Staffordshire FA are proud to announce that Stoke City Grounds Manager, Andy Jackson has recently been inducted into the Grounds Management Association's prestigious Hall of Fame.

This honour recognises Andy's outstanding contributions to both professional and grassroots football over the past three decades. 

Andy has dedicated almost 30 years to ensuring the pitches at Stoke's Bet365 Stadium and Clayton Wood Training Ground are among the best in the country, however, his commitment extends well beyond the professional game. 

For more than 12 years he has been an ever present force in improving grassroots pitches throughout the county - providing invaluable support and mentorship to local clubs and volunteers. During this time, Andy has assisted in the improvement of 65 grassroots football sites - equating to more than 150 pitches. 

Pictured above are Jason Booth (Chief Operating Officer, GMA), Geoff Webb (CEO, GMA), Andy Jackson (Ground Manager, Stoke City FC), Gareth Thomas (Commercial & Partnerships Lead, Staffordshire FA), and Kevin Duffill (Former Regional Pitch Advisor, GMA)- Image credit: Grounds Management Association

Kevin Staples, Head of Delivery at the Staffordshire FA said: “Andy has been an integral part in Staffordshire FA’s Pitch Improvement programme since 2012. His knowledge, expertise and commitment to the programme has enabled numerous clubs, leagues and individuals to improve their grass pitches and the overall experience for participants in the game. The impact he has had on volunteers across the county has been immeasurable, with the time he has taken to educate and advise something we cannot thank him enough for."

Speaking to the GMA, the GMA Hall of Fame Inductee said: "I'm incredibly honoured to be inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame, especially during the Association's 90th anniversary. It is a privilege to come to work here at Stoke City every day, where we take great pride in the work we do within the grassroots football community. To see the impact we've made together, improving pitches and the game for players at all levels, is really rewarding.”

His commitment to the industry has earned him a reputation beyond Stoke City, including the recruitment by FIFA to manage pitches for high-profile international events such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

On behalf of the Staffordshire FA and Grassroots Football, congratulations Andy.