Essex-affiliated club Clapton Community FC’s volunteer grounds team recently picked up an award at the Grounds Management Association (GMA) Industry Awards, which was hosted by Hayley McQueen at the AMT Headingley Stadium.

Over 300 attendees from across the sports turf industry, from grounds staff to grounds care businesses and representatives from sport’s national governing bodies, all gathered at the iconic venue for an evening of celebration. The awards recognised leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement across every aspect of grounds care, from grassroots pitches to professional stadia.

The Volunteer Sports Grounds Team/Individual of the Year Award, won by Clapton Community, recognises volunteer ground staff, who are often unsung heroes, dedicating their spare time to maintaining playing surfaces and keeping games on, all-year round.

Despite operating on a tight budget, the Clapton volunteers ensure their pitch and stadium are maintained to the best possible condition for both players and fans. They were presented with their award by Chris Smith, Head of Programmes at the Football Foundation.

Carrie Barfoot, Facilities & Investment Officer at the Essex County FA, congratulated Clapton on their award, explaining: “We’d like to say a massive congratulations to the Clapton Community grounds team on their award. Volunteer grounds staff are absolutely vital in ensuring games are played, and the team at Clapton deserve this recognition for their hard work and dedication to the club.”

E-Mail carrie.barfoot@essexfa.com if your club is looking for assistance maintaining a facility and/or pitch. Information is also shared at www.essexfa.com, by the @EssexCountyFA account on Twitter/X and via the ‘EssexFootball’ page on Facebook.