The Groundsman

ichael "has a seemingly insatiable quest for knowledge and his passion for turf management appears to have no boundaries". So said Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) assessor Gary Armstrong when he nominated 20-year- old Michael Crew, a member of The Hurlingham Club's grounds team, for the 2015 Toro Most Promising Sports Turf Student of the Year Award. "As well as playing a key role as a member of the grounds team at the 42-acre M Online apprenticeship - a great way to progress Award-winning Michael Crew outlines how his IOG apprenticeship was the ideal combination of online tuition and practical working By: Colin Hoskins multi-sports venue in Fulham, Michael also helps out at the cricket ground in Kent where he plays and is a member [since August 2014] of the Fulham FC matchday staff," added Gary. "If he's not playing or working on turf, it seems he's researching about it!" No surprise, then, that such a glowing nomination eventually led to Michael winning the award. Michael has been a member of Hurlingham's 24-strong grounds team since July 2014, joining as an apprentice from school after a few days' work experience there. While he helps out on the croquet, bowling greens and tennis courts, his main role at the club is on the cricket pitch – which is in line with Michael Crew: "You could sit in a classroom all day, but nothing can replace being able to put into practice what you're learning... while also gaining experience on a daily basis" I think the guys there were surprised when they had this 17-year- old asking them if they wanted help! " " IOG BEST PRACTICE 24 the Groundsman February 2016 Visit www.iog.org for more information and digital editions

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