Wembley Stadium Turf Scholarship winner 2007, James Pope (right), has completed his year’s work placement at the world-famous stadium under the mentorship of grounds manager, Steve Welch.

Wembley Stadium Turf Scholarship winner 2007, James Pope, has completed his year’s work placement at the world-famous stadium and now looks set for a promising career as a sports turf professional.

Having beat off stiff competition from four of his fellow Oaklands College finalists – who the competition is exclusively open to because of its close location to the stadium – James became the first to win the chance to work on Wembley Stadium’s hallowed turf under the mentorship of its grounds manager, Steve Welch.

Sponsored by Toro and Lely UK, and in association with Oaklands College, the scheme aims to develop promising young turf professionals and instil in them the dedication and passion necessary to follow in the footsteps of industry figures at the top of their game, like Steve.

James’ professional and personal development over the course of the year, together with the enthusiasm he shows for his industry, confirms that the inaugural scheme has certainly succeeded.

‘It’s been hard work, but I’ve enjoyed every second of it,’ James reflects. ‘And I’ve learned a lot. I was so happy when I found out I’d won the scholarship. My standards of work, my presentation skills, even the way I present myself, have all improved. Steve’s taught me to be consistent and to improve myself – if you’re doing well, then you can always do better.’

Steve agrees that James has indeed come on in leaps and bounds: ‘He’s done very well. It’s quite a big thing for somebody to start their working life at a place like Wembley Stadium – it doesn’t get much bigger in the industry than this. It’ll stand him in really good stead for the rest of his working life.’

James has also won praise from Oaklands for his achievements. Andy Wight, pathways manager for horticulture, greenkeeping and floristry, comments: ‘It’s been a real pleasure for Oaklands College to be involved with Wembley Stadium, Toro and Lely UK in this competition. James has been back to see us and it’s obvious that his time spent at Wembley Stadium has been enjoyable and set him up for his future career in a way few workplaces could have done. We feel the competition offers a chance of a lifetime for any sports turf student.’

Although preparing the legendary pitch for matches is a major part of football-fan James’ workload, the diversity of sports and events the stadium plays host to has been of particular benefit in progressing his groundsmanship skills. Steve believes the unique demands of Wembley Stadium are what make this experience so valuable.

‘In the 12 months he’s been here, James has seen the venue used for football, rugby, American football and concerts, and the pitch tarmaced, un-tarmaced, re-turfed and seeded,’ says Steve. ‘He’s probably been involved in everything you can possibly do with a pitch.’ James adds of this whirlwind of events: ‘You feel like you’ve contributed something to each event. It makes me very proud.’

Overall, Steve is delighted with his scholar and the overall success of the scheme. ‘It’s achieved everything we wanted it to achieve,’ he says. ‘I think it’s important those of us at the top of our profession put out a positive note about how good the industry is and how much you can gain from it in terms of job satisfaction by being enthusiastic, dedicated, committed and focused. These are all words that make good groundsmen.

‘I’d like to think James now has those attributes because that’s what I encourage in my team so that we can go forward as a group and succeed. He’s now got the confidence to do the jobs and to do them to a very good standard, which is pleasing to see. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about how it’s worked out.’

It goes without saying that, as workplaces go, Wembley Stadium is a tough act to follow, so where next for James? Well, watch this space – However, one thing is for certain – James is set on staying in the sports turf industry. ‘I can’t imagine going elsewhere after this. It would be a waste if I were to go into any other sector. I feel really optimistic about the future. I have such an advantage – the experience I’ll be taking from here is incredible. Working at Wembley Stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’

The Wembley Stadium Turf Scholarship is a unique training opportunity open to young student groundsmen living in the local area. The scheme was established in 2007 by Wembley Stadium and is sponsored by turf maintenance equipment manufacturer Toro and its UK distributor, Lely UK, in association with Oaklands College in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

Wembley Stadium is committed to the development of young people and working closely with the local community and so this opportunity is open exclusively to turf students at Oaklands College, which was chosen as the stadium’s educational partner in horticulture because of its close location.

All students currently studying for the college’s City & Guilds National Certificate in Horticulture specialising in Sports Turf Management can apply for the scholarship. The college then selects a shortlist of students to go forward for a judging day held at the stadium.

After being interviewed by Steve Welch and a representative from Wembley Stadium’s human resources department, the students are assessed on a series of practical tasks by Steve and his grounds staff team. The 2008 winner will be announced in July and the scholarship itself starts on Monday 4 August 2008.