March 14, 2025 - Turf Matters

GMA Industry Awards Kick Off #GroundsWeek: The GMA Industry Awards 2025 brought the grounds management community together for an unforgettable evening at Anfield Stadium, celebrating the exceptional achievements of professionals across the sector.

With #GroundsWeek just around the corner from 17-23 March, the awards also served as a reminder of the vital role grounds staff play in making sport possible.

GMA Industry Awards Kick Off #GroundsWeek

Sky Sports presenter, Kyle Walker, led the night’s celebrations which showcased the very best in the industry, recognising those who go above and beyond to maintain world-class playing surfaces and green spaces.

A huge congratulations to all this year’s winners and finalists:

Young Groundsperson of the Year (Sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions)

- Thomas Heppell-Mooney – Lancaster University

Newcomer of the Year of the Year (Sponsored by ICL)

- Matthew Barr – Warwick Independent Schools Foundation

Volunteer Groundsperson or Team of the Year (Sponsored by Husqvarna)

- Tom Banks – Kirkoswald Football Club

Community Groundsperson or Team of the Year

- Stoneham Lane Football Complex

Environmental and Sustainability Impact Award (Sponsored by Syngenta)

- London Youth Sports Trust

Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson or Team of the Year

- Dean Gibbons – Wantage Bowling Club

Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year

- Stoneham Lane Football Complex

Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year

- York Racecourse

Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Infinicut)

- Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club

Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year

- Lancashire Cricket Club

Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year

- Leicester Tigers

Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Agronomic Services Ltd)

- Castleford Tigers

Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Reesink UK)

- Stockport County Football Club

Professional Football Grounds Team (Elite) of the Year (Sponsored by SGL)

- Liverpool Football Club

University/College Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Kubota UK Ltd)

- Lancaster University

Independent School Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by ISEKI UK & Ireland)

- Eton College

GMA Grounds Manager of the Year (Sponsored by DLF Seeds Ltd)

- William Rigg – Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club

The GMA would like to extend a special thank you to our platinum sponsor ISEKI UK & Ireland and award category sponsors, DLF Seeds Ltd, Syngenta, ICL, Agronomic Services, SGL, Husqvarna, Infinicut, Reesink Turfcare, Kubota UK and the National Governing Bodies of sport, whose support made this event possible.

This year’s charity partner, LFC Foundation, was at the heart of the evening, with guests generously donating to support its vital work in creating life-changing opportunities for young people within the local Liverpool postcodes of L4 and L5. Thank you to everyone who contributed, your generosity will make a genuine difference.

As we celebrate this year’s award winners, we also encourage the industry to continue raising awareness of the profession by getting involved in #GroundsWeek from 17-23 March. Our annual awareness campaign is all about championing the hard work of grounds staff, inspiring future talent and highlighting the crucial role they play in making sport possible.

The GMA Industry Awards continue to grow, and we’re already looking forward to what’s upcoming for 2026. Stay tuned for more updates and, in the meantime, keep an eye on our social channels for event highlights and winner interviews.

Thank you once again to all attendees, finalists, winners and sponsors, for such a brilliant evening of celebrating the grounds management industry.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Rob White Joins Agrovista Amenity: Agrovista Amenity has strengthened its team with the appointment of Rob White as an Amenity Specialist. With 17 years of experience in greenkeeping, including a successful tenure as Head Greenkeeper at Wollaton Park Golf Club, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role.

Rob always felt his career would be in greenkeeping—until Agrovista Amenity came calling. “I was contacted and asked if I’d be interested in a phone call, and you never say no,” Rob explained. “It wasn’t something I had ever thought about before, but after speaking with Agrovista Amenity, I was really excited about the opportunity.”

Rob White Joins Agrovista Amenity

The decision to join Agrovista Amenity was solidified after thorough research into the company’s reputation and values. “It seemed like a great business to work for,” Rob said. “From the interview stage, it was clear that the company provides fantastic support for its employees. Plus, it offers me a much better work-life balance, which is really important as I have young children.”

Rob will be Midlands-based and will manage an extensive and varied client portfolio. His responsibilities will cover a broad range of sectors, including universities, golf courses, and local councils. Initially, he has been focused on making connections and establishing relationships with clients. “My first priority has been reaching out to everyone to introduce myself,” he said. “Now, I’m in the process of arranging meetings and getting out to see people face-to-face.”

Having spent nearly two decades dedicated to the meticulous upkeep of golf courses, Rob is eager to bring his expertise to a wider audience. “When you’re working on a golf course, you’re putting all your efforts into helping one site reach its full potential. But in this role, I get the opportunity to help a lot of people across different sectors achieve their goals, which is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Away from work, Rob is actively involved in his local community. He serves as a parish councillor and dedicates time to coaching children’s rugby teams. A passionate sportsman, he enjoys playing both golf and rugby in his spare time.

As Rob embarks on this new chapter with Agrovista Amenity, he is eager to make a positive impact and support clients in optimising their turf management strategies. “I’m really looking forward to getting out and working with people to help them achieve the best possible results,” he said. “It’s an exciting opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity