Anfield Stadium, the iconic home of Liverpool FC, will be the new backdrop for this prestigious event on Thursday 13 March 2025. 

Breaking new ground, the Industry Awards are making their debut at Anfield Stadium, following previous editions at Headingley Stadium and the NEC alongside SALTEX, Europe’s largest tradeshow.  

Since 2009, the GMA Industry Awards have celebrated outstanding achievements in grounds care across professional, amateur, and voluntary sectors, spanning a variety of sports. But this year it’s extra special, as it kicks off the GMA’s annual awareness campaign: #GroundsWeek, running from March 17 to 23, 2025. ISEKI return as the Industry Awards platinum sponsor for 2025, reaffirming their support for the sector, alongside award category sponsors, DLF Seeds and Syngenta.

Shifting from its traditional November date to March, these awards now support the vital mission of #GroundsWeek, honouring the unsung heroes - the grounds care professionals and volunteers who keep the nation's playing surfaces pristine! 

Categories That Inspire Greatness: 

With 17 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 towards maintaining and improving playing surfaces. 

• Young Groundsperson of the Year - Recognising rising stars 
• Newcomer of the Year - Welcoming fresh talent 
• 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 (Sponsored by Syngenta)
• 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 
• 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 (Sponsored by DLF Seeds)

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA said:

“The GMA Industry Awards are a fantastic opportunity for individuals and teams to gain the recognition they deserve for their vital work across the grounds care industry. I urge everyone to get involved and submit their nominations - It’s going to be a great event at Anfield Stadium, and we look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements.” 

Are You Ready to nominate or enter?  

You can now nominate someone deserving, or enter yourself, by visiting https://gmaindustryawards.uk/. We encourage everyone in the industry to join in and celebrate the outstanding work being done in the grounds care industry. 

Important Dates: 

Award Nominations Close: Friday 13 September 2024 

Final Entries Close: Friday 27 September 2024 

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Emily Herrington by emailing eherrington@thegma.org.uk.