Nominations and entries now open for GMA Industry Awards 2026

The GMAin GMA

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is delighted to announce that nominations and entries are now officially open for the 2026 GMA Industry Awards, taking place on Thursday 12 March 2026 at the renowned Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.

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This annual event celebrates outstanding achievements across the breadth of the grounds management sector, from grassroots heroes to elite-level stadium teams. 

Now in its fifteenth edition, the GMA Industry Awards have long recognised the vital contribution of grounds staff across all levels of sport. The 2026 ceremony continues that tradition, celebrating excellence, innovation, and commitment across the sector. The GMA is proud to welcome back ISEKI as platinum sponsor, reaffirming their support for the industry, alongside valued category sponsors Agronomic Services Ltd, ICL and Origin Amenity Solutions. 

With seventeen categories spanning the entire sector, the GMA Industry Awards provide the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the year-round contribution of grounds staff in maintaining and improving playing surfaces. The 2026 categories include: 

Young Groundsperson of the Year - Recognising rising stars (Sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions)

  • Newcomer of the Year - Welcoming fresh talent (Sponsored by ICL
  • Volunteer Groundsperson/Team of the Year - Honouring those who go above and beyond 
  • Community Groundsperson/Team of the Year - Making a difference in local sports  
  •  Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year - Innovation on display  
  • Environmental and Sustainability Impact Award - Champions of eco-friendly practices  
  • Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson/Team of the Year - Precision and passion  
  • Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year - Pitch-perfect excellence  
  • Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year - Serving up aces in turf management   
  • Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year - Galloping towards excellence  
  •  Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year - Tackling pitches head-on (Sponsored by Agronomic Services Ltd) 
  •  Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year - Scrumming up perfection   
  •  Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year - Scoring perfection; the MVPs behind the scenes  
  •  Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Elite) - Elevating the game, making stadiums roar  
  • University & College Grounds Team of the Year - Cultivating knowledge and green spaces  
  • Independent School Grounds Team of the Year - Nurturing growth in every blade (Sponsored by ISEKI) 
  • GMA Grounds Manager of the Year - Celebrating the very best across the industry 

Check out the categories details here 

Head of Events at the Grounds Management Association, Sarah Hunter said: 
“The GMA Industry Awards are a chance to come together and celebrate the people who make sport possible from the ground up. With nominations and entries now officially open, we are encouraging people to either put someone making a difference within Grounds Management forward or submit an entry for an award. 

Every year, we see incredible stories of dedication and innovation, and 2026 will be no exception. We’re looking forward to delivering an evening that reflects the pride, professionalism, and passion at the heart of this industry.” 

To nominate someone deserving, or to submit an entry, visit gmaindustryawards.uk/ 

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ben Muschamp at bmuschamp@thegma.org.uk.  

 

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