GMA SAY #GROUNDSWEEK HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT

Following the first-ever #GroundsWeek (1-7 March 2021), organisers, the Grounds Management Association (GMA), say that their polling has revealed a positive impact for the future of groundscare.

Following the campaign, the Association measured results to inform future activities. In a survey issued to professional and volunteer groundspeople, as well as industry suppliers, 79% of respondents stated that the week had helped celebrate the sector, fulfilling one the initial aims of the campaign; to mark the challenging year brought on by the pandemic.
 
Over 61% of respondents said that #GroundsWeek helped educate them on the turf-care sector and the tasks involved in grounds maintenance. According to the GMA, these individuals agreed that they had learned something new and felt better-connected as a result of the week taking place. 
 
#GroundsWeek also peaked interest in volunteering with 76% agreeing that the week raised awareness of the sector and 50% responding that they had got involved during the week itself. Individuals also shared their availability across social media for volunteering opportunities.
 
Scott Tingley, head groundsman at Watford FC, following #GroundsWeek, said, “GroundsWeek enabled myself and so many others to promote our industry. We are in a very fortunate position at top level football clubs, but the industry is so much more than that. It’s important the industry is recognised at all levels to ensure we are attracting the next generation, and the Grounds Management Association has given us the platform to demonstrate that with their #GroundsWeek initiative.”
 
The GMA claim that overall, 29 million people were reached by #GroundsWeek content across social media and through media coverage, with over 6,000 positively engaging with #GroundsWeek content on social media platforms.
 
Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said, “We were thrilled with the response and impact of this year’s #GroundsWeek campaign. It surpassed expectations and I was overwhelmed with the level of interaction online - especially seeing potential volunteers reaching out to grounds staff to find out how they could get involved.
 
“We are committed to helping further educate the wider public, and those who rely on the surfaces that grounds staff maintain, through #GroundsWeek 2022 to keep our industry thriving.”
 
The GMA has confirmed that #GroundsWeek will be happening once again next year from 28th February - 6th March 2022. So far confirmed as sponsors for next year’s event are; Agrigem Ltd (Nutrigow), British Sugar Topsoil, Infinicut, Premier Pitches, Kubota, SIS-Grass, John Deere Ltd, Redexim, Origin Amenity Solutions, Husqvana, and idverde.