Tag Archive for: GMA

GMA NextGen Inspires Youngsters at Schools into Stadia

GMA NextGen Inspires Youngsters at Schools into Stadia: As part of #GroundsWeek 2024, the organisation’s annual awareness campaign, the GMA’s newly refreshed NextGen (previously Young Board of Directors) hosted a Schools into Stadia event at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol on Tuesday 19 March.

The Schools into Stadia programme aims to showcase grounds management as a viable career pathway for young people in education. With support from the GMA, Reesink Turfcare and Bristol Bears Foundation, GMA NextGen member Jack Langley hosted the event which offered youngsters local to Bristol the opportunity to gain valuable experience and provide the group with a deeper understanding of what duties a groundsperson undertakes in their role.

GMA NextGen Inspires Youngsters at Schools into Stadia

GMA NextGen Inspires Youngsters at Schools into Stadia

A group of students were invited along to the home of Bristol City FC and Bristol Bears to take part in theoretical and practical learning. The group was split into two, with one half guided through an interactive theory session which touched on the various forms of grass seed, how it grows, and how to keep it healthy. The other group were taken onto the pitch and given the opportunity to interact with the various pieces of kit, even having a go at line-marking the pitch and deepening their knowledge of various day-to-day tasks a grounds person undertakes.

GMA Key Account Manager for football, Tom Rowley, then delivered a careers presentation to the group, highlighting the various pathways into the industry.
NextGen new recruit Jack Langley, Deputy Head Groundsman at Ashton Gate said:

“Inviting young people along to my place of work to give them a flavour of what a career in grounds can look like has been extremely rewarding, especially as some of the attendees have shown an interest in returning to experience work on a match day.

Within my new role as part of GMA NextGen, I’m keen to shine a spotlight on the industry and encourage more young people to join.”

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association’s CEO commented:

“The schools into stadia events always inspire. To work with sporting venues such as Ashton Gate and tap into the community schemes that engage young people and bring opportunities to work in sports turf is always rewarding. The insights these days bring puts our sector and profession into focus as a great career option.”

Following a day of learning, one of the students in attendance said:

“It was so interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes at a large stadium. I enjoyed learning more about the equipment and using the line marking machine.”

Following another successful School into Stadia event, the GMA NextGen with support from sponsor Reesink Turfcare will continue to raise the profile of the industry and work to inspire young people by hosting more events and activations across the country.

#GroundsWeek took place from 18 – 24 March 2024. Keep an eye on GMA social media channels to find out more about its NextGen.

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.

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors: The GMA’s Young Board of Directors, sponsored by Reesink Turfcare, has recruited four new talented young grounds professionals to its ranks. The new additions will add fresh energy to the Young Board’s efforts to inspire the next generation of young people to join the sector.

Joining existing members are Meg Lay, Beth Gibbs, Liddy Ford and Jack Langley. Meg, who recently moved from Gloucestershire CC to Lord’s Cricket Ground, and Beth, who is part of Wellington School’s grounds team, join the Young Board fresh off the back of successes in the GMA Industry Awards 2023 where Meg won Newcomer of the Year and Beth won Young Groundsperson of the Year.

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors

Liddy joins the Young Board with a background in horticulture as well as a BSc in sport and exercise science. Her current role is as a part of the grounds team at St George’s Park, the Football Association’s base for all 23 of England’s national football teams.

Jack joins having progressed from Assistant Grounds person to Deputy Head Grounds person at Ashton Gate Stadium, a multi-sport facility that acts as the home of Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Bears. The four new additions will use their varied backgrounds across sporting and educational facilities, and enthusiasm for grounds management, to represent the GMA in activity that aims to inspire young people to join the sector.

Work will begin with three of the new Board members, Meg, Liddy and Beth, representing the GMA as part of the all-female grounds team preparing the pitch at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Women’s Super League on Sunday 3 March 2024.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, is delighted to welcome the four new members to the Young Board:

“We established the Young Board of Directors in 2011 with the aim of encouraging more young people to consider careers in grounds management. Since then, a number of the founding members have gone on to achieve great things, including John Ledwidge, Head of Grounds and Landscapes at Manchester City FC, Ryan Golding, Head Groundsman at Leeds Rhinos, and Nick Phillips, Training Center Manager at Tottenham Hotspur FC.

