Young Groundsperson of the Year
Young grounds staff are the future of the industry. To encourage workforce development, it is more important than ever to champion the achievements and accomplishments of young, upcoming talent within the industry. This award recognises outstanding and driven young grounds people who are in the early stages of their career, study, or training.
Deadline - 16 October 2026
Please remember to save your form if you are unable to finish it right now by clicking the save button at the bottom of the application form.
Entry Criteria
Who can enter?
This award is open to any groundsperson and full and/or part time students who are aged 25 years or under at the time of submitting their application. Any student applicant must have undertaken full time or part time study or training in the turf maintenance or management sector within the past seven years. Study, training, and qualifications can include apprenticeship programmes, Further Education and/or Higher Education study, GMA or equivalent qualifications. You will need to provide your unique learner number as part of your application.
Entry / Nomination Criteria
Individuals can enter or be nominated by an employer, manager, or lecturer. The award entry can be completed with the assistance of an employer, manager, or lecturer.
Judging Criteria
The judges will be looking for evidence to support your entry in the following areas: 1) Evidence of demonstrating excellence in maintaining playing surfaces or application of knowledge and learning. 2) Evidence of demonstrating exemplary performance and someone who stands out from their peers. This can be demonstrated through their technical, commercial, or practical abilities, team input and focus, recognition of their work by their employer/lecturer and other team/class members. 3) Achieved a high level of progression and have successfully applied their learning in the workplace and/or classroom. 4) Evidence of making the most impact and contribution to their team, club, class, course, or the profession more widely.
1. Contact Information
Full name
*
First Name
Last Name
Phone number
*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: 00000000000.
Email address
*
Confirmation Email
Unique Learner Number
(If applicable)
Criteria Confirmation
*
I confirm I am aged 25 or under at the time of application.
2. Facility Details
Place of work or education
*
Facility or educational institution postal address
*
Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
County
Postcode
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3. Roles and responsibilities [10 marks]
What are your main responsibilities? Please provide details
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0/300
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4. Utilisation of equipment, including IT [10 marks]
Discuss a selection of machinery and usage of IT for the site/your role. How is the equipment operated, maintained and overhauled? Please provide evidence.
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5. Knowledge, understanding and practical skills [10 marks]
How have you demonstrated good knowledge, understanding and practical skills of the work involved? Please provide examples.
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6.Training, education, health and safety - To be completed by those in full-time work ONLY [10 marks]
Provide an outline of relevant training and education (include in-house) you have undertaken. Do you have awareness of your responsibilities regarding health and safety? Please provide details.
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Please include copies of certificates and/or results where possible.
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7. Ongoing Qualifications - To be completed by those in full-time or part-time education ONLY [10 marks]
If in full/part time education provide an outline of the qualification being undertaken, include the current status and the length of the course. Please also provide any previous training or education you have undertaken. Please provide details.
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8. Presentation and housekeeping [10 marks]
Describe the preparation involved in maintaining the presentation of your facilities. Please also describe how you monitor and utilise any information or records that you keep in order to deliver the end-product.
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0/300
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Provide photographic evidence to demonstrate the presentation of pitches.
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If you require assistance with filling in this application form, please contact industryawards@thegma.org.uk
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