It was fantastic to see a number of external partners available to come to our event. Their knowledge, expertise and the ability to demonstrate machinery and equipment was invaluable to those in attendance. The live demonstrations included John Scott of Vincent Tractors showed off their grass cutters, turf groomers and tractors. Iain Walker from Phoenix Sporting Goods displayed the use of portable floodlights and Neil Baker from Rigby Taylor delivered a line marking demonstration. This was followed by talks from guest speakers including Simon Johnson from the Institute of Groundsmanship, explained the Pitch Improvement Programme, Daniel Greenough discussed the Cornwall FA Funding support and Dr Noel McKenzie from Rigby Taylor speaking on types of grass, fertiliser, soil and compaction of pitches. The evening concluded with a question and answer session with the guest speakers around the different areas covered.

Daniel Greenough, Senior Development Officer had this to say;

“It was great to see so many familiar and new faces at our Groundsman Awareness Event. The FA, Cornwall FA and the IOG recognise the important of our grass pitches as they are the life blood of football across the country. Cornwall FA and the IOG wanted to support and share knowledge, experience and opportunities to our football family to ensure our pitches across Cornwall continue to improve and provide the best playing experience for our players. We would like to thank all the partners that attended, demonstrated and spoke at the event last night including Rigby Taylor, Vincent Tractors, Phoenix Sporting Goods, to Bodmin FC for hosting us and to all the support from our clubs around the County.  We hope you found the evening useful and can see the value in maintaining and improving pitches.”

For more information about the Pitch Improvement Programme and funding opportunities please click the following link http://www.cornwallfa.com/leagues-and-clubs/finance/facilities-grants-and-funding/pitch-improvement-programme   or contact Daniel Greenough, Senior Football Development Officer on Tel: 01208 262984 Email: Daniel.greenough@cornwallfa.com

                                                                  Below is a highlights video of our 'Groundsman Event'
    
A big thank you to Shaun and Morgan from Falmouth University for coming along on the evening and putting this together! 

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