ENTRIES are now open for this year’s Suffolk FA Grounds Team of the Year competitions sponsored by Jacobsen Ltd.

There will again be two competitions – one for National League System clubs and one for Grassroots Clubs (National League System Regional Feeder clubs and below).

Jacobsen’s increased level of support last season enabled Suffolk FA to run two Grounds Team of the Year competitions for the first time.

Needham Market FC won the competition for NLS clubs and Beccles Town won the competition for Grassroots Clubs. The judges are pictured above during their visit to Ipswich Wanderers FC last season speaking to Steve Byford (centre, facing camera) who is joint groundsman with Tony Robinson.

The winning NLS club will receive £1,000, runners-up £700 and third place £400.

The winning Grassroots Club will receive £700, runners-up £500 and third place £250.

The prize money will be in the form of vouchers to spend on grounds equipment with Ernest Doe Ltd.

Jacobsen Ltd, who are based at Ransomes Europark in Ipswich, are one of the longest-standing supporters of Suffolk FA.

They are a premier supplier of high-quality turf equipment, utility vehicles, golf cars and tractors.

Jacobsen Ltd Director of Brand Marketing Nicole Burn said: “Jacobsen is proud to sponsor the Suffolk Grounds Team of the Year competitions once again, celebrating the dedication and excellence of grounds teams across the region.”

“At Jacobsen, we believe in the power of professionally maintained sports turf to inspire and elevate athletes and communities.”

Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Matt Stebbings said: “Grounds teams across the county are often football’s unsung heroes, from marking out the lines, putting up nets, ‘getting games on’ in difficult conditions, it gives us great pleasure to recognise and reward these individuals and teams.

“Their work often goes un-recognised but without these teams, football doesn’t happen. As we strive for GOOD quality grass pitches across the county, these competitions give us the chance to celebrate and bring awareness to groundskeeping and the hard work that goes into it.

“There is funding available to support grounds teams to improve their grass pitches and any clubs looking to do so should get in touch with me.”

To enter either competition please download and complete the below entry form and return to Nick Garnham Marketing & Communications Officer, Suffolk FA, Bill Steward House, The Buntings, Kestrel Drive, Stowmarket IP14 5GZ or email nick.garnham@suffolkfa.com

The closing date for entries is 9am on Monday, March 17th 2025. Judging will take place thereafter.

Any clubs seeking advice regarding funding to improve their grass pitches should contact Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Matt Stebbings on 07432 735961 or email matt.stebbings@suffolkfa.com