The Toro Company and Lely Turfcare have signed a three-year sponsorship deal with the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) to support the activities of the IOG’s Young Board of Directors (YBD).


IOG's Young Board of Directors at Saltex 2014

The YBD’s strategy is based on developing marketing collateral and further engaging with a wider sector of young people, guiding them towards a clear pathway into a rewarding career in groundsmanship. This sponsorship will help them achieve this overall objective.

YBD members selflessly give up their own time to support YBD initiatives by, for example, attending and supporting a range of career events.

YBD members work in various sectors of the industry – from Premier League football clubs and prestigious independent schools, to family-owned groundscare businesses. Many became Board members after winning top IOG groundscare awards.

Commenting on the deal, YBD chair Will Graves, said: “My thanks to Toro for supporting the YBD over the next three years. The Board has ambitious plans moving forwards, and with Toro’s support we can have an even bigger and better influence on young people both inside and outside of the groundscare industry.”

Holly Jones, marketing manager at Lely Turfcare said: “By sponsoring the YBD we are demonstrating Toro’s long-term commitment to the development of the industry. We have supported young talent and excellence in the greenkeeping industry, and this latest agreement with the IOG provides us with the perfect opportunity to encourage young people to consider a career in groundsmanship. We are delighted to be involved.”

IOG chief executive, Geoff Webb, added: “Toro’s involvement with the IOG is fantastic news for groundsmanship, as well as the institute, and it reinforces the view that young people are integral to all our futures and require help in developing their careers. This sort of initiative goes a long way to addressing this.”