We’re proud to reveal the 2025 35 under 35, supported by ICL - a celebration of the most promising talent under the age of 35 in the grounds management industry.
Blindly judged from a high calibre of applicants, this year’s winners stood out for their efforts to shaping the future of the sector. We were genuinely blown away by the standard of entries. Each finalist was carefully judged by a panel of eight respected industry experts.
Scroll down to discover the class of 2025.
Luis Arregui
- Deputy Grounds Manager
- Real Madrid C.F.
Luis has spent four years maintaining Real Madrid pitches, progressing from apprentice to Deputy Grounds Manager. He has experience at Santiago Bernabéu and Real Madrid City, including women’s team matches, and is passionate about sports turf and continuous learning.
Tom Bacon
- Groundsperson
- Brighton and Hove Albion FC
Tom Bacon is a groundsperson at Brighton & Hove Albion FC, with previous experience at Devonshire Park. A finalist for the GMA Most Promising Student award, he has earned team accolades, completed a Level 3 in Sports Turf Management and is currently pursuing Level 4.
Alex Brierley
- Groundstaff and Lead Irrigation
- The All England Lawn Tennis Club
Alex has modernised irrigation across multiple sites and oversees water compliance. During Championships, he manages court preparation and staff. He also supports industry peers through knowledge-sharing initiatives for irrigation professionals.
Louise Challiss
- Managing Director
- PAN Publicity Limited
Louise has led PAN Publicity since 2023, building on over a decade of experience promoting the groundcare industry. She advocates best practice, highlights talent at all levels and drives initiatives to inspire the next generation through apprenticeships and industry education.
Luke Chapman
- Deputy Head Groundsperson
- Brighton and Hove Albion FC
Luke started at Brighton & Hove Albion as an apprentice over 10 years ago and is now Deputy Head Groundsperson (Amex). A 2023 Chairman’s Award runner-up, he’s worked from Championship to Europa League level and is currently progressing toward his GMA Level 4 qualification.
Evan Davies
- Head of Grounds
- Swansea City AFC
Evan, Head of Grounds at Swansea City AFC, leads teams across three venues with 17 years’ experience. From volunteer to leader, he champions innovation and inspiring the next generation whilst maintaining elite playing surfaces.
Max Drummond-Smillie
- Head of Amenity
- Fargro Ltd
Max founded Fargro’s Amenity division in 2023, driving a sustainable approach to turf care through education, innovation and environmental responsibility. He has secured exclusive product partnerships, launched an own-brand fertiliser line and champions Integrated Turf Management.
Alex Earle
- Head Groundsman
- Tennisclub Weissenhof
Alex began in grounds management through volunteering and has progressed to leading roles at major organisations. Passionate about mentoring and blending tradition with modern practices, he works to create opportunities for young people and grow the industry globally.
Sean Faulkner
- Sales and Marketing Director
- Kersten UK Ltd
Sean champions sustainable surface management, bridging gaps in hard surface care through innovation and education. Author of the “Surface Maintenance Handbook,” he helped launch key IWM resources and founded the UK’s first Integrated Weed Management Conference.
Matthew Gibson
- Groundsperson
- The All England Lawn Tennis Club
Matthew has worked at Wimbledon full-time since 2021, with seasonal experience dating to 2012. He has international turf experience in the US, New Zealand and Australia, and now leads projects and mentors apprentices whilst maintaining high-quality courts for The Championships.
Flynn Good
- Skilled Sports Turf Operative
- Leicester City Football Club
Flynn, sports turf operative at Leicester City FC and GMA NextGen member, began volunteering at Bourne Town FC aged 10. Passionate about elite surfaces, he supports grassroots clubs and inspires the next generation of grounds professionals.
Matt Harris
- Groundsperson
- Whitgift School
Matt began as an apprentice at Whitgift School, having prior experience on golf and cricket courses. He has worked across all aspects of grounds maintenance, including hybrid pitches, and also applies his expertise to improving playing surfaces and machinery at a local cricket club.
Stanley Hayden
- Deputy Head of Grounds
- Fulham FC
With over 10 years’ experience at top venues including Arsenal, Spurs and Watford, Stanley specialises in delivering elite playing surfaces. He’s passionate about sustainability, innovation and mentoring the next generation of grounds professionals.
Brad Jefferies
- Head Groundsman
- Colchester United Football Club
Brad has 10 years’ experience in grounds management across cricket and football, from producing Test match pitches to leading at Colchester United. A former Head Groundsman at 22, he has also consulted internationally, including for the African Football League.
Ben Kim
- The member of Pitch Assist
- K-League
Ben Kim works with the K League’s Pitch Assist Team, improving turf quality and stadium conditions across Korea. He leads inspections and consulting, combining international benchmarking and data-driven strategies to modernise and standardise grounds management.
Rob Langley
- Sports Grounds & Facilities Supervisor
- University of Cambridge Sport
Rob oversees the maintenance of Cambridge University’s sports pitches across football, rugby, cricket, hockey and tennis. Drawing on 15 years as a professional rugby player, he leads a dedicated team to deliver high-quality, sustainable surfaces for sport and community use.
Jack Langley
- Deputy Head Groundsperson
- Ashton Gate Stadium
Jack Langely has risen from no experience to managing dual-sport surfaces at Ashton Gate Stadium. A GMA NextGen member, he champions sustainability, youth recruitment and accessibility in the grounds industry, aiming to drive lasting positive change.
