With investment and training the Mudeford Phoenix pitch is looking better than ever
NEW RESULTS AT MUDEFORD PHOENIX FC Groundsman Steve Berry has achieved back-to-back wins as Hampshire’s Groundsman of the Year – thanks to pitch improvements and funding for new equipment By Darren Symonds Regional pitch advisor
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aving been unsuccessful in the 2016/17 Hampshire Groundsman of the Year competition, Steve Berry, head groundsman at Mudeford Phoenix FC’s East Christchurch Sports and Social Club, decided to do something about it – by beginning a journey of improving his pitches and himself as a groundsman. He called on the help of The Football Association’s Pitch Improvement Programme (PIP) and the IOG-led Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP). Steve contacted Hampshire FA to arrange a PIP/GaNTIP visit in April 2017, when he received recommendations for improvement
Steve (second from right) receiving his Groundsman of the Year award
14 THE GROUNDSMAN June 2019
“We can now maintain our grounds to the highest standards. All the players stand to gain from the better-quality pitches” and potential avenues for funding for muchneeded machinery. In April 2018, GaNTIP’s update visit revealed that a number of recommendations had been followed at the ground, which accommodates seven girls’ teams, one ladies’ team and one men’s team: • Procurement of new machinery – a Kubota L1361 tractor and multi-tool attachment, part funded by the FA • Improved, regular mowing regime, keeping the sward at 30mm • Regular brushing, slitting, grooming and light rolling • Improved security to prevent damage from
dog walkers and wildlife • Improved aeration • Improved presentation, including better grass coverage and plant health. During this time, Steve also joined the IOG and has attended an evening workshop and an IOG Level 1 Winter Pitch Maintenance course. He also became part of the matchday staff at AFC Bournemouth. His achievements with the pitches prompted his nomination for the 2017/18 Groundsman of the Year award – which he won – and he went on to become runner up in the national finals. Now, this year, he has again won the Hampshire award and, again, is in the national finals. Others have commented on the improvements to the pitches, including Frank Hunt, the chairman of Mudeford Phoenix Girls’ FC. He said: “The funding has been a fantastic boost for us. Not only has it given Steve the biggest smile in Christchurch, but we can now also maintain our grounds to the highest standards. All the players stand to gain from the better-quality pitches.”
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Visit www.iog.org for more details about GaNTIP