NCEL Premier Division side Frickley Athletic's Neil Howden has been announced as the winner of the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA's Grounds Team of the Year 2024 award.

The accolade celebrates the individuals or teams who go the extra mile to make sure their ground – from the pitch to facilities – is match-ready all year round.

Neil originally started out as a volunteer at Frickley Athletic alongside his partner before becoming the groundsperson at the Westfield Lane Stadium in South Elmsall over five years ago.

Week-in, week-out, he’s out maintaining the pitch in all weather conditions around his job as a builder. He gives up so much of his spare time to make sure the facilities are in top condition.

Not only that, but Neil also chips in to help the club’s volunteers during the week and on match days. From working behind the bar to washing the kit, he does it all.


Phil Cooper, who nominated Neil for this award, believes Neil’s dedication and hard work has transformed the pitch for the better.

He said “This is the best the pitch has looked in years and it’s all down to Neil.

“He doesn’t just look after the pitch. Last year we lost our kit man and Neil and the rest of the team behind the scenes all got stuck in to make sure the kits were washed and ready for match day.

“He’s the first up and the last to leave, he’s just an unreal volunteer who I think deserves to be recognised.”

With no previous experience or qualifications in groundskeeping, Neil had to learn the ropes quickly but has had support along the way.

He said: “as a builder by trade, I haven’t come from a groundskeeping background, I’ve just been learning as I’ve gone on with the help of Bothams.

“I’m really proud to receive this award but I don’t do it for the spotlight, I do it to see the players, especially the kids, enjoy themselves while playing football.”