More than 350 of the UK’s and Europe’s leading groundscare experts from both the professional and volunteer sector, as well as dignitaries from the governing bodies of sport and influential sports administrators, have honoured the expertise, dedication and passion of the country’s grounds profession at the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) annual Industry Awards.

The Oscar-style ceremony at York Racecourse recognised leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement across every aspect of groundscare – from grassroots pitches to professional stadia. These awards also celebrated the quality standards of groundscare achieved in public and private sports venues, and highlighted the progress of young/student grounds professionals as well as entrants’ environmental considerations.

Hosted by talkSPORT Radio’s Mark Saggers, the sell-out IOG Awards ceremony followed a day-long series of IOG ‘Ahead of the Game’ Conference presentations by some of the biggest names in the sports, parks and groundscare industry from both sides of the Atlantic.

Awards presented included 

• Young Groundsman of the Year to Luke Dodge, Manchester City FC;
• Professional Football Groundsman of the Year to Jonathan Calderwood, Aston Villa FC; 
• Professional Cricket Groundsman of the Year to Mick Hunt, Middlesex County Cricket Club (Lord’s); and 
• Professional Rugby Union Groundsman of the Year to Keith Kent, Twickenham Stadium.

Also handed out on the night was a special Lifetime Achievement Award to Eddie Seward, in recognition of his role as head groundsman for the past 22 years at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club – home of the Wimbledon tournament.

For full details visit the IOG Awards website