More than 300 attendees from throughout the sports turf industry in the UK gathered for the Grounds Management Association (GMA) celebration at AMT Headingley Stadium.
The awards recognized leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement across every aspect of grounds care, from grassroots pitches to professional stadia, over 17 categories.
Attendees celebrated new talent emerging on the scene, with two female winners of the Young Groundsperson of the Year and Newcomer of the Year award categories, while longtime industry stalwarts were honored with Hall of Fame inductions and GMA Grounds Manager of the Year awards.
The awards ceremony recognized outstanding achievements in public and private sports venues and highlighted the progress of young grounds professionals as well as outstanding performance in environmental practices. Also new to 2023 was a Special Recognition Award which shone a light on a unique and inspiring individual who represents everything that is positive about the industry.
The winners of the GMA Industry Awards 2023 are:
- Young Groundsperson of the Year – Bethany Gibbs Wellington School
- Newcomer of the Year – Meg Lay Gloucestershire CCC
- Volunteer Groundsperson or Team of the Year – Clapton Community F.C
- Community Groundsperson or Team of the Year – Yeovil Recreation Centre
- Environmental and Sustainability Impact – Leicester City F.C
- Bowls/Croquet Groundsperson or Team of the Year – Wantage Bowling Club
- Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year – Yeovil Recreation Centre
- Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year – Lingfield Park
- Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year – Marylebone CC
- Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year – Devonshire Park
- Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year – Bath Rugby
- Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year – Leeds Rhinos
- Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year – Stockport County F.C
- Professional Football Grounds Team (Elite) – Leicester City F.C
- University/College Grounds Team of the Year – Loughborough University
- Independent School Grounds Team of the Year – Eton College
- Special Recognition Award – Zeynu Bedru Harrogate RUFC
- GMA Grounds Manager of the Year – Lee Marshallsay Eton College