GMA NextGen Launches Network For Young Professionals

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GMA NextGen Launches Network For Young Professionals: The Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) NextGen group has launched its very own NextGen Network, a free online community designed to connect and support the next generation of grounds professionals.

Hosted on WhatsApp, the NextGen Network is an extension of the GMA NextGen group, a dynamic group of young professionals whose mission is to inspire and encourage younger talent into the grounds management industry.

GMA NextGen Launches Network For Young Professionals

GMA NextGen Launches Network For Young Professionals

With around 1,500 professionals expected to retire from the industry each year, GMA NextGen is committed to ensuring a vibrant future for grounds management by attracting and engaging the next wave of professionals.

The new NextGen Network will build on their mission by offering a space where people in the industry can exchange ideas and take part in two-way conversations with peers and established figures across the industry, all at their fingertips.

Liddy Ford, GMA NextGen member and groundsperson at Wembley Stadium, said: “The NextGen Network is a great opportunity to engage with other young members of the grounds industry. Whether you’d like to share your experiences of the grounds sector, build connections with likeminded individuals, or gain some top-dressing tips, this network provides the framework for you.”

The network is open to anyone aged 18 and over and will act as a go-to hub for those looking to build connections in the sector. For safeguarding reasons, under-18s will not be able to access the WhatsApp community. However, they can still be part of the wider NextGen Network by receiving the quarterly newsletter.

Beth Gibbs, GMA NextGen member and groundsperson at Wellington School, said: “The NextGen Network is all about connecting you with fellow grounds people and keeping you up to date with any news in the industry. This network will be good for you to meet new people and keep up date to what happening in the industry.”

The NextGen Network complements other GMA NextGen initiatives, such as Schools into Stadia, which aim to showcase the diverse and rewarding career opportunities within grounds management.

Entry into the NextGen Network is completely free, with sign-up available via the NextGen newsletter here.

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Thank A Greenkeeper Day returns for 2025

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Thank A Greenkeeper Day returns for 2025: BIGGA is pleased to announce the fifth annual Thank A Greenkeeper Day on Tuesday 9 September 2025. This global celebration, launched four years ago, has now reached countless people worldwide, celebrating the fantastic work carried out by greenkeepers and golf course staff to enable tens of millions to enjoy the sport of golf.

This year, BIGGA wants to invite all the professionals in golf whether it’s golfers, members, owners, managers, suppliers, industry associations, media or general supporters of the game to join us in celebrating greenkeepers and their important role. Thank A Greenkeeper Day is an opportunity to ensure that greenkeeping is given the respect and recognition that these hardworking teams deserve.

Thank A Greenkeeper Day returns for 2025

Thank A Greenkeeper Day returns for 2025

Greenkeepers are the unsung heroes who ensure that golf courses are in their best possible condition for all to enjoy while ensuring that courses are stewarded environmentally and wildlife habitats are protected

While this day is all about the thank you, it is aimed to encourage proactive action across the industry to recognise the vital and highly skilled role greenkeepers play. At its core, this is about promoting greenkeeping as a professional trade and making a positive impact in working conditions and fair rates of pay for greenkeepers everywhere.

On Tuesday 9 September, we ask everyone who appreciates the value of golf to share their own stories, pictures and messages of thanks on social media. In the UK, use #ThankAGreenkeeper, and our friends abroad will be using #ThankASuper. All messages of thanks will be included in an international campaign that has positively added to the daily working life of many greenkeepers.

In addition to social media, there are several ways golf clubs, golfers and the wider industry can show support and appreciation to greenkeepers:

  • Golf clubs can organise a special breakfast or lunch for their greenkeeping staff
  • Players can take a moment after play to thank personally a member of the greenkeeping team and leave their own expression of thanks with their club
  • Industry partners and suppliers may play their part by promoting the importance of greenkeeping to their audiences and actively supporting their clients and contacts
  • Golf influencers and golf media can use their platforms to market tales, interviews and behind-the-scenes information emphasising the skills, knowledge and passion of greenkeepers.

BIGGA is collaborating with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA), Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and Federation of European Golf Greenkeeper Associations (FEGGA), amongst others, to make this year’s Thank a Greenkeeper Day more successful than ever. Together, these associations represent more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries.

To help clubs and individuals with promoting their celebrations, BIGGA will be releasing a social media toolkit in August. This will include pre-made graphics, videos and template messages that will aid in the promotion of the day. To access the toolkit, ensure that you are included on BIGGA’s mailing list by contacting us internally.

While Thank A Greenkeeper Day is once a year, it’s worth noting that greenkeepers are on site working on golf courses every day of the year to keep and enhance them. Support, whether delivered in person, via a letter, or on social media, can have long-term positive effects on morale and create a respect and appreciation culture that will last long past this single day.

For more information on how you, or your golf club, can participate in Thank A Greenkeeper Day 2025, visit https://www.bigga.org.uk/about/thank-a-greenkeeper-day.html and join in on social media using the hashtag #ThankAGreenkeeper.

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Westfields groundsman wins social media acclaim

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Westfields groundsman wins social media acclaim: A non-league football club groundsman has lit up social media with his latest pitch-mowing creation.

Joe Mecke-Davis looks after the pitch at Westfields FC in Hereford and posted an image on X of his beloved pitch ahead of the club’s first pre-season game.

Westfields groundsman wins social media acclaim

Westfields groundsman wins social media acclaim

Read the full story here

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All-female Grounds Team to Take Centre Stage

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All-female Grounds Team to Take Centre Stage: This September, a landmark moment for Rugby will take place at the Twickenham Stadium as an all-female team of grounds professionals will prepare the pitch for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Final and Bronze Final, marking a historic first for the sport.