“Beth, Meg, Liddy and Jack, bring fresh ideas and energy, and it’s clear that we’ve brought some exceptionally talented young professionals onto the existing team. We’re delighted to welcomethem all to the Board and are excited to see them contribute to our work on inspiring the next generation to join the sector.”

Gillian Haverson, Marketing & Communications Manager at Young Board sponsors, Reesink Turfcare said:

“Reesink is thrilled to offer its continued support for this great initiative and the excellent work done by the GMA Young Board of Directors. It’s always exciting to see women flourishing in this industry and we look forward to working with each of the new members. With this new injection of enthusiasm, we’re confident the GMA Young Board can only go from strength to strength.”

Beth, Liddy and Meg will all be in action as part of the trailblazing all-female grounds team preparing the pitch at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Women’s Super League on Sunday 3 March 2024, which will be free to view on the BBC.

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.

GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard: The Grounds Management Association has once again been accredited to the matrix Standard, a Department for Education-owned international standard for services delivering high quality information, advice, and guidance.

Reaccreditation to the matrix Standard confirms formal recognition of the GMA’s achievement in delivering industry-wide information, advice, and guidance, and further enhances the GMA’s reputation as a leading provider of education and development within the grounds management industry.

GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

Following an assessment of GMA staff and services, the matrix Standard reported that the GMA had ‘excelled in several areas of its delivery of services’.

The matrix Standard ensures that all areas of the GMA hold the skills needed to support members of the grounds management community with their development. Statements from the matrix Standard’s report highlighted that the GMA has developed a strong culture around encouraging continuous professional development (CPD) for all members of staff – this will in turn benefit members, learners and all others who engage with GMA products or services.

The variety of formats for the delivery of information, advice and guidance from the GMA was also commended. Offering education through a wide range of formats ensures that there is a way to learn and develop that suits everyone’s needs – the matrix Standard commented that the combination of formats ‘come together to give an overall and cohesive understanding to the recipient/learner.’

Another highlight was the GMA’s positive impact on providing learners with long-term development of skills which can aid career progression. The report noted that GMA learners reported that their experience helped them to ‘appreciate progression opportunities in line with career aspirations’, showing that the GMA helps learners not just improve their knowledge, but also helps them to understand what opportunities they can pursue throughout their career.

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for the Grounds Management Association and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available.

“The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, the Grounds Management Association is working to provide the best possible support to their clients.”

Dan Prest, Head of Technical and Learning at the GMA, said following the reaccreditation:

“I’m delighted that the GMA has again been reaccredited to such a well-respected standard. It’s a strong indication that the level of information, advice and guidance offered by the GMA is of a high standard and meets the needs of today’s industry.

“Reaccreditation to a prestigious Department for Education standard, proves that we are continuing to provide top class support for individuals looking to develop their knowledge, as well as other essential skills needed to succeed in the sector, like problem solving, time management and communication.”

Following another successful reaccreditation, CEO of the GMA, Geoff Webb is full of praise for the GMA team

“The matrix Standard recognises the important work that goes into delivering information, advice, and guidance across the whole of the GMA, from the Technical and Learning team to the Pitch Advisory Service, so it really is a testament to the hard work of staff across the whole organisation that the GMA is recognised for the exceptional service offered by all departments.

“With workforce development being a key strategic pillar of GMA activity over the coming years, ensuring that we are continuously meeting high standards in the delivery of services is essential. The Department for Education’s matrix Standard offers a benchmark to measure ourselves against, so to meet the high standards expected in reaccreditation gives us confidence that we’re doing the right things to better support the sector.”

For more information about the GMA’s education and career development opportunities, take a look at the GMA’s Learning Prospectus or contact the Learning team at Learning@thegma.org.uk.

