Grassroots football clubs are being profiled as part of the Grounds Management Association’s ‘Grounds Week’, an annual nationwide celebration of the incredible people behind the scenes who ensure playing surfaces and green spaces are in top condition.

Running from Monday 17th March to Sunday 23rd March 2025, #GroundsWeek is a recognition of the vital role grounds staff play in sports and communities. We're shining a spotlight on Steve Richardson from FC Redwing and Collier Row FC’s Mark and Lisa Lee, all of whom are the dedicated groundskeepers who keep their clubs’ pitches in top shape.

In 2024, #GroundsWeek reached an impressive 18 million people, showcasing the growing appreciation for the essential work carried out by grounds staff across the UK. Building on that success, the GMA aims to further highlight the expertise of grounds staff, while inspiring the next generation of professionals and volunteers to consider a career in grounds management.

Steve works tirelessly to keep Redwing’s pitches in good condition, ensuring players of all ages can enjoy games on safe, well-maintained surfaces. His passion, commitment, and hard work behind the scenes make all the difference. Mark and Lisa also put in hard work to enable players of all ages to use top-quality pitches and enjoy the game they love. From early mornings to late evenings, through all weather conditions, they keep the club running behind the scenes.

Richardson was clear about why he volunteers for his club: “I enjoy the peace and tranquillity of being outside. Regardless of if I’m maintaining the ground - because I’m a busy person during the week - I just enjoy tranquillity and, more to the point, I’m helping. I’m doing something that I can see the benefit from, and I can see other people get benefit from. That is my little bit of enjoyment out of it. Hard work, but enjoyment in a sense.”

Mark Lee also explained: “When I first got involved, we had a contractor that they would come in here regularly, so they would come and cut, and then we ended up having to spend days clearing all the grass off the pitches. It got to the stage where, eventually, we realised that for the money side of it, it would be more cost effective if we did it ourselves, which was a great idea when we didn’t really have the tractors and the machinery to do it!”

Carrie Barfoot, Essex County FA Facilities & Investment Officer, commented: “Games wouldn’t be able to be played without the dedication and commitment of our groundskeeper community. Individuals and teams work hard behind the scenes to mow, mark and improve the quality of grass pitches for all of our football community to enjoy every weekend.”

Whether you’re a professional, a volunteer or just value well-maintained spaces, there are countless ways to get involved. Visit www.thegma.org.uk/groundsweek to find out more about #GroundsWeek 2025. You can also read more about groundskeeping, and watch the profile videos, via this website and our social media feeds.