NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES ON HAND TO SPEAK WITH VISITORS

SALTEX has announced they are working with five of the UK’s National Governing Bodies (NGBs). 

Year round the GMA, Football Association (represented by Football Foundation), Sport England, England & Wales Cricket Board, Rugby Football League, and Rugby Football Union work collaboratively to improve pitches and upskill those in the industry.

Following its launch at Lord’s Cricket Ground earlier this year, representatives from the NGBs will be on hand at November's event to speak with visitors about the GMA’s Grounds Management Framework. The NGBs, along with members of the Pitch Advisory Service, will be available at the GMA Hub to offer support to grounds staff in learning how they can use the new framework to upskill and improve their playing surface, as well as gain access to a wealth of information. 

Jason Booth (pictured above) has worked in the grounds care sector his whole career, from his early days at Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos to becoming chief operating officer at the GMA, and understands the importance of building closer relationships between the groundscare sector and the NGBs.

Jason said, “Our relationship and the work we do with these five leading NGBs is critical to the future of sport. Whether professional or grassroots, sport is simply not possible without grounds staff and groundscare businesses - our industry as a whole. The NGBs understand this which is why they support the sector through funding and by attending SALTEX.

“The NGBs also play a major role in our Learning LIVE education programme where they will discuss several burning topics relevant to their respective sports, from grassroots facility funding and workforce development to showcasing the work that has gone into the major sporting events this year.
 
“Their input, in addition to other interactive panel discussions, which will cover key issues such as pay and reward, mental health and wellbeing, and work-life balance, adds great value to our Learning LIVE programme. And there'll also be the latest updates on key legislations or restrictions, that are essential for today’s grounds staff to be aware of.”

Jason concluded, "There really is no better place than SALTEX for grounds staff and those working in the industry to get the latest updates on funding, as well the opportunity to meet and talk to the representatives from the NGBs about our challenges as well as paths to success.”