Meg Lay
- Groundswoman
- Lord’s Cricket Ground
Meg began her career at Gloucestershire in 2022 and is now part of the Lord’s grounds team. Winner of the GMA Newcomer of the Year 2023, she led the first all-women’s team to prepare an international cricket surface and now co-chairs GMA’s NextGen group.
Jack Leather
- Specialist Groundsperson
- Liverpool Football Club
Jack works at Liverpool FC, focusing on sustainable, data-led turf management and hybrid pitch preparation. He supports nutrient planning, performance testing and LFC Women’s surfaces, whilst mentoring through GMA NextGen and promoting innovation and sustainability in the industry.
Oliver Mahon
- Head of Grounds
- Bradfield College
Oliver began his career with a sports turf apprenticeship at Monkton Combe, progressing to manage its 120-acre estate and team of eight. Now Head of Grounds at Bradfield College, he also serves on the GMA NextGen board, championing opportunities for young people in the industry.
Maritza Martinez
- Associate Director of Stadium Grounds
- St. Louis CITY SC
Maritza manages St. Louis CITY SC’s hybrid Bermudagrass pitch, overseeing turf technologies, performance testing and international match prep. She champions diversity, equity and sustainability, serving on DEIB, Green Team and national Sports Field Management committees.
John Paul McAvoy
- Groundsman
- Preston North End
John Paul began his career with a two-year apprenticeship and has spent five years at Preston North End, now overseeing stadium grounds. He is recognised for attention to detail and maintaining high standards, earning praise from visitors and professionals alike.
Santiago Molinaro
- Agronomist
- Independent Professional
Based in Uruguay, Santiago provides consultancy and services in grounds management for professional clubs, schools and amateur teams. Known for creative problem-solving in challenging conditions, he has worked with top clubs including Nacional, Danubio and River Plate.
Kane Munday
- Assistant Head of Grounds
- Norwich City Football Club
Kane has progressed from turf contracting to Assistant Head of Grounds at Norwich City, gaining experience across elite sport, education and grassroots football. He focuses on staff development and raising standards, whilst inspiring the next generation of grounds professionals.
Matthew Noke
- Groundsperson
- Bristol City FC
Matthew transitioned into grounds management three years ago, earning a Level 2 sports turf distinction and completing PA spraying courses. Experienced across multiple sports and stadiums, he has gained skills and a passion for mentoring while aspiring to progress to senior roles.
Daniel Puicar
- Head Gardener
- Middleton Hall Trust
Daniel became Head Gardener at Middleton Hall Trust in 2023, leading 42 acres and a team of 37 volunteers. After a career change following life-changing surgery, he now drives rapid site development and promotes horticulture as a rewarding career.
Adam Radley
- Deputy Head of Grounds & Gardens
- Stamford School
Adam has led sports turf operations at Stamford School, delivering top-tier cricket facilities for 80+ matches. Recently promoted to Deputy Head of Grounds & Gardens, he combines practical expertise with a Level 3 Diploma distinction.
Ethan Reed
- Pitch Performance Manager - The City Ground
- Nottingham Forest Football Club
Pitch Performance Manager at Nottingham Forest FC, Ethan leads surface strategy using data to enhance play and reduce injuries. From mowing lawns at 10 to mentoring new talent, he champions pathways for the next generation.
David Ridley
- Facility Operations Manager
- Wiltshire County Football Association
David has grown a multisport site for Wiltshire FA into a thriving, self-sustaining hub hosting 1,500+ games a year. He founded the Grounds and Facility Support Group and supports grassroots facilities through advice and volunteering.
George Sheath
- Grounds Advisor (Head of Grounds)
- University of Southampton
George progressed from grounds assistant to head groundsperson at Wide Lane Sports Ground within two years. He has led major redevelopments, improved sustainability, hosted professional teams and events and champions team growth and innovation.
Aaron Stevenson
- Deputy Head Groundsperson
- London Stadium
Aaron Stevenson began as a golf course apprentice in Scotland and progressed to Rangers FC, Tottenham Hotspur and the London Stadium, now Deputy Head Grounds Person. At 24, he champions hard work and mentoring the next generation in sports turf.
Bradley Tennant
- Director
- International Greenkeepers
Bradley is dedicated to opening pathways into sports turf, focusing on education. He has built international volunteer programmes, connecting people worldwide to opportunities and inspiring the next generation to join the industry.
Aaron Tong
- Head of Grounds
- Hull City AFC
Aaron, Head of Grounds at Hull City AFC since 2016, manages the MKM Stadium pitch for football and rugby. He champions innovative technologies like LED grow lights, and shares expertise with grassroots volunteers whilst pursuing professional development in turf management.
Ben Tuckwell
- Grounds Maintenance Operative
- Nuture Group
Ben is an emerging grounds professional, leading line-marking and community field maintenance. Driven by a passion for creating safe, accessible and inspiring green spaces, he aims to promote eco-friendly practices and serve as a role model for young professionals.
Dewi Williams
- Club Developer
- Football Association of Wales
Dewi supports grassroots clubs in North Wales to become more sustainable, inclusive and community-driven. A volunteer at Llanfairfechan Town FC, he works with national bodies to improve facilities and raise standards in grassroots grounds management.
