Apprentice Groundsperson

Sussex Cricket is believed to be the oldest professional sports club in the world and
the Grounds team play an essential and integral part in the success of its cricket team.

Apprentice Groundsperson

In the last ten years, the Grounds team have twice been awarded the ECB’s best ‘One-Day
Pitches’ trophy as well as receiving two commendations; including in 2017 coming runner-up
for the ‘best four-day pitches’ and receiving a commendation for ‘four-day pitches’ in 2016,
2019 and 2021. We also received a commendation for ‘one day pitches in 2024.
The Grounds team won the Institute of Groundsmanship ‘Professional Cricket Grounds
Team of the Year’ awards in 2016 and 2019.

The team have responsibility for the grounds at both Blackstone Academy and the Brighton
Aldridge Community Academy, in addition to preparing the wicket and the ground for match
days at Hove. With additional responsibility for providing first-class quality practice
facilities, re-laying the wickets, the irrigation and ground rejuvenation.

The Role

This is an excellent learning opportunity and an exciting time to join the groundstaff at
Sussex Cricket. This will provide the successful candidate with experience in producing
some of the best pitches in domestic cricket as well as gaining experience of all forms of
wicket preparation and the day-to-day maintenance of first-class playing surfaces. In
recent years, the 1st Central County Ground has undergone a £9m re-development and is
developing next phase of ground development.

The successful candidate will spend blocks of time at each of the cricket grounds (Hove,
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy and Blackstone) gaining hands-on experience as
well as learning machinery maintenance and grinding skills.

Working hours during the cricket season can be long and therefore a flexible approach is
needed. Working weekends and evenings is also often necessary during the season.
Working hours outside of the cricket season are more flexible. College attendance at college
will typically be one day per week.

As well as working as a Groundsperson during the cricket season, during the winter months
the Apprentice Groundsperson will spend much of their time preparing the ground for the
following season.

Please note that this particular role is physically demanding and so the candidate must be
physically fit enough to be able to perform the duties required of the role.

Equal Opportunities
Sussex Cricket is committed to improving the diversity of our workforce. We welcome
applicants from all walks of life and backgrounds who can bring diversity of thought and
experience to the Club.

Sussex Cricket is committed to ensuring that all applicants do not receive less favourable
treatment or are discriminated against, on the grounds of their age; disability; gender;
marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy or maternity; race; religion or belief; sex or sexual
orientation.

Safeguarding

Sussex Cricket is committed to safeguarding: protecting children, young people and adults

at risk. As such, some roles may be subject to a process of vetting with the need for up-to-

date DBS checks and the seeking of two work references that are satisfactory to Sussex

Cricket.

The Application Process
If you would like to apply for this role, please submit a CV and a cover letter outlining your
suitability for the role to: recruitment@sussexcricket.co.uk

Closing date: 5pm on Friday 6th February 2026

Please note that applications received after this date will not be considered.

Job Title:

Apprentice Groundsperson

Job Description

Reports To:

Grounds Manager with a dotted line to the Deputy Grounds Manager

Hours:

Location:

Full-time (weekend and evening work during the season)

Rotating between the 1st Central County Ground in Hove and
Blackstone Academy Ground

Remuneration:

£240 per week in year one (apprenticeship hourly rate changes as per
the rates set by the Government). In year 2, increases to age-related
National Minimum Wage

Job Purpose

•  Apprentice Groundsperson working/training across the 1st Central County Ground and

Blackstone, as directed by the Grounds Manager

•  Carry out all grounds duties in a safe manner within current Health and Safety

Regulations

Main Learning Areas and Responsibilities

•  Undertake and successfully complete a groundsperson apprenticeship qualification
(exact nature of course to be determined according to the individual concerned)

•  Lone/unsupervised working where appropriate and where competent
•  Wicket preparation: covering, cutting, verticutting, watering, rolling, marking out etc.
•  Matchday duties: set up fielding nets/practice facilities, positioning boundary rope,
setting out fielding discs, positioning sightscreens, setting up advertising boards,
sweeping wicket at interval, repairing foot holes, re-marking wicket

•  Maintenance of square: mowing/presentation, verticutting, fertilising, repairing

wickets, re-seeding, watering, covering up, spiking

•  Maintenance of outfield: mowing/presentation, fertilising, repairs, re-seeding, spiking

•  Upkeep of grass net area and preparation of practice facilities and provision of

wickets

•  Maintenance, repair and setting up of all grounds care machinery
•  Perform pre-start checks and routine maintenance to turfcare machinery
•  Carry out any other task-related to the role and business objectives that the Grounds

Manager / Chief Executive may deem appropriate

Teamwork

•  Work effectively and safely as part of the Grounds Team
•  Work with others in your department and across the wider Club to achieve the

Organisation’s goals

•  Develop a relationship with all departments and understand their roles
•  Project and promote a positive image of Sussex Cricket at all times