As GMA Connect prepares to launch in Bristol, Jack Langley, Deputy Head Groundsperson at Ashton Gate Stadium, is preparing to do something a little different - open the doors to his shed.
Not literally, perhaps, but certainly figuratively. As one of the guest speakers at the inaugural GMA Connect event, Jack will be offering attendees a guided look behind the scenes of grounds care at Ashton Gate, sharing what equipment, products and processes his team uses to maintain a top-level, multi-sport surface throughout the year.
And, he says, it’s not just about showing off what they’ve got - it’s about connecting with the wider grounds community and learning together.
“We like to think we're pushing the boundaries for what can be achieved by grounds teams,” he says, “but we also have a responsibility to share that knowledge with local clubs and volunteers.”
Jack will be leading one of the hands-on workshops in the “What’s in Your Shed?” session at GMA Connect Bristol on Tuesday 13 May, and he’ll also be joining Sean Williams of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club for a seminar on climate change - specifically, the challenges it poses for turf professionals and how grounds teams are adapting.
Joining the panel will also be Nick Johnstone, Head of Grounds at Forest Green Rovers, widely recognised as the greenest football club in the world, who will bring his unique experience of sustainable grounds management to the discussion.
For Jack, the value goes far beyond technical takeaways. He’s passionate about the role of events like GMA Connect in bringing the sector together and creating space for real, human connection.
“It's a great opportunity to learn and network,” he says. “It's always good to have a chat with your colleagues that you haven't seen for a while. It's a busy time of year all round but I think there's a lot to be gained in terms of having those conversations and taking the time out to meet up.”
GMA Connect aims to bring just that kind of opportunity to regions across the UK, offering accessible, one-day events that combine expert seminars, practical workshops and live demonstrations with valuable time for networking and reflection. For Jack, that regional focus is key.
“It’s about having those conversations with your fellow professionals around issues that they face, products that they use, ways of working which can potentially affect us, which maybe they can take away for themselves.”
The sessions are designed to offer practical insights that can be applied in real-world settings, but they also serve as a platform to inspire and energise. Attendees will be able to explore the tools and techniques used by professionals working at the highest levels, while also gaining exposure to fresh perspectives and peer-led advice.
“I’m excited to be able to learn in an environment with other professionals. You don’t really get that opportunity very often,” says Jack. “That’s definitely a draw.”
With the first GMA Connect event just around the corner, Jack is looking forward to opening the gates to Ashton Gate, and maybe even the shed door or two!
“We’re very excited to host the event here. Hopefully it’ll be a springboard for many more events like this.”
GMA Connect Bristol takes place on Tuesday 13 May at Ashton Gate Stadium. Tickets are free for GMA members and £15 for non-members*. For more information or to register, visit thegma.org.uk/events.
*Join the GMA within 14 days of GMA Connect Bristol and your ticket value will be deducted from your membership fee.
