The Dorset County Football Association has announced Mark Bailey of Lyme Regis FC as the Dorset Groundsperson of the Year 2024.
The Groundsperson of the Year Awards are open for all clubs operating at Step 7 and below of the football pyramid, and were set up to recognise the contribution of these unsung heroes of the grassroots game and encourage the development of groundsmanship. The majority of football in this country is played outside the Football League. Quality pitches are therefore essential for the development of football at every level.
Grassroots groundsmen and women, the vast majority of whom are volunteers, play a huge role in ensuring pitches are in their best possible condition, week in, week out. The Awards recognise those who work in all weathers, all year round, to make sure that thousands of matches can take place on a high standard of playing surface.
Sponsoring the Dorset awards again this year were Fleet Line Markers UK, who offered a first prize to the winner of a Kombi Line Marker and 2 Drums of Super C paint, with second and third placed finalists also winning prizes.
Lyme Regis Football Club, who are known as the Seasiders, were formed in 1885 and moved to the Davy Fort in 1974, with the First Team playing in the Devon and Exeter Premier League at Step 7 of the football pyramid.
The club nominated Mark for the countless hours that he spends tending to the pitch and for all his hard work and dedication to improving the quality of the playing surface.
Mark was presented with his award by Kath Purnell, Dorset FA Facilities & Investment Lead and Simon Moore, Area Sales Manager from Fleet Line Markers.
Kath Purnell, Dorset FA Facilities & Investment Lead, said: “It was a pleasure to meet up with Lyme Regis FC Groundsman Mark Bailey and present him with the 2024 Groundsperson of the Year Award. Mark has done an amazing job improving the pitch at Davey Fort by putting in place a maintenance programme that has delivered a pitch of a high standard and he should be commended for all his hard work.
“On behalf of the Dorset County Football Association I would like to thank all the grounds people around the county that do such an amazing job to keep their pitches in tip top condition, sometimes under the worst conditions possible.”
1st Place: Mark Bailey (Lyme Regis FC)
2nd Place: Paul Scard (Portland United Youth FC)
3rd Place: Mark Young (Handley Sports FC)
For information on accessing Grass Pitch Maintenance Funding, contact Kath Purnell (Dorset FA Facilities & Investment Lead) on Kathryn.Purnell@dorsetfa.com