- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
Learn practical skills, build confidence and take your next step towards a career working in the sports turf industry.
Endorsed by Sussex Football Association and delivered in partnership with industry partners, our Get Into Football Pitch Care programme provides an exciting introduction to the world of sports turf and grounds maintenance.
Designed for learners who enjoy practical, hands-on learning, this entry-level course offers the opportunity to develop real industry skills while working outdoors. You'll gain experience in maintaining sports surfaces, using tools and equipment safely, carrying out routine grounds maintenance tasks and understanding the professional standards expected within the sector.
Throughout the programme, you'll build confidence, develop employability skills and explore future opportunities in sports turf, horticulture and grounds management.
Learners will work towards selected units from the City & Guilds Level 1 Practical Horticulture Skills qualification, providing a recognised foundation for further study, apprenticeships or employment.
Why Choose This Course?
- Gain practical experience in sports turf and grounds maintenance
- Learn in real outdoor working environments
- Develop industry-relevant skills and workplace behaviours
- Build confidence, independence and employability skills
- Work towards a nationally recognised qualification
- Learn safe and effective use of horticultural tools and equipment
- Explore progression routes into further study, apprenticeships and employment
- Benefit from industry links with football and sports turf organisations
Modules
This practical programme focuses on developing the essential skills needed to begin a career in the sports turf and grounds maintenance sector.
Sports Turf & Grounds Maintenance Skills
You'll learn how to contribute to the maintenance and presentation of sports grounds through practical activities including:
- Preparing and maintaining outdoor areas
- Basic horticulture and grounds maintenance techniques
- Sports pitch line marking
- Maintaining safe, tidy and professional work environments
- Developing an understanding of sports turf management
- Introduction to grounds-related careers and employment opportunities
Tools, Equipment & Safe Working
Learners will develop confidence using industry-standard tools and equipment while learning:
- Safe working practices
- Tool and equipment selection
- Cleaning and storage procedures
- Risk awareness and health and safety requirements
- Professional workplace expectations
Sports Turf Mowing Skills
As part of the programme, you'll gain practical experience in:
- Sports turf mowing techniques
- Routine turf maintenance activities
- Understanding turf quality and presentation standards
- Preparing pitches and sports surfaces for use
Employability & Workplace Skills
Alongside practical training, you'll develop key skills valued by employers, including:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Reliability and punctuality
- Following instructions
- Problem-solving
- Professional behaviour in the workplace
Assessment
This programme is delivered through a practical, supportive approach that focuses on learning by doing.
You'll take part in:
- Tutor demonstrations
- Practical outdoor activities
- Supervised skills development
- Independent tasks with support
- Classroom sessions covering essential theory
- Regular feedback and progress reviews
Learning activities are broken down into manageable steps, helping you build confidence, experience success and develop your skills at a pace that works for you.
Work experience opportunities may be available and learners will be encouraged to explore opportunities where suitable.
Entry Requirements
No previous experience or formal qualifications are required.
This course is ideal for learners who:
- Have an interest in working outdoors
- Enjoy practical, hands-on activities
- Would like to develop skills in sports turf, grounds maintenance or horticulture
- Want to build confidence and employability skills
- Are considering further study, an apprenticeship or employment in the sector
Applicants will be invited to an informal discussion to explore their interests, learning goals and progression aspirations.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
Future Opportunities & Career Progression
Successful completion of this programme can lead to a variety of opportunities, including:
- Level 2 land-based and horticulture qualifications
- Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeships
- Grounds maintenance roles
- Horticulture and landscaping pathways
- Further training within the sports turf industry
This introductory programme provides the practical skills, confidence and industry awareness needed to take the next step towards a rewarding career working outdoors in sports turf and grounds maintenance.
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Students aged 19-23 studying their Level 1, 2 or first Level 3 may be entitled to tuition fee waiver depending on criteria eligibility.
Students aged 24+ who are studying a second Level 3 course or aged 24+ who are studying their first Level 3 course will have to pay tuition fees, depending on the course.
Students on low income who can prove they earn less than £25,000 (from September 2024); are unemployed; or receive state benefits could be entitled to a tuition fee waiver.
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students, which contribute to quality resources and equipment for their studies.
