Cricket Success At The Institute Of Groundsmanship Industry Awards

Cricket Success At The Institute Of Groundsmanship Industry Awards

The Reebok Stadium hosted the awards

©Action Images

Four cricket facilities and representatives claimed titles at the 2011 Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Industry Awards at the Reebok Stadium last week.

Keith Hughes from Menai Bridge Cricket Club in Anglesey was presented with Volunteer Groundsman of the Year for his dedication and commitment to maintaining the main ground and net facilities at the club.

Heaton Mersey Sports Club scooped the Grass Roots Sports Ground of the Year for their multi-sports ground that embraces cricket, rugby, tennis and lacrosse. The Volunteer Sports Grounds Management Team of the Year went to Cleckheaton Sports Club, whose two man team look after five acres of multi-sports facilities which include a cricket square and outfield.

Ashton-on-Mersey Cricket Club won the Environment Project of the Year for including the installation of solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems in developments at the club. The installation has led to the elimination of the club’s electricity bill and the club now returns energy to the National Grid.

Nick James from Heaton Mersey Sports Club and David Hodgson from Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club in Leeds were also recognised for their contributions to grass roots cricket through their nomination for the prestigious Groundsman’s Groundsman award.

The IOG Industry Awards acknowledge the high standards achieved by a wide range of volunteer and professional grounds care staff and facilities from grass roots to professional stadia level.

ECB Managing Director of Cricket Partnerships Mike Gatting said: “I’m delighted to see cricket so strongly represented at The Institute of Groundsmanship Industry Awards. I extend my congratulations to the winners together with all the grounds staff and volunteers across England and Wales whose hard work and dedication plays such an important role in maintaining and improving the quality of cricket pitches and facilities.
The England and Wales Cricket Trust has invested in 699 grassroots projects with capital costs totalling over £52,000,000 in the last financial year, and is committed to continue to support cricket facilities through investment and self-help initiates.”

More information on The Institute of Groundsmanship Industry Awards can be found at www.iog.org.