The Grounds Management Association’s NextGen group have launched their very own NextGen Network, a free online community designed to connect and support the next generation of grounds professionals.
Hosted on WhatsApp, the NextGen Network is an extension of the GMA NextGen group, a dynamic group of young professionals whose mission is to inspire and encourage younger talent into the grounds management industry.
With around 1,500 professionals expected to retire from the industry each year, GMA NextGen is committed to ensuring a vibrant future for grounds management by attracting and engaging the next wave of professionals.
The new NextGen Network will build on their mission by offering a space where people in the industry can exchange ideas and take part in two-way conversations with peers and established figures across the industry, all at their fingertips.
Liddy Ford, GMA NextGen member and groundsperson at Wembley Stadium, said: “The NextGen Network is a great opportunity to engage with other young members of the grounds industry. Whether you’d like to share your experiences of the grounds sector, build connections with likeminded individuals, or gain some top-dressing tips, this network provides the framework for you.”
The network is open to anyone aged 18 and over and will act as a go-to hub for those looking to build connections in the sector. For safeguarding reasons, under-18s will not be able to access the WhatsApp community. However, they can still be part of the wider NextGen Network by receiving the quarterly newsletter.
Beth Gibbs, GMA NextGen member and groundsperson at Wellington School, said: “The NextGen Network is all about connecting you with fellow grounds people and keeping you up to date with any news in the industry. This network will be good for you to meet new people and keep up date to what happening in the industry.”
The NextGen Network complements other GMA NextGen initiatives, such as Schools into Stadia, which aim to showcase the diverse and rewarding career opportunities within grounds management.]
