The awards took place alongside the new GMA Conference, which ran throughout the day and brought the industry together for workshops and discussions.

Hosted by renowned broadcaster Kelly Somers, the awards celebrated the people and teams who show outstanding skill across the grounds management sector.

With #GroundsWeek just around the corner, taking place from 23-29 March, the awards also served as a reminder of the vital role grounds staff play in making sport possible.

The 2026 winners are:

• Young Groundsperson of the Year (Sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions): Flynn Good
• Newcomer of the Year (Sponsored by ICL): George Legg
• Volunteer Groundsperson/Team of the Year (Sponsored by Chappell Enterprises UK): Trubshaw Cross
• Community Groundsperson/Team of the Year (Sponsored by National Governing Bodies of Sport): Stoneham Lane Football Complex
• Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year: University of Warwick
• Environmental & Sustainability Impact Award: Liverpool F.C
• Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson/Team of the Year: Dean Gibbons
• Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Barenbrug): Marylebone Cricket Club
• Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Advanced Turf Technology LTD): The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
• Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year: Warwick Racecourse
• Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Agronomic Services Ltd): Castleford Tigers
• Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by MJ Abbott/Premier Pitches): Bristol Bears
• Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Reesink): Lincoln City F.C
• Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Elite) (Sponsored by SGL): Manchester City F.C
• University & College Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Kubota): University of Warwick
• Independent School Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by ISEKI): Whitgift School
• GMA Grounds Manager of the Year (Sponsored by DLF Seeds Ltd): Karl McDermott

Geoff Webb, GMA CEO said: "The GMA Industry Awards are always a key highlight in our calendar. They give us the chance to celebrate the hard work that drives our industry forward. We received a record number of entries this year which shows real strength and pride across grounds management. I want to congratulate all our winners and thank them for the great work they do every day."

The GMA would like to extend a special thank you to our platinum sponsor ISEKI UK & Ireland as well as conference & award sponsors Origin Amenity Solutions, ICL, Chappell Enterprises UK, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Barenbrug, Agronomic Services Ltd, MJ Abbott/Premier Pitches, Reesink, SGL, Kubota, DLF Seeds Ltd and Advanced Turf Technology LTD, whose support made this event possible.

This year’s charity partner, MND Association, was at the heart of the evening, with guests generously donating to support its vital work in improving access to care, research and campaigning for people affected by motor neurone disease. Thank you to everyone who contributed, your generosity will make a genuine difference.

As we celebrate this year’s award winners, we also encourage the industry to continue raising awareness of the profession by getting involved in #GroundsWeek from 23-29 March. Our annual awareness campaign is all about championing the hard work of grounds staff, inspiring future talent and highlighting the crucial role they play in making sport possible.