Tag Archive for: GMA

GMA launches Workforce Insight Report

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GMA launches Workforce Insight Report: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has released its new Workforce Insight Report, offering the most complete picture yet of the UK grounds management workforce.

The report shows the scale, value and pressures within the sector, and explains why fair and sustainable workforce practices are now essential for the future of the profession.

GMA launches Workforce Insight Report

GMA launches Workforce Insight Report

Grounds management is a skilled and important part of the UK’s sporting and recreational system. More than 30,000 people work in the sector, supported by over 13 million volunteer hours each year. These teams help maintain the pitches, parks and playing surfaces that communities and sports rely on.

The report shows that the workforce is committed and proud of its role, but also under strain. Nearly half of grounds staff are aged between 45 and 64, and around 15% plan to retire within three years. Recruitment and retention continue to be major challenges, and employers report increasing difficulty attracting experienced applicants. Many sites depend on overtime and goodwill to maintain quality.

Job satisfaction is generally high, but the research shows clear concerns around pay, benefits and work‑life balance. Rising workloads and pay compression linked to the National Living Wage are creating pressure points that could affect motivation and progression, especially for long‑serving staff. These issues reflect wider pressures across the sector, where budgets are tight and demand is increasing.

To support employers, the GMA has also launched a new public resource, “Working in Grounds Management: Securing the Future of the Profession,” which is a shorter guide including key findings, updated salary information and practical points for employers.

It is available through a simple download on the GMA website. The full Workforce Insight Report is available exclusively to GMA members through MyGMA.

Insights from the report will help shape the GMA’s Fair Work Strategy. The strategy aims to support employers to strengthen pay structures, improve wellbeing, develop skills and create clearer progression routes, in ways that are practical and financially realistic.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA said: “Our pitches and playing surfaces depend on a skilled workforce. This report helps us understand the pressures staff and employers face, and why workforce issues are now business issues. The Fair Work Strategy will help the sector build a stable, motivated and resilient profession for the years ahead.”

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Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters

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Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is proud to welcome eight industry‑leading organisations as Platinum Supporters: Cramer, GKB, ISEKI, MJ Abbott, Premier Pitches, Howardson Group, Kubota and ICL.

These highly respected brands represent leaders in grounds care, turf management, engineering and sustainable innovation. Their partnership shows a joint effort to invest in the future of the grounds management industry. They support the thousands of professionals and volunteers who take care of the UK’s sports surfaces and green spaces.

Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters

Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters

A powerful collective of industry experts:

Together, the eight Platinum Supporters contribute a broad range of expertise:

  • Cramer – Innovators in advanced battery-powered equipment for sustainable grounds care.
  • GKB – Providers of high‑quality grounds care products and nationwide technical support.
  • ISEKI – Specialists in high-performance turf maintenance machinery used across the UK, and proud Platinum Sponsor of the 2026 GMA Industry awards and Conference
  • MJ Abbott – Experts in sports turf construction, irrigation, drainage, and engineering.
  • Premier Pitches – One of Europe’s leading specialists in the Installation and Renovation of all types of reinforced sports pitches.
  • Howardson Group – Manufacturers of the renowned Dennis and SISIS turf maintenance brands.
  • Kubota – Global leaders in machinery solutions for grounds, landscaping, and land management.
  • ICL – A global leader in turf nutrition, grass seed and plant protection, who are proud sponsors of the GMA’s 35 under 35 programme.

Their involvement strengthens the GMA’s expanding network of supporters who are committed to promoting standards across the UK.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Cramer, GKB, ISEKI, MJ Abbott, Premier Pitches, Howardson Group, Kubota and ICL as our newest Platinum Supporters,” said Ben Muschamp, Head of Commercial at the GMA. “Each organisation brings significant value to our community. Their investment helps us continue supporting the professionals and volunteers who care for the nation’s sports surfaces and green spaces. We’re excited about what we can achieve together.”

As Platinum Supporters, the organisations will be instrumental in powering the GMA’s most important work – driving stronger membership support, elevating professional standards, amplifying sector advocacy and advancing vital research. Their involvement will also strengthen SALTEX, Europe’s premier stage for innovation and excellence in sports turf, amenities and landscaping.

As the highest tier within the GMA’s supporter framework – alongside the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels – the Platinum Supporter programme is designed for organisations seeking to make the greatest sector impact. It enables deeper partnership working and a more active voice in shaping the content and initiatives delivered across the year.

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GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

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GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) will expand GMA Connect in 2026, rolling out six UK-wide events designed to bring practical, accessible learning directly to grounds staff and volunteers.

Following two successful pilot events in 2025, the 2026 GMA Connect programme will take place in Oxford, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, Southampton and Ipswich, ensuring grounds people can access hands-on learning closer to home.

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

As a core GMA member benefit, GMA Connect brings the Association’s learning experience into regional hubs whilst also welcoming the wider grounds management industry. Each one‑day event offers a mix of targeted seminar sessions and live demonstrations from leading suppliers, giving attendees the chance to see products, equipment and techniques in action.

Designed around real‑world challenges faced by local grounds teams, GMA Connect focuses on practical solutions and takeaways that can be put to use immediately on site.

