David Baker, the man who keeps Penryn Athletic’s Kernick Park pitch so immaculate, had been honoured again at this year’s national Groundsman of the Year Awards.
The ceremony took place in early September at Windsor Racecourse with special guests TV commentators John Motson and Ray Stubbs, and the 1974 World Cup Final referee Jack Taylor.
David scooped the prize in The FA National Leagues System Step 7 and below category. He was pipped to the top spot by Peter Conroy from Liverpool CFA Youth.
But this latest award brings David a unique record. Since the inception of the competition seven years ago, David has been nominated six times and had been awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and Highly Commended and so has completed the full set of honours.
Each year Cornwall FA nominates clubs’ ground keepers to The FA for consideration. Barry Cudmore, Cornwall FA’s County Secretary said, “We nominate three clubs per year. Penryn always feature because of the very high standard David Baker has achieved over the years. We are delighted that he has scooped all the categories now in the six years we’ve been putting his name forward.”