IOG Awards can be life changing
August 3, 2012

Niall Hazelhurst says winning last year's IOG Industry Award for Young Groundsman of the Year had an immediate impact on his life.

"Even on the night of the Awards while I was being congratulated by my industry peers, I was able to network with some of the best groundsmen in the country - and since then it has certainly been a case of people recognising who I am, thanks to the publicity that surrounded my win.

Niall, Assistant Groundsman at Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium, continues: "Another major benefit of winning the Award was being invited to join in with the work of the IOG Young Directors.

"Working with the 'Young Board' has been a tremendous boon and the discussions I've had during the various trips we've made, in the UK and abroad, have been a real eye-opener in terms of different approaches to groundscare.

"Earlier this year I was off work on sick leave for about six months and I realised just how much I missed the job.

"It's that feeling, that sense of passion, that I now want to impart to other youngsters by inspiring them to become involved in this industry.  "I also encourage other young groundsmen to enter the Awards this year - because they can change your life!"

Visit www.iogawards.com to view the easy-to-enter categories of this year's IOG Industry Awards, being held at York Racecourse on December 6.