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.

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary: On 10 January 1934, eleven original founders joined W H Bowles BEM, head groundsman of Eton College, at the London Stone Pub on Cannon Street in the City of London to form the National Association of Groundsmen.

The purpose of the association was to improve the status of groundsmen and the standard of groundsmanship across the UK and, since then, the association has worked hard, and adapted, to suit the needs of the ever-changing grounds management industry.

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

Since its formation, the National Association of Groundsmen developed with the changing needs of the sector. In 1938, the organisation hosted its first Annual Exhibition, now known as SALTEX, at the Hurlingham Club which has continued to grow despite an eight-year hiatus during the Second World War and a two-year break during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first National Association of Groundsmen qualifications were launched for the industry in 1953 and have developed along with changing practices and technological advances into the comprehensive suite of GMA training courses and qualifications, reconised by the Department for Education’s prestigious matrix Standard, on offer today.

The organisation itself developed, becoming the Institute of Groundsmanship in 1969 and changing again in 2020 to become the Grounds Management Association.

Along with the creation of its renowned trade show, SALTEX, and development of top-class education to advance the industry’s skills, the organisation has worked hard over its 90-year history to support and raise the profile of the sector. This has included launching the Industry Awards in 2008, creating the GMA’s Young Board of Directors in 2011, and hosting the first Schools into Stadia event in 2015 to introduce young people to careers in the sector.

For nine decades the GMA remains the leading not-for-profit membership organisation representing grounds managers, grounds personnel, grounds maintenance managers, greenkeepers and all others involved in the management of sports pitches, landscape, and amenity facilities in the UK.

With the association reaching such a significant milestone, the GMA will be undertaking a number of celebratory activities throughout the year, including:

  • Introducing a commemorative brand to celebrate the association’s formation.
  • Launching a new website – a new engaging and user-friendly platform that will optimise users’ and GMA members’ digital experience.
  • Launching refined membership packages to simplify and improve the GMA’s offerings to individuals, organisations, and businesses working across the grounds management sector.
  • Delivering a new GMA Ambassador programme, that aims to better represent all corners of the sector to help raise profile of the industry.

Commenting on the GMA’s 90th anniversary, Geoff Webb said:

“The National Association of Groundsmen was formed by key individuals working in the industry to raise the profile of the sector and improve the standard of its work across the nation.

“Over 90 years, the association has adapted and evolved with the changing world and now, the UK grounds management sector is seen as the world-leader when it comes to sports turf management. This achievement has been made possible through 90 years of support for the sector, including 77 SALTEX exhibitions, industry-leading educational resources, advice and support for sports clubs across all levels through the PAS programme, and more.

“With support from key sporting National Governing Bodies, the Grounds Management Association as it is now called, has grown into a key part of the nation’s enjoyment of sport and our ethos of ‘making sport possible’ has never been more relevant than it is today.

“We thank everyone who plays a part in this hard-working and essential industry, from volunteers and professionals to businesses, and will be marking this year with a number of developments that will benefit the sector, including a new membership offering and website coming later this year, as well as a series of activities throughout the year.”

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.

Grounds Management Heroes Celebrated at GMA Awards

Grounds Management Heroes Celebrated at GMA Awards: The very best in the grounds management industry were celebrated at a dazzling evening at AMT Headingley Stadium, hosted by award-wining sports broadcaster, Hayley McQueen.

Over 300 attendees from across the sports turf industry, from grounds staff to grounds care businesses and representatives from sport’s National Governing Bodies, all gathered at the iconic AMT Headingley Stadium for an evening of celebration.

Grounds Management Heroes Celebrated at GMA Awards

Grounds Management Heroes Celebrated at GMA Awards

The awards recognised leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement across every aspect of grounds care, from grassroots pitches to professional stadia, over 17 categories.

Attendees celebrated new talent emerging on the scene, with two female winners of the Young Groundsperson of the Year and Newcomer of the Year award categories, whilst long-time industry stalwarts were honoured with Hall of Fame inductions and GMA Grounds Manager of the Year awards.

