#GroundsWeek - Recognising the contribution of the groundscare sector
Given the challenges in getting physical activity and sport Back to Play during and after the pandemic lockdowns, #GroundsWeek 2021 showcased the amazing work of grounds staff and volunteers who continued to care for and maintain local pitches during the pandemic, despite amateur sport coming to a grinding halt.
It came after a year where parks and green spaces had become more valuable than ever to the public’s health with increased use for daily exercise and physical activity when many people were spending more time than ever at home indoors.
#GroundsWeek 2021 activity
During the week, the GMA released new research highlighting the growing skills gap at community and professional levels and how this might impact sport for many. To address this issue, the GMA called on sports fans to recognise the importance of grounds staff and volunteers, whilst urging more people to join the sector. Read more about the GMA’s #GroundsWeek 2021 research here.
The GMA’s specialist Regional Pitch Advisor team shared tips and advice to help get more volunteers involved at community levels and help those professionals who might be struggling under the pressures imposed by COVID-19.
Their guidance covered:
- How to celebrate grounds management and attract the next generation of grounds management managers, volunteers and everything in between
- How grassroots grounds volunteers and staff can maintain pitches to best effect during this upcoming season
- How professional grounds staff can ensure that they are on top of their game
The GMA also hosted a unique webinar, GMA Live - #GroundsWeek Volunteer Special, which shone a spotlight on the heart and soul of the industry - the volunteer groundspeople who are the foundation of sport and physical activity. There was also a charity pub quiz night, in partnership with Perennial, a charity dedicated to helping anyone who works in horticulture.
#GroundsWeek’s impact
#GroundsWeek was an important week for the sector after a challenging year and created a wave of positivity with sports stars, iconic venues and professional clubs, all sharing messages of appreciation for the work of the groundscare sector.
Polling carried out by the GMA after the week revealed the week’s positive impact for the future of groundscare with respondents expressing a widely shared belief that the week had helped celebrate, and educate them on, the sector, whilst raising awareness of the industry. Find out more about the positive impact of #GroundsWeek 2021 here.
Thank you to all who sponsored the first-ever #GroundsWeek, including:
Sports & Turf from British Sugar
