Pitch Performance Apprentice in Nottingham

Salary: Please state your expectations within your application

Contract: Full Time, 42 hours a week

Location: The Nigel Doughty Academy, Nottingham, NG2 7SR

Working Arrangements: On site

Closing Date For Applications: 27th April 2026

The Perks of the Job:

• Opportunity to access tickets for events at The City Ground.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to high street and gym discounts.
• Discount within our Club shop.
• Free on-site parking.

Role Overview:

Nottingham Forest is seeking keen and dedicated Pitch Performance Apprentices to join our Pitch Performance Team based at the City Ground, Nigel Doughty Academy, and Holme Road Training Site. The apprentice will work as part of the club’s pitch performance team and help in the preparation and maintenance of playing surfaces which have a direct impact on the player’s performance. Tasks will include pitch cutting, marking, equipment upkeep, general site tasks, working with data testing equipment, and ensuring the highest standards are strived for across all sites.

The apprentice will:

• Be part of a welcoming, inclusive, and forward-thinking team that will put your growth and success first.
• Receive full assistance in completing the Level 2 Sports Turf Operative apprenticeship standard.
• Have an opportunity to gain valuable experience in sports turf maintenance within a competitive sporting setting.
• Learn about data-driven approaches to pitch management and player performance.
• Have the ability to learn about the industry from experienced club staff.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Ensure pitches and playing areas are maintained and prepared to high professional standards, under the direction of the pitch performance team.
• Perform pre and post-training and match tasks, including marking and cutting, divoting, light mowing, spraying, and other tasks.
• Undertake minor construction and landscaping tasks.
• Operate and maintain machinery, vehicles, and equipment used for grounds maintenance.
• Adhere to health and safety guidelines, ensuring work areas are clean, organised, and secure.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and club staff.
• Maintain flexibility in working hours, including participating in weekend/midweek rota match cover.

Skills, Experience and Knowledge:

• A strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Interest in pitches and the impact they have on the players’ ability to perform.
• A team player attitude with the ability to work independently when needed.
• A commitment to maintaining health and safety standards.
• Examples of working as part of a team successfully.

Forest For Everyone:

At Nottingham Forest Football Club we are committed to creating an environment where differences are respected, individuality is celebrated, everyone feels valued, supported, and included. Our goal is to ensure every member of our team can be themselves, contribute fully, and reach their potential without barriers.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Mental Wellbeing:

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from talented people of all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We continue to develop policies and practices that promote equality, diversity, inclusion and mental wellbeing across our workforce. To help us measure progress and hold ourselves accountable, we ask all applicants to provide accurate diversity information during the recruitment process.

Disability Confident Committed Employer:

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, taking positive steps to attract, recruit, and support disabled people. As part of this commitment, we work hard to ensure our recruitment processes are fair, inclusive, and accessible to everyone. We are committed to offering interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role and provide reasonable adjustments at every stage from the application process through to ongoing support in the workplace. If you are likely to meet the definition of being a "disabled person" according to the Equality Act 2010, you may be eligible to apply for an interview via the Disability Confident Scheme. Please indicate this in your application form. The information you share with us about your health or disability will not be used in recruitment selections.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding:

As part of the Club’s commitment to safeguarding, the successful applicant may be required to undergo a Disclosure Barring Service ("DBS") check or an enhanced DBS check. The results of a DBS check will be considered on an individual basis, and the Club will act in a proportionate manner when deciding whether or not to proceed with the appointment. An FA Enhanced DBS disclosure is required for all relevant new appointments to the Club. Individuals will be asked to declare any convictions, cautions or reprimands, warnings or bind-overs that may have been incurred. The Club reserves the right to carry out risk assessments where content has been disclosed on a DBS disclosure if it feels that it is relevant to the job requirements. Failure to satisfy the Club and the PL’s safeguarding requirements may lead to the job offer being withdrawn or, if they have already started employment, summary termination of the employment.

Health and Safety:

At Nottingham Forest Football Club, we are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for all employees. In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, you are required to take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions or omissions at work. You must also cooperate with the Club’s health and safety policies and procedures. Should you identify any health and safety concerns, please report them promptly to your manager or a member of the Health and Safety/Facilities team.