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All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

March 8, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight: Last weekend, history was made for the grounds management industry. For the first time in Football, an all-female grounds team prepared the pitch at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Ahead of International Women’s Day, a sold-out crowd of over 60,000 […]

Baroness expand into Scotland

March 8, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Elena Cossar

Baroness expand into Scotland: In a move to support their continued expansion, Baroness UK are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Area Sales & Service Manager for Scotland. With more than 18 years of industry experience under his belt, Richard Connell is well placed to provide sales and technical support to customers and […]

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

March 8, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

Baroness expand into Scotland

March 8, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Elena Cossar

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

March 8, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight: Last weekend, history was made for the grounds management industry. For the first time in Football, an all-female grounds team prepared the pitch at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, a sold-out crowd of over 60,000 fans flooded into the Emirates Stadium to watch the game, making it the highest attendance of a women’s domestic football match in the UK. It was also the most-attended sports fixture in London that weekend, including Premier League games, putting the grounds management industry firmly in the spotlight, highlighting the vital role of grounds staff in making sport possible.

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

Not only was history made off the pitch but also on the pitch, by the grounds team who prepared it. Thirteen trailblazing women from various grounds management settings, from cricket and football to educational facilities, worked hard over the days leading up to the match to prepare the pitch.

With women making up less than 2% of the grounds management industry, the all-female grounds team’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed and received praise from across the sporting world, with support shared by Lionesses legends, Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo and Beth Mead amongst many others, as well as widespread media coverage.

This historic moment was the result of collaboration between the Women’s Super League, Arsenal FC, the Grounds Management Association and Women in Football, and put women in grounds management at the centre of one of the greatest sporting stages in the country.

Leading the GMA’s involvement in the project, Director of Communications, Jennifer Carter was proud of the day:

“To see a team of thirteen experienced and talented women prepare the iconic Emirates Stadium pitch in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators and viewers across the UK, was a highly significant moment in the GMA and grounds management industry’s history.

“The lack of visibility of women in this field remains a significant barrier, but we’re confident that moments like these, and more in the future, will be pivotal in convincing more young people, especially females, to explore this promising career path. Those who took part are incredible ambassadors for the industry, and I have no doubt that their work will have inspired many and shed light on the grounds management profession.

“We’re hugely grateful for our partners at Arsenal, the WSL and Women in Football for working with us to make this happen and we’re immensely proud of the thirteen inspirational grounds women.”

Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s Chief Executive, was full of praise for the grounds team’s efforts:

“This is a celebration of what’s been achieved for women in sport, but also serves as a reminder of the work we need to do together to ensure more young girls are encouraged to break into the game. It’s important we continue to build on these moments to inspire the next generation and accelerate the sustainable growth of the game.”

The Grounds Management Association is encouraging sports fans to share their appreciation for grounds staff during #GroundsWeek, the association’s annual awareness week, from 18 – 24 March 2024. For more information about #GroundsWeek and how to support it, visit: thegma.org.uk/groundsweek.

If you’re interested in working in grounds management, you can find out more about careers and training at thegma.org.uk/learning.

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

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Baroness expand into Scotland

March 8, 2024/in News, Press Release/by Elena Cossar

Baroness expand into Scotland: In a move to support their continued expansion, Baroness UK are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Area Sales & Service Manager for Scotland.

With more than 18 years of industry experience under his belt, Richard Connell is well placed to provide sales and technical support to customers and the dealer network across Scotland – proudly becoming the first dedicated Baroness UK representative for the region.

Baroness expand into Scotland

After obtaining qualifications in land-based engineering, Richard worked for a number of leading manufacturers and turf care dealers – in both workshop and mobile service engineer roles. Most recently, he brought together his technical understanding and passion for the game of golf in the position of Head Mechanic/Workshop Manager at North Berwick Golf Club. On joining Baroness UK in January 2024, he brings both hands-on experience and a technical mind to the table as he oversees the sales, service and workshop operations of the established dealer network within his area.

“Before coming on board, I had started to see the Baroness brand more and more here in Scotland and my inner mechanic immediately took an interest in the machinery! I loved their approach and what their portfolio of machines offered to the market” he explains. “It is a huge honour and privilege to be entrusted as the first Baroness representative in Scotland and, after solidifying a number of relationships with those I saw at BTME in January, I look forward to exploring new opportunities and driving business forwards in the months and years ahead.”

Those wishing to get in touch with Richard can do so via 07933 182743 or Richard.connell@baronessuk.com

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)

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

Baroness expand into Scotland

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

Baroness expand into Scotland

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight

All-female grounds team revel in derby delight: Last weekend, history was made for the grounds management industry. For the first time in Football, an all-female grounds team prepared the pitch at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Baroness expand into Scotland

Baroness expand into Scotland: In a move to support their continued expansion, Baroness UK are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Area Sales & Service Manager for Scotland.

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