Reesink Turfcare is continuing its support for the Grounds Management Association’s Young Board of Directors in 2024. The announcement comes as three new members of the board make history as part of the first all-female grounds team to prepare a Women’s Super League match. 

It’s a strong start to Reesink’s nineth year of being involved with the initiative as new board members Meg Lay, Beth Gibbs and Liddy Ford appeared in action as part of the trailblazing all-female grounds team preparing the pitch at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Women’s Super League which took place on Sunday 3 March 2024. 

The trailblazing group of women took centre stage, preparing the Emirates Stadium pitch ahead of the North London derby with the aim of encouraging young girls and boys to consider a career in grounds management, an industry in need of young talented recruits who are passionate about sport. 

Gillian Haverson, marketing manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “There was no question of us not being involved in supporting the fabulous work of the Young Board again. We’re committed to helping shine a spotlight on encouraging more young people to consider roles in grounds management, but this new injection of enthusiasm makes 2024 seem even more exciting. We can’t wait to see Meg, Beth, Liddy and the team’s efforts on national TV on Sunday.” 

The experience these three women bring to the board spans the sports: Meg works at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Beth is part of Wellington School’s grounds team, and Liddy is part of the grounds team at St George’s Park, the Football Association’s base for all 23 of England’s national football teams.  

As ever a key objective of the event is to highlight grounds management as a viable career path, especially for women, says Gillian: “The event is a landmark moment for women’s sport and takes place just ahead of International Women’s Day. It’s always exciting to see women flourishing in this industry and this is a fantastic start to the year’s activities with the board.” 

Following this up could have been a daunting task, but not so for the board. Groundsweek follows with the second Schools into Stadia event on 19 March at Ashton Gate Football Stadium in Bristol, again supported by Reesink. And this loops round to the final new member joining the board – Jack Langley who is deputy head grounds person at the multi-sport facility that’s home of Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Bears.    

For further information on Reesink’s involvement with turfcare associations visit: https://www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk/associations