Members
of the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Young Board of
Directors recently joined members of Liverpool FC’s grounds team in encouraging
youngsters to ‘Get into Grounds’ at Anfield Stadium.
The IOG’s ‘Schools into Stadia’ initiative introduces
schoolchildren to the art of groundsmanship through a series of one-day
workshops, showcasing the profession as an ideal opportunity to work in an
outdoor environment within sport.
Pupils from three local high schools – North Liverpool
Academy, Alsop High School and Notre Dame Catholic College – were invited to
Anfield through the club’s Red Neighbours scheme. The children covered all
aspects of a grounds person’s role, including maintenance and use of equipment,
as well as pitch construction, maintenance and match-day procedure.
Liverpool FC grounds staff and the IOG group, alongside
a representative from Myerscough College, also provided practical advice on how
to pursue a career in the industry and explained the link between
groundsmanship and academic subjects such as biology, maths, geography and
technology.
David Roberts, the club’s grounds manager, said: “We’re
really pleased to be able to showcase our profession to the students and give
them a real insight into what it means to be part of a grounds team.
Geoff Webb, IOG CEO, added: “Liverpool FC is an iconic
club and the standard of sports turf at both the stadium and training grounds
is world class.
“The IOG is helping local students, aged 14 to
15, to better understand the many facets of grounds management and
encouraging young people to consider a rewarding career in groundsmanship.
“Schools into Stadia is aimed at GSCE-level students by
taking the principles of sports turf management and linking it to the school
curriculum. It’s a great initiative and we thank Liverpool FC for hosting this
event and helping to showcase careers in groundsmanship.”
