EFL 2024/25 Grounds Teams of the Season revealed

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EFL 2024/25 Grounds Teams of the Season revealed: Watford, Bolton Wanderers and Accrington Stanley have been named 2024/25 Grounds Teams of the Season in the EFL.

Grounds Teams throughout the EFL work tirelessly to make sure pitch surfaces are of a high quality through all weather and conditions.

EFL 2024/25 Grounds Teams of the Season revealed

EFL 2024/25 Grounds Teams of the Season revealed

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Industry-Leading Brands Back GMA Connect

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Industry-Leading Brands Back GMA Connect: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is excited to announce the support of leading industry brands for its new regional event series, GMA Connect – a dedicated hub for grounds professionals.

Taking place in Bristol and Durham, these one-day events bring grounds professionals together at a regional level, providing hands-on insights through seminars, live demonstrations and practical workshops.

Industry-Leading Brands Back GMA Connect

Industry-Leading Brands Back GMA Connect

The 2025 events will focus on “Turf Management in the Current Climate” addressing the key issues facing the industry today.

GMA Connect is backed by headline sponsor Cramer, alongside ISEKI UK & Ireland, Campey Turf Care Systems, Fleet Line Markers, GKB Machines, Abundigro, Turfix and The Aquatrols Company, with more to be announced.

Some of the sector’s most recognisable names will be on hand to share new equipment and ideas to tackle common challenges – with attendees able to see a range of them in action through live demonstrations. Headline sponsor Cramer will be showcasing a selection of their battery-powered range, including robotic mowers, a zero-turn mower and pedestrian mowers designed for all-terrain use.

ISEKI and GKB will deliver a joint demonstration, featuring a 25hp tractor fitted with a GKB Combi Tool and a 40/50hp tractor paired with a GKB deep aerator – highlighting practical solutions for improving ground conditions and operational efficiency.

Confirmed 2025 events:

  • Tuesday 13 May 2025 – Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
  • Wednesday 18 June 2025 – Durham County Cricket Club, Durham

John McGrady, National Sales Manager at headline sponsor Cramer, said: “We are delighted to support the launch of GMA Connect and be part of these brand-new regional events. For us, it’s a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with professional users and understand their challenges so that we can help them succeed. We look forward to seeing the impact GMA Connect will have in bringing the industry together and supporting the future of grounds management.”

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “It’s great to have the support of industry-leading brands for our first two GMA Connect events. Their backing reinforces the value these events will bring to the sector, providing a unique opportunity for grounds professionals to connect and explore the latest innovations. GMA Connect ensures that expertise and solutions are more accessible than ever.”

GMA Connect is free for GMA members, while non-members can attend for £15. Membership also provides year-round access to exclusive resources, training discounts and the Member Assistance Programme.

For more information or to register, visit thegma.org.uk/events

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GMA Launches 35 Under 35

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GMA Launches 35 Under 35: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), supported by ICL, is proud to launch 35 Under 35 – a brand-new initiative to celebrate the brightest young professionals and volunteers making a real difference in the grounds management industry.

Grounds management is an essential yet often overlooked profession, responsible for maintaining the quality, safety and playability of green spaces for sport, recreation and communities. This new initiative will shine a spotlight on 35 individuals under the age of 35 who have made, and continue to make, an outstanding contribution to the industry.

GMA Launches 35 Under 35

GMA Launches 35 Under 35

GMA 35 Under 35 is proudly backed by ICL – a global leader in turf and landscape solutions. Trusted by many of the UK and Ireland’s top sports venues, ICL brings cutting-edge innovation, technical expertise, and decades of experience to the industry, helping turf professionals raise standards, solve challenges, and push the profession forward. ICL’s support ensures the GMA 35 Under 35 initiative is positioned as a key fixture in the grounds industry calendar for years to come.

The free-to-enter initiative is open to both self-nominations and nominations by peers, offering a valuable opportunity for individuals to showcase their achievements and gain recognition for their impact on the industry. Participants will also have exclusive access to technical and agronomic training modules developed by the GMA and ICL technical team, along with unique network sessions at SALTEX.

Selected by an expert judging panel, the final 35 will be profiled across the GMA’s digital channels and wider industry media – giving them a platform to showcase their achievements and helping to inspire the next generation of grounds professionals.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO, said: “Grounds management is rapidly evolving, competing with every other sector for future talent. Its success hinges on fresh ideas combined with the invaluable experience of today’s grounds teams. That’s why recognising and supporting the next generation is crucial for the industry’s continued growth.

“The GMA 35 Under 35 initiative celebrates future managers and inspiring tomorrow’s talent- by spotlighting these individuals, we aim to celebrate their achievements but also attract new talent to create a vital pipeline to complement the expertise of seasoned managers, ensuring smooth succession planning and addressing the challenge of an aging workforce.”

