#GroundsWeek: Celebrating the key role of the turf care sector to sport
- Published
- Monday 17 March
It’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.
Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “A key part of our role advocating for the industry and our members is laying the foundations for new talent to enter the sector. It’s hugely encouraging to see, after three years, and lots of hard work introducing the sector to new audiences, that the number of young people entering the sector is starting to rise.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done, but initiatives like #GroundsWeek can have a really important role in encouraging more people to consider working in our wonderful industry.
“To help raise awareness and make as much noise as possible, we’re encouraging grounds staff and sports clubs across the country to engage with the campaign online and celebrate the vital contribution of grounds staff in making sport possible.”
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.
SUCCESS STORIES
Two Myerscough College sportsturf apprentices have been named winners in the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) Industry Awards for 2025 last week.
Last season, a Myerscough College learner led an all-female grounds team who prepared the pitch at a sold out Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Women’s Super League.
Among the team, in total there were three Myerscough College sportsturf apprentices.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for women’s sport and the role of women in making sport possible.
Find out more about our innovative, sector leading sportsturf apprenticeship programme.
An inspirational Myerscough College sportsturf apprentice has been recognised with a national award for her contribution to the industry.
The Women in Golf Awards is an annual event celebrating the significant contribution that women, past and present, continue to make to the golf industry.
Anna Nilsson was named as the winner of the Women in Turfcare category.
A Myerscough College apprentice has been recognised for the quality of his work in the annual Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards.
The event celebrates the best student greenkeepers in the country, with Myerscough boasting three finalists this year in total.