Cricket pitch preparation: How Staffordshire grounds staff are raising standards through education

The revival of the Staffordshire Association of Grounds Managers (STAG) is reshaping how clubs approach pitch preparation, machinery knowledge and climate driven challenges.

By placing education, collaboration and technical development at its core, STAG is creating a modern support network for grounds staff across the county - and setting a model others may follow.

Led by Richard Marcer, Club Development Officer for Staffordshire Cricket and Paul Clarke, County Pitch Advisor, the initiative has quickly evolved from a dormant association into a progressive platform for grounds staff of all levels. What was once an organisation that had drifted into obscurity has been reshaped into something far more relevant to the modern game and the agronomic challenges that accompany it.

Richard reflects openly on where things began. When he was first asked to take on the running of STAG, the structure was still in place, but its purpose had faded. There was little in the way of communication between clubs, no real opportunities for development and minimal engagement beyond basic services. The challenge was not simply to restart it, but to redefine what it should offer in a sector where surface performance, compliance and sustainability are increasingly scrutinised.

From the outset, the focus was clear. Groundspersons needed to be brought back together. Education had to sit at the heart of everything, but in a way that genuinely resonated with those working on the ground. Alongside Paul’s technical expertise - ranging from soil structure and moisture management to machinery operation - Richard’s background in communication and relationship building has proven to be a natural fit, allowing the pair to connect with clubs and individuals across the county.

What has emerged is a more modern approach to education. There is a growing recognition that traditional methods, often centred around lengthy presentations, do not always reflect the practical, hands on nature of the role. Instead, STAG has prioritised learning that is engaging, relevant and rooted in real experiences. Events are designed to encourage conversation as much as instruction, with opportunities for grounds staff to share their own challenges and solutions - whether related to rolling regimes, end of season renovations or managing organic matter.

The forum (held earlier this year) is a good example of this shift. Bringing together speakers from across the industry, the event focused on weather and climate - topics that are becoming increasingly significant for those preparing pitches at all levels of the game. Discussions covered rainfall variability, evapotranspiration, drainage performance and the impact of extreme weather on soil profiles. More importantly, it created a space where attendees could talk openly, exchange ideas and build connections that extend beyond a single day.

That sense of connection is something both Paul and Richard believe has been missing for too long. There was a time when many groundsmen worked in isolation, often hesitant to share knowledge or seek advice. That mindset is beginning to change, and STAG is playing a key role in accelerating that shift.

The value of collaboration is evident in the conversations that now take place during and after events. Grounds staff who may never have crossed paths are finding common ground, discussing techniques, equipment and the everyday realities of maintaining cricket surfaces - from square aeration strategies to the pros and cons of different loam blends. These interactions are proving just as valuable as any formal session, helping to build confidence and a stronger sense of community.

Education, in this context, is no longer a one way process. It is something that develops collectively, shaped by experience as much as expertise. Paul is quick to highlight how important this is, particularly when problems arise. Having a network to draw upon can make all the difference, whether it is advice on machinery, pitch preparation or simply reassurance that others have faced similar challenges.

Looking ahead, there is a clear ambition to build on this momentum. Plans are already being discussed for larger events, potentially bringing together grounds staff from beyond Staffordshire, while still retaining the identity and focus that has made STAG successful so far. There is also a recognition that education must continue to evolve, with fresh topics and new perspectives introduced each year to maintain interest and relevance - such as integrated pest management, water efficiency and advances in turfgrass cultivars.

At the same time, there is a strong emphasis on supporting the next generation. The issue of succession is one that runs throughout the industry, with many clubs relying on long serving volunteers and little in place to replace them. Encouraging younger people to become involved is not simply desirable, it is essential.

Paul speaks candidly about the lack of awareness around grounds management as a career. For many young people, it is not even considered as an option, despite the opportunities it can offer - from technical qualifications to full time professional roles. Changing that perception is a longer term challenge, but one that STAG is keen to address by creating pathways into the role and supporting those at the start of their journey.

There is also a broader message about recognition. Grounds staff are often overlooked when things go well yet quickly criticised when they do not. The work that goes into producing a cricket surface - often in difficult conditions and with limited resources - is significant. It deserves to be acknowledged, not just within the industry, but by the wider sporting community.

What is happening in Staffordshire is a reminder of what can be achieved when education is given the attention it deserves. It is not simply about delivering information, but about creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and willing to learn from one another.

Better connected grounds staff, better informed decisions and ultimately, better pitches for everyone who steps out to play - is what matters the most!

STAG is still developing, and there will undoubtedly be challenges along the way. However, the foundations that have been put in place suggest a model that others may look to follow. By focusing on education, encouraging collaboration and investing in people, it is helping to strengthen the game from the ground up.