An apprentice’s journey into turfcare

Apprentice groundsperson Sam Knowles is part of a new wave entering turfcare. He shares how he found the profession, the mentors who shaped him, and why more young people should take a closer look at this overlooked career.

Finding his path into turfcare

Turfcare isn’t often a career chosen at school. More commonly, it’s discovered by accident - or through opportunity. For nineteen-year-old apprentice groundsperson Sam Knowles, that discovery began nearly 10,000 miles from home.

“I was in Australia and had an interview at a golf course,” he recalls. “It was a great experience to see how things work in another country.” The job didn’t materialise, but the spark had been lit. Soon after returning to the UK, a connection led him to Nottingham Forest.

“I was lucky to know Ethan Reed (Pitch Performance Manager at the City Ground),” Sam explains. “My dad had worked with him at Leicester City, so the relationship was already there. I started volunteering on match days, seeing what happens before and after matches. That gave me a foot in the door and made me really want to get into the industry.”

An early influence close to home

Sam’s interest wasn’t entirely new. His father, Jonathan Knowles (Head of Leicester City FC Sports Turf Academy), is a respected figure in the turfcare community, and conversations around the dinner table proved formative.

“My interest came from listening to my dad talk about how good this industry can be,” Sam says. “I’d always ask him about the machines and the types of grass used in different situations.”

But it wasn’t until he stepped onto the pitch himself that the true complexity of the craft became clear.

“I didn’t realise how detailed it all is - the long days, the machinery, the attention to detail,” he admits. “It’s not just mowing nice patterns. It’s understanding pitch health and how it performs on match day.”

Learning by doing

At Nottingham Forest, Sam has found an environment that values ambition and encourages responsibility.

“The team don’t give me all the typical apprentice jobs,” he says. “They want to test me and challenge me. They’re always thinking about what I can do next.”

For Sam, hands-on learning is essential. “I’ve always struggled in a classroom environment,” he says. “Getting on the machines and trying different kit helps me learn. The guys show me how to do things, then let me have a go. That trust really helps.”

Support, mentorship and the drive to progress

The combination of workplace support and training through Myerscough College has helped Sam build both knowledge and confidence.

“The team always check if I’m up to date with my college work and offer help,” he says. “Myerscough send tutors out, which I find much better than being in a classroom.”

Alongside Ethan, Sam credits Jed Burbidge (Deputy Pitch Performance Manager) and Craig Muskett (Grounds Person) as major influences in his development.

“Their ways of teaching helped me develop quickly. I want to climb the ladder myself and become someone others look up to. Being a skilled staff member is the next step, but my goal is to be a deputy or head groundsman one day.”

And of course, learning continues at home: “Dad’s always helping me get better, showing me how to identify species and improve techniques. I’m learning at work and at home.”

Why the industry needs more young people

For Sam, turfcare is the perfect blend of sport, science and hands-on satisfaction.

“A lot of people don’t really know what turfcare is,” he says. “My advice is: give it a go. If you like sport, you’ll love being part of the environment that makes it happen.”

With the job comes responsibility - and Sam welcomes it. “We always have that pressure. If the pitch doesn’t look right, that’s on us. But that drives me to work harder and produce the best pitch possible.”

Yet he’s refreshingly honest about the realities.

“Don’t do it just because you love a football team,” he warns. “You’ve got to love turfcare itself. The weather affects everything, and you have to adapt. It’s hard work, but if you push through, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

The next generation of turf professionals

Craftsmanship, care and passion have always been at the heart of the turf industry - and apprentices like Sam Knowles show the future is bright. With the right guidance and the right attitude, young professionals are ready to take the sector forward.

“You’re not on an apprenticeship because you know everything,” Sam reflects. “You’re here to learn and to listen. That’s how you grow in this job.”

We’re delighted that Sam has been shortlisted as Newcomer of the Year for the 2026 GMA Industry Awards. Best of luck, Sam!