Phil Varney Awarded Groundsman of the Year by The Football Association
After two years of coming close to winning the FA's Northern Premier League Groundsman of the Year Award, Belper Town Chairman Phil Varney has beaten off competition from the 66 other member clubs to be crowned top groundsman in the League by the Football Association.
Phil also came second out 198 clubs across the Step 3 and 4 Leagues, which also include the Southern League and the Isthmian League, narrowly losing out to Corinthian Casuals
He was presented with the award by FA Life Vice President, Keith Compton at the Nailers pre-season friendly against Derby County at Christchurch Meadow on 3rd August
It is quite an achievement given the varying weather conditions that the Belper pitch has had to endure in recent years.
In 2007, flooding after the River Derwent burst its banks damaged the Nailers clubhouse and left the under water. Heavy snow over the winter period followed by the early hot, dry summer also took its toll on the pitch.
"The pitch really suffered during the floods but conversely we had to have the sprinklers on during the hot weather in late June," said Varney.
"We really need it twice a week to keep the pitch in tip-top condition and, hopefully, the rain we've had as we approach the new season has helped to freshen things up.
"But I can't take all the credit for the pitch myself. There are a lot of other people who help me, including what I like to call the 'A Team' – a bunch of keen fans who like to help out.
"It is a lot of hard work but worth it. This is a great accolade not only for me but for the club."
The FA have been so impressed with the Christchurch Meadow ground that it is on their short list of venues to play host to an international football team, should England win the bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
"Derby County may have lost out to Nottingham Forest as possible World Cup stadium in the East Midlands but we still have a chance to host a national team for training purposes," added Varney
"There is a big clubroom at Belper where press conferences can be held and the FA recognizes what a good playing surface we have here.
"The English Schools FA have also booked Christchurch Meadow for an England Schoolboys trials match in September and we also host a number of local cup finals as well.