Celtic Football Club has a new reason to celebrate—and it's all about the grass beneath their players' feet. The club has been awarded the prestigious Pitch of the Season Award for the 2025/26 campaign, thanks to the meticulous work of Head Groundsman John Hayes and his dedicated team. The honor comes from ProPitch, the SPFL-nominated expert pitch consultants, who recognized Celtic's playing surface as the best in the league.

This award isn't just a pat on the back; it's the result of a rigorous, data-driven assessment process that evaluated pitch quality throughout the entire season. From playability to agronomic health, every detail was scrutinized, and Celtic's turf came out on top. It's a testament to the club's commitment to providing a world-class stage for their players—and a reminder that even the most thrilling matches start with a solid foundation.

The recognition is part of a broader push by the SPFL to elevate pitch standards across Scottish football. The league began working with ProPitch at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, focusing on natural and hybrid surfaces in the William Hill Premiership. The partnership has proven so successful that it's been extended, with plans to include clubs from the William Hill Championship, League 1, and League 2 starting in the 2026/27 season. It's a move that promises to raise the bar for the entire sport in Scotland.

A spokesperson for ProPitch praised the Celtic grounds team, saying: "John and his team have consistently delivered an exceptional playing surface throughout the season. Following the club's investment in the surface last summer, the results have been evident across all three assessments. The pitch has been presented in superb condition from both a playability and agronomic perspective. It is fully deserving of its accolades."

For John Hayes, the award is a proud moment—but also a reflection of the hard work behind the scenes. "It is really satisfying to receive this award, and we are very grateful to be recognized in this way," he said. "We have again made significant investment into the pitch across the year, and of course, this combined with the real hard work and commitment of my team has been really important in our success. There are always significant challenges in ensuring a high-quality surface, week in, week out. My team works tirelessly to do all it can to deliver the very best we possibly can for our players, and ultimately for our supporters."

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill also weighed in, offering a personal touch: "I've known John for years, and he's always been the best groundsman around. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate John and his team for achieving such great recognition. They all do such tremendous work in all weathers to give us the very best, and I am well aware of the challenges they face."

For fans and players alike, this award is more than just a trophy—it's a symbol of the dedication that goes into every match day. Whether you're cheering from the stands or lacing up your boots, a great pitch makes all the difference. And at Celtic, that difference is now officially award-winning.