The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is delighted to announce that nominations and entries are now open for the 2027 GMA Industry Awards, which will take place on Thursday 11 March 2027 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.

Now in its sixteenth year, the GMA Industry Awards are the sector’s leading celebration of excellence in grounds management, recognising the individuals and teams whose expertise help to make sport possible at every level. The GMA is proud to welcome back ISEKI UK & Ireland as Platinum Sponsor, alongside a valued group of category sponsors whose support helps make the awards possible.

Each year, the awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding work of grounds professionals working across grassroots sport, education, community facilities and elite sporting venues, highlighting the vital role they play in creating safe, high-quality playing environments for participants and spectators alike.

New for 2027, the GMA has also launched an Awards Companion, a practical guide designed to help entrants navigate the awards process. The companion brings together everything participants need to know including judging criteria and advice from judges on how to create a standout submission.

With 17 award categories spanning the entire sector, the GMA Industry Awards provide the perfect opportunity to recognise the year-round efforts of those responsible for maintaining playing surfaces across the UK.

The 2027 categories include:

• Young Groundsperson of the Year
• Newcomer of the Year
• Volunteer Groundsperson/Team of the Year
• Community Groundsperson/Team of the Year
• Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year
• Environmental and Sustainability Impact Award
• Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson/Team of the Year
• Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year
• Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year
• Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year
• Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year
• Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year
• Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year
• Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Elite)
• University & College Grounds Team of the Year
• Independent School Grounds Team of the Year
• GMA Grounds Manager of the Year

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the Grounds Management Association, said: “The GMA Industry Awards provide a unique opportunity to recognise the people and teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure sport can be enjoyed safely and at the highest possible standard. Every year we are inspired by the quality of nominations and entries from across the industry.”

“As we open entries for the 2027 awards, we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to celebrate their achievements by nominating or entering. We look forward to welcoming the industry to Emirates Old Trafford for what promises to be another memorable evening of recognition.”

To nominate a deserving individual or team, or to submit an award entry, visit gmaindustryawards.uk.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ben Muschamp at bmuschamp@thegma.org.uk.