At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead grounds maintenance for elite-level playing surfaces at AFC Fylde.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at AFC Fylde, a leading sports organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to work in sports.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the quality of our pitches and facilities.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in sports turf management and strong teamwork skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work in a vibrant sports environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Full Time position at AFC Fylde. Head Groundsperson to lead on grounds maintenance across our facilities at Mill Farm Stadium and Kellemargh Park, delivering elite‑level playing surfaces.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a season‑long maintenance plan, ensuring our pitches and surrounding areas are consistently maintained to the highest standard for training sessions and matchdays. You will oversee day‑to‑day tasks at both Mill Farm and Kellemargh Park, working closely with the Maintenance Team, Director of Football and First Team Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Weekday Responsibilities
- Full maintenance and preparation of the first team pitch at Mill Farm
- Maintenance of the Women’s and first team training pitches at Kellemargh Park
- Ensuring all pitch‑side areas are clean, tidy and weed‑free
- Maintaining and reporting issues with goal posts and netting
- Attendance at all first‑team home matchdays
- Ensuring all equipment (goals, nets, corner flags) is fit for purpose
- Cutting and watering the pitch according to coaching instructions
- Conducting pre‑match walkarounds with the Facilities Manager to check hoardings and advertising boards
- Regular cylinder/rotary cutting using both pedestrian and ride‑on equipment
- Implementing a comprehensive nutritional programme including fertilisers, wetting agents and bio‑stimulants
- Managing stock of seeds, fertilisers and materials
- Operating tractor‑mounted Verti‑Drain machinery
- Servicing and maintaining line‑marking equipment
- Managing the automated irrigation control system
- Providing weekly pitch‑condition updates to the COO and Director of Football, offering solutions to emerging issues
- Supporting colleagues and ensuring all purchases follow proper PO procedures
Essential Experience
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in the sports turf industry
- Skilled in pedestrian mowing and general turf machinery
- Knowledge of irrigation systems
- Understanding of fertilisers, pesticides and Health & Safety procedures
Desirable
- Level 2 NVQ in Amenity Horticulture or Sports Turf Management
Personal Attributes
- Honest, reliable and professional
- Strong attention to detail
- Proud of delivering high standards
- Values teamwork and continuous improvement
Head Groundsperson employer: AFC Fylde
Contact Detail:
AFC Fylde Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Groundsperson
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the sports turf industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with pitch maintenance or turf management, consider creating a portfolio showcasing your work. Photos of well-maintained pitches or successful projects can really make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to clubs or organisations you’re interested in. Express your passion for grounds maintenance and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at AFC Fylde. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Groundsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Head Groundsperson role. Highlight your turf management expertise and any relevant achievements to show us you’re the right fit for maintaining elite-level playing surfaces.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about grounds maintenance and how your experience aligns with our needs at AFC Fylde. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your skills in pitch maintenance and equipment care. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges in the past and what you can bring to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFC Fylde
✨Know Your Turf
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of turf management and maintenance techniques. Be ready to discuss specific methods you've used in the past, especially regarding pitch preparation and care. This shows you're not just familiar with the basics but have hands-on experience that can benefit the team.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to talk about your experiences in collaboration. Share examples of how you've worked with coaches or other staff to achieve a common goal, highlighting your teamwork skills and ability to communicate effectively.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills related to pitch maintenance. Think about potential issues that could arise on matchdays and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Bring Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for maintaining elite-level playing surfaces shine through. Talk about what drives you in this field and why you take pride in your work. A genuine passion for turf management can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're committed to delivering high standards.