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- Tasks: Lead the maintenance of elite football pitches and ensure top-notch playing surfaces.
- Company: Join AFC Fylde, a growing club with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth in sports turf management.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering first-class operational standards.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in sports turf, skilled in machinery and irrigation systems.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you passionate about maintaining elite‑level football pitches and delivering exceptional playing surfaces? AFC Fylde are looking for an experienced and dedicated Head Groundsperson to take the lead on all grounds maintenance across our state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
AFC Fylde operates in a competitive sporting landscape, alongside other professional clubs on the Fylde Coast. With outstanding facilities at Mill Farm Stadium and Kellemergh Park, we continue to grow across all areas of the Club and are committed to delivering first‑class operational standards.
As Head Groundsperson, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring our pitches meet the demands of elite football.
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’ll oversee day‑to‑day tasks at both Mill Farm and Kellemergh 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 Kellemergh 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 'walk arounds' 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
What We’re Looking For
Essential Experience
- 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 in Preston employer: AFC Fylde
Contact Detail:
AFC Fylde Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Groundsperson in Preston
✨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 a portfolio of your previous work, bring it along to interviews or share it online. Highlighting your experience with pitch maintenance and equipment care can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to clubs or organisations you admire, like AFC Fylde, and express your interest in potential roles. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and helps us keep track of your application better.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Groundsperson in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for maintaining elite-level football pitches shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with our commitment to delivering first-class operational standards.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience in the sports turf industry, especially any specific roles that relate to pitch maintenance. We’re looking for someone with at least 5 years of experience, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to highlight key responsibilities and achievements from your previous roles.
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’re considered for the Head Groundsperson position. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFC Fylde
✨Know Your Turf
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of pitch maintenance and the specific techniques used in elite football. Be ready to discuss your experience with different types of turf machinery and irrigation systems, as well as any innovative practices you've implemented in the past.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for maintaining top-notch playing surfaces shine through. Share stories about your previous roles and how your dedication has positively impacted the teams you've worked with. This will help demonstrate that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous positions and how you overcame them. Being able to articulate your thought process will show that you're ready for the responsibilities of the Head Groundsperson.
✨Team Player Mindset
Since you'll be working closely with various teams, emphasise your teamwork skills. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, whether it's coordinating with coaches or managing a maintenance team. Highlighting your ability to communicate effectively will set you apart.