The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is proud to reveal the winners of its first-ever 35 under 35 initiative, recognising the next generation of talented professionals and volunteers who are making a real impact in the grounds management sector.

Launched in April and supported by ICL, a global leader in turf and landscape solutions, the programme shines a spotlight on individuals under the age of 35 who have made a significant impact across all types of green spaces including professional sports grounds, community parks, grassroots venues and roles beyond the tools such as management and sales.

The winners reveal the full breadth of the industry with representatives from international and Premier League football clubs, elite cricket stadiums, tennis clubs and country estates. The winners also span independent schools, universities, county football associations, wholesalers and distributors, as well as specialist roles within industry marketing agencies.

“Grounds management is essential to the quality and safety of our green spaces, yet the work often goes unnoticed,” said Jennifer Carter, Director of Communications and Marketing at the GMA.

“We were absolutely blown away by the sheer number and calibre of applications for our first-ever 35 under 35 programme. It was inspiring to see so many young professionals making a real difference across every corner of the industry from elite cricket stadiums to schools, universities, country estates, sales, marketing and beyond.

“The level of drive in every entry is a testament to the exciting future of grounds management. This programme is our way of celebrating these individuals and shining a spotlight on those who are pushing boundaries and shaping the sector for years to come.”

Ed Carter, ICL Business Manager, said: “We’re proud to support the GMA’s 35 under 35 programme. Recognising the contribution of young professionals and volunteers is vital, and this initiative highlights the talent and drive that will shape the future of grounds management. Congratulations to all of the winners.”

An expert panel of eight judges conducted a blind assessment of all applications, selecting individuals who stood out for their significant contributions within the sector.

Winners will gain exclusive access to technical and agronomic training developed by the GMA and ICL, alongside unique opportunities to engage with peers and industry leaders at SALTEX, Europe’s cutting-edge grounds management event.

The winners of the GMA 35 under 35 are:

• Luis Arregui – Real Madrid C.F, Deputy Grounds Manager
• Tom Bacon – Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Groundsperson
• Alex Brierley – The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Groundstaff and Lead Irrigation
• Louise Challiss – PAN Publicity Limited, Managing Director
• Luke Chapman – Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Deputy Head Groundsperson
• Evan Davies – Swansea City AFC, Head of Grounds
• Max Drummond-Smillie – Fargro Ltd, Head of Amenity
• Alex Earle – Tennisclub Weissenhof, Head Groundsman
• Sean Faulkner – Kersten UK Ltd, Sales and Marketing Director
• Matthew Gibson – The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Groundsperson
• Flynn Good – Leicester City Football Club, Skilled Sports Turf Operative
• Matt Harris – Whitgift School, Groundsperson
• Stanley Hayden – Fulham FC, Deputy Head of Grounds
• Brad Jefferies – Colchester United Football Club, Head Groundsman
• Ben Kim – K-League, The member of Pitch Assist
• Jack Langley – Ashton Gate Stadium, Deputy Head Groundsperson
• Rob Langley – University of Cambridge Sport, Sports Grounds & Facilities Supervisor
• Meg Lay – Lord’s Cricket Ground, Groundswoman
• Jack Leather – Liverpool Football Club, Specialist Groundsperson
• Oliver Mahon – Bradfield College, Head of Grounds
• Maritza Martinez – St. Louis CITY SC, Associate Director of Stadium Grounds
• John Paul McAvoy – Preston North End, Groundsman
• Santiago Molinaro – Independent Professional, Agronomist
• Kane Munday – Norwich City Football Club, Assistant Head of Grounds
• Matthew Noke – Bristol City FC, Groundsperson
• Daniel Puicar – Middleton Hall Trust, Head Gardener
• Adam Radley – Stamford School, Deputy Head of Grounds & Gardens
• Ethan Reed – Nottingham Forest Football Club, Pitch Performance Manager
• David Ridley – Wiltshire County Football Association, Facility Operations Manager
• George Sheath – University of Southampton, Grounds Advisor (Head of Grounds)
• Aaron Stevenson – London Stadium, Deputy Head Groundsperson
• Bradley Tennant – International Greenkeepers, Director
• Aaron Tong – Hull City AFC, Head of Grounds
• Ben Tuckwell – Nuture Group, Grounds Maintenance Operative
• Dewi Williams – Football Association of Wales, Club Developer

You can view the winners’ page here.

The GMA congratulates all winners for their exceptional achievements and looks forward to following their continued success in advancing the industry. Keep an eye on GMA channels in the coming weeks for in-depth profiles of some of the winners.