Father and son Mark and Ellis Bolton from Chorley, Lancashire, launched Pitch Prep NW two years ago when Ellis turned 17 and passed his driving test.
Formalising their partnership made sense. Mark, a respected volunteer groundsman and head coach, for over a decade with Brinscall Valley Juniors FC, was constantly offered work by lots of other organisations. Ellis, who had been attending Myerscough College, was ready for his career to launch.
“Our principal hurdle was all logistics related. The distance between jobs has to be figured and how we would organise our transport,” said Mark. “They certainly don’t make it easy at 17 in your first year. We were over £12,500 for an all-driver insurance policy to include tractors, van and trailer. But you move forward, and you learn constantly.”
Brinscall Valley Juniors has five separate natural grass sites to maintain including those of the local primary school. Over and above these original sites, Pitch Prep NW has picked up work steadily via recommendation, adding a raft of new clients, made up of junior and senior clubs and schools
“Line marking, cutting, collecting, deep aeration are our main tasks. Over the years we have been supported by Football Foundation pitch improvement grants. We’ve always tried to buy the right machinery at the best price. We’re still investing in machines but it’s a balancing act; they must pay their way.”
Mark and Ellis have recently purchased two second hand. First, a Wiedenmann 2.3 m Terra Rake, and next a set of Maredo MT200 Flex-Verticutters.
“Half term with no one around was ideal to be out with the Terra Rake first time. Many of our schools are bothered by thatch, weeds and debris in the top layer. Ellis trailed the rake at speed, the faster he went the more dead grasses and rubbish came out. It was incredibly satisfying; the volume he extracted was remarkable.
“I followed behind with a cut and collect mower, then next day we put down 140 tonnes of sand across the five pitches where we were working. These pitches now move from fortnightly to weekly cutting and the surface will be much cleaner, healthier and tidier as a result. We got really good feedback afterwards by Whats App, the coaches appreciating their pitches were much more Cup Final standard than before,” joked Mark.
“The Maredos will be with us shortly. We’d eyed them for a while. The three Flex-Verticutter heads mount on an A-frame and can be used for verticutting or scarifying. The reverse rotating blades and heavy-duty chain drive, create tiny even slits to assist with breaking up thatch.
“Both the Maredos and the Terra Rake are sufficiently wide to cover a lot of area quickly. It’s not only about being efficient and productive, but you have to make the best of the weather windows, too.
“We’re active for the best part of the year but there’s scope to take on some additional winter projects.”
