http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2015/11/08/blues-groundsman-scoops-award
Everton groundsman Ryan Powell has been named the Rigby Taylor/Top Green Young Groundsman of the Year Award at the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Industry Awards.
In a prestigious ceremony at the Birmingham Metropole hotel, hosted by talkSPORT’s Mark Saggers, the 24-year-old scooped the accolade in front of groundscare experts and governing bodies from across the continent.
Ryan, one of the Blues’ 11-strong grounds team, says his main responsibilities at the club revolve around the maintenance and development of the playing surfaces and the surrounding wildlife conservation areas at the club’s Finch Farm training ground.
The awards are judged by an independent panel on criteria that include effective use of resources, budgetary control, presentation and housekeeping standards, as well as environmental considerations.
Commenting on the high standard of award winners, IOG chief executive Geoff Webb, says: “With a record number of entries, this year’s awards continue to demonstrate the high standards of groundsmanship throughout the UK, at both voluntary and professional level.
“Winning an award against such stiff competition is testament to the skill, dedication and passion of the grounds teams and individuals whose vital contribution to the high quality of the playing surfaces goes largely unnoticed.”
