Grassroots Grounds Team of the Year Award
We are catching up with all of our winners and hearing more about their stories.
Back in August, London FA announced our winners for the 2021 Grassroots Football Awards. We are catching up with all of our winners and hearing more about their stories.
Today, we chat to Matthew Condron at Petts Wood FC, who alongside Mick and Simon won Grounds Team of the Year Award.
Petts Wood FC pride themselves in putting youth football first, making sure the grounds are prepared for the unpredictable English weather. All teams training is scheduled at schools, so pitches are playable on weekends. The team go above and beyond to make sure their facilities mean everyone in their community can play football, creating a friendly and welcoming environment for all.
How did you feel when you won the award?
We were shocked and couldn't quite believe that we'd won such as great award. Once it had sunk in the grounds team (Mick, Matthew and Simon) were extremely happy.
What are you excited for in the 2021/22 season?
We are looking forward to the girls and boys getting back to playing football and enjoying the playing surface which has improved dramatically over the past two years.
What are the biggest challenges that you will face within the 2021-2022 season?
The grounds teams biggest challenge this season will be to keep the playing surface in a good playable condition and dealing promptly with damage caused by rabbits and now that the winter season is in progress keep up the maintenance on the goalmouths.
What is your biggest motivation for your role within grassroots football?
I love being outdoors and the most important motivation of my groundsman role at the club is seeing all the boys and girls enjoying the playing surface and the positive comments from parents and players.
Nominations are now open for the FA and McDonalds Grassroots Football Awards 2022! Help us recognise our grassroots heroes and nominate a member of our local football community.
Details on the categories and how to nominate your grassroots hero can be found here.