory event and is quick to recognise the role his colleagues have played in his personal success.
