Elms pitches in to help improve playing surfaces

His appointment is part of the Football Association’s Pitch Improvement Programme which provides advice on aspects such as pitch maintenance, machinery and budgets.

The scheme is open to any clubs at level two or below, including schools and sees advisors visiting the pitches and providing full written reports which are then passed on to the club by their county FA.

“The initial trial was in the Birmingham County FA Area,” said Elms, a level four-qualified groundsman.

“I carried out three visits during the trial period under the supervision of Hannah Buckley, the West Midlands regional coordinator.

“The scheme went national in the August 2012 and since then I have carried out visits for the Birmingham County FA, Worcester County FA and Hereford County FA.”

There is a token charge of £50 for the service but Elms believes it is a price worth paying to guarantee betting playing surfaces across the country.

“There is a real need for this scheme as a lot of pitches are in need of improvement,” he said.

“And to help clubs and schools, FA grants are available to help fund pitch improvements.”

 Kenilworth Lawn Tennis Club are hosting the next meeting of the Coventry branch of the Institute of Groundsmanship on Monday evening (7.30pm).

Kenilworth Croquet Club chairman Adrian Morris will be the guest speaker.

For more information, contact Idris Elms on 07776 008178.