The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced its judging panel for the 2027 GMA Industry Awards, bringing together some of the most respected professionals from across the grounds management, sport, education and events sectors.
The annual awards recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams and organisations that raise standards across grounds management, celebrating excellence, innovation and dedication throughout the profession.
The 2027 judging panel combines expertise from some of the UK's leading sporting venues and organisations, ensuring entries are assessed fairly, independently and against the highest professional standards.
Returning judges include:
- Adrian Kay, Head Groundsman, York Racecourse
- Andy Jackson, Grounds Manager, Stoke City FC
- Anthony Facey, Area Sales Manager, Tuckwells
- Derek Walder, Former Operations Director, SALTEX
- Jack Langley, Deputy Head Groundsperson, Ashton Gate Stadium
- James Wright, Senior Maintenance Manager, University of Leeds
- Neil Stubley, Head of Courts and Horticulture, All England Lawn Tennis Club and Vice Chair of the GMA
- Phil Fifield, Head of Sports Turf, Brighton & Hove Albion FC and GMA Board member
- Nasa Hussain, Head Groundsman & Facilities Manager, Yorkshire County Cricket Club
Joining the judging panel for 2027 are:
- Beth Gibbs, Regional Pitch Advisor, Grounds Management Association and former Young Groundsperson of the year
- Lee Marshallsay, Grounds Manager at Eton College and two-time winner of Independent School grounds team of the year and Grounds Manager of the Year
- Ruth Mann, Head of Integrated Crop Technologies, Agrii (Envirofield)
The appointment of Beth Gibbs, Lee Marshallsay and Ruth Mann further strengthens the diversity and expertise of the judging panel. Together they bring experience from grassroots sport, independent schools, and agronomy research, ensuring the awards continue to recognise excellence across every area of grounds management.
Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association, said: "The GMA Industry Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the individuals and teams whose dedication, expertise and professionalism make sport possible at every level. Behind every great playing surface are grounds people who are committed to delivering safe, sustainable and high-performing spaces for participants to enjoy."
"We are delighted to welcome such an experienced and respected judging panel for 2027. Their collective knowledge represents the very best of our industry and will help ensure every submission is reviewed with the rigour, fairness and insight it deserves."
"We're delighted to welcome Beth, Lee and Ruth to the judging panel for 2027. Their experience spans grassroots sport, education, research, and technology, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable expertise to the judging process. Alongside our returning judges, they will help ensure the awards continue to celebrate the outstanding people and organisations driving standards forward across the grounds management profession."
The GMA Industry Awards remain one of the most prestigious celebrations of excellence in grounds management, recognising the people, teams, and organisations whose work underpins participation, performance and player safety across sport and recreation.
From elite sporting venues and educational establishments to grassroots clubs and local authorities, the awards showcase the breadth of talent, innovation and commitment that exists throughout the profession, while highlighting the vital contribution grounds staff make to creating safe, sustainable, and high-quality playing surfaces.
The judges will assess submissions across a range of categories recognising achievement in professional and community sport, education, and the wider grounds management sector.
This year's awards are open for entry, providing an opportunity for individuals, teams, and organisations to showcase their achievements and gain recognition from some of the most respected figures in the profession.
Don't delay - visit the https://gmaindustryawards.uk/ to enter now - closing date is Friday 16 October.
