We are the Grounds Management Association - the UK’s leading not-for-profit membership body for the grounds management industry.
Since 1934, we’ve supported the people who maintain and manage sports surfaces and green spaces - from grassroots to elite sport, and across education, local government, and beyond. Through training, guidance, advocacy, and collaboration, we help raise standards and support those who make sport possible and keep green spaces thriving.
WHAT WE DO
As the leading membership association for the grounds sector, we provide our members with a wide range of exclusive benefits - including 24/7 wellbeing support, expert turf care guidance, discounted training and events, premium SALTEX trade show perks, technical resources, and a subscription to Grounds Management magazine.
Our corporate supporters also benefit from added visibility through our supplier directory and event calendar, discounted advertising rates, and exclusive networking opportunities - all while playing a key role in supporting the industry.
We support our members and the wider industry through a strong focus on education and development. Our learning o er includes online courses, face-to-face training, and formal qualifications. We also provide impartial advice and career guidance, accredited to the Department for Education’s matrix Standard.
We champion our sector at the highest levels - advocating for the profession and working closely with government, sports bodies, and key stakeholders. Through national initiatives like our flagship event SALTEX, the GMA Industry Awards, and #GroundsWeek, we bring the industry together, celebrate excellence, and shine a spotlight on the vital role our members play.
WHO WE SUPPORT
We support anyone from grassroots volunteers to full-time professionals. Our work spans a wide range of sectors, including professional and community sport, education, public parks, and elite venues. We work with schools, local authorities, charities, contractors, career changers, and volunteers - anyone committed to creating safe, high-quality surfaces. Through tailored support, training, and advocacy, we help people feel valued and confident in their role.
FIND THE RIGHT PATH FOR YOU, WITH GMA LEARNING
Advance your career and improve your playing surface with grounds management-specific training and qualifications. Whether you're just starting out, a volunteer, or a seasoned professional - our programmes are designed to build confidence, deepen your knowledge, and support your development at every stage.
From flexible online modules to practical, hands-on workshops, we o er learning that fits around your work and life - helping you thrive in a fast-evolving industry.
TRAINING COURSES
Our training courses provide flexible, accessible, and practical learning for professionals, volunteers, students, and retirees in grounds management. Delivered through our online platform, they bring high-quality education to you, wherever you are.
FIND THE PERFECT COURSE FOR YOU
QUALIFICATIONS
Our qualifications o er a full progression pathway in sports turf - from Level 1 through to Level 6. These modern versions of the National Technical Certificate, Intermediate Diploma, and National Diploma are developed with expert industry tutors.
EXPLORE OUR QUALIFICATIONS
EXPLORE OUR REFRESHED MEMBERSHIP
Join the community driving excellence in grounds management
Membership is at the heart of everything we do at the GMA.
When you become a member, you join a growing community of individuals, organisations, and businesses dedicated to making sport possible - from grassroots parks to elite stadiums.
Whether you're maintaining a single pitch or managing multiple
INDIVIDUAL
Practical Tools. Expert Support. Professional Progress.
As a GMA Individual Member, you unlock tailored support designed to enhance your day-to-day work and fuel your long-term career development. Choose from a Pro membership, discounted Volunteer and Retired memberships, or a free Student membership - each catering to di erent stages of your career.
All individual members benefit from:
• Expert Guidance: Tailored solutions via industry specialists. 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Round-the-clock counselling and wellbeing tools
Exclusive Discounts: Discounted rates on training and events, plus high street
Industry-Leading Magazine: Insights and updates in Grounds Management
Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Access to member-only events
Plus much more!
ORGANISATION
Supporting your team’s day-to-day work and long-term growth.
By becoming a GMA Organisation Member, you unlock tailored support to strengthen your team’s performance and long-term development. Your team will be equipped to meet challenges, seize opportunities, and shape the future of the industry. Choose from Grassroots, Standard, or Advanced memberships.
All organisation members benefit from:
• Online Technical Resource Library: Instant access to best-practice tools
• Expert Guidance: Tailored solutions via industry specialists
• Everyday Professional Advice: Support for complex workplace topics
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Round-the-clock counselling and wellbeing tools
• Premium SALTEX Experience: VIP access and exclusive content
Plus much more!
CORPORATE
Champion the sector and grow your brand.
Align your company with the values of quality, sustainability and professionalism. As a Corporate Supporter, you gain brand visibility, sector insights and opportunities to contribute to long-term industry impact. Choose from Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum packages.
All corporate supporters benefit from:
• GMA Supplier Directory: Add your details to the GMA Supplier Directory
• GMA Event Calendar: Inclusion of organisation events in the GMA event calendar
• GMA Certification and Brand Pack: GMA Certification and accredited brand pack usage agreement
• Magazine Advertising: Discounted rates on Grounds Management Magazine advertising
Plus much more!
RAISING STANDARDS IN COMMUNITY SPORT
50K PITCH ASSESSMENTS
12.5K CLUBS ASSISTED 1M+ PLAYERS SUPPORTED
Through our Pitch Advisory Service, we help improve the quality of community sports surfaces and build understanding of turf management across grassroots sport.
Funded by Sport England and the Football Foundation, and delivered in association with the ECB, RFL, and RFU, we work with clubs, schools, local authorities, and other organisations to help them get the best from their pitches.
What we do:
• Visit community sites to provide expert, practical advice
• Share clear, tailored recommendations for surface improvement
• Support volunteers and professionals through training and mentoring
• Help clubs access funding and equipment schemes
• Strengthen local networks with ongoing guidance and support
• Process PitchPower inspections and assessment reports
• Host in-person and online seminars
From school pitches to local club grounds, we’re here to support you in delivering great surfaces for every match.
ELEVATE YOUR PLAYING SURFACES WITH GMA CONSULTANCY
We o er a range of professional services to help you plan, manage, and improve your outdoor spaces - from resolving everyday pitch issues to delivering full-scale redevelopment projects.
Our support covers the full lifecycle of a playing surface - from concept to completion. This includes consultancy work, site audits, training needs analysis, interview support, agricultural land classification, and the preparation of health and safety documentation. Everything we do is focused on providing practical, tailored solutions that meet your needs.
TURF CARE ADVISORY
Whether you're tackling a basic pitch problem or planning a new build, we o er expert, practical advice to help you get the best from your surface.
We can support with:
• Site assessments and improvement plans
• Project management and reporting
• Specification writing and tender support
• Regular on-site supervision and project administration
Our flexible packages are designed to match your needs - from initial recommendations to final handover.
SITE AUDITS
Our site audits are designed to give stakeholders such as bursars, heads of sport, finance managers, and grounds teams a clear, structured overview of their site – along with practical steps for improvement.
Each audit includes:
1. A fact-finding discussion
2. An on-site visit
3. A written report with tailored recommendations
Whether you're planning upgrades or making the most of limited resources, we help you move forward with confidence.
