GMA AWARDS SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has revealed the shortlist for the 2026 GMA Industry Awards, taking place at Edgbaston Stadium on 12 March 2026.

From grassroots volunteers to elite-level grounds teams, the Association says this year’s shortlist highlights the depth of talent and expertise that continues to elevate the grounds management industry across the UK and beyond.

The finalists were selected following a thorough judging process, undertaken by a panel of sector experts who reviewed entries across sixteen categories.

Jason Booth, GMA Chief Operating Officer said: "It has been inspiring to once again see the dedication shown by so many teams and individuals submitting entries for the GMA Industry Awards."

The 2026 Industry Awards Shortlist:
 
Young Grounds Person of the Year

• Adam Hooper – Tottenham Hotspur F.C
• Daniel Birrell – National Cricket Centre Jersey
• Flynn Good – Leicester City F.C
• Ged Newman – Manchester City F.C

Newcomer of the Year

• Jack Churchman – Cutcrew Ltd
• George Legg – Stanley Park Sports Ground
• Samuel Knowles – Nottingham Forest F.C

Volunteer Groundsperson/Team of the Year

• Trubshaw Cross
• Eddie Mills – Northfield Town F.C
• Tom Banks – Kirkoswald F.C
• Craig Dinsdale – Settle United AFC

Community Groundsperson/Team of the Year

• Yeovil Recreation Centre
• AELTC Wimbledon Qualifying & Community Sports Centre
• Stanley Park Sports Ground
• Stoneham Lane Football Complex

Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson/Team of the Year

• Dean Gibbons – Wantage Bowling Club
• Port Sunlight Village Trust

Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year

• Stanley Park Sports Ground
• Stoneham Lane Football Complex
• University of Warwick

Environmental and Sustainability Impact Award

• Liverpool F.C
• University of Warwick

Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year

• Newbury Racecourse
• Warwick Racecourse

Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year

• Edgbaston Priory Club
• Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre
• The Queens Club
• The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club

Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year

• Marylebone Cricket Club
• Warwickshire County Cricket Club

Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year

• Bristol Bears
• Northampton Saints
• Twickenham Stoop
• Twickenham Stadium

Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year

• Wigan Warriors
• Castleford Tigers
• Leeds Rhinos

Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year

• Lincoln City F.C
• Tranmere Rovers F.C
• Stockport County F.C
• MK Dons F.C

Professional Football Grounds Team (Elite) of the Year 

• Liverpool F.C
• Leicester City F.C
• London Stadium
• Manchester City F.C

University/College Grounds Team of the Year

• University of Warwick
• University of Nottingham
• University of Leeds

Independent School Grounds Team of the Year

• Culford School
• Eton College
• Whitgift School