The awards ceremony recognised outstanding achievements in public and private sports venues and highlighted the progress of young grounds professionals as well as outstanding performance in environmental practices. Also new to 2023 was a Special Recognition Award which shone a light on a unique and inspiring individual who represents everything that is positive about the industry.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association, commented on the success of the evening:

“The GMA Industry Awards are always an important evening in the industry’s calendar. With the industry playing such a vital role in the country’s enjoyment of sport, it’s hugely important that we come together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and grounds teams across all levels of sport

“The talent celebrated throughout the event is testament to the hard work and innovation of grounds staff across the sector, and we’re always delighted to see exceptional examples recongised and celebrated for their achievements. The iconic AMT Headingly Stadium provided the perfect backdrop for the awards.

“There were many highlights on the night, including two women taking home the Young Groundsperson of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards – opening the sector to a wider demographic has long been an objective of the GMA’s work, so to see two young women receiving recognition on the night was a real sign of progress.

“The surprise on Rod Heyhoe and Lee Marshallsay’s faces represented the full spectrum of exceptional grounds managers, from volunteers to professionals, as they received recognition for their outstanding contribution to sports turf. The story of Zeynu Bedru, who received a Special Recognition Award, and his journey as a refugee from Eritea to Harrogate RUFC, summed up the wonderful community our industry creates.”

The winners of the GMA Industry Awards 2023 are:

Young Groundsperson of the Year – Sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions
Bethany Gibbs Wellington School

Newcomer of the Year
Meg Lay Gloucestershire CCC

Volunteer Groundsperson or Team of the Year
Clapton Community F.C

Community Groundsperson or Team of the Year – Sponsored by National Governing Bodies
Yeovil Recreation Centre

Environmental and Sustainability Impact – Sponsored by Syngenta
Leicester City F.C

Bowls/Croquet Groundsperson or Team of the Year
Wantage Bowling Club

Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year
Yeovil Recreation Centre

Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year – Sponsored by Avant Tecno UK LTD
Lingfield Park

Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year
Marylebone CC

Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year – Sponsored by Infinicut
Devonshire Park

Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year
Bath Rugby

Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year – Sponsored by Agronomic Services Ltd
Leeds Rhinos

Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year
Stockport County F.C

Professional Football Grounds Team (Elite) – Sponsored by SGL
Leicester City F.C

University/College Grounds Team of the Year
Loughborough University

Independent School Grounds Team of the Year – Sponsored by ISEKI UK & Ireland
Eton College

Special Recognition Award
Zeynu Bedru Harrogate RUFC

GMA Grounds Manager of the Year – Sponsored by DLF Seeds Ltd
Lee Marshallsay Eton College

The GMA is hugely grateful for the GMA Industry Awards sponsors for their support of the industry:

Platinum sponsor and Independent School Grounds Team of the Year Category sponsor

ISEKI

Award Category sponsors

Amenity Solutions

National Governing Bodies (RFL, RFU, ECB, Premier League)

Syngenta

Avant Tecno UK

Infinicut

Agronomic

SGL

DLF Seeds

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.

GMA appoints two new board members

GMA appoints two new board members: Following the Annual General Meeting for GMA members, the GMA appointed two new members to its Board of Directors – Jim Buttar, Grounds and Technical Operations Lead at the Rugby Football Union, and Phil Fifield, Head Grounds Person at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.

The Annual General Meeting took place on 22 November, where GMA members were invited to vote on several resolutions including two nominations for new appointments to the GMA’s Board, as well as one nomination for re-appointment.

GMA appoints two new board members

GMA appoints two new board members

The first Board position up for nomination was for Sector Director for Professional Sport, currently held by David Roberts of Training Unlimited, previously Senior Manager of Grounds at Liverpool Football Club. With David having reached the end of his 9-year tenure in the role, his position was open for new nominations where Jim Buttar was voted-in to fill the vacant position.

