BREAKING NEW GROUND
The all-female team who helped propel the Red Roses to victory
CONTRIBUTORS
KAREN MAXWELL Editor of Grounds Management magazine
DR ANDY CARMICHAEL Freelance writer and sports-turf academic
DR RICHARD EARL Managing director, PSD and TGMS
GEORGIA HADWIN GMA communications and marketing executive
ASH HENDRICKXNUTLEY GMA regional pitch advisor (football)
COLIN HOSKINS Freelance writer and industry expert
DAVID LYNCH Freelance writer
WELCOME
Highlighting changes, challenges and achievements
I’d like to start with a message of thanks to our outgoing independent chair, David Carpenter, who is unlikely to be known by many GMA members as he didn’t seek the limelight – preferring to keep his head down and lead with quiet, assured authority, while overseeing a successful transitional period in the GMA’s history.
I’d also like to thank Geoff Burgess, who has completed his term as an independent Board member along with James Wright from the University of Leeds. Both have played important roles in advancing the association during their tenure. Our new independent chair, Martyn Ward, and vice-chair, Neil Stubley, from the All England Lawn Tennis Club, will be officially appointed at our AGM on Wednesday 19 November.
As this issue goes to press, we are excited about the industry’s renewed energy for SALTEX and are very pleased to announce free parking for all attendees at the NEC, Birmingham – thanks to invaluable Football Foundation support.
This issue also highlights new developments within our Technical and Learning team, looks back on an incredible profile-raising opportunity for women grounds staff during the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup at the Allianz Stadium, and looks forward to the GMA Industry Awards celebrations at Edgbaston Stadium in March next year.
Throughout 2025, we have had much to celebrate within our industry and continue to lay exciting plans for the future.
Geoff Webb, GMA CEO
GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
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Published on behalf of the Grounds Management Association by: Think, 65 Riding House Street, London, W1W 7EH t: 020 3771 7200
Editor: Karen Maxwell t: 07866 736597
e: editor@thegma.org.uk
Director of communications: Jennifer Carter e: jcarter@thegma.org.uk
Managing editors: Kirsty Surgeon; Sian Campbell Designer: Christopher Brawn
Client engagement director: Jack Watts
To advertise in this magazine: Tony Hopkins: t: 020 3771 7251 e: tony.hopkins@ thinkpublishing.co.uk
Tom Crane: t: 020 3771 7260 e: tom.crane@ thinkpublishing.co.uk
BRIEFING
7 INDUSTRY NEWS Government commits to measures to boost grassroots football for women and girls, and other news from across the sector
9 GMA UPDATE
Findings from GMA survey; GMA expands Technical and Learning department; all-women grounds professionals in historic first at the Women’s Rugby World Cup
16 NGB UPDATE
As the Football Foundation celebrates its 25th year, we look back at some of the organisation’s seminal moments
19 PAS UPDATE
From CCTV to forensic marking, we explain how to prevent theft of your valuable machinery
FEATURES
23 SPECIAL REPORT: CLASS OF 2025
We reveal this year’s ‘35 under 35’ young movers and shakers in the grounds-care sector
28 BEST PRACTICE: EVERTON FC
The groundbreaking technology behind the Blues’ new playing surface at Hill Dickinson Stadium
32 BEST PRACTICE: LANCASTER UNIVERSITY
The award-winning grounds team on creating sustainable spaces that elevate the student experience
37 SPECIAL REPORT: GMA BOARD UPDATE
Outgoing GMA Board chair David Carpenter and his successor Martyn Ward reflect on the association’s success and look to the future
54 60 SECONDS WITH…
Howardson Group MD Megan Oliver on quality, customer service and the importance of diversity
TECHNICAL
41 DESIGN GUIDANCE FOR NATURAL TURF IN SPORT
A summary of Sport England’s advice on playing field construction and how to manage nine types of pitch
45 MAINTENANCE TIPS Winter operations
49 SALTEX SHOWCASE
The best on show at the industry’s leading exhibition for grounds-care professionals, including OAS, SIS Pitches, Weidenmann, Baroness, Howardson Group, GKB, Kubota, Trilo, Campey, ISEKI UK, Kersten and Price Turfcare
