Here are some of the experts that will be on hand to offer advice at SALTEX 2021
Jason Booth
National manager of the GMA, FA, ECB and the Football Foundation funded Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP), Jason was previously head groundsman at Leeds Rhinos at Headlingley Stadium.
Darren Symonds
Darren has previously worked as a groundsman at the Oxford University Parks and most recently at St Albans School. He is currently undertaking the FdSc Sportsturf Distance Learning Degree with Myerscough College. Regional pitch advisor for the South east region.
Ian Powell
Formerly a cricket development manager for the Yorkshire Cricket Board, Ian has extensive grounds care knowledge and has provided technical assistance to clubs, grounds staff and pitch advisors for club development. Regional pitch advisor for the North and Yorkshire region.
Dan Bradley
Daniel previously worked at Wembley Stadium and brings to the role more than 11 years of groundsmanship and horticultural experience, underpinned by current studies towards his Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture (Sports Turf) to complement the Level 2 work-based Diploma he gained in 2016. He also worked at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea and Magdalen College in Oxford.
Ian Mather-Brewster
Ian has been an GMA advisor for the previous four years under the ECB programme. This role saw him improve and support Groundsman Associations across six counties. He was also an ECB county pitch advisor for the Lancashire Cricket Board. Regional pitch advisor for the North west region.
Tom Rowley
Formerly assistant groundsman at Leicester City FC his role involved maintaining the five training pitches as well as the stadium’s Desso pitch. He is accredited to NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management and NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture. He also holds a Diploma in Amenity Horticulture. Regional pitch advisor for East Midlands.
Kevin Duffill
With h3 and practical groundsmanship experience gained over 10 years with a youth football club, Kevin has worked at the GMA in a variety of roles. He has a BA Hons in Geography and American Studies and has undertaken various turf-specific training courses. Regional pitch advisor for the Midlands region.
Simon Johnson
Simon brings more than 30 years’ experience to this role and he has achieved NVQ2 and NVQ3 in Greenkeeping and Sports Turf Management. Most recently Simon was the Cornwall Cricket Pitch Advisor and put together a strategy to improve pitches throughout the Cornwall Cricket Premier League.
Phill Jeggo
Phil brings more than 30 years’ experience to this role. He entered the industry from school, joining Essex County Cricket Club on a youth training scheme, gaining a city and guilds qualification. Most recently Phil was Head Groundsman at Essex County Cricket Club’s Billericay site.
Julien Morris
With 10 years’ experience in professional football and formerly Head Groundsman at Coventry City FC, Julien has an NPTC Diploma Level 3 in Sports Turf Management & NPTC Spraying qualifications PA1, PA2 and PA6. Since the age of 15 he has volunteered as a groundsman at his local cricket club and in the subsequent 16 years has been club chairman, secretary and treasurer.
