Talking Turf - From player to groundsman with James Payling
James Payling keeps Wyberton FC thriving, showing how passion and dedication sustain grassroots football on and off the pitch.
At Wyberton Football Club, just outside Boston, few names are as familiar as James Payling’s. He’s played, coached, chaired the club and now tends the pitch as head groundsman - a journey that reflects the dedication keeping grassroots football alive.
James never planned to be a groundsman. “I’d stopped playing, then got involved with coaching under-7s through to under-15s. Things just fell into place.” Like many newcomers, he underestimated the job. “I thought it was just about the grass. Now I see how vital the technical work is - summer efforts carry you through winter.”
Caring for the pitch keeps him close to the game he loves. “I didn’t kick a ball until I was eighteen, but I fell in love with it. Maintaining the pitch lets me stay involved. Whether it’s under-sevens or veterans, I enjoy making the surface great for everyone.”
Battling the elements
Like many volunteers, James faces an unpredictable opponent: the weather.
“We’ve got no sprinklers or drainage, so it’s a lot of hand watering. When we overseed, we just hope for rain.
Support arrived through a legacy donation from long-time club friend Richard Scott, funding a much‑needed ride‑on mower. Soon after, Wyberton joined the Football Foundation’s Pitch Improvement Programme - something James says “completely changed the way we manage the pitch.”
Support that makes a difference
He credits the Football Foundation and the FA for transforming their surfaces. “It’s worth its weight in gold. Without them and the Lincolnshire FA, I’ve no idea what our pitches would look like. We used to struggle with the goalmouths - now we’ve got good coverage across the whole pitch.”
Grants have helped with equipment, seed, fertiliser and overseeding. “We’d never be this well set up without that support,” he says. “As much as I enjoy maintaining the pitch, I’m not sure I’d love it as much without that help.”
A key influence has been Phil Kime, Lincolnshire Pitch Advisor from the Grounds Management Association. “Phil’s guidance has been massive. He visits regularly and gives great advice. He did point out we’ve got too much footfall, but it’s a local playing field - we just rope off the goalmouths to protect them.”
James says communication from the football authorities has improved. “We used to feel the FA was all about Lincoln, but they’re making a real effort.
Without the Football Foundation, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Recognition for hard work
In 2025, Wyberton FC won the Grassroots Grounds Team of the Year for Lincolnshire. “It was a big deal for us. It made me feel like all the effort was worth it.”
For James, the rewards are personal as well as practical. “It’s therapeutic. The endorphins I get from working on the pitch are amazing - it’s like going to the gym.”
Looking ahead, he has no plans to stop.
“I’d love to carry on for as long as I enjoy it. I’m actually looking forward to retiring from my day job so I can spend more time down here.”
From player to chairman to groundsman, James Payling’s story is a testament to dedication, passion and community spirit. With the right support, hard work and love for the game, Wyberton FC continues to thrive - on and off the pitch.