The Young Ones - 2024 GMA NextGen

Greg Rhodesin Association News

In the run-up to a Saltex show promising to be ‘bigger and better than ever’, Pitchcare asked GMA NextGen board members for their views on the pressing issues challenging the sector.

Groundcare continues to tackle the thorny issue of recruitment in the face of challenges as diverse as perceived poor awareness of the industry in schools and fears that the onset of tech could threaten to render obsolete tasks once the preserve of people.

Professionals still working in their 80s reveal how fulfilling the sector can prove, but what about young people pondering their first career move? How can the sector reach out in a way appealing enough to entice them into a work life of often early starts and weekend shifts.

Operating on the theory that young people are most likely to find common ground with similar demographics, member body The Grounds Management Association set up a board of young grounds professionals ‘with an eye on the future and on a mission to inspire more young people to get involved in grounds care’.

GMA NextGen is a diverse group, gathered from the sports facilities and supplier sides of the industry – a mix that brings a balanced spread of knowledge to bear on the recruitment quandary and on other key factors shaping the way forward.

Why sustainability is key

Jack Langley (above), deputy head groundsperson at Ashton Gate, home of Championship side Bristol City and Premiership rugby union club Bristol Bears.

“Last season wasn’t easy,” Jack recalls. “Climate change meant more extreme weather, including flooding - heaping pressure on us as groundspeople, which is why sustainability should be firmly on our radar.”

Within his individual role and as a group at Ashton Gate, “sustainability is really important to us,” he insists, “from monitoring pitch moisture levels to knowing when to apply irrigation in a smarter way that saves water. We always try to work as sustainably as possible.”

The venue is also implementing a plan for more sustainable fertiliser over the next season, Jack reveals. “As an industry, we must move away from plastic-coated fertilisers. More natural-based ones are not only better for the environment but also use less chemicals - the production and supply chains of which can be problematic.”

Finding more sustainable products that work in a stadium with the highest standards is challenging, Jack accepts: “and of course, it’s a balance between feasibility and costs, but it’s really important to start thinking longer term and ask ourselves at every stage: ‘Is this sustainable and is it ethical?’

The importance of getting more women in the industry - and how to do it

Louise Saunders, Managing Director of sports surfaces supplier Premier Sports Surfaces

“I’m passionate about getting more women involved in grounds care,” Louise states. “It’s an industry where men have traditionally led - but this sector has an ageing workforce and providing more opportunities for women is key to ensuring there isn’t a staff shortage.”

“I was drawn to a career in grounds care by the unique opportunities to work with a niche clientele and engage in diverse, exciting projects,” she explains. “As a female in this industry, it’s been challenging at times and I’m certain my experience has been different in comparison to males working in it.”

One of the main challenges she’s faced is dealing with industry peers, potential suppliers, and subcontractors “who often assume I lack technical knowledge”,  a presumption that she says “has sometimes led to attempts to overprice quotes or intimidate me with belittling behaviour when their prices have been questioned.”

“Initially, I tried to prove them wrong but as I gained more confidence in my role, I adopted a different approach. Now, I no longer engage with those who don’t respect my expertise. Instead, I focus my energy on building long-lasting relationships with companies and peers that share my values and respect my capabilities.”

While Louise has faced “some obstacles, these have only strengthened my determination and resilience. I’m more committed than ever to building a long-term, rewarding career in grounds care - and helping others to do the same.”

She concludes: “For the industry to become more inclusive and supportive, companies need to recognise that women are just as capable as men. It’s crucial to adopt a workplace culture that genuinely supports women and their career growth.”

“This includes offering equal opportunities, fostering a respectful and collaborative environment, and actively addressing any discriminatory behaviour.”

“I would like to see more mentorship programmes, diversity training and policies that promote gender equality implemented across the industry.”

How to attract the next generation

Beth Gibbs, groundsperson at Wellington School and the GMA’s Young Groundsperson of the Year 2023

“I joined the industry almost by accident. I love grounds care and now I work hard to ensure the next generation actively seek out the profession.”

