#GroundsWeek: Celebrating the key contribution of the turf care sector to sport
Published: Monday 23 March 2026It’s #GroundsWeek, an annual awareness campaign that celebrates the incredible work that grounds volunteers and professionals undertake to make sport possible.
The nationwide celebration shines a spotlight on the professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sports surfaces and green spaces thrive.
Sport simply could not take place without the contribution of grounds management and, without quality grass pitches, not only will our nation’s health and local communities suffer, but so will our talent offering when it comes to professional teams and leagues.
If existing grass pitches were improved, research by the Grounds Management Association shows that almost 1,400,000 more children could play rugby or football every week and half a million more could play cricket every season.
That means 4,000,000 more children’s football matches could happen every year on existing pitches – this is why #GroundsWeek and encouraging more people to join the sector is so important.
The grounds care sector is becoming increasingly recognised as a viable career route which other GMA initiatives, like the Grounds Management Framework, support by providing a key path of development for those looking to progress in the sector.
Paul McGrail is Myerscough’s Executive Director / Assistant Principal - Apprenticeships, Skills & Employer Engagement, and said: ‘’During GMA Groundsweek, I’m incredibly proud to recognise the outstanding progress our Myerscough College apprentices are making.
''Their commitment to achieving high grades - consistently above national benchmarks - is a testament to their dedication and the quality of support from their employers and tutors. They are raising the bar for excellence across the industry.”
“One of the most inspiring aspects of our apprenticeship provision is seeing real career progression in action. At Myerscough, 51% of apprentices who complete their programme go on to secure promotion or take on additional responsibilities within their workplace. This demonstrates not only their capability but the trust and value employers place in the skills they develop with us.”
“Our apprentices tell us that their learning has a transformative effect, with 95% reporting that the skills, knowledge and behaviours they gain will positively shape their future career prospects. That confidence reflects the outstanding experiences and opportunities they receive - something we are proud to celebrate during GMA Groundsweek.”
Myerscough College enjoys a fantastic reputation across the UK and Europe as one of the leading providers of sportsturf education. Over the years, ex-students from the programmes have been found at some of the top sporting venues across the country including Wimbledon, the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and St Andrews.
Find out more about the range of study options at degree level and apprenticeships
SUCCESS STORIES
A Myerscough College sportsturf apprentice has been named as a winner in the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) Industry Awards.
A Myerscough College apprentice was named the best student greenkeeper in the country after he scooped a prestigious national industry award.
An exciting partnership between Myerscough College and a luxury hotel collection will create a pathway for aspiring greenkeepers of the future.
Myerscough College is proud to offer a degree level apprenticeship in golf course management.
A number of Myerscough sportsturf apprentices made history at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final.