Professional Consultancy
Pitch and grounds consultancy
Planning a new sports facility, improving existing pitches, or managing grounds across multiple sites? GMA consultancy gives councils, schools, developers and sports sites independent, expert advice – from everyday pitch issues to full-scale redevelopment. Whatever the scale of your project, and wherever you are with it, our team helps you plan, manage and improve your playing surfaces, with clear recommendations you can act on.
What we offer
We work with you across the full life of a playing surface – from first concept to long-term management. Our consultancy covers three areas:
Advice & assessment
- Agronomy – expert assessment of soil, turf and surface performance
- Site audits – a clear, expert picture of where your grounds stand
- PQS Assessment – an annual Performance Quality Standard evaluation, tracking how well your maintenance is working and where it can improve
- Agricultural land classification – precise assessment of land quality and suitability
Projects
- Pitch design – independent design advice for new and redeveloped sports surfaces
- Site development – guidance on planning and developing sports grounds and facilities
- Project management – support for construction, improvement and drainage works from plan to play, including help with funding requests to National Governing Bodies
People & standards
- Training needs analysis – identifying the skills your team needs to maintain standards, and the training to get there
- Health & safety documentation – reliable, sector-specific paperwork you can depend on
- Recruitment support – expert input to help you appoint the right grounds staff
Why GMA
As an independent, not-for-profit body, our advice is impartial and grounded in the standards the sector works to – including the Grounds Management Framework, GMA's own national standard for sports surfaces. Our consultants bring hands-on experience and a real understanding of the job, working with you to find practical, affordable solutions for your site.
David Hemstock
Agronomy Consultant
David is a highly respected agronomy consultant and qualified Soil & Water Engineer (IEng) with more than 40 years’ experience working across the sports turf, grounds management and sports surface sector. He has supported projects ranging from community facilities through to major international sporting venues, providing specialist advice on pitch performance, surface construction, drainage, irrigation, artificial surfaces and long-term maintenance strategies.
His expertise spans feasibility studies, strategic master planning, design development, technical specification, project management and construction oversight. David has worked on some of the world's most prestigious sporting developments, including Olympic, Commonwealth Games and FIFA-standard football facilities, combining agronomic and engineering expertise to deliver high-performing and sustainable sports facilities.
Throughout his career, David has advised governing bodies, local authorities, stadium operators and professional sports clubs, helping clients create and maintain high-quality playing surfaces that meet the demands of elite competition and community sport alike. A member of RIPTA and an Incorporated Engineer with the Engineering Council, David brings extensive experience in the design and delivery of complex sports infrastructure projects, from individual facilities through to wider strategic developments.
Talk to us
Tell us about your site and what you're trying to achieve, and we'll help you find the right way forward.
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