Future Workforce Inspired At Schools Into Stadia Event

Future Workforce Inspired At Schools Into Stadia Event: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) NextGen group inspired the next generation of groundspeople at its Schools Into Stadia event at the prestigious All England Club.

As part of #GroundsWeek 2025, the event provided local secondary school students with a hands-on experience of life as a grounds professional at one of the world’s most renowned sporting venues.

Future Workforce Inspired At Schools Into Stadia Event

Future Workforce Inspired At Schools Into Stadia Event

With workforce development a priority for the industry, this initiative continues to play a crucial role in engaging young people and encouraging them to consider careers in grounds management.

The students had the opportunity to meet and learn from All England Club’s experienced grounds team, including Will Brierley, Senior Groundsman. Through practical sessions and insights from experts, students also gained an understanding of the essential work that goes into maintaining elite sports surfaces.

Meg Lay, GMA NextGen Co-Chair, said: “It was fantastic to see so many young people engaging with the profession and getting hands-on experience at such an iconic venue. Events like Schools Into Stadia are instrumental in introducing young people to the opportunities within the industry, and we are really pleased with the interest that was shown by all who attended.”

Neil Stubley, Head of Courts and Horticulture at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, and GMA Board Member, said: “Schools Into Stadia provided a fantastic opportunity to spark the interest of the next generation of Grounds Managers. The technical skills required in this industry are often overlooked, so teaching local students about the year-round maintenance of our grass courts was a great way to showcase the pivotal work that goes on behind the scenes to host The Championships, and most of all, inspire future careers in the profession.”

Fiona Harb, Head of Year 12 at Southfields Academy, said: “Educationally it was really good for our students. They were able to experience talks and hands on experience. For the students at our school, most of them have never been anywhere like this (All England Club) so it’s a real eye opener for them. It’s an industry that makes our students realise what goes on behind the scenes at these sporting venues.”

The proportion of under-35s in the grounds management sector has risen significantly in recent years, and the positive trend highlights the importance of continued engagement with events such as Schools Into Stadia, ensuring that young people are aware of the rewarding career paths available.

#GroundsWeek, running until Sunday 23 March 2025, continues to celebrate and recognise the crucial role of grounds staff across the UK. For more information on how to support the initiative, visit thegma.org.uk/groundsweek.

For more information about the GMA NextGen, please visit thegma.org.uk/who/ambassadors.

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Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team

Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is pleased to formally announce Craig Lalley’s appointment as Key Account Manager and Aggregate Lead. Craig joined OAS in September 2024 and has worked closely with customers and partners to enhance the company’s offering in the sand and aggregate supply chain.

Origin Amenity Solutions is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable solutions for the sports turf, golf, and amenity sectors.   Specialising in protecting, managing, and sustaining turf and grassed surfaces, OAS supports grounds professionals and turf managers in achieving optimal surface performance.

Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team

Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team

With 27 years of experience in the Amenity Sports Turf sector, Craig is BASIS and FACTS qualified and has extensive knowledge of the aggregate industry, making him a key addition to the OAS team.

In his role, Craig is focused on developing relationships with aggregate companies and key partners across the UK. He will also provide specialist technical advice and support to OAS’s key accounts, helping to drive growth within the Northern Sales Team.

Phil Dewhurst, Regional Sales Director (North), commented, “It is a pleasure to welcome Craig to OAS and I am delighted that he has strengthened the Northern Sales Team with his appointment.  His wealth of knowledge and experience in the sports turf industry makes him a fantastic asset to the business. As a Key Account Manager, Craig works closely with customers while providing support to the wider OAS sales team through his expertise and strong connections in the sand and aggregate sector. A task that I am sure he relishes!  Craig is thriving in this new role and making a real impact.”

Craig Lalley added, “The opportunity to join one of the industry’s leading companies in a new hybrid role was too good to turn down. I feel OAS is at the start of an exciting new chapter, and I’m happy to be given the chance to be a part of their future.”

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Congleton Garden Machinery join GreenMech dealer network

Congleton Garden Machinery join GreenMech dealer network: GreenMech Ltd are delighted to announce a new dealer partnership with Congleton Garden Machinery Ltd. With immediate effect, the team lead by Director Andrew Meek will be responsible for the sales and service of the full GreenMech woodchipper portfolio for customers in Cheshire, Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.

Established in 1989 and with a wealth of experience in the garden machinery industry, Congleton Garden Machinery has gained a stellar reputation for providing high-quality products backed-up with exceptional customer service. Stocking a range of lawn and compact tractors, mowers, ATV’s and mini diggers from leading brands including Solis, Polaris, AS Motor and more, the knowledgeable team have extensive experience of working with customers across all aspects of groundcare, farming and forestry.

Congleton Garden Machinery join GreenMech dealer network

Congleton Garden Machinery join GreenMech dealer network

“Congleton Garden Machinery Ltd are delighted to have been recognised as a GreenMech dealer” comments Andrew. “To be associated with a company that designs and manufactures chippers within the UK offering versatility and efficiency with high-end products sits perfectly with our own values. Being the quietest chippers on the market and utilising a long life chipping system, the GreenMech chipper offers everything needed to keep a user’s business flowing. With the stock we maintain, both new and quality-used models, we can provide a machine to suit all applications. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership – providing a first-class service to all new and existing users of these machines.”

“In Andrew and the whole team, we have a lot of experience and enthusiasm to hit the ground running” adds GreenMech Managing Director Jonathan Turner. “It’s been a really positive onboarding process, with a number of chippers already in the Cheshire depot to support the requirements of Congleton’s vast and varied customer base.”

Those wishing to find out more can visit www.mowersplus.co.uk or can speak to a member of the team on 01260 278332 or, via email, on sales@mowersplus.co.uk 

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