Tag Archive for: GMA

GMA Connect heads to Durham

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GMA Connect heads to Durham: Following the successful launch of GMA Connect in Bristol last month, the Grounds Management Association’s new regional event series continues in the North East on Wednesday 18 June at Durham County Cricket Club.

Designed to bring the grounds industry together in key regions across the country, GMA Connect is a hands-on, one-day event offering a unique mix of expert seminars and live demonstrations from leading manufacturers.

GMA Connect heads to Durham

GMA Connect heads to Durham

Some of the industry’s top brands will be on show in Durham, including headline sponsor Cramer, ISEKI UK & Ireland, Campey Turf Care Systems, Fleet Line Markers, GKB Machines, Abundigro, The Aquatrols Company, AriensCo, Redexim, and Dennis & SISIS.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to see the latest machinery and solutions from the likes of Cramer, who will present a full battery-powered range, including robot mowers, a zero-turn model and all-terrain pedestrian mowers. ISEKI and GKB Machines will jointly demonstrate a compact tractor fitted with a Combi Tool and Deep Tine Aerator, whilst Campey Turf Care will demonstrate their UniRake and display smaller machines pitch side, including the Vredo Turf Buddy and Electric Sarel Roller.

Line marking solutions will be available from Fleet and, new to Durham, Dennis & SISIS will bring the FT mower and Auto Rotorake Mk5, whilst Ariens will display zero-turn and high-grass mulching mowers.

Redexim, The Aquatrols Company and Abundigro and will all be on hand to share practical advice and showcase turf maintenance essentials.

A packed seminar programme features weather expert Mark Hunt’s ‘Turf Management in the Current Climate’, a popular practical soil session led by Alex Vickers, and guidance on using a Playing Surface Assessment to upgrade your facility from the GMA’s Ian Mather-Brewster and Chris Hunter.

The day will close with a panel discussion on climate change at top sporting venues, featuring Vic Demain (Head Groundsman, Durham CCC), Alex Vickers (Turf Consultant), Aaron Tong (Head Groundsman, Hull City MKM Stadium) and James Wright (Senior Maintenance Manager, University of Leeds).

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “Bristol was a huge success for everyone involved, and we’re now really excited to bring GMA Connect to Durham. This event series has been designed to serve the needs of the industry, giving grounds staff at every level access to expert advice and practical solutions within their region.”

Jordan Watson, Area Sales Manager for Cramer UK, said: “We want to support events like GMA Connect because it’s a great networking opportunity and it’s a great way to show the industry everything that we do and the technology that Cramer UK can offer to help them in the future.”

Tickets are free for GMA members, while non-members can attend for £15. Membership provides additional value, including exclusive resources, discounted training, access to the Member Assistance Programme and more.

For more information or to register, visit thegma.org.uk/events.

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GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

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GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has welcomed the creation of a new Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship, developed by the industry-led Sports Turf Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group.

The new apprenticeship, which includes an integrated Foundation Degree (FdSc), has now been published, subject to final funding band approval. Delivery is proposed for late 2025 or early 2026.

GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

Designed to meet the technical demands of modern turf management, the apprenticeship offers a clear and funded progression route into higher-level learning. The inclusion of the Foundation Degree in Sports Turf means apprentices can achieve a high-quality, industry-relevant qualification as part of their training.

As the professional body for grounds management, the GMA has submitted a letter of professional recognition to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) to support the mandate of the qualification.

The apprenticeship also aligns directly with the Grounds Management Framework, which brings together a range of training and education opportunities provided by both the GMA and other providers, including apprenticeship providers, to ensure a clear and coherent career pathway for those working, or wishing to work, in sports turf maintenance and management.

Levy-paying employers can draw down funds up to the approved maximum, while non-levy payers contribute just 5% towards training costs. The accessible funding model helps remove barriers for both apprentices and employers, encouraging wider participation and supporting the continued professionalisation of the industry.

Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer at the GMA, said: “This new Level 5 apprenticeship is a significant step forward for the sports turf sector. It creates a vital link between hands-on experience and degree-level learning. Currently, just under 17% of the professional workforce has come through apprenticeships so by offering a technical qualification that aligns with industry needs, we hope to widen access and attract more people to a rewarding and skilled profession.”

The Sports Turf Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group is a voluntary collaboration involving Whitgift School, Leicester City Football Club, STRI Group, Myerscough College, LANTRA, International Greenkeepers for Hire, Ashton Gate Stadium, Grounds Management Association, The RFU, Bridgewater and Taunton College, Warwickshire CCC, Warwick Schools, Wiltshire College, Perfect Pitches, York Racecourse.

The full apprenticeship standards are available here:

Expressions of interest for the Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship are welcome via this form.

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Speaker line-up confirmed for GMA Connect

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Speaker line-up confirmed for GMA Connect: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced the expert speaker line-up for its upcoming regional event, GMA Connect, taking place at Durham County Cricket Club on Wednesday 18 June.

Building on the success of GMA Connect in Bristol earlier this month, the Durham event promises another engaging and informative day for grounds professionals. The Bristol event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with attendees praising the quality and relevance of the seminar programme.

Speaker line-up confirmed for GMA Connect

Speaker line-up confirmed for GMA Connect

One attendee said: “Alex Vickers was superb and had great presentation and interaction skills.” Many cited the seminars as their primary reason for attending, reinforcing the value of these regional gatherings.

GMA Connect is designed to bring the grounds management community together at a local level, offering a full day of expert-led seminars, live demonstrations and networking opportunities.

The Durham programme features a strong line-up of speakers and sessions, including:

  • Mark Hunt, renowned weather expert, presenting Turf Management in the Current Climate, with practical advice on interpreting forecasts and managing the effects of changing weather patterns.
  • Alex Vickers, returning by popular demand, leading Reading Your Soil, an interactive workshop on soil profiles and compaction identification.
  • Vic Demain, Head Groundsman at Durham CCC, hosting What’s in Your Shed?, a behind-the-scenes look at the professional equipment used to maintain elite playing surfaces.
  • A panel discussion on Dealing with Climate Change Challenges at Professional Venues, featuring Vic Demain, Alex Vickers and Aaron Tong from Hull City’s MKM Stadium.
  • Ian Mather-Brewster from the GMA, delivering Carrying Out a Surface Assessment, followed by a joint session with Chris Hunter on Using a Playing Surface Assessment to Upgrade Your Facility.

Commenting at GMA Connect Bristol earlier in May, Victoria Jones, Facilities and Investment Manager at Cricket Wales, said: “GMA Connect has been a great success – there’s been such an opportunity to network across the industry from grounds managers to professionals from the GMA – but also experts from the commercial sector, it’s been great to network with these people. Through networking and educational opportunities, it’s how we improve ground quality and performance.”

GMA Connect Durham is set to be another must-attend event for the grounds management community.

Tickets are free for GMA members, while non-members can attend for £15. Membership provides additional value, including exclusive resources, discounted training, access to the Member Assistance Programme and more.

For more information or to register, visit thegma.org.uk/events

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

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Industry-Leading Brands Back GMA Connect

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Industry-Leading Brands Back GMA Connect: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is excited to announce the support of leading industry brands for its new regional event series, GMA Connect – a dedicated hub for grounds professionals.

Taking place in Bristol and Durham, these one-day events bring grounds professionals together at a regional level, providing hands-on insights through seminars, live demonstrations and practical workshops.

Industry-Leading Brands Back GMA Connect

Industry-Leading Brands Back GMA Connect

The 2025 events will focus on “Turf Management in the Current Climate” addressing the key issues facing the industry today.

GMA Connect is backed by headline sponsor Cramer, alongside ISEKI UK & Ireland, Campey Turf Care Systems, Fleet Line Markers, GKB Machines, Abundigro, Turfix and The Aquatrols Company, with more to be announced.

Some of the sector’s most recognisable names will be on hand to share new equipment and ideas to tackle common challenges – with attendees able to see a range of them in action through live demonstrations. Headline sponsor Cramer will be showcasing a selection of their battery-powered range, including robotic mowers, a zero-turn mower and pedestrian mowers designed for all-terrain use.

