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Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership

July 24, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership: Cornwall Football Association is proud to announce a new partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions, a leading UK provider of turf management products, services, and expert advice. This collaboration aims to transform and elevate the quality of natural grass pitches across the county, offering clubs, schools, and local authorities […]

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

July 24, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Jacobsen announce the delegates of the FTMI 2025 Future Turf Managers Initiative, a training programme to help talented greenkeeper candidates progress towards head greenkeeper and course manager roles. FTMI is a hybrid programme of online and in-person education and […]

Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership

July 24, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

July 24, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership

July 24, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership: Cornwall Football Association is proud to announce a new partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions, a leading UK provider of turf management products, services, and expert advice.

This collaboration aims to transform and elevate the quality of natural grass pitches across the county, offering clubs, schools, and local authorities the opportunity to improve playing surfaces through expert support and cutting-edge solutions.

Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership

Grassroots football clubs in Cornwall will be able to benefit from a new level of professional support and resources. The partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions will see clubs gain access to top-tier turf management expertise, tailored product solutions, and educational opportunities.

Daniel Greenough, Business Development Manager at Cornwall FA:

“We are really excited to be working with Origin Amenity Solutions; they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to all things grass pitches and beyond. Our aim is to improve all grass pitches across Cornwall and working closely with Origin Amenity Solutions will help deliver that target. Origin Amenity Solutions have many products and services to enable clubs, partners and operators of grass pitches to improve their surface and pitches. If you want to find out more about funding for grass pitches, Pitch Power and/or Origin Amenity Solutions please contact Cornwall FA at facilities@cornwallfa.com.”

About Origin Amenity Solutions

Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is a UK-based company and provider of grassturf and plant health solutions, from growth and protection to appearance and control, incorporating sustainable and environmental solutions within its portfolio. From fertilisers and grass seed to irrigation and soil health diagnostics, OAS is committed to helping grounds managers and turf professionals improve their surfaces year-round.

James Leitch, Area Sales Representative for Origin Amenity Solutions, shared:

“Origin Amenity Solutions is focused on supporting grounds teams through product innovation, education and research and development for continuous improvement in plant health practices. We understand that one-size doesn’t fit all and tailor our product offering and technical advice to individual areas working in partnership with grounds managers to achieve the desired outcome.”

How Clubs Can Benefit

This partnership will open up new pathways for Cornish clubs and facility operators to enhance their natural turf surfaces. Benefits include:

Access to expert advice and bespoke pitch improvement plans
High-quality products
Support in using the PitchPower tool for pitch assessments and improvement tracking
Guidance on funding and facility development opportunities

Clubs looking to enhance their pitches can now access tailored support that aligns with the Football Foundation’s Grass Pitch Improvement Programme (GPIP) and related funding schemes.

Get in Touch

For more information about how your club can benefit from this partnership or to discuss funding, assessments, and pitch improvement options, contact:

Cornwall FA: facilities@cornwallfa.com

Origin Amenity Solutions: enquiries@originamenity.com

Website: www.originamenity.com

This partnership marks an exciting step forward for grassroots football in Cornwall, helping to ensure every player has access to high-quality, safe, and sustainable playing surfaces.

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BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

July 24, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Jacobsen announce the delegates of the FTMI 2025 Future Turf Managers Initiative, a training programme to help talented greenkeeper candidates progress towards head greenkeeper and course manager roles.

FTMI is a hybrid programme of online and in-person education and mentoring. The 2025/2026 schedule begins with face-to-face training at Jacobsen HQ in Ipswich this September, followed by further sessions online during October, November and December. The course concludes with two and a half days of learning at BTME in Harrogate in January 2026.

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

The initiative is designed to give the participants an insight into management skills that they will need as they progress through the ranks in their careers. Topics covered include presentation skills, communication, time management, interview skills, CV writing, stress awareness, budgeting and leadership.

The FTMI Class of 2025 includes the following greenkeepers:

Callum Atkinson – first assistant greenkeeper, The Wilmslow Golf Club

Tod Bannerman – senior greenkeeper, Taymouth Castle Golf Club

Patrick Brown – senior greenkeeper and spray technician, Fulwell Golf Club

George Edwards – deputy head greenkeeper, Walton Heath Golf Club

Alistair Hogg – senior greenkeeper, A&M Fife Golf Club

Alex Hudson – assistant greenkeeper, Sharpley Golf Club

Chris Keeler – deputy course manager, Prestbury Golf Club

Ronan Latham – senior greenkeeper, JCB Golf & Country Club

Toby Long – first assistant greenkeeper, Broadstone Golf Club

Carl Moore – deputy head greenkeeper, Kings Norton Golf Club

William Moore – assistant course manager, Kilworth Springs Golf Club

Euan Polson – first assistant greenkeeper, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Phillip Shields – first assistant greenkeeper, The Blackwood Golf Club

Greg Smith – first assistant greenkeeper, The Berkshire Golf Club

John Thornton – irrigation technician, Copt Heath Golf Club

Delegates are assigned to mentor groups throughout the programme. The mentors for this year are all previous FTMI graduates and are course managers Leigh Powell (Windlesham), James Parker (Machrihanish Dunes) and Ben Williams (Royal Cinque Ports).

BIGGA CEO, Jim Croxton, said: “It’s always a thrill to learn of the successful delegates for the Future Turf Managers Initiative as the developmental opportunities they receive and the chance to become an FTMI graduate can turbo-charge careers. I look forward keenly to seeing how the Class of 2025 develop and to meeting them all at Jacobsen HQ in September.

We remain hugely grateful to Textron for supporting this amazing initiative for BIGGA members”.

Nicole Burn, Brand Marketing Director at Jacobsen, said: “We’re proud to support the Future Turf Managers Initiative in partnership with BIGGA. Investing in the development of future leaders in turf management is essential to the growth and sustainability of our industry, and we’re honoured to play a role in that journey”.

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

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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)

Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership

Cornwall FA’s new grassroots Pitch Improvement Partnership: Cornwall Football Association is proud to announce a new partnership with Origin Amenity Solutions, a leading UK provider of turf management products, services, and expert advice.

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2025

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