Jim has over 26 years’ extensive experience of hands-on management in the sports turf industry, which began as an apprentice at a private school in Cambridgeshire.

Through his journey in elite football, combining his passionate approach, leading by example and with his management ability, Jim has successfully delivered surfaces for several leagues and competitions across the world. Including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA European Championship qualifiers and World Cup qualifiers, and recently the African Nations Cup.

His latest role is leading the grounds team at the RFU managing the Twickenham stadium pitch, producing high quality surfaces for international and domestic competitions. Alongside this he has the responsibility of advising on strategy for the Rugby Grounds Connected programme for volunteer grounds people.

The GMA’s Board also approved the addition of another Independent Director, Phil Fifield. Phil has worked in the grounds management sector since his first day as an apprentice at Portsmouth FC in 2005 to his present role as Head Groundsperson at Brighton and Hove Albion FC.

Throughout his time in the industry, Phil has worked in all four professional leagues as a Head Groundsman and has also worked in consultancy and advisory roles. His time in the industry has seen him visit 30 countries across 5 continents as a turf-care professional.

His passion and drive to push himself and grow in his professional role has taken Phil to positions where he has been able to provide services, offer staff training, support tournament delivery and pitch development programs for a number of iconic sporting institutions, including FIFA, UEFA, CAF and AFC for men’s, women’s and youth events.

With a belief that the key fundamentals for growth and development in the sports turf sector are education, sustainability and staff welfare, Phil hopes to lend his expertise and experience to the GMA in helping build on these three foundational pillars, helping to develop the grounds care industry, and those within it, for a better future.

Along with Jim and Phil’s additions to the Board, existing Board member, Kimyo Rickett was successfully re-elected in her position as Sector Director for Local Authorities.

Commenting on the changes to the Board, GMA CEO, Geoff Webb says:

“Our Board is essential in steering the direction of the GMA and ensuring activity aligns to our strategy, so it is vital that we have experienced and knowledgeable Directors on the Board.

“Jim and Phil fit that description perfectly – both will bring insights and perspectives to the Board that will ensure the GMA delivers what it is that our members, and the wider industry, want from us. I’m also delighted that Kimyo will be staying on as Sector Director for Local Authorities. Her experience gained from over 30 years spent working for various Local Authorities and sporting bodies will ensure that this important sector within the wider grounds management community remains central to future GMA activity.

“Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to David Roberts who leaves the Board having come to the end of this 9-year tenure as a Board member. David has supported the GMA in making significant progress during this time and we are all extremely grateful for his contribution.”

You can find out more about the GMA Board, and its members, at: https://www.thegma.org.uk/who-we-are/whos-who/meet-board

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.

GMA Hub set to boost the game

GMA Hub set to boost the game: The GMA Hub (Stand C190) is set to demonstrate all the benefits to be gained from Grounds Management Association products and services. The hosts and organisers of SALTEX have an impressive line-up, all devised to boost the game, skills, career, and surfaces of visitors to their packed show area.

There will be no shortage of expertise available on the GMA Hub, with the Technical and Learning team available to discuss training and education options for those who have been in the industry for years, and to those just starting out, giving visitors the chance to boost their skills and career.

GMA Hub set to boost the game

GMA Hub set to boost the game

The GMA’s Pitch Advisory Service and sport’s National Governing Bodies will be at the Hub to advise on funding or give visitors a tour of equipment for community sport clubs being displayed in the new Community Sport Zone, located alongside the GMA Hub.

Meanwhile, ready to share their extensive knowledge at the Hub’s dedicated Soil Science area will be soil science experts Dr Kate Entwistle and Alex Vickers, equipped to help tackle common turfgrass problems.

The GMA’s Membership Services team will be at the Hub to talk visitors through the many reasons they should consider joining the leading membership association for the sports, turf, and grounds care sector.

The GMA is also on the hunt for passionate and engaging young people to join its Young Board of Directors and members will be on hand each day from 10.00am until 1.00pm to discuss what is involved with all interested parties.

