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Making sure young voices in the industry are heard

Meg Lay | Groundsperson at Lord’s

The first female member of groundstaff at Lord’s, the home of cricket – Meg Lay – already has her name etched on the history books and we’re quite sure she will make a just as much of a mark in the history of the NextGen too!

 

Why did you decide to get involved with GMA NextGen?

I am hugely passionate about driving more young people into the industry and keeping them interested and involved. The GMA has the people and the resources to allow me to make a difference.


What is your role in NextGen?

To spread awareness about our industry and what we do, but specifically target it at a younger audience who may not know it is a career path. It is also to represent the current young people working in sports turf, and ensuring their voices are heard.

What do you enjoy most about being involved?

I have met some incredible young people, who are like-minded and passionate about the work we do. Being involved in NextGen has given me opportunities to speak on panels, work at different grounds, and meet people in the industry, all to promote what it is we do.


What do you hope to achieve?

For me personally, it is to increase awareness of the profession. Grounds management is essential for sport to go ahead, and we need more people putting their hands up to do it. If we can reach a wider audience, we will find those people.


Where do you work and what does that include?

I am on the grounds team at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, as well as helping for the occasional match day in football. My role is preparing training and playing surfaces for some of the best cricket players in the world and ensuring the Home of Cricket lives up to its reputation. 


How did you get into the industry?

Quite simply, I’m a farmer who has always played (and loved) cricket. When I came to the UK from New Zealand a few years ago, I lived with professional cricket players who told me there was a job opening at the Bristol County Ground.

I knew from my first day on the job that I would never be able to work in any other industry, I’ve been hooked ever since.

Meg Lay Groundsperson at Lord’s

What’s your advice to those thinking about a career in grounds?

Just do it. Volunteer at your local sports club. Sign up to some online courses through the GMA website. Ask a ground if you can volunteer for a match day. Or if you see a job, you like the look of, just apply. Don’t be deterred by a lack of experience. Passion, attitude, and being a great team member are what you need to succeed in this industry. The technical stuff can all be taught.


What’s the best bit about working in the industry?

To me, it almost feels like I’m playing a team sport, but getting paid to do it every day. I’m outside, doing physical activity with my best friends, and we get to watch cricket. What’s not to love?!