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

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

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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.

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

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

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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Reesink to showcase precision Toro technology at BTME

Reesink to showcase precision Toro technology at BTME

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Reesink to showcase precision Toro technology at BTME

Reesink UK and Toro will return to BTME on stand 622 in January 2027, bringing together a comprehensive range of machinery, technology and irrigation solutions designed to help turfcare teams work more efficiently, precisely and sustainably.

Reesink to showcase precision Toro technology at BTME

Reesink to showcase precision Toro technology at BTME

Showcasing the breadth of the Toro offering, visitors can view the electric Toro GreensPro e1700 greens roller and Workman LTX Lithium, alongside the robotic Turf Pro 300 and Range Pro 100 ball collector, demonstrating Toro’s growing range of battery-powered solutions.

The stand will provide an opportunity to explore Intelli360, Toro’s connected fleet technology, which gives turfcare teams greater visibility of their machinery and helps turn machine data into useful, actionable information.

For spraying and precision application, the Workman HDX utility vehicle with GeoLink sprayer will be on display, alongside turfRad soil moisture mapping technology for irrigation efficiency on the Reelmaster 5010-H.

Irrigation will be another key part of the stand, with Toro’s Lynx irrigation management software and complementary LAC control technology, as well as an extensive range of sprinklers on display. Infinity, FLEX35 and P220G Solenoid Valve all with LSM, FLEX35 B Series, T5 RapidSet, T7 and the 590G range demonstrate the breadth of Toro’s sprinkler solutions, while the Otterbine counter will highlight Reesink’s wider approach to water management, including lake and water feature solutions.

Darren Anderson, Reesink’s Dealer Development and Key Accounts Manager – South, says: “With turfcare becoming increasingly connected, data-driven and focused on efficiency, the stand is designed to give visitors a chance to see how different technologies and equipment can work together as part of a more complete approach to course management.”

Whether you’re looking at electric machinery, precision spraying, connected technology, mowing, irrigation or simply considering where your fleet could work harder and smarter, Reesink and Toro on stand 622 is well worth a visit. The Reesink team will be on hand throughout the event to discuss the challenges facing modern turfcare teams and explore solutions to meet them.

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ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027

ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027

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ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced the five members selected for the 2027 ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship.

ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027

ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027

Provided by BIGGA Premium Partner ICL Turf & Landscape, the scholarship helps members access the education programme at BTME in Harrogate. Each scholar receives three nights’ hotel accommodation and a comprehensive education package worth approximately £500.

The latest cohort includes greenkeepers at different stages of their careers, from Olly Laidlaw, who joined Royal Wimbledon Golf Club this year, to head greenkeepers Hayley Beard and Ryan Jackson.

Olly completed a degree in business management before deciding to pursue his interest in turf management and is thrilled to have the opportunity to benefit from the Continue to Learn programme and all that BTME has to offer.

“I was absolutely delighted to hear I’d been selected for the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship,” he said. “It came as a brilliant surprise, especially so early in my greenkeeping career. I’m currently about six months into my role at Royal Wimbledon, so to receive this kind of support and recognition already means a huge amount.

“I’m really looking forward to BTME and the Continue to Learn programme itself. Being able to build my own combination of classes and conference sessions means I can focus on the areas that will strengthen my knowledge.

“I’m also looking forward to the evening hosted by ICL and meeting the other scholars; being fairly new to the industry, I think there’s huge value in hearing how more experienced greenkeepers have approached their own development.”

Hayley, head greenkeeper at Mawgan Porth Golf Club, is keen to bring what she learns back to her course.

“Being given this opportunity means a lot to me, as I’m passionate about greenkeeping and always looking for ways to develop my knowledge and skills,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to attending BTME and Continue to Learn, meeting other greenkeepers and industry professionals, and learning from some of the best people within the industry.

“I’m particularly excited about bringing new ideas and knowledge back to my own course and putting what I learn into practice.”

Aimee Davey, Marketing Communications Manager at ICL, said: “We were delighted by both the number of applications received and the exceptionally high standard of candidates. The enthusiasm shown highlights the wealth of talent within our industry, and we are excited to support the successful applicants through the ICL Scholarship Programme. By providing access to industry-leading education and professional development opportunities, we look forward to helping them build their knowledge, confidence and long-term careers within the sector.”

Deb Burnett, BIGGA’s Head of Professional Development, said: “The applications show how much our members want to keep learning, whether they are new to greenkeeping or already leading a team. Continue to Learn gives them the chance to explore subjects relevant to their work and share ideas with people from across the industry.

“We’re delighted to work with ICL to support these five members at BTME, and we look forward to hearing what they take back to their clubs.”

The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2027

Hayley Beard, head greenkeeper, Mawgan Porth Golf Club

David Beatson, greenkeeper, Hogs Haven Golf Club

Ryan Jackson, head greenkeeper, Crow Nest Park Golf Club

Olly Laidlaw, assistant greenkeeper, Royal Wimbledon Golf Club

Nick McEley, deputy head greenkeeper, Milngavie Golf Club

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GroundsFest Academy focuses on turf performance

GroundsFest Academy focuses on turf performance

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GroundsFest Academy focuses on turf performance

GroundsFest Academy continued its commitment to supporting education across the grounds management industry with a successful Optimising Turf Performance event at Leigh Sports Village, bringing together leading industry experts and grounds professionals for a day of practical learning, knowledge sharing and networking.

