When we talk about grassroots cricket, we often focus on the players, coaches and volunteers making the cricket tea or working in the scorebox. But before any of that can happen, someone has to prepare the pitch.
In Staffordshire, one initiative is quietly reshaping how clubs support and recognise these essential ground volunteers. It鈥檚 called STAG: the Staffordshire Association of Grounds Managers.
Over the last few years, it鈥檚 evolved from a trailer hire scheme into a thriving network of groundskeepers, united by shared challenges and a commitment to improving the game from the ground up.
From trailer hire to training hub
Three years ago, STAG鈥檚 primary function was lending out a trailer of equipment for end-of-season renovations. There were no events, no training and little connection between clubs.
鈥淲hen I took STAG on,鈥� says Richard Marcer, Club Development Officer at Staffordshire Cricket, 鈥渋t had stalled. There was no structure, no community.鈥�
Working with County Pitch Advisor, Paul Clark - a driving force in pushing the importance of the 鈥榞rounds community鈥� - Rich rebuilt STAG from humble beginnings. Grounds forums, training days and supplier partnerships followed 鈥� initially bringing together over 30 clubs and reigniting interest across the county.
鈥淭he turnout was incredible,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t showed us that people wanted to learn, share and feel part of something.鈥�
Building a network that works
Today, STAG is far more than a simple support scheme. It鈥檚 a thriving community that reaches out to Staffordshire鈥檚 100 affiliated Clubs
Grounds staff can connect through a private online group to share advice and swap equipment, while webinars offer guidance on turf care, seasonal preparation and machinery maintenance.
A bulk-buying programme helps clubs save hundreds of pounds on essentials like seed and machinery, and the trailer (now upgraded) continues to travel to more than a dozen clubs each year.
Together, these initiatives are helping clubs stretch their budgets, improve their pitches and build stronger networks of dedicated volunteers.
Recognising the unseen effort
The majority of grounds staff in Staffordshire are unpaid. They give up evenings and weekends to mow, mark and maintain - often unnoticed, but never unimportant.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e the reason games happen,鈥� Rich says. 鈥淚f the pitch isn鈥檛 right, nothing else matters.鈥�
STAG is working to change perceptions. Grounds managers are recognised at Staffordshire's Cricket Collective Awards and new training days will focus on bringing younger volunteers into the fold - a vital step as many clubs face an ageing workforce.
Leading by example: Yvonne鈥檚 work at King鈥檚 Bromley CC
One standout story is Yvonne Tweddle, the only female grounds manager in the STAG network. Yvonne has transformed how King鈥檚 Bromley Cricket Club approaches ground care, championing sustainability and community involvement. Under her leadership, the club now operates with electric mowers, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a dedicated team of young volunteers who help maintain the grounds - a shining example of modern, inclusive grounds care.
"STAG has been a brilliant support, equipping me with the knowledge and confidence to simplify seemingly complex ground鈥慶are challenges and approach them with modern, efficient solutions. The knowledge I鈥檝e gained about pitches and equipment has allowed us to improve the square at King鈥檚 Bromley and we are now working towards a better outfield - bringing in greener practices, choosing equipment that鈥檚 safe, affordable and sustainable, and involving more members of the club in the work.
For me, progress doesn鈥檛 come from having everything; it comes from using knowledge and peer support to make the most of what you鈥檝e got. Most importantly, it鈥檚 about using those resources efficiently and in ways that keep the club moving forward."
Yvonne鈥檚 commitment has been widely recognised, with King鈥檚 Bromley CC proudly receiving the 春梦直播 Tackling Climate Change Award at Staffordshire鈥檚 Cricket Collective Awards.
Looking ahead and getting set
STAG now aims to expand its support to more clubs across the county, while also fostering collaboration with neighbouring counties and national experts.
It鈥檚 also gearing up for Get Set Weekend 2026, powered by Toyota a national celebration of club volunteers. STAG will play a key role, helping clubs prepare their grounds and spotlighting the people who make cricket possible long before the first ball is bowled.
Across Staffordshire, volunteers with muddy boots and early alarms are keeping the game alive - one pitch at a time.
If you鈥檇 like to learn more about STAG, please get in touch with Richard Marcer via r.marcer@staffordshirecricket.co.uk or contact cricketcollective@ecb.co.uk.
And a reminder that club registrations for Get Set Weekend 2026, powered by Toyota are now open.