Sport’s Governing Bodies Back SALTEX as Landmark 80th Edition Approaches

With the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Rugby Football League (RFL), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), The Football Association (FA) and Football Foundation represented, SALTEX continues to provide a unique platform where grounds professionals, volunteers, clubs and sporting organisations come together to share knowledge, discover innovation and access expertise that supports sport from grassroots to elite level.

Ted Mitchell, National Facilities Development Manager, England Rugby, said: “The quality of a playing surface has a direct impact on the experience of everyone involved in rugby union, from the players taking to the pitch to the volunteers and grounds teams working tirelessly behind the scenes. SALTEX provides an important opportunity for the rugby community to share knowledge, explore new approaches and understand the developments that can help improve facilities at every level of the game.

“The RFU is pleased to continue its support of SALTEX in 2026 and to be part of an event that brings together the people, expertise and ideas helping to shape the future of sports grounds management.”

John McMullen, National Clubs Manager at Rugby Football League, said: “Rugby league clubs operate in a wide range of environments, but the importance of well-maintained, safe and sustainable facilities is universal. SALTEX gives clubs and grounds teams an opportunity to see what is changing across the industry, learn from others and access practical ideas that can make a real difference to their facilities.

“The strength of SALTEX is the breadth of people it brings together, from professional venues to community clubs and volunteers, creating a valuable space for collaboration and sharing knowledge across the game.”

Dr Iain James, Head of Facilities Services at The England & Wales Cricket Board said: ‘Following a year of record fixture numbers, delivered in a very challenging drought, ECB are acutely aware of how vital volunteer and employed grounds managers are to making cricket happen across the country. We work with our partners, the GMA, to deliver training and create local events for grounds managers to meet and share ideas.

SALTEX provides an excellent opportunity for grounds managers in cricket to get face to face with the industry that supports what they do, to see the latest technology and look at the solutions to those pitch challenges such as drought. It is also a great place to hear from grounds managers and other experts who are facing the same challenges, meet the GMA team working to support cricket grounds managers and most importantly to meet and network with other grounds managers just like you, facing the same challenges and making cricket happen.’

Chris Smith, Head of Programmes at the Football Foundation said: “Great football starts with great facilities, and the people responsible for maintaining those facilities play a hugely important role in making football possible in communities across the country. With the support of our partners, the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is working with the individuals in communities across the country who make sure pitches are ready for action, week in, week out.

“We are on a mission to improve the standard of pitches across the country, with an aim of ensuring grassroots football has 20,000 good-quality pitches by 2030. We know that the hard work of volunteers across the country will be vital in helping us achieve this aim. Having access to the right knowledge, equipment and funding can make a significant difference to pitch quality.

“We’re pleased to support SALTEX 2026 and help ensure that the people maintaining pitches at every level have the information and connections they need to ensure everyone has access to a great place to play.”

Bringing the Industry Together

One of SALTEX’s greatest strengths is its ability to unite every part of the sports grounds sector under one roof. Alongside leading governing bodies and industry organisations, visitors can engage with hundreds of exhibitors, explore the latest machinery, technologies and sustainable solutions, benefit from more than 30 hours of free Learning LIVE educational content, and connect with peers facing similar challenges across the industry.

Whether responsible for a professional stadium, school or college sports facility, local authority venue or volunteer-led community club, attendees can access practical advice, discover new solutions and build valuable connections that help create safer, more sustainable and higher-quality playing environments.
Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer of the Grounds Management Association, said: “The organisations represented at SALTEX share a common ambition: creating better places for people to play sport. By bringing together governing bodies, funding organisations, grounds professionals, volunteers, educators and suppliers, SALTEX creates an unrivalled environment for collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.

“As we celebrate the event’s 80th edition, we’re proud to welcome the organisations that play such an important role in supporting facilities, participation and the long-term sustainability of sport across the UK. Their continued support reflects the value SALTEX provides to everyone involved in the delivery and maintenance of sports facilities.”
As the sports grounds community comes together for the landmark 80th edition, SALTEX 2026 will once again serve as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation and professional development, helping ensure that sports facilities across the UK continue to meet the evolving needs of players, clubs and communities.

Join the organisations helping to shape the future of sports facilities and grounds management. Register for free to attend SALTEX 2026, taking place on 11-12 November at the NEC Birmingham.

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