The Grounds Management Association (GMA), supported by ICL, is proud to launch 35 Under 35 - a brand-new initiative to celebrate the brightest young professionals and volunteers making a real difference in the grounds management industry.
Grounds management is an essential yet often overlooked profession, responsible for maintaining the quality, safety and playability of green spaces for sport, recreation and communities. This new initiative will shine a spotlight on 35 individuals under the age of 35 who have made, and continue to make, an outstanding contribution to the industry.
GMA 35 Under 35 is proudly backed by ICL – a global leader in turf and landscape solutions. Trusted by many of the UK and Ireland’s top sports venues, ICL brings cutting-edge innovation, technical expertise, and decades of experience to the industry, helping turf professionals raise standards, solve challenges, and push the profession forward. ICL’s support ensures the GMA 35 Under 35 initiative is positioned as a key fixture in the grounds industry calendar for years to come.
The free-to-enter initiative is open to both self-nominations and nominations by peers, offering a valuable opportunity for individuals to showcase their achievements and gain recognition for their impact on the industry. Participants will also have exclusive access to technical and agronomic training modules developed by the GMA and ICL technical team, along with unique network sessions at SALTEX.
Selected by an expert judging panel, the final 35 will be profiled across the GMA’s digital channels and wider industry media – giving them a platform to showcase their achievements and helping to inspire the next generation of grounds professionals.
Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO, said: "Grounds management is rapidly evolving, competing with every other sector for future talent. Its success hinges on fresh ideas combined with the invaluable experience of today's grounds teams. That's why recognising and supporting the next generation is crucial for the industry's continued growth.
"The GMA 35 Under 35 initiative celebrates future managers and inspiring tomorrow's talent- by spotlighting these individuals, we aim to celebrate their achievements but also attract new talent to create a vital pipeline to complement the expertise of seasoned managers, ensuring smooth succession planning and addressing the challenge of an aging workforce."
Simon Barnaby, ICL National Key Account & Business Development Manager UK & Ireland – Stadia, said: "At ICL, we’re committed to supporting the future of turf care, and the GMA 35 Under 35 initiative is a great way to recognise young professionals already making a difference. Just as importantly, it gives them a chance to keep learning – through training, development, and being part of something bigger. We’re proud to support a programme that not only celebrates achievement but helps the next generation build their confidence and grow their careers."
The inaugural GMA 35 Under 35 will culminate in a celebration across the GMA’s digital platforms and wider industry media, showcasing the achievements of those recognised and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Register your interest now: Nominations for the inaugural GMA 35 Under 35 open later this month, you can register your interest now by clicking here.
