Talking Turf- Exploring experience and opportunities

Bradley Tennant highlights the importance of multi-sport experience in turf management and why working overseas is more difficult than ever.

Experience can be difficult to define within sports turf. While many skills are transferable between sports, some areas are so distinct that they could almost be considered entirely different jobs.  

Preparing a local cricket wicket versus maintaining a football pitch in a 30,000+ seater stadium couldn’t be more different. The fundamentals; grass growth, technologies, renovations and so on are the same, but in terms of management, each sector has its own unique methods for preparing a surface to meet specific demands and requirements.

Having worked across the world in multiple sports including football, NFL, golf, rugby, cricket, hockey, athletics and lacrosse - on both natural and synthetic surfaces - I’ve developed a strong understanding of how each sport approaches turf management differently. Many of these techniques and practices aren’t necessarily taught in training courses or apprenticeships. Some are site-specific, while others are universal but haven’t yet been widely adopted by the industry.

Steam sterilising the cricket outfield, Sydney University.

Different sports and surfaces demand varying performance characteristics. Managing multiple surfaces helps develop an understanding of how turf conditions impact player safety, performance and aesthetics.

I firmly believe there is no single ‘right way’ to turf management. Sure, some practices are more effective than others, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each sport plays differently, and within each venue, variables such as weather, staff, soil profiles and sustainability goals all come into play.

While working in Australia at Sydney University, I helped maintain the cricket surfaces, undertaking all tasks - from pre-season renovations to match-day preparation. What stood out most was their willingness to experiment with new technologies and practices. Whether testing different grass varieties or using a powered brush to remove thatch instead of a scarifier, their approach emphasised innovation. These experiences stuck with me. As soon as I returned to the UK, I began experimenting with these ideas on different sports at a private school in Reading. Surprisingly, the majority of these new methods worked - often with greater success than traditional techniques. It just goes to show that sometimes, thinking outside the box can make all the difference.

Replacing a goal mouth with a Hex TurfDoctor.

Spending time on high-end golf courses also gave me insight into aeration and dressing techniques for wet areas - an approach that has worked wonders for me on non-league football pitches. This is a great example of a simple but effective method that isn’t widely discussed. We often see pictures of pristine, well-manicured surfaces online, but rarely do we see those taking risks and trying alternative methods to improve their turf. That’s the point I want to emphasise.

Engage with other greenkeepers and ground staff, consider casual or match-day work, or even volunteer in another sport. You’d be surprised at what you can learn - and you never know who your next colleague might be. Working on different surfaces means interacting with turf managers in various environments such as tennis, golf and stadiums. These experiences not only expand your professional network but also expose you to new industry trends and innovations.

Above all, keep learning - and enjoy the process!

The increasing difficulty of working abroad

Travelling overseas is one of the perks of our industry. Whether you work in turf maintenance, sales or agronomy, you’ll have opportunities to see the world.

Having worked in Australia and attended exhibitions in Europe and the USA, I’m sure there will be more opportunities in the future. Not just for me, but also for former colleagues, peers and friends who have had similar or even greater opportunities.

All of this was possible because of the advantages that holding a British passport used to provide, particularly in Europe. I’ll focus largely on how this has affected Brits, but it has also had a similar impact in the opposite direction. If you’re an EU citizen, working in the UK has become just as difficult.

Things have unfortunately changed over the past few years, with Brexit being the most noticeable factor. I won’t comment on whether that was the right or wrong choice, but I will discuss the implications it has had for Brits working in Europe. Before Brexit, UK citizens had the freedom of movement within the EU, which allowed them to work in European countries without needing a visa. Now, Brits must apply for work permits, which vary by country and often come with strict requirements. Some clubs hesitate to hire UK-based professionals due to the additional paperwork and costs.

Spraying bunker sand white for an event overseas.

While qualifications still appear to be recognised in Europe, it’s uncertain what the future holds for those seeking work permits and visas, as well as the impact of needing to be re-accredited. European employers now face additional costs when hiring UK-based turf professionals. Visa sponsorships, legal fees and compliance with local labour laws make it less attractive for European clubs and facilities to recruit British workers.

For years, there has been free movement of staff in Europe, particularly for seasonal work or tournament support, which many have relied on to improve their knowledge, network and enhance their CVs. Short-term contracts, such as tournament-based groundskeeping (e.g., the Euros, Ryder Cup), have become harder to obtain. British professionals who previously worked at major sporting events across Europe now face additional visa restrictions and time limits on their stay, which can be costly or, in some cases, even impossible.

It hasn’t all been bad news, though. In Australia, Brits can now complete their three-year Working Holiday Visa (WHV 417) without having to complete regional work. Previously, they were required to work in specified rural jobs such as food production, but this requirement has been waived as of July 1, 2024. There is still a six-month limit on each employment, but after the first year, you can return to a previous employer.

In summary, politics and opportunities are ever-changing. By the time you read this, things may have changed again. The best way to stay up to date is to check the government websites of the countries you’d like to work in.

Who is Bradley?

Bradley always wanted a hands-on career. Initially, he pursued engineering in college but soon realised it wasn’t the right path for him. Like many in the industry, he found himself in the gardens and turfcare sector by chance. He spent five years working for a local groundscare company, during which he completed his Level 1 and 2 qualifications in horticulture.

After earning his Level 3, Bradley took the next step in his career by joining the Belfry Hotel & Resort. He then gained further experience working at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Forest Football Club before moving overseas to explore turfcare in Sydney, Australia, where he completed Levels 3 to 5 in Sports Turf Management. It was there that the idea for International Greenkeepers for Hire was born.

Now, six years on, the company has grown rapidly - and, according to Bradley, there’s much more to come.