20 Years on the Ground: A Conversation with Kevin Quirke, Head Groundsman at London Marathon Playing Field, Greenford
After two decades with London Playing Fields Foundation, one thing is clear: Kevin still genuinely loves his job. “It’s the perfect mix of my hobbies – sport and being outdoors,” he says with a grin. Rain doesn’t faze him either. “If it’s raining, I just put on the right clothing and get on with it.”
Over the years, the biggest change Kevin’s seen is the weather. “We’re dealing with much bigger extremes now. When it’s wet, it’s really wet, and when it’s hot, it’s really hot.” That unpredictability shapes almost every part of his day, from deciding which tasks can be tackled to when the first alarm needs to be set. His earliest start? 4:30am. “We had to fill the drainage lines by hand before a rugby match because we couldn’t finish it the night before. When the weather’s good, you get out there early.”
But being a groundsman is far from a single‑track job. As site manager, Kevin oversees everything from the bar to the maintenance of the pavilion, welcoming people onto the grounds daily and managing both the landscape and the life that surrounds it. “People think it’s just pitches,” Kevin says, “but it’s the entire site. And honestly, my day revolves around the weather app – first thing in the morning, last thing at night.”
He laughs when asked about misconceptions. “A big myth is that we’re grumpy! We actually want you to use the pitches. I’d love a whole season without cancellations.”
Kevin’s favourite part of the job? Cutting the grass. “My tractor and gang mowers – I couldn’t live without them. Being out there mowing doesn’t feel like work.” But persistent weather, especially long stretches of wet conditions followed by sun, can be a challenge: “The grass grows so quickly I can’t keep up!”
Despite the tough days, the rewards are clear. “It feels good seeing thousands of people enjoy the pitches I’ve helped maintain. I believe in the charity’s objectives, and I’m proud to provide a place for people to play sport forever.”
For Kevin, LMPF Greenford is deeply personal. “I’ve raised my family here. I became head groundsman a year before my first child was born, and both kids go to school locally. It’s a special place.”
Over 20 years, plenty of moments stand out, but the Keep On Playing Sport project (an innovative program aimed at male sixth formers who have not been previously picked for organised sports teams) and the opening of the new pavilion top the list. And when he’s working, you’ll usually find him listening to indie music — “lots of Oasis” — or a podcast. Right now, his favourite is The Socially Distant Sports Bar.
For anyone starting in groundsmanship today, his advice is simple but honest: “You have to be self‑motivated and happy working outdoors in all weather. There’s a lot you’ll learn on the job, but there’s also science behind what we do. If you’re interested in that, there’s loads of scope for learning.”
Looking ahead, he sees technology playing a bigger role, with tools like robot line markers becoming more common. But he’s confident the heart of groundsmanship will remain hands‑on. “It won’t be as affected by AI. There’s a lot of practical skill involved, especially at sites like ours.”
As for what’s next? He smiles. “I’m just happy keeping on keeping on — enjoying the job and continuing to provide a place to play sport forever.”
