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SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry

October 30, 2025/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry: SALTEX 2025, Europe’s cutting-edge grounds management exhibition, returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 12-13 November with a fresh programme of features designed to provide resources and networking opportunities for grounds professionals and community clubs. The Community Sports Zone remains the go-to destination for clubs and volunteers seeking to […]

ICL Appoints Jack Hetherington

October 29, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

ICL Appoints Jack Hetherington: ICL has appointed Jack Hetherington as Technical Area Sales Manager for Scotland, bringing over 20 years’ experience in sports turf management, developing high-quality playing surfaces, and implementing effective turf programmes. He began his career in 2005 as an Assistant Greenkeeper at Ponteland Golf Club, before becoming Course Manager at Alnwick Castle […]

SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry

October 30, 2025/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

ICL Appoints Jack Hetherington

October 29, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

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SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry

October 30, 2025/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry: SALTEX 2025, Europe’s cutting-edge grounds management exhibition, returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 12-13 November with a fresh programme of features designed to provide resources and networking opportunities for grounds professionals and community clubs.

The Community Sports Zone remains the go-to destination for clubs and volunteers seeking to engage with suppliers and manufacturers. Exhibitors including Campey Turf Care Systems, Dennis, SISIS, ISEKI and GreenTek will be on hand to showcase their latest products and services tailored to grassroots sports. Located next to the GMA Hub, the Zone also provides access to national governing bodies including the Football Foundation, England and Wales Cricket Board, Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League who will be offering guidance and advice on sport-specific development.

SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry

A new major addition for 2025 is the Football Foundation Grant Funding Desk – a one-stop service for clubs seeking advice on how to secure vital support for grassroots pitches and facilities through grants and funding opportunities. The desk equips volunteers and clubs with the practical tools and guidance they need to grow and maintain their facilities – all within the professional context of SALTEX.

Visitors can access information on:

Up to £100,000 in grants for pitch maintenance machinery

The Huddle – funding support for catering units at clubs

Groundskeepers Corner – join a thriving online community of peers

Step-by-step guidance on grant eligibility and application processes

Home Advantage Programme – up to £250,000 to help clubs take on grass pitch sites

Community clubs and volunteers will also be able to benefit from a series of sport-specific meet-ups and guided tours for football, rugby (Union and League) and cricket, designed to help visitors network with fellow clubs, the GMA’s Pitch Advisory Service team and key National Governing Bodies.

Tours will start in the SALTEX Clubhouse before taking visitors around the exhibition floor, highlighting the most relevant exhibitors as well as key show features including the Community Sport Zone, The Workshop and the GMA Hub.

Each session offers practical guidance and the opportunity to explore support tailored to community clubs.

“We understand how vital grassroots sport is to the wider sporting ecosystem in the UK, and it’s important that SALTEX provides a platform to support clubs and volunteers alike,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. “This year, with the introduction of the Funding Desk alongside our ever-popular Community Sports Zone and Clubhouse sessions, we are giving visitors even more opportunities to access guidance and gain the tools and connections they need to thrive.”

Join us at SALTEX and level up your experience. Register for FREE and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer Tools Lawn Mower, complete with charger and battery worth £2,240!

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ICL Appoints Jack Hetherington

October 29, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

ICL Appoints Jack Hetherington: ICL has appointed Jack Hetherington as Technical Area Sales Manager for Scotland, bringing over 20 years’ experience in sports turf management, developing high-quality playing surfaces, and implementing effective turf programmes.

He began his career in 2005 as an Assistant Greenkeeper at Ponteland Golf Club, before becoming Course Manager at Alnwick Castle Golf Club in 2016. He later held Course Manager positions at Boldon Golf Club and Chester-le-Street Golf Club.

ICL Appoints Jack Hetherington

Alongside his club roles, Jack has played an active part in the wider greenkeeping community, serving as Founding Chairman of the BIGGA Young Greenkeepers Committee, BIGGA/Bernhard Delegate to the GIS, and most recently as BIGGA Northern Region Director. He has also volunteered at prestigious events such as The Open, The British Masters, and The BMW PGA Championship.

Jack says joining ICL feels like a natural next step. “When I became a course manager, I quickly realised ICL was the perfect partner for producing premium surfaces,” he said.

“Their industry-leading portfolio, commitment to sustainability and science-driven approach stood out to me from the start. I’m looking forward to working with turf managers and distributors to deliver tailored advice and programmes that enhance turf health, playability, and resource efficiency.”

Phil Collinson, Sales and Business Development Manager – UK North, said Jack’s appointment strengthens the team across the region. “He brings deep practical knowledge and experience with ICL products, which will be of real value to our customers and distributors. His professional attitude and focus on delivering expert advice stood out during recruitment. He’ll be a great fit for our team.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry

ICL Appoints Jack Hetherington

SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry

ICL Appoints Jack Hetherington

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

SALTEX brings community clubs closer to industry

ICL Appoints Jack Hetherington

ICL Appoints Jack Hetherington: ICL has appointed Jack Hetherington as Technical Area Sales Manager for Scotland, bringing over 20 years’ experience in sports turf management, developing high-quality playing surfaces, and implementing effective turf programmes.

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