New managerial training programme aims to Elevate Leadership in sportsturf sector
Published: Friday 20 June 2025A new managerial training programme for the sportsturf sector has been launched.
‘Elevate Leadership’ is a managerial training programme, operating in partnership between Myerscough College and Turf Business magazine, designed for those working in the turfcare industry transitioning in a managerial role and looking to advance their skillset and build a solid foundation for career progression.
Starting in September 2025, Elevate Leadership will cover essential management fundamentals, filling a crucial gap for learners advancing from a Level 3 programme, or those beginning a management role.
This new initiative is brought to you by the support of John Deere, who are proud sponsors of Elevate Leadership, aiming to address the shortfall in training resources available for new and aspiring managers in the turfcare sector.
Paul McGrail, Executive Director & Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships, Skills & Employer Engagement at Myerscough College, said: “The programme, is a vital step toward closing the leadership gap in the sports turf sector.
‘’With 82% of UK managers lacking formal training and poor management contributing to nearly a third of employee turnover, Elevate will equip future leaders with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive.
‘’By drawing on the real-world experience of Myerscough alumni, this programme bridges the critical gap between technical expertise and effective leadership.”
Current research indicates that 82% of managers have minimal or no training to be effective, and approximately 28% of employees have left a company due to poor relationships with their managers.
Elevate Leadership aims to address these training needs, working towards improving staff retention, increasing job satisfaction, and upskilling industry professionals. Modules will cover leadership styles, communication, conflict resolution, project management and appraisals, alongside other essential management skills.
The programme is LANTRA accredited, ensuring that all participants are awarded with an industry standard qualification alongside their training.
The programme will run for 12 months, consisting of 10 modules delivered through an online learning platform, with two days of in person learning to be held at the John Deere Training Academy. The programme will be led by a leading industry trainer.
A spokesperson for Turf Business said: ‘’We have been working behind the scenes for a number of years to bring the industry a managerial training programme, with the absence of one being brought up across numerous Turf Business summits.
‘’For these reasons, Turf Business is delighted to launch Elevate Leadership with the help of the programmes supporting partners, who share the aim of improving the training provided to the turfcare industry.’’
John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf & Turf, Chris Meacock, added: “The training given to sportsturf professionals is predominantly focused on the practical skills required to maintain pitches and golf courses.
‘’When individuals want to progress their careers further, they begin to take on more management responsibilities, be that leading teams, handling budgets or making decisions on behalf of a business.
“These professionals need to be supported as they grow, so the Elevate Leadership initiative is designed to develop the next generation of sports turf managers.
“John Deere wants to continue to see a thriving sports turf industry, and a major part of this is ensuring the people who work in the sector have the right training to unlock their career potential.”
Launching for its inaugural year in September 2025 the course fees are being heavily subsidised, making the course more accessible across the industry.