As a new year approaches, and wintry weather becomes an increasing factor, attentions are turning towards a Grounds Management Association (GMA) training resource on their website which supports volunteers who maintain sports pitches.

Their ‘Toolkit’ is helping staff and the general public to understand how to look after pitches for all players across the community. Written content, short videos and easy-to-digest seasonal guides are available to ground staff within the GMA’s Toolkit, which enables them to prepare the best possible playing surface for their players during 2024.

The GMA aim to continue increasing the skills and capabilities of practicing, and future, grounds volunteers, engaging them further with common practices involved in grounds maintenance. The toolkit is fully backed by Sport England, and the Essex County FA are encouraging more people to take a look as a useful training function.

The ‘Grounds Management Toolkit’, funded by Sport England and Other Media, can be accessed for free via this link. To upskill your knowledge through GMA training courses, or for more information on bespoke training sessions, visit The GMA's website or E-Mail learning@thegma.org.uk.