Simon Barnaby, ICL National Key Account & Business Development Manager UK & Ireland – Stadia, said: “At ICL, we’re committed to supporting the future of turf care, and the GMA 35 Under 35 initiative is a great way to recognise young professionals already making a difference. Just as importantly, it gives them a chance to keep learning – through training, development, and being part of something bigger. We’re proud to support a programme that not only celebrates achievement but helps the next generation build their confidence and grow their careers.”

The inaugural GMA 35 Under 35 will culminate in a celebration across the GMA’s digital platforms and wider industry media, showcasing the achievements of those recognised and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Register your interest now: Nominations for the inaugural GMA 35 Under 35 open later this month, you can register your interest now by clicking here.

For more information visit thegma.org.uk.

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Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

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Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge: A team from Howardson Group is preparing to take on the formidable National Three Peaks Challenge in memory of their much-missed colleague, Joe Emery, who sadly passed away in July last year.

The challenge will see the team scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours, all in support of the British Heart Foundation.

Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

A gentle Giant

Joe was a cherished member of the Howardson Group family, working in the warehouse and factory. Known as a true “gentle giant,” Joe was deeply respected and admired by all who knew him.

He was a well-known figure in the cricketing world, always cheerful, kind, and willing to lend a helping hand.

His hardworking and honest nature made him an integral part of the team, and his intelligence shone through as a member of the winning quiz team at Howardson’s 2024 event.

Joining the Howardson team for the challenge are Mark Willerton, Sales Manager from Russell Groundcare, and Paul Thompson, Head Groundsperson at Derby County FC.

A Demanding Journey

Together, they will be guided by Mountain Bear Adventures as they take on this demanding journey.

Taking place on the 5th and 6th of June, the National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing a total of 3,064 meters (10,052 feet) over 23 miles (37 km), with a gruelling 462 miles of driving between peaks. The mountains they will tackle are:

  • Ben Nevis (Scotland) – 1,345m
  • Scafell Pike (England) – 978m
  • Snowdon (Wales) – 1,085m

Supporting The British Heart Foundation

This extraordinary effort is a testament to the impact Joe had on those around him.

Howardson Group is proud to support the British Heart Foundation through this fundraising effort. Donations will go towards life-saving research and support for those affected by heart conditions.

To support the team and donate to the cause, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/howardson-3peakchallenge

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Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

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Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to confirm the speaker line-up for its upcoming GMA Connect events at Ashton Gate Stadium and Durham County Cricket Club.

GMA Connect is designed to bring the grounds industry together at a regional level, offering a valuable opportunity for grounds professionals to connect and exchange ideas. These practical events will feature expert seminars, live demonstrations and insights from leading manufacturers – all in one day.

Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

Renowned weather expert and industry leader, Mark Hunt, will present ‘Turf Management in the Current Climate’ which will explore the impact of changing weather patterns on turfgrass management, with advice on reading forecasts and managing issues like dew formation and disease risks.

Turf consultant, Alex Vickers, will deliver ‘Reading Your Soil’, a hands-on workshop exploring soil profiles, sampling methods, and spotting signs of compaction. Expect to get your hands dirty in this interactive session!

On the new GMA Connect events, Alex Vickers said: “These new GMA Connect events are a fantastic opportunity for professional grounds people to learn and share experiences. The format is really unique, offering an intimate setting where attendees can engage directly with experts and explore today’s challenges in depth. The chance to take part in hands-on workshops and network with peers makes these events invaluable.”

The GMA’s Ian Mather-Brewster will walk attendees through his sessions ‘Carrying Out a Surface Assessment’ and ‘Using a Playing Surface Assessment to Upgrade Your Facility’, providing practical advice on conducting assessments and presenting findings to encourage investment.

‘What’s in Your Shed?’ is a special practical workshop taking place across both events. Jack Langley (Ashton Gate Stadium) will lead the session in Bristol, whilst Vic Demain (Durham County Cricket Club) will take the lead in Durham. This workshop gives a behind-the-scenes look at the machinery, fertilisers and irrigation methods used to maintain top-quality surfaces.

Both events will also include a panel session looking at ‘Dealing with Climate Change Challenges at Professional Venues’. At Bristol, panellists include Jack Langley, Sean Williams (Gloucestershire CCC), and Alex Vickers. The Durham panel features Vic Dermain, Alex Vickers, and Aaron Tong (Hull City MKM Stadium).

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “It’s fantastic to have such knowledgeable experts speaking at GMA Connect, and there’s more to be announced, too! Their practical advice will be invaluable to everyone attending. These events are designed to provide hands-on learning and direct access to industry specialists, making them an essential opportunity for grounds professionals looking to develop their skills and improve their facilities.”

Tickets for GMA Connect are free for GMA members, while non-members can attend for £15. Membership offers even more value, providing access to exclusive resources, training and learning discount, Member Assistance Programme including high street discounts plus much more!

For more information about the GMA Connect series, or to register, please visit thegma.org.uk/events/.

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