Whether you are a seasoned turf professional or a volunteer, the Sports Turf Academy is the centre to raise your knowledge and skills in turf maintenance and management. From short training courses, to apprenticeships, higher education; here we have the resources to help all levels explore new areas of knowledge and skills. For the full terms and conditions on STA courses, please click HERE.
Training and education courses include:
- Sports turf maintenance at all levels from basic introduction to degree level
- Short courses e.g. irrigation, turfgrass nutrition, management and coaching skills
- Machinery maintenance and set-up
- Masterclasses (industry expert talks)
- Sports turf construction
- Integrated management of weeds, pests and diseases
Training & Education
The Sports Turf Academy run a range of accredited training courses throughout the year.
The Sports Turf Academy provides the opportunity to not only train at a world-class venue, but learning with us provides access to the latest in Sports Turf technology, access to leading industry professionals and provides all of our students the opportunity to be part of an unrivalled learning experience.
Want to take your career to the next level? Register your interest below or by clicking HERE.
Current available courses
Initial Sports Line Marking (14 June, 2024)
Information and how to apply HERE.
The course is aimed at sports turf, ground staff, and lawn care professionals seeking to develop their knowledge in the efficient, safe and legal aspects of line marking and the basic skills needed. This is an entry level qualification so there are no specific entry requirements.
Advanced Cylinder Mower Set-Up & Sharpening For Sports Turf & Greenkeeper (18 & 19 June, 2024)
Information and how to apply HERE.
This Lantra approved qualification is aimed at sports turf, ground staff, greenkeeping and lawn care professionals seeking to develop their skills and knowledge in professional mowing machinery set-up and basic skills in fault finding problems.
The course will be delivered in conjunction with mowing machinery expert Neil Hullah from Cut Sharp at LCFC Sports Turf Academy, Seagrave, Leicestershire.
The course includes learning about agronomical benefits of correct quality of cut set up, specifically bottom-blade selection, the actual height of cut, shear point position, clip rate, forward speeds and understanding general mower set-up systems. Including practical skills in preparing and operating grinding equipment and setting up mowing equipment for high performance mowing.
There are no entry requirements, however, it is recommended that learners have some prior experience in the basic use of grounds care and mowing equipment. The duration is 12 hours over two days, 9am-4pm.
Sports Turf Leadership & Management: Effective Communication & Decision Making (16 July, 2024)
Information and how to apply HERE.
This course is aimed at individuals that either work or aspire to work in sports turf management. The course is an ideal introduction and/or refresher training to reinforce good practices for evaluating and validating information; decision making, developing essential records and communicating effectively with key stakeholders involved in sports turf business.
The typical learner will be working towards or currently in a supervisory or management position. This course is also ideal supplementary training for Advanced Apprentices of sports turf.
Sports Turf Leadership & Management: Understanding How To Prepare & Control Budgets (17 July, 2024)
Information and how to apply HERE.
Sports Turf Leadership & Management: Performance Management - How To Maximise Productivity (27 June, 2024)
Information and how to apply HERE.
This course is aimed at individuals that either work or aspire to work in sports turf management.
The course is an ideal introduction and/or refresher training to reinforce good practices for evaluating and validating information; decision making, developing essential records and communicating effectively with key stakeholders involved in sports turf business.
The typical learner will be working towards or currently in a supervisory or management position. This course is also ideal supplementary training for Advanced Apprentices of sports turf.
Basis Certificate In Crop Protection Amenity Horticulture: Amenity Grass & Sports Turf Areas (10 September, 2024)
Information and how to apply HERE.
This course provides training and certification for sellers of agrochemicals and those giving advice on their use in amenity. It is valuable qualification for all those involved in the use of plant protection products in turf.
The BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection has been approved by Ministers to meet the requirements of Schedule 2 of the Control of Pesticide Regulations for certification of those involved in the sale, advice and supply of pesticides.
This course is aimed at those involved in advising, sales or supply of pesticides in the amenity industry. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Contractors who sell or give advice
- Distributors who sell or give advice
- Pesticide manufacturers and suppliers
- Consultants, agents, managers, specifiers and local authority managers who are involved in pesticide sales or advice
Irrigation Turfgrass Technician - Lantra Approved (7 & 8 January, 2025)
Information and how to apply HERE.
The course is aimed at sports turf, groundstaff, greenkeeping and lawn care professionals seeking to develop automatic irrigation system skills and knowledge in the fundamental of installation, fault finding and set-up.
The outline of the course is to learn the fundamentals of a systems operation, components, efficient use, set-up, maintenance, and technology. This includes learning practical skills to install and set-up valves, sprinklers, and pipework.
There are no entry requirements, however, it is recommended that learners have some prior experience in the basic use of automatic irrigation systems.
Duration - 12 hours over two consecutive days (including up to two hours for the assessment).
Entry Requirements
Candidates must have had satisfactory training and supervised field experience before entering for the BASIS (FSTS) examination. If in doubt as to this requirement, please contact the BASIS office.
Terms & Conditions
For the full terms and conditions on STA courses, please click HERE.