GMA GROW EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced that they have reached a significant milestone in its online training with more than 2,000 enrolling for its courses since the pandemic began.

The Assoication has now added two new courses to its training offering; Online Level 2 Cricket Surfaces (Applied Turf Culture) and the first face-to-face training course since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Management.

Taking around 6 hours to complete, Online Level 2 Cricket Surfaces (Applied Turf Culture) is described as suitable for volunteers or new additions to grounds teams seeking to develop their skills and learn about the importance of preparing a playing surface with the implementation of an annual maintenance plan.

The GMA has also announced the return of face-to-face training with a 5-day training course at the British Racing School. Taking place from 14-19 November 2021, Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Management teaches students how to apply the theory required to understand the science of racecourse grounds maintenance and say it will be equally relevant for individual grounds staff as well as Clerks of the course.

Developed in conjunction with the Racecourse Association and the British Horseracing Authority, the 5-day course will be delivered by industry experts, Alan Lewis NDT, Adrian Kay, head groundsman at York Racecourse and Richard Linley, senior inspector of courses at the Brirish Horseracing Authority, with accommodation and food covered in the package.

Dan Prest, head of technical and learning, said, “It has been an incredibly challenging 18 months, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the drive from so many in the industry to continue in their professional journey and development working in the turf-care sector. Whilst we’ve all had to adapt to a more online-orientated work and study life, we know how valuable practical face-to-face training courses are.

"We’re also pleased to be developing more content than ever to align with our Pitch Advisory Service objectives to help volunteers get the most of our their local natural and artificial surfaces.”