The Grounds Management Association (GMA) in the UK kicked off #GroundsWeek, which runs from March 17–23. The week highlights the critical role of both professional and volunteer grounds people in delivering high-quality playing surfaces and well-maintained green spaces – work that often goes unnoticed by those outside the industry.
To kick off the week the GMA Industry Awards 2025 brought the grounds management community together for an evening at Anfield Stadium to celebrate the exceptional achievements of professionals across the sector.
This year’s winners and finalists:
- Young Groundsperson of the Year (Sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions): Thomas Heppell-Mooney – Lancaster University
- Newcomer of the Year of the Year (Sponsored by ICL): Matthew Barr – Warwick Independent Schools Foundation
- Volunteer Groundsperson or Team of the Year (Sponsored by Husqvarna): Tom Banks – Kirkoswald Football Club
- Community Groundsperson or Team of the Year: Stoneham Lane Football Complex
- Environmental and Sustainability Impact Award (Sponsored by Syngenta): London Youth Sports Trust
- Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson or Team of the Year: Dean Gibbons – Wantage Bowling Club
- Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year: Stoneham Lane Football Complex
- Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year: York Racecourse
- Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Infinicut): Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
- Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year: Lancashire Cricket Club
- Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year: Leicester Tigers
- Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Agronomic Services Ltd): Castleford Tigers
- Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Reesink UK): Stockport County Football Club
- Professional Football Grounds Team (Elite) of the Year (Sponsored by SGL): Liverpool Football Club
- University/College Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Kubota UK Ltd): Lancaster University
- Independent School Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by ISEKI UK & Ireland): Eton College
- GMA Grounds Manager of the Year (Sponsored by DLF Seeds Ltd): William Rigg – Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club