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Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), the UK’s leading organisation for the grounds management industry, has seen a 43% rise in uptake of its training compared to this time last year. This follows a challenging season for many sports. Over the past 12 months, the GMA saw enquiries related […]

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink UK and Toro have revealed the winners of the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards at a spectacular event at Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire. Two student greenkeepers who had travelled the furthest proved victorious, with […]

Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

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Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), the UK’s leading organisation for the grounds management industry, has seen a 43% rise in uptake of its training compared to this time last year.

This follows a challenging season for many sports. Over the past 12 months, the GMA saw enquiries related to flooding surge, coinciding with increased rainfall that was up 147% on the long-term average in some parts of the country.

In the North East of England, football clubs needing support because of water-logged pitches were up 244%. And 80% of rugby union clubs have had drainage issues this year compared to 50% last year.

Jason Booth, chief operating officer of the GMA, says: “We know last year was a tough season for many. More extreme weather means the challenges in our industry are getting greater. It’s time to focus on knowledge and skills to get ahead of the game so it’s essential clubs invest in their pitches and grounds teams.

“The GMA’s unique suite of training and qualifications are designed to help groundspeople advance their knowledge and skills – including courses specifically geared towards the new challenges faced in winter sports, like football, rugby league and rugby union.

“Our training is designed with the help of industry experts and supported by national governing bodies, including The FA, ECB, RFL and Sport England. We’re also the only industry association to be accredited by the Department of Education’s matrix Standard.

“As well as in person training, there are also plenty of online courses, perfect for busy professionals and volunteers who want to enhance their turf maintenance knowledge from anywhere.

“Grow your knowledge today, head over to our website and check out the training and qualifications we’ve got available.”

Discover the wide range of easy-to-access, high-quality training courses on the GMA website: https://thegma.org.uk/learning/training

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

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Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

September 25, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink UK and Toro have revealed the winners of the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards at a spectacular event at Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire.

Two student greenkeepers who had travelled the furthest proved victorious, with Jack Vowell of Farrington Park in Somerset and Daniel Parker of Knighton Heath in Dorset claiming the top prizes.

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Following regional judging earlier in the year, 10 finalists were selected to contest the prestigious awards at Oulton Hall, where there was further examination of their abilities with a series of tests that gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for the greenkeeping industry.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Jack Vowell, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Farrington Park, by Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare and main award judge. Jack is a former recruitment consultant who switched to greenkeeping five years ago and is a student at Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Jack said: “It was such a strong field that when the runner-up’s name was read out I thought, ‘I’ve got no chance, he’s fantastic compared to me’ and so I was in complete shock when my name was announced as the winner. I just couldn’t believe it was me! ”

Jon Cole added: “The five main finalists were very impressive and they have done themselves and their clubs proud. They show that the industry is in extremely safe hands going forward. It was a closely run competition and everyone acquitted themselves well. Jack, however, showed a balance of professionalism and technical knowledge, which he knew how to deliver.”

Runner-up in the main category was Jack Wellings, Senior Greenkeeper at the JCB Golf and Country Club and a student at Myerscough College.

The Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award was presented to Daniel Parker, Apprentice Greenkeeper at Knighton Heath, by David Timms, National Accounts Manager for Reesink Turfcare and young award judge. Daniel is a student at Sparsholt College.

Daniel said: “So many emotions were going around my head, I couldn’t believe it, but it’s brilliant. I phoned my dad as soon as I found out and he was with some family at home and they were all celebrating with me. I then spoke to my course manager and he and the rest of the team were completely thrilled. This award is as much for them as it is for me because we’re all part of a team.”

David Timms added: “The young finalists shone on the course walk, demonstrating a fantastic level of knowledge with enthusiasm and confidence. All the awards judges felt proud, pleased and privileged to be able to see the calibre of the next generation of greenkeeping in front of us. Daniel is destined for a long career in the industry and is a worthy winner of the Young award.”

Runner-up in the young category was Alex Fox, Apprentice Greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa and a matchday groundsperson at Lincoln City FC and Wembley Stadium. Alex is a student at Bishop Burton College.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “Congratulations to Jack Vowell and Daniel Parker, two very worthy winners, and huge thanks to our friends at Reesink Turfcare and Toro for another truly inspirational Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year finals here at Oulton Hall. It’s been a fantastic event with 10 wonderful finalists all trying their best. BIGGA exists to try and improve the world for greenkeepers and looking at what we’ve had in front of us today and over the last few months through the process, I think greenkeeping has a bright future ahead.”

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will return in 2025. More information including how to nominate a student greenkeeper and the extraordinary prizes on offer is available on the BIGGA website and the Reesink Turfcare website Students Awards | Reesink Turfcare.

You can also watch the moment the winners were revealed and view exclusive interviews with Jack Vowell and Daniel Parker on the BIGGA website.

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)

Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases

Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), the UK’s leading organisation for the grounds management industry, has seen a 43% rise in uptake of its training compared to this time last year.

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories

Somerset and Dorset greenkeepers earn student awards victories: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink UK and Toro have revealed the winners of the prestigious Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards at a spectacular event at Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire.

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