BOARD DIRECTOR NOMINATION
There is one Sector Director position up for renewal this November and we have a nomination from the exisiting Board member who wishes to be re-elected.
GREG SMITH
Greg Smith has been Nominated for re-election to the position of GMA Sector Director.
Greg has been a dedicated member of the GMA throughout his career and is now committed to supporting and strengthening the organisation through his position on the Board of Directors.
Throughout his career, Greg has played an active role in helping to develop and nurture individuals through various horticultural courses focused on both natural grass and artificial/3G surfaces.
Self-motivated and passionate about the industry, Greg has a proven record of supporting the GMA and the Nottinghamshire FA, particularly during the launch of the PIP initiative for local football clubs. He continued to support this role across Nottinghamshire until 2015, working closely with Tom Rowley (GMA Pitch Advisory Service) and Ricky Stevenson (Nottinghamshire FA).
Greg’s involvement in sports ground maintenance dates back to 1983, a field he has always enjoyed and taken pride in. His career began through the YTS scheme, learning from experienced Grounds staff at Boots Sports Ground while studying for his City and Guilds and NVQ qualifications up to Level 3.
For fifteen years, Greg served as Head Groundsman and Stadium Manager for Notts County FC and Nottingham Rugby Club. Leading a small but dedicated team, he consistently produced high-quality playing surfaces for both sports. His outstanding work was recognised when he finished runner-up to Twickenham at the GMA Awards in 2012.
Currently, Greg works at the University of Nottingham, collaborating with the Director of Estates and the Director of Sport. He is part of a team responsible for delivering sport for students and organising major events held both locally and nationwide.
Greg’s achievements include winning a GMA Award for Best Artificial Surfaces and receiving a ‘Highly Commended’ recognition for the University and Colleges Grounds Team in 2018. One of his proudest accomplishments is Nottingham University hosting the BUCS Big Wednesday UK Finals for the second consecutive year.
NOMINATION STATEMENT FROM GREG
I would like to put forward my nomination to stand for a further 3 years on the Board of Directors to support the Education and Learning sector of the grounds industry.
Learning is an important part of the GMA, with the training they provide, through supporting everyone with an interest in sport and green spaces- professional, voluntarily or as an Amateur.
I have many years of experience within the industry, including hands on daily experience managing sports Facilities and facilitating capital projects which involve outside commercial interests. These include the natural grass playing surfaces for football, rugby, cricket, bowls and now in 2025 Hybrid grass playing surfaces (these possibly becoming the new norm) and 3G surfaces such as rubber crumb and water and sand based playing surfaces for hockey.
I also support large events, planning years in advance, for Nottingham University Commercial- facilitating them with accommodation and providing playing surfaces, therefore bringing in extra revenue during the summer months and during term time.
Meeting the needs of the organisers over the past years I have greatly valued the opportunity to contribute to the Grounds Management Association mission and work alongside a passionate and committed team. It has been deeply fulfilling to support initiatives that have advanced the organisations goals, strengthened its governance and increased its community impact.
I remain very proud with the progress that has been made. The future remains bright under the new chair, board and stewardship of it dedicated leadership and members of staff who run the GMA on a daily basis supporting all challenges that they meet.