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.

Who should 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:

• Evidence of demonstrating excellence in maintaining playing surfaces or application of knowledge and learning.
• 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.
• Achieved a high level of progression and have successfully applied their learning in the workplace and/or classroom.
• Evidence of making the most impact and contribution to their team, club, class, course, or the profession more widely.

Applications are now closed for this award.