Hosting the popular GMA Job Clinic, will be careers counsellor Frank Newbury. He will be available to offer expert and current guidance on perfecting your CV, proactive job searching, performing better at job interviews, as well as negotiating pay and perks. And for those on the other side of the interview table, Frank can give valuable insight to on how to select the right candidate for every role.

To take advantage of the wealth of knowledge at the GMA Hub at SALTEX 2023, register now at: https://bit.ly/456l0dA

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.

Hayley McQueen to Host GMA Awards

Hayley McQueen to Host GMA Awards: Highly respected and award-wining sports broadcaster, Hayley McQueen, has been announced as host for this year’s GMA Industry Awards, held at the iconic Headingley Stadium on Wednesday 29 November 2023.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Hayley is best known for her work as lead anchor of Sky Sports News. As a well-established and highly respected TV sports presenter, reporter, award-winning producer, and event host, the GMA is delighted to have Hayley on board to host its prestigious annual awards ceremony.

Hayley McQueen to Host GMA Awards

Hayley McQueen to Host GMA Awards

Hayley has experienced life both in front of and behind the camera, having excelled in presenting and producing the news, daily talk and match day live build up as main match day anchor at Manchester United TV between 2006-2010.

Hayley’s work has taken her across the globe, reporting on some of the most high-profile sporting events in the world such as Champions League, World Cup, European Championships, and the Olympic Games. Having interviewed sporting royalty such as David Beckham, Usain Bolt, Jose Mourinho and Lord Sebastian Coe, Hayley has gained a reputation as a fun, warm and respectable broadcaster.

Other notable credits include Premier League TV, Fox Sports and Al Jazeera Sports as well as various hosting duties for Radio X, BBC 5 Live and flagship Football First Premier League highlights show, Match Choice and Sportswomen programmes. She is also one third of the award-winning podcast The Offside Rule, an all-female football podcast which has been running successfully for 10 years.

On presenting the awards Hayley said:

“I’m delighted to be hosting this year’s GMA Industry Awards. With a true love of sport, I know only too well the invaluable work grounds staff put in to making sport possible.

“To be able to celebrate the achievements of those who work tirelessly to produce such exceptional results is something I’m very much looking forward to. It’s going to be a great evening!’

Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association said:

“To have such a well-respected industry talent in Hayley hosting the Industry Awards is so exciting for the GMA. She is a trailblazer in her field and is therefore the perfect complement to a prestigious evening of celebration.”

Tickets to attend the awards ceremony at Headingley Stadium on Wednesday 29 November are now on sale at gmaindustryawards.uk/ticket-packages/

To discuss sponsorship and other brand partnership opportunities, email Sales Manager Jill Rodham at jrodham@thegma.org.uk. 

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.

GMA Awards judging panel announced

GMA Awards judging panel announced: The GMA’s annual awards will take place later this year when we will celebrate industry excellence across sports turf and artificial surfaces.  

With the closing date to submit applications for the GMA Industry Awards fast approaching, the Grounds Management Association is delighted to announce the judging panel for this year’s ceremony.

GMA Awards judging panel announced

GMA Awards judging panel announced

GMA Awards judging panel announced GMA Awards judging panel announced The ten judges have been tasked with selecting seventeen worthy winners from an industry-wide talent pool who, among them, represent every corner of the sector. Comprising of leading industry professionals, the stellar line up includes seasoned professionals, some with long and distinguished careers; many have judged the annual awards several times before and keep coming back!

The 2023 judges include:

  1. Neil Stubley, Head of Courts and Horticulture at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club
  2. Adrian Kay, Head Groundsman at York Racecourse
  3. Meg Lay, Groundsperson at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club
  4. Lee Metcalfe, Senior Grounds Manager at Manchester City FC
  5. David Roberts, Director at Training Unlimited
  6. Anthony Facey, Area Sales Manager at Tuckwells
  7. Stuart Kerrison, Head Groundsman at Essex County Cricket Club
  8. Derek Walder, Operations Director at SALTEX
  9. Nasa Hussain, Head Groundsman & Facilities Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club
  10. James Wright, Senior Maintenance Manager at Leeds University

Derek Walder said:

To be invited to judge the Industry Awards applications this year is a real privilege. Having worked in the industry for over 56 years, it’s fantastic to be able to play a part in supporting the sector by recognising the hard work and dedication of those who contribute so much to maintaining the grounds they manage.  

I’m very much looking forward to the judging process, as well as attending the ceremony in November to celebrate the profound and often unnoticed achievements of the industry.

Geoff Webb, CEO of Grounds Management Association said:

It’s wonderful to have received the support of such established industry professionals in helping us to shine a spotlight on the groundscare industry.  

Each judge comes with years of insight and invaluable experience from across all areas of the industry that will be put to good use when carefully considering applications and selecting our 2023 Industry Award winners.  

We look forward to welcoming the industry to Headingley Stadium this November to give a platform to those worthy of recognition.

You can found out more about this year’s judging panel at gmaindustryawards.uk/judges/

The deadline to submit applications is 14th August at gmaindustryawards.uk/awards-categories/

Tickets to attend the awards ceremony at Headingley Stadium on Wednesday 29 November are now on sale at gmaindustryawards.uk/tickets

To discuss sponsorship and other brand partnership opportunities, email Sales Manager Jill Rodham at jrodham@thegma.org.uk.

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.

GMA Awards sponsors announced

GMA Awards sponsors announced: With nominations and entries within a month of closing, the GMA is delighted to announce confirmed sponsors of the 2023 Industry Awards. With support spanning the entire sector, sponsors range from leading sporting bodies to businesses within the groundscare industry.

ISEKI UK & Ireland has shown its commitment to recognising industry talent and supporting the sector by becoming this year’s Platinum Sponsor, in addition to sponsoring the Independent School Grounds Team of the Year award. Alongside ISEKI, other industry businesses sponsoring awards include:

GMA Awards sponsors announced

GMA Awards sponsors announced

Infinicut – Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year

DLF Seeds – GMA Grounds Manager of the Year

Origin Amenity Solutions – Young Groundsperson of the Year

SGL – Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Elite)

Agronomic Services Ltd – Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year

Sarah Cunningham, Director of Commercial and Events of Grounds Management Association said:

The GMA Industry Awards is one of the highlights of our calendar and we’re delighted to have received such positive support from across the industry. The event is created by the industry to celebrate the achievements of the industry, and it’s great to have leading organisations from the sector supporting the event.

We’re particularly looking forward to the evening being hosted at Headingley Stadium for the first time and are eager to welcome guests to a ceremony of celebration in the surroundings of such a historic sporting venue.’

Premier League, Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League and England & Wales Cricket Board are amongst the National Governing Bodies who are keen to show their appreciation for the industry’s valuable contribution to sport by sponsoring awards for their respective sports.

Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer at Grounds Management Association said:

To have sporting National Governing Bodies support the GMA Industry Awards this way is testament to the vital role grounds staff play in making sport possible and the importance of celebrating their work. As an organization, the GMA are determined to provide a platform to recognise the grounds care industry and the fantastic examples of work from volunteers to professionals.’

The GMA Industry Awards were created to celebrate excellence within the grounds care industry and in a year of expanded categories, there is now also the opportunity to nominate someone deserving as well as the chance for hopefuls to enter themselves.

The ceremony, which is set to take place on Wednesday 29th November, will be located at Headingley Stadium’s recently renovated events suite. A prime location for all-season sports, the stadium, which is home to Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire CCC, is a natural fit to host the prestigious ceremony.

Nominations and entries are still open for the GMA Industry awards with sixteen categories available. The last date for nominations is 7th August, whilst entries are open until 14th August.

To apply for an award, complete the form on the GMA Industry Awards website: https://gmaindustryawards.uk/

Find out more about the Industry Award sponsors here: https://gmaindustryawards.uk/sponsors/

To discuss sponsorship and other brand partnership opportunities, email Sales Manager Jill Rodham at jrodham@thegma.org.uk.

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.