2026 Schedule:

  • Abingdon School (Oxford) – Thursday 16 April
  • Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff) – Wednesday 22 April
  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City (Manchester) – Thursday 14 May
  • Headingley Stadium (Leeds) – Tuesday 19 May
  • Stoneham Lane Football Complex (Southampton) – Thursday 21 May
  • Ipswich Rugby Club (Ipswich) – Thursday 4 June

What Attendees Say:

Sean Smith, Groundsperson at Croke Park, said: “Events like this are important because they’re accessible and give you the chance to see things outside your everyday routine. You can chat with different people, see what they do differently and share what you do differently. I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about attending.”

Ticket Information:

  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City: £10 for GMA members | £50 for non-members
  • All other events: Free for GMA members | £35 for non-members

“The two pilot events in 2025 were a huge success, so we’re delighted to be rolling out six events across the UK in 2026,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. “It’s all about delivering high-quality learning closer to home and making it more accessible and easier to fit around the busy lives of grounds people. GMA Connect is a core member benefit and these events allow us to bring the GMA learning experience directly into the regions.”

GMA Connect is open to grounds professionals and volunteers working across all levels of the sector, from grassroots to elite sport. The programme is supported by GMA Platinum Supporters MJ Abbott, Kubota, Howardson Group, ISEKI, Cramer and GKB, working in partnership with the GMA.

For more information and to secure your place, visit thegma.org.uk/connect.

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Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

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Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is proud to announce that Beth Gibbs has been appointed as the new Regional Pitch Advisor – Rugby Union, for the London and South East region, making her the first female to hold this position in the organisation’s history.

Beth began her grounds management career at Wellington School where she joined as an apprentice and undertook her Level 2 qualification in Sports Turf Maintenance. This early hands‑on experience has laid the foundation for her rapid progression in the profession and remains a defining part of her journey into grounds management.

Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

A rising talent within the sector, Beth brings a track record of leadership and advocacy for early‑career professionals. She is an active member of the GMA’s NextGen group, championing pathways for young people entering the industry.

Her achievements were nationally recognised when she was named Young Groundsperson of the Year by the GMA in 2023.

In her new role as Regional Pitch Advisor for the South East and London, Beth will play a pivotal part in shaping and supporting professional standards across one of the most diverse and dynamic regions in the grounds sector. Her appointment shows the GMA’s continued dedication to improving representation and supporting future leaders in grounds management.

Beth Gibbs said: “It’s an honour to take on this role and to be the first female representative. The GMA has played an important part in my development and I’m excited to help others access the same opportunities. I’m passionate about supporting our community, especially young people starting their journey in the industry.”

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “Beth’s appointment is a significant moment for the GMA and for the wider grounds management industry. Beth brings a fresh perspective and real credibility which is why we’re proud to see her step into this role.”

Jason Booth, COO of the GMA, said: “Beth is an exceptional example of the future of our profession – dedicated, knowledgeable and inspiring to others. Her contribution to NextGen and her achievements to date show exactly why she is the right person for this role. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

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Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

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Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA: Two previous members of the GMA Young Board, now known as GMA NextGen, have been awarded their Pioneer Marks as part of the Pioneer Legacy initiative, recognising the contributions of past and present members of GMA NextGen.

The Pioneer Mark is a distinctive legacy number that symbolises the impact each member has made on the grounds management profession.

Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

Will Graves (#002) joined the industry in 2010 as an apprentice at Merchant Taylors’ School and became part of the first Young Board in 2011, later serving as Chair in 2014. He went on to join the ground staff team at Watford Football Club while also gaining experience at Wembley Stadium.

He said: “My time working with the Young Board of Directors was a real highlight of my career to date. We all worked hard to make a positive difference and increase opportunities for those both inside and outside of the profession. I am very grateful to both the GMA and Reesink UK for everything they did and continue to do to support the group.”

Harry Boxell (#022) served four years on the Young Board from 2016. He began his grounds management career at 16 and progressed through roles at Tottenham Hotspur and Godolphin, before taking on the role of Head of Grounds and Gardens at Embley Park in 2017. He is now Estates Manager, overseeing the 130-acre Grade II listed parkland.

Harry says: “I vividly remember driving down from Newmarket for the interview and being struck by the beauty of the buildings and grounds, while also recognising the potential for further enhancement.”

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from many inspiring individuals,” He added. “Some of my most memorable experiences were through my involvement with the Young Board of Directors. We met regularly and were fortunate to visit venues such as the Stade de France, Parc des Princes (home of Paris Saint-Germain), and several other prestigious sites.”

Jennifer Carter, GMA Director of Communications and Marketing, said: “The GMA would like to thank Will and Harry for their contributions during their time with the NextGen, formerly known as the Young Board.

“It’s really important that we recognise the contributions they have all made to the grounds management industry by awarding them with their pioneer marks. We’re excited to continue the legacy and are now looking to recruit the next generation of passionate individuals to carry the group forward.”

The duo join the ranks of respected NextGen alumni who have received their Pioneer Marks, which can be viewed here.

GMA NextGen are now welcoming new members under 35 who are ready to make a difference in the grounds management industry.

If you’re passionate about shaping the sector’s future, express your interest here. 

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