What are the GMA Awards?

The annual awards, hosted by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), recognise outstanding achievements, innovation, and leadership within the industry.

Covering both professional and volunteer grounds staff, the GMA Awards celebrate the vital role that these individuals and teams play in maintaining the high standards of sports pitches, public green spaces, and landscapes across the UK.

The awards include those that celebrate innovation in turf management, dedication to environmental sustainability, and the development of new talent in the industry.

Key Categories at the GMA Awards

Each year, the GMA Awards highlight various aspects of the grounds care profession, from grassroots sports fields to elite-level stadia. Some of the most notable categories include:

• Newcomer of the Year: Sponsored by ICL, this category recognises the impact of emerging professionals who are making significant contributions in the early stages of their careers. This award celebrates the fresh ideas and innovation brought by new talent to the industry.
• Environmental and Sustainability Award: Recognising outstanding achievements in implementing sustainable practices in grounds care, this category showcases professionals and organisations leading the way in eco-friendly solutions.
• Professional Sports Grounds Team of the Year: Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of teams maintaining sports venues, this award focuses on the highest levels of grounds care professionalism.

Other categories recognise achievements in sectors such as volunteer work.

The Role of the Grounds Management Association

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is a not-for-profit membership organisation, the GMA promotes and protects the interests of both professional and volunteer groundskeepers who ensure that sports and recreational spaces are maintained to the highest standards.

The GMA plays a critical role in the industry by providing education, training, and advocacy to its members.

The GMA Awards serve as an important platform to highlight the incredible work being done across the UK, offering recognition to those who consistently go above and beyond to ensure the success of grounds care, from community pitches to world-class sports venues.

Why the GMA Awards Matter

Grounds care professionals often work behind the scenes to ensure that playing surfaces are safe, durable, and visually stunning.

Their work is vital to the success of sports events, the safety of athletes, and the overall enjoyment of sports and recreational activities by the public. The GMA Awards give these unsung heroes the recognition they deserve, offering an opportunity to celebrate both long-serving experts and those just beginning their careers.

In recent years, the focus of the GMA Awards has also expanded to include a stronger emphasis on environmental responsibility and sustainability, reflecting the growing importance of green practices in the sector.