When we talk about grassroots cricket, we often focus on the players, coaches and volunteers making the cricket tea or working in the scorebox. But before any of that can happen, someone has to prepare the pitch.
In Staffordshire, one initiative is quietly reshaping how clubs support and recognise these essential ground volunteers. It’s called STAG: the Staffordshire Association of Grounds Managers.
Over the last few years, it’s evolved from a trailer hire scheme into a thriving network of groundskeepers, united by shared challenges and a commitment to improving the game from the ground up.
From trailer hire to training hub
Three years ago, STAG’s primary function was lending out a trailer of equipment for end-of-season renovations. There were no events, no training and little connection between clubs.
“When I took STAG on,” says Richard Marcer, Club Development Officer at Staffordshire Cricket, “it had stalled. There was no structure, no community.”
Working with County Pitch Advisor, Paul Clark - a driving force in pushing the importance of the ‘grounds community’ - Rich rebuilt STAG from humble beginnings. Grounds forums, training days and supplier partnerships followed – initially bringing together over 30 clubs and reigniting interest across the county.
“The turnout was incredible,” he says. “It showed us that people wanted to learn, share and feel part of something.”
Building a network that works
Today, STAG is far more than a simple support scheme. It’s a thriving community that reaches out to Staffordshire’s 100 affiliated Clubs
Grounds staff can connect through a private online group to share advice and swap equipment, while webinars offer guidance on turf care, seasonal preparation and machinery maintenance.
A bulk-buying programme helps clubs save hundreds of pounds on essentials like seed and machinery, and the trailer (now upgraded) continues to travel to more than a dozen clubs each year.
Together, these initiatives are helping clubs stretch their budgets, improve their pitches and build stronger networks of dedicated volunteers.
Recognising the unseen effort
The majority of grounds staff in Staffordshire are unpaid. They give up evenings and weekends to mow, mark and maintain - often unnoticed, but never unimportant.
“They’re the reason games happen,” Rich says. “If the pitch isn’t right, nothing else matters.”
STAG is working to change perceptions. Grounds managers are recognised at Staffordshire's Cricket Collective Awards and new training days will focus on bringing younger volunteers into the fold - a vital step as many clubs face an ageing workforce.
Leading by example: Yvonne’s work at King’s Bromley CC
One standout story is Yvonne Tweddle, the only female grounds manager in the STAG network. Yvonne has transformed how King’s Bromley Cricket Club approaches ground care, championing sustainability and community involvement. Under her leadership, the club now operates with electric mowers, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a dedicated team of young volunteers who help maintain the grounds - a shining example of modern, inclusive grounds care.
"STAG has been a brilliant support, equipping me with the knowledge and confidence to simplify seemingly complex ground‑care challenges and approach them with modern, efficient solutions. The knowledge I’ve gained about pitches and equipment has allowed us to improve the square at King’s Bromley and we are now working towards a better outfield - bringing in greener practices, choosing equipment that’s safe, affordable and sustainable, and involving more members of the club in the work.
For me, progress doesn’t come from having everything; it comes from using knowledge and peer support to make the most of what you’ve got. Most importantly, it’s about using those resources efficiently and in ways that keep the club moving forward."
Yvonne’s commitment has been widely recognised, with King’s Bromley CC proudly receiving the ECB Tackling Climate Change Award at Staffordshire’s Cricket Collective Awards.
Looking ahead and getting set
STAG now aims to expand its support to more clubs across the county, while also fostering collaboration with neighbouring counties and national experts.
It’s also gearing up for Get Set Weekend 2026, powered by Toyota a national celebration of club volunteers. STAG will play a key role, helping clubs prepare their grounds and spotlighting the people who make cricket possible long before the first ball is bowled.
Across Staffordshire, volunteers with muddy boots and early alarms are keeping the game alive - one pitch at a time.
If you’d like to learn more about STAG, please get in touch with Richard Marcer via r.marcer@staffordshirecricket.co.uk or contact cricketcollective@ecb.co.uk.
And a reminder that club registrations for Get Set Weekend 2026, powered by Toyota are now open. Clubs can register here.