GroundsFest Academy focuses on turf performance

GroundsFest Academy focuses on turf performance

Free to attend and CPD accredited, the event explored the challenges of maintaining high-quality natural turf in increasingly demanding environments. Delegates heard from specialists in grow lighting and plant nutrition while also benefiting from practical demonstrations, real-world case studies and open discussions with fellow professionals.

Hosted in partnership with TLS X Rhenac and Consolidate Turf, the event focused on the growing pressures faced by today’s ground staff, including increased fixture schedules, changing weather patterns, reduced recovery time and the ongoing challenge of producing high-quality playing surfaces throughout the year.

Bradley Tennant from GroundsFest Academy explained why these educational events have become increasingly important.

“A lot of problems recently in grounds management are the fact that ground staff and greenkeepers are having to deal with much higher pressures than previously,” he said. “More fixtures, different weather, changes in the conditions and expectations around playability have all affected how pitches are prepared and presented.

“It has been great to share the experience and knowledge from TLS X Rhenac and Consolidate Turf. There is a huge amount of expertise between them, and it gives ground staff, greenkeepers and grounds care workers the opportunity to discover new technologies and approaches that are available within the industry.”

Throughout the day, attendees explored how stadium design, shade and limited natural light affect grass growth, while learning how lighting technology, nutrition, irrigation and carefully timed recovery programmes can work together to improve turf health.

Tim Engels from TLS X Rhenac highlighted the value of holding the event at Leigh Sports Village, where the company’s lighting technology is already in use.

“This is one of our home grounds where we have our technology installed,” he said. “It’s an excellent case study because people can see everything working in a real environment. We learn most when we’re in direct contact with people, when they can see the equipment, ask questions and experience it first-hand.”

The partnership between TLS X Rhenac and Consolidate Turf demonstrated how different technologies can complement one another to achieve the same goal of healthier, stronger turf.

Danny Patten from Consolidate Turf said: “We’re trying to improve plant performance through nutrition, while Rhenac are doing it through light, so it made perfect sense to work together for this event.

“I hope we’ve opened the eyes of everyone who attended to different approaches to plant nutrition and turf recovery. It’s a chance to step away from the day-to-day routine, gain CPD and learn from experts and fellow professionals. GroundsFest Academy is a fantastic initiative to be part of.”

The event also received positive feedback from delegates, many of whom valued the opportunity to hear directly from both suppliers and fellow grounds professionals who are using the products and technologies every day.

Lee Jackson from Sheffield Wednesday praised the practical nature of the event.

“It has been really interesting hearing from both the lighting specialists and Consolidate Turf but also listening to the people who are actually using the products,” he said. “You get both perspectives, which makes it incredibly worthwhile.

“This industry is constantly evolving. If you think you know it all, you don’t. You have to keep learning and improving. Nothing beats being able to speak to people face-to-face, ask questions and share experiences. The networking alone makes events like this worthwhile.”

Stephen Sargant from Derby County FC echoed those sentiments.

“This was a different event to the previous Academy day, focusing more on the grass itself and how we can improve it,” he said. “You can never stop learning. Every event teaches you something different and helps you become better at what you do.”

Neil Porter from Leigh Sports Village also highlighted the importance of bringing the industry together.

“These are the only events where you can really sit down with other grounds people, discuss what you’re doing and learn from different approaches,” he said. “We can all get stuck in our own ways, so sharing ideas and experiences like this is invaluable.”

As GroundsFest Academy continues to expand its programme of free educational events across the UK, days such as Optimising Turf Performance demonstrate its ongoing commitment to reinvesting in the industry by providing accessible learning opportunities, practical knowledge and valuable networking for everyone involved in the maintenance of sports turf.

Watch the video highlights here.

For more information about GroundsFest Academy, visit www.groundsfestacademy.com.

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

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Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Hunter Grinders will return to SALTEX 2026 on stand E123 with both the Jupiter ‘All in One’ Grinder and Amazon Bottom Blade Grinder, demonstrating the continued development of the specialist grinding brand under Howardson Group ownership.

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Jupiter ATI and Amazon at SALTEX

Taking centre stage will be the Jupiter, designed to deliver accurate, repeatable grinding while reducing operator input. Alongside it, visitors will be able to see the Amazon, giving workshops a dedicated solution for precise and efficient bottom blade grinding.

The Jupiter combines automatic traverse, indexing and in-feed functions with smooth linear bed rails and self-adjusting bearings to deliver grinding accuracy to within 0.05 mm (2 thou). Capable of accommodating cylinders up to 1067 mm (42″), its advanced spin and relief grinding capabilities provide professional workshops with the versatility to maintain a wide range of cylinder mowers.

The Amazon Bottom Blade Grinder expands that workshop capability further. With variable-speed traverse and automatic simultaneous grinding of the front and top faces, it has been engineered to deliver accurate, consistent bottom blade preparation while simplifying the grinding process.

The continued development of Hunter Grinders forms part of Howardson Group’s investment across its three specialist turfcare brands.

Howardson Group Managing Director Megan Oliver said: “SALTEX gives us the opportunity to showcase the continued development of Dennis, SISIS and Hunter Grinders, meet customers from across the industry and better understand the challenges they face. Those conversations are invaluable; they help ensure we continue to develop equipment that delivers the quality, reliability and performance grounds professionals depend on.”

Hunter Grinders’ technical team will be available throughout SALTEX to demonstrate both machines, answer grinding questions and discuss individual workshop requirements, training and ongoing technical support.

Whether considering new grinding equipment, upgrading an existing workshop or looking to improve cutting-unit consistency, visitors are invited to stand E123 to see the Jupiter ATI and Amazon together and discover how precision, consistency and service combine to support the modern professional workshop.

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