THE Suffolk FA Grounds Team of the Year competition sponsored by Jacobsen is back for 2024 - and it’s bigger and better than ever!

The competition has previously only been open to clubs playing outside the National League System - those who play below Steps 1-6 of the NLS.

However, due to the generous sponsorship of Jacobsen Ltd, the world-wide renowned turf care specialists who are based in Suffolk, this year’s competition has been extended.

There will be two competitions - one for Suffolk clubs who play in the NLS (Steps 1-6) and one for those playing in the NLS Regional Feeder Leagues (formerly Step 7 & Below).

Jacobsen have significantly increased their sponsorship to enable the two competitions to take place in 2024.

Prize money, in the form of vouchers to spend on grounds equipment, will be as follows:

NLS clubs

1st - £1,000

2nd - £750

3rd - £500

NLS Regional Feeder League clubs

1st - £750

2nd - £500

3rd - £250

Jaccobsen’s Senior Marketing Manager Adam Underwood said: “Jacobsen are excited to sponsor the Suffolk Grounds Team of the Year Competition, expanding it to semi-professional steps.

“We’ve worked hard in the last 12 months at Jacobsen to give back to the community here in Suffolk and are committed not only to our relationship with Ipswich Town, who trust us with moving to more emissions-free cutting at the world-class training facility, but also Bury Town Football Club and Needham Market Football Club, who we are proud to sponsor with turf equipment.

“Our goal is to provide our signature cut to make our county’s pitches, the best in the UK.”

Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Matt Stebbings said: “It’s great to see our Grounds Team of the Year competition expanding across two competitions.

“A huge thanks you to our partners and competition sponsors Jacobsen Ltd for making this possible.

“Get your entries in as soon as possible and we will come out and see you and your pitches.”

To enter, please complete the below nomination form and return to nick.garnham@suffolkfa.com

The closing date for entries for both competitions is 9am on Monday, April 22nd 2024.

Clubs will be notified when judging will take place thereafter.

Rob Hayward of Jacobsen Ltd is pictured above giving a demonstration during the recent Suffolk FA Grounds Event held in conjunction with Ipswich Town FC at the club’s Training Ground.