A seasoned professional with over 50 years of experience working in Horticulture and Turf, Derek has unique insight into the profession and understands what it takes to maintain and produce surfaces to the high standards of today.  

Although retired from grounds care, Derek keeps abreast of the ever-changing developments in the industry. Currently, Derek holds the position of Operations Director for SALTEX and has been involved in producing the exhibition since it moved to Windsor in 1979 and then to the NEC in 2015. 

“I consider it an honour to be one of the judges for this year’s Awards as it is the chance to show what dedication those working in the profession both full time, part time and volunteers give and is mostly unnoticed.” 

Having Started at Stoke City as an apprentice grounds-person in 1995, Andy worked his way up to head Groundsman in 2002 and grounds manager in 2010. He has recently been inducted to the GMA Hall of Fame for his immense contribution to the industry.

Andy also been involved in Staffordshire FA pitch advisory service for over 12 years, covering many sites and undertaking support for grassroots.

Anthony entered the grounds management industry at 15 volunteering at his local cricket club, where he is still involved over 15 years later.

He quickly realised that this would be an ideal career and set about gaining valuable experience volunteering in county cricket.

Soon after he began his first job at an independent school in Essex and later progressed to a position at one of the best independent schools in London before a change of scenery when he went on to work in football for two clubs.

Anthony has now settled into sales role for a dealer in Southeast England and is thoroughly enjoying the sales side of the industry.

“Thanks for letting me have this opportunity to give back to our wonderful industry.”

Stuart’s career began in Essex at sixteen years of age. After passing his City & Guilds levels 1, 2 and 3 with ‘flying colours’. Stuart secured his first Head Groundsman position overseeing Newlands Cape Town for the 1997/98 season. During this time, he produced the test pitch for South Africa v India before going on to spend 1998/99 winter as a consultant to the incoming Head Groundsman.  

Having won many awards, including the 2016 GMA Industry Award for Professional Cricket Grounds Team and leading training courses to help up-skill volunteers in the industry Stuart is perfectly placed to sit on the judging panel.

Jack first got into grounds as an Assistant Grounds Person at Ashton Gate in 2017. Starting with little experience, over time Jack built up a foundation of practical knowledge, supported by qualifications, which contributed to him landing the role as Deputy Head Groundsperson at 27 years old. 

His role focuses on creating the best possible playing surface for Bristol City, Bristol City Women FC and Bristol Bears. The tight schedule between games across multiple sports means that Jack and his team has to work had and always adapt to new challenges.  

Inspired by the satisfaction het gets from his job and the buzz he gets on Match Day, Jack joined GMA’s NextGen to discuss the challenges facing the industry and to encourage young people of all backgrounds and experience to consider a career in the grounds management. 

With a career in grounds care spanning 30 years, volunteering at Dunnington Cricket Club is where it all began for James. Since then, he has worked on golf courses across the globe and successfully completed the Ohio Programme, which included working for four years at Double Eagle Golf Club.  

With a HND in Turf-grass Science and BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection, James currently holds the position of Senior Maintenance Manager at the University of Leeds. James is responsible for both the external estate and off-campus residential building portfolio.  

Adrian started in the grounds industry in 1989, working with fine turf on bowling greens, then expanding his knowledge and experience on cricket squares, lawn tennis, and a pitch and putt course whilst passing the GMAs National Technical Certificate. 

Adrian spent 12 months as a Greenkeeper at Haydock Park Golf course. He then moved to Aintree Racecourse as Assistant Head Greenkeeper on their golf course and studied to attain a HND in turf science and sports ground management. He was promoted to become Head Groundsman at Aintree racecourse in 2000. In 2006, he moved to his current position at York racecourse.