GMA NextGen is proud to celebrate Meg Lay, who has been recognised as part of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) landmark ‘The 53’ campaign, unveiled at Edgbaston ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The initiative honours 53 women who are shaping the future of cricket, marking 53 years since the inaugural Women’s Cricket World Cup was held in England in 1973.
As part of the campaign, each individual is represented by a distinctive purple seat installed within Edgbaston Stadium creating a highly visible tribute to the women driving change across every level of the game.
Recognition for a trailblazer in grounds management
Among those honoured is Meg Lay, GMA NextGen's co-Chair and groundskeeper at Lord’s Cricket Ground, who is widely recognised as a trailblazer in the industry. The ECB highlights Meg as the first female groundskeeper at Lord’s, underlining her role in breaking new ground within cricket operations.
Her career has also been marked by major milestones including becoming the first woman to prepare an international cricket pitch and leading the first all-female grounds team at Edgbaston - achievements that continue to challenge traditional perceptions of roles within the sport.
Celebrating the breadth of women’s impact in cricket
The campaign showcases the diversity of the modern cricket workforce, spanning elite athletes, broadcasters, coaches, community leaders and operational experts.
It highlights the vital behind-the-scenes contributions that keep the game thriving.
The symbolic purple seats, chosen in reference to the Suffragette movement, act as markers of both recognition and progress. Each includes a QR code linking to personal stories, turning the stadium into an interactive storytelling space that celebrates the journeys and impact of women across the sport.
Inspiring the next generation
At its core, ‘The 53’ campaign is about visibility and inspiration. By placing these stories at the heart of one of cricket’s most iconic venues, the ECB aims to encourage more women and girls to see a place for themselves in the game - whether playing, working or volunteering.
Meg Lay’s inclusion is particularly significant for the grounds management sector. Her achievements show the growing opportunities within sports turf management and the importance of representation in traditionally underrepresented roles.
A proud moment for GMA NextGen
For GMA NextGen, Meg’s recognition represents a powerful endorsement of the contribution that the next generation of grounds professionals is making to sport. Her journey from developing her expertise to achieving historic firsts at the highest level serves as an inspiring example for others entering the industry.
Jennifer Carter, Director of Communications and Marketing at the GMA, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to see Meg recognised as part of this important ECB campaign. What she has achieved is truly inspiring - not just for grounds management, but for every young person looking to build a career in the industry.
Meg’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with resilience and belief, and we couldn’t be prouder to have her as part of the GMA NextGen group."
As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup shines a global spotlight on cricket this summer, initiatives like ‘The 53’ ensure that the individuals shaping the game behind the scenes are also celebrated.
Meg Lay’s recognition is a moment of pride for GMA NextGen and the wider grounds management community, highlighting the impact emerging from the next generation of talent.
