"The IOG Awards Can Be Life-Changing," Says Young Groundsman Of The Year

“The IOG Awards Can Be Life-Changing"

Niall Hazelhurst says winning last year’s IOG Industry Award for Young Groundsman of the Year had an immediate impact on his life.

“Even on the night of the Awards while I was being congratulated by my industry peers, I was able to network with some of the best groundsmen in the country – and since then it has certainly been a case of people recognising who I am, thanks to the publicity that surrounded my win. 

Niall, Assistant Groundsman at Bolton Wanderers’ Reebok Stadium, continues: “Another major benefit of winning the Award was being invited to join in with the work of the IOG Young Directors. 

“Working with the ‘Young Board’ has been a tremendous boon and the discussions I’ve had during the various trips we’ve made, in the UK and abroad, have been a real eye-opener in terms of different approaches to groundscare. 

“Earlier this year I was off work on sick leave for about six months and I realised just how much I missed the job. 

“It’s that feeling, that sense of passion, that I now want to impart to other youngsters by inspiring them to become involved in this industry.  “I also encourage other young groundsmen to enter the Awards this year – because they can change your life!”

Visit www.iogawards.com to view the easy-to-enter categories of this year’s IOG Industry Awards, being held at York Racecourse on December 6.