ISEKI and GKB will deliver a joint demonstration, featuring a 25hp tractor fitted with a GKB Combi Tool and a 40/50hp tractor paired with a GKB deep aerator – highlighting practical solutions for improving ground conditions and operational efficiency.

Confirmed 2025 events:

  • Tuesday 13 May 2025 – Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
  • Wednesday 18 June 2025 – Durham County Cricket Club, Durham

John McGrady, National Sales Manager at headline sponsor Cramer, said: “We are delighted to support the launch of GMA Connect and be part of these brand-new regional events. For us, it’s a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with professional users and understand their challenges so that we can help them succeed. We look forward to seeing the impact GMA Connect will have in bringing the industry together and supporting the future of grounds management.”

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “It’s great to have the support of industry-leading brands for our first two GMA Connect events. Their backing reinforces the value these events will bring to the sector, providing a unique opportunity for grounds professionals to connect and explore the latest innovations. GMA Connect ensures that expertise and solutions are more accessible than ever.”

GMA Connect is free for GMA members, while non-members can attend for £15. Membership also provides year-round access to exclusive resources, training discounts and the Member Assistance Programme.

For more information or to register, visit thegma.org.uk/events

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GMA Launches 35 Under 35

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GMA Launches 35 Under 35: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), supported by ICL, is proud to launch 35 Under 35 – a brand-new initiative to celebrate the brightest young professionals and volunteers making a real difference in the grounds management industry.

Grounds management is an essential yet often overlooked profession, responsible for maintaining the quality, safety and playability of green spaces for sport, recreation and communities. This new initiative will shine a spotlight on 35 individuals under the age of 35 who have made, and continue to make, an outstanding contribution to the industry.

GMA Launches 35 Under 35

GMA Launches 35 Under 35

GMA 35 Under 35 is proudly backed by ICL – a global leader in turf and landscape solutions. Trusted by many of the UK and Ireland’s top sports venues, ICL brings cutting-edge innovation, technical expertise, and decades of experience to the industry, helping turf professionals raise standards, solve challenges, and push the profession forward. ICL’s support ensures the GMA 35 Under 35 initiative is positioned as a key fixture in the grounds industry calendar for years to come.

The free-to-enter initiative is open to both self-nominations and nominations by peers, offering a valuable opportunity for individuals to showcase their achievements and gain recognition for their impact on the industry. Participants will also have exclusive access to technical and agronomic training modules developed by the GMA and ICL technical team, along with unique network sessions at SALTEX.

Selected by an expert judging panel, the final 35 will be profiled across the GMA’s digital channels and wider industry media – giving them a platform to showcase their achievements and helping to inspire the next generation of grounds professionals.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO, said: “Grounds management is rapidly evolving, competing with every other sector for future talent. Its success hinges on fresh ideas combined with the invaluable experience of today’s grounds teams. That’s why recognising and supporting the next generation is crucial for the industry’s continued growth.

“The GMA 35 Under 35 initiative celebrates future managers and inspiring tomorrow’s talent- by spotlighting these individuals, we aim to celebrate their achievements but also attract new talent to create a vital pipeline to complement the expertise of seasoned managers, ensuring smooth succession planning and addressing the challenge of an aging workforce.”

Simon Barnaby, ICL National Key Account & Business Development Manager UK & Ireland – Stadia, said: “At ICL, we’re committed to supporting the future of turf care, and the GMA 35 Under 35 initiative is a great way to recognise young professionals already making a difference. Just as importantly, it gives them a chance to keep learning – through training, development, and being part of something bigger. We’re proud to support a programme that not only celebrates achievement but helps the next generation build their confidence and grow their careers.”

The inaugural GMA 35 Under 35 will culminate in a celebration across the GMA’s digital platforms and wider industry media, showcasing the achievements of those recognised and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Register your interest now: Nominations for the inaugural GMA 35 Under 35 open later this month, you can register your interest now by clicking here.

For more information visit thegma.org.uk.

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