Intermediate Football Pitch Maintenance 

This course is ideal for grounds staff who have completed Level 1 or have prior experience, providing hands-on expertise and practical techniques to maintain high-quality winter pitches.

Develop your skills and knowledge with the latest best practices and explore the requirements you need to meet in order to optimise your playing surface.

• Brocton Football Club, Silkmore Lane Sports Ground, Silkmore Lane, Stafford, ST17 4JS
• 06th November 2026
• 09:30- 16:00

Explore some of the theory involved in maintaining winter sports pitches

What is involved within this course?
The key subjects – maintenance practices, soils, fertilisers and nutrients, to pests, diseases and weeds, plus more – are studied through a progressive one-day GMA Learning course. With delivery from an industry expert, experience an educational training day featuring an informative presentation, plus turf care theory.  On completion of this step you will learn how to successfully maintain your winter pitch using available resources, more effectively and efficiently. In addition, you will also receive a Certificate of Attendance. (Food and drink are provided). 

What does the course content cover?
Some of the key subjects:
• Playing surface requirements
• Soils, pH and top-dressings
• Fertilisers and nutrients: Types and effects on plant growth
• Pests and diseases: Identification and general controls
• Moss and weeds: Identification and general controls

Why should I participate in this course?
Ideal for the experienced volunteer, established employee or just as a refresher, this learning route will support and develop those involved in maintaining or managing a winter sports pitch (football and rugby). Keep your skills and knowledge up to date with the latest, best practices, and explore the requirements you need to meet in order to increase your surface’s longevity.

This course is worth 5 CPD points / 5 CPD hours. 

What can I do after this course? 
To further build on the GMA route, enhance your learning by taking your next step with our Level 3 Winter Pitches: Advanced Turf Culture. An additional option, with further study, is to undertake the Level 2 GMA Technical Certificate in Turf Surface Maintenance – to possibly provide an initial formal qualification in turf maintenance. This qualification may also be beneficial for people who have completed other courses at Level 2 who wish to further develop their understanding of the technical aspects of turf maintenance. No practical work is involved with this qualification.

How do I book the course?
Please email learning@thegma.org.uk for more details