Jim Ferguson has been handed the National Groundsman of the Year award for his work at Poppleton Junior Football Club, writes Jamie Crane.

The accolade is for his efforts last season when, despite the awful winter weather, Ferguson ensured the pitches at Poppleton’s Millfield Lane ground were of a high standard.

Ferguson said of his award: “I was nominated by a few of the club members, but didn’t think I would get a nomination. To be crowned Groundsman of the Year for such a small club is unbelievable.”

Steven Wade, the North Riding County FA’s development manager, said they were “overjoyed that local grassroots team Poppleton Junior Football Club had won such an exclusive award”. He declared it a “fantastic achievement for both Poppleton and the North Riding County FA”.

Ferguson now receives a day out to Wembley to watch the European Championship qualifier between England and Montenegro, as well as a stadium tour, lunch and a trophy presentation.