Proudly supported ICL, a global leader in turf and landscape solutions, our 35 under 35 will celebrate the rising stars, professionals and volunteers, who are shaping the future of green spaces, sports turf and beyond.

Meet the Judges

This year’s panel brings together a powerhouse of industry leaders from across grounds management and its wider sectors, each offering unique insights and expertise:

Ryan Golding - Head Groundsman, Leeds Rhinos

As a former member the GMA’s Young Board founding group, Ryan has gone on from strength to strength. After completing work experience at Arsenal FC at the age of 15, he applied for an apprenticeship at Leeds Rhinos (Rugby Football League). He has been at the club for over 20 years and is now Head Groundsman managing a team of four staff across training facilities, stadium and out-grounds, continually providing high-quality rugby league surfaces that encourage fast open professional play.

John Ledwidge - Head of Grounds and Landscapes, Manchester City FC

John began his career as an apprentice at Coventry City before returning as Grounds Manager and joining the first GMA Young Board cohort. As inaugural chair, he helped shape its evolution into GMA NextGen, supporting new talent in the industry. He has since held senior roles at Leicester City and is now Head of Grounds and Landscapes at Manchester City.

Jennifer Carter, Director of Communications & Marketing, GMA

With over 14 years of experience across sports, entertainment and arts industries, Jennifer has led high-profile PR campaigns, sponsorships and brand strategy. At Liverpool FC, she delivered major projects and partner campaigns with Nike, AXA, and Standard Chartered. Previously at Juniper Sport, she supported global events and luxury brands. A CIPR Sports Network committee member, she now brings her expertise to GMA’s 35 under 35 judging panel, celebrating the industry’s rising stars and supporting future talent.

Dr Deborah Cox - Managing Director, Lagan Valley Scientific & GMA Board Member

Deborah is Managing Director of Lagan Valley Scientific, supporting turf managers and agronomists in over 30 countries with pest and disease consultancy. With a PhD in genetics behind osmotic stress response in plants, her 20-year career spans research at Queen’s University Belfast, the John Innes Centre, and the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute. A GMA Board member, she brings scientific expertise and a passion for industry progress. She’s proud to support the 35 Under 35 initiative and celebrate emerging talent.

Julien Morris - Senior Regional Pitch Advisor (Football), GMA

Julien spent the first decade of his career at Coventry City Football Club, five of those as Head of Grounds before moving to the GMA in 2018. Julien works within the Pitch Advisory Service supporting the Football Foundation in delivery of their Grass Pitch Improvement programme which aims to support and fund improvements to playing surfaces from local authority pitches through to the National League. Aswell as being a grounds volunteer at his local cricket club for over 20 years, Julien is also a youth cricket coach.

Dr Iain James - Head of Facilities Services, The England and Wales Cricket Board

Dr Iain James is Head of Facilities Services at the England and Wales Cricket Board, leading efforts to deliver safe, inclusive and sustainable cricket facilities nationwide. With over 25 years’ experience, his career spans academic research, consultancy and design. He previously served as Technical Director at TGMS and as Senior Lecturer at Cranfield University. A respected speaker on sports facility design, Iain also volunteers as head grounds manager at his local community cricket club.

Simon Barnaby - Business Development & Key Account Manager (Stadia), ICL

Simon brings over 25 years of experience and expertise in the sports turf industry. He began his career as an Agronomist for STRI before moving into technical roles with Syngenta and Scotts as Technical Manager. He later broadened his experience through global turf consultancy projects, delivering innovative solutions for prestigious clients and high-profile events across Europe.

Chris Hunter - Regional Pitch Advisor (Football), GMA

Chris is a seasoned turfgrass professional with nearly 20 years’ experience in the sports turf and green space sector. As Regional Pitch Advisor for the GMA, he supports grassroots football across the North-East and Yorkshire. With a background in teaching and apprenticeships, he combines academic knowledge, soon completing a BSc (Hons) in Sports Turf Management & Science, with hands-on expertise. A former lecturer at Askham Bryan College, Chris is dedicated to developing future industry talent.

Nominations and entries are free to submit and are open to any professional or volunteer working in grounds management who is under 35 on Friday 25 July 2025. This includes those working in sports turf, parks, estates and green spaces, as well as individuals working in supporting roles across the industry.

Both self-nominations and peer nominations are welcome. Entrants are encouraged to download the Entry Kit before submitting their nomination, which contains all the guidance needed to make a strong application.

Those selected will be recognised through an industry-wide campaign celebrating their contribution to the profession. They will also gain access to exclusive training modules delivered by the GMA and ICL and be invited to attend special sessions at SALTEX.

Nominations are open until Friday 25 July 2025. To find out more and submit a nomination, visit thegma.org.uk/35under35.