Sporting legends, Peter Crouch, Henry Slade and Kirsty Gallacher have announced their UK partnership with Husqvarna, the pioneer of smart mowing and robotic technology. They are taking on the role of ambassadors and have partnered with the brand for 2024 for the launch of a brand-new initiative with the Grounds Management Association (GMA) – ‘Get Your Pitch Right’.
The three ambassadors are joining forces this year with Husqvarna due to their natural synergy and high level of professionalism within their respective sports and careers, with the constant aim of striving for the best in their field. Crouch, Slade and Gallacher join Husqvarna’s existing sports ambassador, PGA golfer, Callum Tarren to assist in reaching sports fans and players globally, helping raise awareness for the meaningful grassroots cause as well as the importance of quality turf care on and off the pitch.
The joint venture between Husqvarna and the GMA, the UK’s leading membership association for grounds staff, which was announced at an Invitational held at the prestigious golf club, The Grove, aims to enhance grassroots sports clubs and communities nationwide, by providing key products, training and expertise required to achieve the right pitch. This is something the ambassadors are highly passionate about, with each playing a key role in driving awareness and funds over the coming year.
The event held on Thursday 25 April saw the ambassadors join a host of celebrities and sports stars such as Joe Cole and Harry Redknapp to enjoy a round of golf and take part in a silent auction in a bid to raise funds to support the initiative. The money raised will help fund the provision of Husqvarna’s robotic mowers to grassroots clubs and communities, enabling them to benefit from improved pitch maintenance and expert guidance provided by the GMA’s team of experts. Many grassroots sports clubs rely on their invaluable volunteers, but they often don’t have the funds or resources to help maintain the community pitches, something that Husqvarna, its ambassadors and the GMA together aim to change.
Speaking on the partnership, football legend known for his iconic robotic celebration, Peter Crouch said:
I’m delighted to be part of launching the Get Your Pitch Right initiative alongside Husqvarna and the GMA. It’s a cause I’m passionate about because I’ve seen first-hand the power of sport in shaping lives, especially from an early age. The money raised will help invest in the future of sport and the next generation of talent, and I’m excited to see how the scheme will positively impact clubs and communities across the country. I’m looking forward to working closely with Husqvarna more over the next year to showcase the brand and its advanced garden technology to my fans.”
Sports Broadcaster and presenter, Kirsty Gallacher said:
I’m really pleased to be working closely with Husqvarna this year as one of its ambassadors and supporting the Get Your Pitch Right initiative. Having spent a lot of time at different sporting venues working in sports broadcast, I can appreciate the need for the highest turf quality for both practicing and competing, and both Husqvarna’s products and the initiative helps make this possible. As a mum of two sports’ mad teenagers, ensuring that young athletes have access to quality facilities, equipment and expertise is imperative and helps to lay the foundations for their future success. Opening doors for those football and rugby clubs who may not otherwise have had the financial ability is incredibly exciting and humbling to be a part of.”
Rugby star, Henry Slade, added:
“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to champion a cause that I’m personally really passionate about. Access to the right resources and products at sports clubs from a young age can make all the difference in an athlete’s journey. It’s about levelling the playing field and providing equal opportunities for all which is exactly what the Get Your Pitch Right initiative is looking to achieve.”
Samantha Donnelly, Senior Marketing and Channel Development Manager at Husqvarna said:
"We’re really excited to have Peter, Kirsty and Henry on board as brand ambassadors this year as well as supporting us to deliver our Get Your Pitch Right initiative. They each closely embody our values of discipline, ambition and excellence, which perfectly align with what our brand and premium products are all about.
“The initiative aims to provide clubs with the machinery, support and expertise they need to get their pitch right, saving them time, helping to improve turf quality and thus making a difference in community sport. It means a great deal to be able to go some way to helping disadvantaged grassroots sports clubs.”
Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association added:
“We’re very pleased to be partnering with Husqvarna on this fantastic new initiative. Grassroots sport is at the heart of thousands of communities across the country, with many volunteers dedicating their time to help deliver the best possible playing surfaces for community sport teams. We are delighted to be partnering with Husqvarna to provide the volunteer grounds staff with the equipment, skills and knowledge needed to “make sport possible.”
Glynne Cherrington, Founding Member and Groundsperson at Belstone FC and the first grassroots club to receive support from the initiative, said:
“The club, which was founded in 1983, has been ensconced in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division, despite winning it multiple times. To be allowed to advance into the league above Belstone must significantly improve its facilities. We’re so grateful to Husqvarna and the GMA for choosing us as one of the first to benefit from the ‘Get Your Pitch Right’ initiative. This will make such a big difference to both the club and our local community.
Husqvarna also welcomes multi award-winning garden designer, Pollyanna Wilkinson, to its ambassadorship programme for 2024, who will join the brand to reach their garden enthusiasts within the domestic home and interiors category with outdoor inspiration and expert top tips.
For more information on Husqvarna and the ‘Get Your Pitch Right’ initiative, visit: www.husqvarna.com/uk/.