Suffolk-based groundsmen were treated to an eye-opening evening at how the grounds team operate at Ipswich Town FC when Ben Connell, head groundsman at Ipswich Town FC, hosted a unique session at the club’s Playford Road training ground last week.



He treated the football club groundsmen to a behind-the-scenes look at the grounds team’s role at the Sky Bet Championship club. The informal session saw Ben talk about the machinery the club use to treat their pitches at both the training ground and Portman Road. Those attending also walked around the Playford Road and Bent Lane sites and were able to ask Ben any questions.
The evening was organised by Suffolk FA in conjunction with Ipswich Town FC, the Institute of Groundsmen (IOG) and Ransomes Jacobsen.

Neil Burwood, head groundsman at Kirkley & Pakefield FC, was among those who attended the evening. He said: “I only took on the job in March and I have not got any qualifications as such, so I wanted to come along to find out how it should be done. I have been surprised at the frequency the pitches are seeded, spiked and fertilised.I t has been an eye-opening evening and I have very much enjoyed it.”

Rob Hayward, who is technical sales manager at Ransomes Jacobsen, said the club had a good working relationship with Ben Connell and Ipswich Town and had supported the evening to help local groundsmen.

IOG regional pitch adviser – connected to The FA, ECB, RFL and Sport England Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme) Danny White said that they were keen to work with FA’s and local communities by holding similar courses. Suffolk FA football development manager Nathan French, who organised the event, said: “I would like to thank Ben and Ipswich Town FC for hosting the Suffolk FA Groundsmen’s Evening.

“It was a really enjoyable evening and a great insight in to the work carried out at a professional club. “This was the first event that we have put on for groundsmen, the feedback has been positive and we hope to organise another event later in the season.”