Steyning groundsman scores at FA awards

Kevin Read, from Steyning Grammar School, has been awarded the FA Grounsdman of the Year Award for the South East of England

A Head groundsman has won a prestigious Football Association (FA) award for his work maintaining sports pitches for school and town teams to enjoy.

Kevin Read, from Steyning Grammar School, won the Groundsman of the Year Award for the South East of England and has been put forward for the national award.

He received the award in recognition of his contribution to football by providing a high standard of playing surface for matches throughout the year.

Kevin was first nominated by Ashington Cougars football club, which regularly uses the school's pitches.

All winners and runners-up for the national award will be invited to a tour of Wembley later this year.

Kevin said he was very proud of all three pitches at the school but particularly the latest addition, appropriately called Wembley.

"It is important to keep the surfaces in perfect condition, regardless of the frequency of use. Sometimes we have as many as three games per pitch over one weekend," said Kevin, who has worked at Steyning Grammar for the past seven years.

Anyone interested in hiring the pitches can call on 01903 810515 or email jburroughs@sgs.uk.net.

Sources from the Shorham Herald