“I entered the industry when I was looking for an apprenticeship,” Beth continues. “An opening came up at Wellington School for a trainee groundsperson. I applied, got the job and three years later haven’t looked back.”

After landing the 2023 Young Groundsperson of the Year award, Beth joined GMA’s NextGen and this year was part of the first all-women’s grounds team at the Emirates Stadium – “an amazing experience.”

“Being part of NextGen, I always try to share my experiences with young people so they can hear what’s possible and what opportunities are out there. They need to be able to see it to be it.”

“To inspire more young people to get involved in grounds care, it’s also really important to make more noise about the support that’s available, in terms of training and career progression.”

The GMA has lots of really valuable courses and advice on its website for those just getting started in the industry. It’s also launched the Grounds Management Framework, which for the first time ever, provides groundspeople with a clear map of the career paths open to them and the qualifications they need to get there. It’s a game-changer, I believe.”

Why more investment is needed in grounds teams - at all levels

Meg Lay (above), groundsperson at Lord’s Cricket Ground

“The standards and expectations of sports turf and the people who work on them continue to increase,” notes Meg, “but it’s getting ever harder for grounds teams to keep up. Investment is essential – at all levels.”

“At Lord’s, we’re always looking out for new technology and science that can improve our efficiency and performance. This includes things like electric mowers, the hover cover, and improving our methods of aeration,” she explains.

“All this helps to ensure we’re able to deliver the perfect pitches demanded by players, management, media and fans.” But it’s not only in professional sports where great quality playing surfaces are needed, Meg believes.

“Grassroots is the lifeblood of sports in this country and more people than ever want to play. There’s increasing pressure on pitch care professionals and volunteers in places like schools and recreational grounds – which is why it’s essential to invest in grounds teams at all levels.”

Greater investment could also be the catalyst for more tech advancements, Meg says. “If manufacturers see more demand, they’ll be more likely to develop equipment for our industry.”

Pinpointing the right technology for your role

Sam Cain (above), owner of sports surface maintenance company Cain Markings

“Technology is growing ever more important in grounds care, and so is knowing which tech can help you in your role,” Sam says.

In recent years, there have been major technological developments and advancements, he adds. “Robotic line-marking machines have been around for some time, but they’re now becoming an absolute must for me as a business owner as they reach new levels of accuracy and productivity.”

“Advanced project management software is also key for us. More precise weather predictions really help us plan our workload and have less downtime throughout the year due to rained-off days – it means we’re a lot more cost-effective now - as well as spending more time working in the sun rather than the rain!”

This is crucial when it comes to deciding whether a new bit of kit is right for you, Sam says. “Cost is obviously really important, but if tech can help you do your job better and more efficiently, then it could be a wise investment.”

Groundcare is an industry for everyone – including women

Liddy Ford, groundsperson at the FA’s St George’s Park

“We’re making progress, but more needs to be done to make grounds care as inclusive as possible,” says Liddy.

“I grew up in an agricultural environment and I love working outdoors,” she notes. “Combined with my passion for sport, a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science felt like a natural progression.”

As part of the course, Liddy visited St. George’s Park – so when she later had the opportunity to work as a groundsperson there, she jumped at the chance.

“Three years on and I really enjoy the work I do. But I’d say my experience as a woman in this industry hasn’t been without its teething problems.”

“There are some pre-conceived perceptions of what women are capable of, as well as outdated attitudes. I’ve navigated these by getting stuck in and showing that women are able to work and thrive in the grounds care industry.”

Also, a lack of female representation persists in grounds management, Liddy states. “If you can’t ‘see’ yourself in the industry, it can be difficult to feel like you belong. But an all-female groundsperson event that took place at the Emirates Stadium earlier this year really helped.”

“The experience not only externally boosted the profile of women in our industry, but also internally, forming a sense of community that I’d struggled to find before.”

“We can make grounds care more inclusive by championing diversity and continuing to showcase the presence and achievements of women.”

With numerous female members, GMA NextGen is pushing inclusivity, Liddy says, “and we’re dedicated to being positive role models for women and girls.”

“Clubs also have a part to play – more things like the all-female grounds team event are needed to show grounds care is a place for everyone, including women.”