Led by the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) NextGen group, alongside England Rugby and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, the initiative aims to champion female representation in the sector and promote the diverse career pathways that grounds management has to offer.

All-female Grounds Team to Take Centre Stage

All-female Grounds Team to Take Centre Stage

Applications are now open for women working in the industry to join the 15-strong matchday team. These professionals will be responsible for managing the playing surface in the lead-up to, and during, two of the most high-profile fixtures in the women’s rugby calendar – both broadcast live on the BBC on Saturday 27 September 2025.

With women still underrepresented in the grounds management sector – making up less than 10% of the professional workforce – this initiative directly tackles the need for greater visibility, inclusion and long-term workforce sustainability.

Jim Buttar, Head of Grounds and Technical Operations at Twickenham Stadium, and GMA Board Member said: “We’re really proud to be hosting this initiative at Twickenham Stadium and to support the team delivering the pitch for such a major occasion. It’s no secret that our industry needs greater visibility and diversity, especially around female representation, so to see an all-female grounds team leading on one of rugby’s biggest stages will be a huge step forward. It sends a clear message about the opportunities that exist in grounds management, and we’re excited to play a part in that.”

It builds on the momentum of recent GMA initiatives designed to spotlight including the all-female grounds team that prepared the pitch at the Emirates Stadium for the Women’s Super League North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham in March 2024.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the leading membership organisation representing grounds personnel in the UK, the Grounds Management Association, says: “We’re incredibly proud to work with England Rugby and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 to champion visibility and representation of our industry and the career opportunities that it presents. With women’s sport growing rapidly, it’s time the teams behind the scenes reflect that progress too. We want this to inspire more opportunities for women to consider careers in grounds management and to increase awareness of what a great opportunity a career in sports turf management offers, and to see that anything is possible.”

The opportunity is open to women across the sector with relevant experience, and successful applicants will take part in pre-event training and preparation ahead of matchday.

If you’re working in grounds care and want to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime moment, register your interest here. 

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Fun in the sun events raise vital funds for Perennial

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Fun in the sun events raise vital funds for Perennial: June was a great month for fundraising in support of Perennial, with nearly £10,000 raised by footballers and golfers showing off their skills at two inaugural events.

Eight teams took on the ‘Kick for a Cause’ five-a-side football tournament at Fulham FC Training Ground and 60 golfers teed off at Pyrford Lakes Golf Club, all battling all battling to be the winners in aid of the charity which supports everyone in horticulture.

Fun in the sun events raise vital funds for Perennial

Fun in the sun events raise vital funds for Perennial

Kick for a Cause

The grounds maintenance teams from Fulham and Reading FCs were joined by teams from supporting event partners Wildwood Machinery and ICL, along with Perennial Partner teams from Kingston Landscape Group, Wood Environmental Services, Neville Stein Horticultural Business Consultancy and Grange Travel Coach Hire, each entering teams of up to 12 players.

There were some close matches throughout the day, with each team giving it their all in the sweltering heat. The action-packed semi-finals saw Mow Money, Mow Problems (Fulham FC Grounds Maintenance Team) take on ICL and Royally Turf’d taking on KLG FC (Kingston Landscape Group).

The eventual winners were KLG FC with just a 1-0 win over host team.

Having shown off their skills on the pitch, the footballers enjoyed pizza and refreshments to celebrate their efforts, whilst continuing to raise further funds for Perennial through raffle ticket sales.

Following the event Stuart Mackley and Stanley Hayden from the Grounds Team at Fulham FC Training Ground said: “This was a great way to raise the profile of Perennial within the club and amongst the players and also raise funds for our industry charity. Whilst it was hot weather to play in, the teams took on the challenge with great enthusiasm and played their best games. We look forward to hosting the event next year.”

Thanks go to grounds care experts Wildwood Machinery and ICL who we welcomed onboard as supporting partners for this event.

Wildwood Machinery – Hampshire’s leading groundcare business – said “We were delighted to support Perennial for this inaugural event. Our team enjoyed the tournament and supporting people in the horticultural and groundcare profession.”

ICL also said “We were pleased to support Perennial and their Kick for a Cause initiative. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to promote wellbeing through sport and make a positive impact in the process.”

Charity Golf Day

Just two days after the footbal tournament the Perennial charity golf day, in partnership with Renson, took place at the stunning Pyrford Lakes.

Players were treated to a bacon butty and coffee before teeing off for 18 fabulous holes, followed by a BBQ on the clubhouse patio.

Fittingly the team from principal sponsors Renson UK took 1st prize in the team competition, with Renson’s Tina Mott winning the individual Stableford.

Perennial Partnership Manager, Phil Swainston commented, “I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for taking part and supporting the inaugural Perennial Golf Day.  Everyone’s enthusiasm and generosity made the day a fantastic success and resulted in us raising over £3,500!”

Through ticket sales, sponsorship and fundraising on both days, these fun and informal events provided networking opportunities and most importantly, raised vital funds to support Perennial so we can be there when needed.

Chief Executive of Perennial, Jamie Gault commented “At Perennial, our mission is to ‘Build Better Futures’ for horticulturalists and their families. We cannot continue without funding to support our vital work, so fundraising events like these, that help raise the profile of the support we offer, have an essential role to play. Thank you to those who instigated these events and supported Perennial through taking part, sponsorship and promotion. Don’t forget the charity is here for you, whether you need some guidance, feel a bit stuck or are facing one of life’s big challenges, we’re here for you.”

Visit perennial.org.uk/ways-we-help/ or call our helpline 0800 093 8543

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