GROUNDS WEEK
Grounds Management Association (GMA), the leading not-for-profit membership body for grounds professionals and volunteers, launches #GroundsWeek.
The inaugural celebration week takes place this week (1 -7 March 2021) and will celebrate and highlight the vital role of professional grounds staff, volunteers, and the turf sector play in making sport possible.
Following a difficult year for the sector, due to the impact of Covid-19, the GMA aims to showcase grounds staff and the amazing work that they do – and have continued to do – despite sport coming to a grinding halt. It also comes after a year where parks and green spaces have been valuable to the public’s health – with increased use for ‘daily exercise’ and physical activity.
Grounds management continues to be challenging beyond 2020 due to limited resources and budgets, coupled with more varied and unpredictable weather conditions that makes planning tasks more difficult.
Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “We know that the skill involved is often misunderstood. We want to inspire sports fans and the general public to celebrate alongside us and get even more people to enter the profession and lend a helping hand at pitches across the country.
“Without the vital work that grounds staff do, many sports would face cancellations and potentially closure. This is a chance to recognise all the hard work that goes into making sport possible and keeping green spaces accessible.”
The GMA’s campaign will encourage individuals and organisations across the industry, whether they have a career in grounds management or volunteer for an hour a week, to get involved both on the pitch and on social media.
Businesses can also get involved by pledging to be a #GroundsWeek partner.
Geoff continued:
“Grounds staff are vital and the work they do is essential to getting the nation active – from professional athletes to local communities. After a really tough year, we’re launching this celebration week to raise awareness and give our members the opportunity to get the recognition they deserve. "
For more information about the GMA and the important work they do within grounds maintenance, visit: https://thegma.org.uk/
CUMBERLAND CLUBS
Share your pitch photos and tag us and the Ground Maintenance Association on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #CumberlandPitches & let’s give the deserved recognition!
DOWNLOADS
Top tips to attract more local volunteers to help with grounds management tasks
Top tips for professional grounds staff on how to be on top of your game
Turf maintenance top tips: seven things for volunteers to have in mind this season
GROUNDS WEEK WEBINAR
Friday 5 March (7-8pm)
The GMA be running a unique webinar, GMA Live - #GroundsWeek Volunteer Special. The webinar will shine a spotlight on the heart and soul of the industry - the volunteer grounds people who are the foundation of sport and physical activity. The session will discuss the impact of COVID19 on amateur recreational sport, plus the wider support that is still available, as well as hints and tips on what you can do on a budget, even a reduced one.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER