Our Estates team has won an award at the prestigious Grounds Management Association (GMA) awards. 

Warwick took home the University/College Grounds Team of the Year award for providing “excellent pitches”. The standards achieved by the team were described by the GMA as “outstanding”. 

Over the past year the University has had the honour of hosting an athletes' village for the Commonwealth Games, including training facilities for the Rugby Sevens, as well as the International Children’s Games, Premiership football teams, Rugby Football Union, and local community training and fixtures, meaning that the grounds team had even more work to do alongside supporting student sports activity.  

Alan Warwood, Head of Facilities, said: “Our team has transformed itself over the last few years and we are so proud to win this award. As a small team we care for over 20 multi-surface pitches, and it is an honour to be recognised for the work we are doing and to show that we are operating at the very highest level. This award recognises the passion and skills of our team.” 

Our Grounds team is made up of nine full-time roles and one apprentice who maintain more than 118 acres, covering pitches for football, rugby, hockey, American Football and many other sports.  

The judging criteria focused on leadership, innovation, environment, people development and achievement. This national award truly recognises their commitment and passion to grounds care and leadership in this specialist area.  

Evan Underwood, Apprentice, added: “I have been an apprentice for just over a year. I have enjoyed the work and being part of a fun team, I have particularly enjoyed learning how to operate all types of machinery including tractors and mowers. I am looking forward to finishing my apprenticeship course and my future at the University to continue.” 

The awards, which recognise talent from across the grounds care industry across the UK, were hosted by BBC broadcaster Mark Clemmit and took place at a packed-out gala ceremony at the Vox, Birmingham NEC. 

In total, eighteen awards were presented – celebrating a range of achievements and Warwick were among winners including Leicester City Football Club, Wigan Warriors, Harlequins RUFC and Goodwood Racecourse.