As preparations for the new season got underway, we caught up with Assistant Groundsman Ben Welsh to discuss his role behind the scenes at Brunton Park and what it means to work for his boyhood club.
Ben joined the ground staff team full-time in October 2025, having previously helped out on matchdays for the past two years. For the lifelong Blues supporter, the opportunity to work at Carlisle United every day is something he had always hoped for.
“Being a Carlisle fan myself, to work at the stadium every day it's a dream come true,” he said.
Ground staff play a crucial role in ensuring the playing surface is in the best possible condition throughout the season, with much of their work taking place away from the spotlight. From routine maintenance and pitch renovations to preparing the surface for first team fixtures – each is a different challenge.
Working alongside Head Groundsman David Mitchell, who has been at the club for more than two decades, Ben is continuing to learn the finer details of the profession.
“Dave's obviously Head Groundsman, he's been here 21 years, and knows the ground inside out and what the pitch needs at the right times,” Ben explained.
The summer months are among the busiest periods of the year for the ground staff team, with extensive work taking place to prepare the pitch for another demanding campaign. While supporters may only see the finished product on a matchday, countless hours of planning, maintenance and care go into creating the playing surface.
Ben enjoys the variety that comes with the role and the opportunity to work outdoors throughout the year.
“The environment of being a groundsman is good for my health,” he said. “You're outside, working on multiple pitches all year round.”
The team's responsibilities extend far beyond matchdays at Brunton Park. Alongside maintaining the first team playing surface, the ground staff look after the training pitch behind the ground and the facilities at the Sheepmount, ensuring the first team and Academy have high-quality surfaces to use throughout the season.
“We've got training pitches at the Sheepmount, here (Brunton Park) and out there (first team training pitch), which all need looked after, so it's a hands-on job but it's a great job to do,” Ben said.
The role is physically demanding and often requires long hours in all weather conditions. From scorching summer days during renovation work to cold, wet winter mornings, dedication and commitment are essential qualities for anyone working in the industry.
As a supporter, however, Ben says the challenges are made easier by his passion for the club.
“There are downsides in winter when it's cold and wet, but you don't really think about that when you're doing something you love. You're willing to put the hard work in because it's a job you care about.”
That passion is reflected in his attitude to every task that comes his way, no matter how big or small.
“There's not really a job where you think, 'I don't really want to do that,' because it's my dream job and you're pretty much doing anything for the club,” he said. “Throw anything at me and I'll do it.”
While players and coaches are often the most visible figures at a football club, staff working behind the scenes are equally important to the day-to-day operation. For Ben, being part of that team and contributing to Carlisle United's success is something he never takes for granted.
