INDUSTRY AWARDS ANNOUNCE RETURN

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced that its flagship celebration of the grounds management industry, the GMA Industry Awards, will return on Thursday 11 March 2027 at Emirates Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire Cricket.

The Association describe the awards as a celebration of the individuals and teams whose dedication and expertise help make sport possible at every level. They say guests will enjoy a prestigious awards presentation, a three-course dinner, evening entertainment and the opportunity to celebrate with colleagues and peers from across the industry. The event brings together grounds professionals, volunteers, suppliers, governing bodies and industry partners from across the UK to celebrate the vital role they play in sport.

The GMA also stress that the awards continue to be supported through the reinvestment of proceeds from SALTEX, helping ensure the industry can recognise and reward the people whose work underpins safe, playable and high-quality sports surfaces.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA said, "The GMA Industry Awards are about recognising the people behind the scenes who play such a crucial role in the success of sport. Whether they're maintaining a local grassroots pitch or preparing surfaces for elite competition, their expertise deserves to be celebrated.

"Emirates Old Trafford provides a fantastic setting for what promises to be another special evening. We look forward to bringing the industry together once again to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams from across the sector."

Details of the 2027 award categories, nominations and entry process will be announced in due course.