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GMA Industry Awards Shortlist Announced

December 17, 2025/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

GMA Industry Awards Shortlist Announced: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to reveal the shortlist for the 2026 GMA Industry Awards, taking place at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium on 12 March 2026. Each year, the awards shine a spotlight on the individuals, teams and organisations who are raising standards across the industry. And this […]

Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development

December 17, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development: The Bernhard Academy strengthened its commitment to driving education and thought leadership across the golf and sports turf industries as it delivered two highly engaging workshops at the 2025 Women in Golf Awards, held on 27 November at Foxhills Golf Club, Surrey. With 20+ delegates in attendance, the sessions […]

GMA Industry Awards Shortlist Announced

December 17, 2025/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development

December 17, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

GMA Industry Awards Shortlist Announced

December 17, 2025/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

GMA Industry Awards Shortlist Announced: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to reveal the shortlist for the 2026 GMA Industry Awards, taking place at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium on 12 March 2026.

Each year, the awards shine a spotlight on the individuals, teams and organisations who are raising standards across the industry. And this year, there’s an exciting new addition: the GMA Conference, taking place earlier in the day and setting the stage for an evening of celebration.

GMA Industry Awards Shortlist Announced

From grassroots volunteers to elite-level grounds teams, this year’s shortlist highlights the depth of talent and expertise that continues to elevate the grounds management industry across the UK and beyond.

The finalists were selected following a thorough judging process, undertaken by a panel of sector experts who reviewed entries across sixteen categories.

Jason Booth, GMA Chief Operating Officer said: “It has been inspiring to once again see the dedication shown by so many teams and individuals submitting entries for the GMA Industry Awards.

“This year we received a record number of submissions, and the calibre of work on display has been outstanding. It’s been particularly encouraging to welcome fresh faces into the mix. I would also like to thank our independent judging panel for their expertise and considered evaluation of each submission.”

The 2026 Industry Awards Shortlist:

Young Grounds Person of the Year (Sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions)

Adam Hooper – Tottenham Hotspur F.C
Daniel Birrell – National Cricket Centre Jersey
Flynn Good – Leicester City F.C
Ged Newman – Manchester City F.C

Newcomer of the Year (Sponsored by ICL)

Jack Churchman – Cutcrew Ltd
George Legg – Stanley Park Sports Ground
Samuel Knowles – Nottingham Forest F.C

Volunteer Groundsperson/Team of the Year

Trubshaw Cross
Eddie Mills – Northfield Town F.C
Tom Banks – Kirkoswald F.C
Craig Dinsdale – Settle United AFC

Community Groundsperson/Team of the Year (Sponsored by the National Governing Bodies of Sport)

Yeovil Recreation Centre
AELTC Wimbledon Qualifying & Community Sports Centre
Stanley Park Sports Ground
Stoneham Lane Football Complex

Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson/Team of the Year

Dean Gibbons – Wantage Bowling Club
Port Sunlight Village Trust

Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year

Stanley Park Sports Ground
Stoneham Lane Football Complex
University of Warwick

Environmental and Sustainability Impact Award

Liverpool F.C
University of Warwick

Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year

Newbury Racecourse
Warwick Racecourse

Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year

Edgbaston Priory Club
Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre
The Queens Club
The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club

Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year

Marylebone Cricket Club
Warwickshire County Cricket Club

Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by MJ Abbott / Premier Pitches)

Bristol Bears
Northampton Saints
Twickenham Stoop
Twickenham Stadium

Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Agronomic Services Ltd)

Wigan Warriors
Castleford Tigers
Leeds Rhinos

Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Reesink UK)

Lincoln City F.C
Tranmere Rovers F.C
Stockport County F.C
MK Dons F.C

Professional Football Grounds Team (Elite) of the Year (Sponsored by SGL)

Liverpool F.C
Leicester City F.C
London Stadium
Manchester City F.C

University/College Grounds Team of the Year

University of Warwick
University of Nottingham
University of Leeds

Independent School Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by ISEKI UK & Ireland)

Culford School
Eton College
Whitgift School

Join us at the GMA Conference 2026
Designed for grounds professionals, the GMA Conference offers curated opportunities for advanced learning and development. Shape your own agenda and explore solutions to workplace-specific challenges, empowering you to make a tangible impact.

It provides a focused environment to tackle complex industry issues while earning recognised CPD points.

Registration of interest is now open for those who want to secure early access. To learn more about the GMA Conference & Industry Awards or to register your interest for the conference, visit gmaindustryawards.uk/conference.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ben Muschamp at bmushcamp@thegma.org.uk.

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

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Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development

December 17, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development: The Bernhard Academy strengthened its commitment to driving education and thought leadership across the golf and sports turf industries as it delivered two highly engaging workshops at the 2025 Women in Golf Awards, held on 27 November at Foxhills Golf Club, Surrey.

With 20+ delegates in attendance, the sessions formed part of the Academy’s wider mission to elevate industry professionals not only through technical growth, but also through essential management and people-development training.

Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development

Delivered by Phil Helmn MG, Programme Leader at the Bernhard Academy, the workshops explored how understanding different personality types can strengthen communication and teamwork, alongside practical insights into the behavioural drivers that influence performance under pressure. Delegates praised the relevance and accessibility of the content, noting the immediate value it could bring to their everyday roles.

Attendees represented a broad mix of roles, from greenkeepers and club managers to events teams, trustees, and board members – reflecting the growing demand for inclusive leadership development across the sector. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with Dolores Brown, Head of Tournaments at Golfbreaks, commenting: “It’s so engaging, has a relaxed feel but also combines a lot of learning – without feeling draining or boring!”

Sami Strutt, Education Director at the Bernhard Academy, commented: “We’re incredibly proud that the Bernhard Academy is continuing to work with such respected organisations across the golf industry. Our mission has always been to help raise standards through learning, whether that’s technical development or supporting people to grow as leaders. Opportunities like this reinforce the value of investing in people and help to create a stronger, more confident, and more connected workforce for the future.”

The Women in Golf Awards celebrates achievement, provides education, and drives cultural change within the sport. Bernhard Academy’s contribution this year further reinforces its role as a leading provider of progressive learning experiences, helping professionals build stronger teams, improve communication, and unlock their leadership potential while continuing to support technical growth across golf and sports turf management.

For more information on the full range of programmes, courses, and development opportunities offered by the Bernhard Academy, please visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk.

For bespoke training or tailored workshop requests, organisations can get in touch via www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/contact-us-bernhard-academy to discuss customised packages designed to meet specific needs.

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)

GMA Industry Awards Shortlist Announced

Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development

GMA Industry Awards Shortlist Announced

Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

GMA Industry Awards Shortlist Announced

GMA Industry Awards Shortlist Announced: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to reveal the shortlist for the 2026 GMA Industry Awards, taking place at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium on 12 March 2026.

Bernhard Academy champions leadership and development

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