Head Groundsperson

AFC Fylde Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional football club in the UK is seeking an experienced Head Groundsperson to lead the upkeep of their elite-level football pitches. You will develop a year-round maintenance plan and manage training areas at Mill Farm Stadium and Kellemergh Park. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years' experience in the turf industry and is skilled in managing turf machinery. You'll be responsible for pitch preparation, equipment maintenance, and reporting to senior management. This role requires a strong team-oriented approach and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the sports turf industry.
• Skilled in pedestrian mowing and general turf machinery.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a season-long maintenance plan.
• Oversee day-to-day tasks at both Mill Farm and Kellemergh Park.
• Maintain first team pitch and surrounding areas for training.

Skills

Pedestrian mowing

General turf machinery skills

Knowledge of irrigation systems

Understanding of fertilisers and pesticides

Health & Safety procedures knowledge

Education

Level 2 NVQ in Amenity Horticulture or Sports Turf Management

Tools

Tractor-mounted Verti-Drain machinery

Line-marking equipment

Automated irrigation control system

Job description

Full Time • Mill Farm Stadium & Kellemergh Park

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.

About Us

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

Matchday Responsibilities

• 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

Pitch Maintenance

• 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

Equipment Care

• Operating tractor‑mounted Verti‑Drain machinery

• Servicing and maintaining line‑marking equipment

• Managing the automated irrigation control system

Communication & Reporting

• 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