WELCOME TO THE HOME OF THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
A place to celebrate the great people who have been inducted into the Grounds Management Association Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is all about honouring those who’ve gone above and beyond, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Eddie Seaward (2019)
- Head Groundsman
- Tennis - All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club
Eddie started his career in 1960 and is best known for being Head Groundsman at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. His biggest achievement is presiding over the construction of the retractable roof on Wimbledon's Centre Court.
Steve Braddock (2020)
- Head of Grounds Management
- Football - Arsenal FC
Steve started in 1980 and has gone on to inspire, train and develop the careers of some of today's highest-achieving grounds managers. He has had a major influence on the maintenance of elite pitches including major end of season renovation works.
Derek Walder (2021)
- Exhibition Operations Director
- Events - SALTEX
Derek has been involved with SALTEX since 1969 and has successfully ran the exhibition ever since. He was involved in the SALTEX exhibition that won the EN Industry Award back in 2020, widely regarded as 'The Oscars' of the global exhibition industry.
Keith Boyce (2022)
- Head Groundsman
- Cricket - New Rover Cricket Club
Keith Boyce began his career in 1959 and served as Head Groundsman at Yorkshire CCC and Leeds Rugby for over 30 years. He oversaw the 1981 Ashes Test ('Botham's Ashes') and significantly influenced modern grounds maintenance practices, long before modern machinery, while also championing the GMA Yorkshire branch.
Roy Rigby (2022)
- Head of Grounds and Landscaping
- Football - Manchester City FC
Roy Rigby, starting at 16, is Head of Grounds and Landscaping at Manchester City, overseeing 13 global club sites. He introduced innovative management techniques, building a team of highly skilled grounds staff who have won numerous awards for one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
Rod Heyhoe (2023)
- Head Groundsman
- Cricket - Lightcliffe Cricket Club
Having taken early retirement from senior management in the commercial world, Rod injected his skill, energy, and persistence into a passion for grounds management gained from many years dedication to his beloved Lightcliffe Cricket Club.
Andy Jackson (2024)
- Grounds Manager
- Football - Stoke City FC
Andy’s impact extends far beyond the professional arena of Stoke City – for more than 12 years, he has been a driving force in improving grassroots football pitches across Staffordshire, providing invaluable support and mentorship to local clubs and volunteers.
Jayne Leyland (2024)
- Portfolio Director
- Origin Amenity Solutions
Jayne is one of the most experienced grass seed specialists in the professional turfcare industry and a familiar face with many grounds keepers. She is very passionate about educating greenkeepers and grounds managers and always struck up excellent rapport.
