The South Australian Cricket Association’s (SACA) Turf Management Team has been recognised as the Sports Turf Management Team of the Year by The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association, an achievement that reflects the team's commitment to excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The award, presented at the National Sports Turf Management Industry Awards at Crown Complex on Monday night, recognises teams who have delivered exceptional performances, and contributed outstanding management, operations and presentation at a sporting facility.
Previous winners of the award include turf management teams at The National Golf Club, Suncorp Stadium, Lynwood Golf Club and The Gabba.
Led by Grounds Manager Trent Kelly, the SACA Turf Management Team has built a reputation for delivering world-class playing surfaces at Karen Rolton Oval and Park 25, consistently meeting and exceeding the expectations of elite cricket, domestic competitions, pathway programs and community users despite increasing scheduling pressures and climatic variability.
Over the past year, the team has successfully prepared and managed playing surfaces for major competitions including the Sheffield Shield, Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), and Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL).
Beyond elite cricket, the turf team has also supported a significant volume of community and pathway cricket, ensuring that surfaces used by local clubs, representative teams and development programs remained safe, well presented and fit for purpose.
At the heart of the team’s success is a culture of excellence. Every member plays a vital role in maintaining the high standards expected across preparation, presentation, recovery and maintenance.
The award also recognises the team’s adaptability in responding to challenges. Throughout the season, the team managed complex venue transitions and competing priorities, including coordination around significant infrastructure projects and responding to unexpected circumstances. This included preparing a Sheffield Shield Final venue with less than a week’s notice, where the surface was delivered to an exceptional standard and widely praised.
This consistent commitment to excellence, outstanding delivery and adaptability under pressure has distinguished SACA’s Turf Management Team as leaders within the profession. Their dedication not only supports the success of South Australian cricket, but also helps elevate standards across the broader sporting community.
SACA would like to congratulate Trent Kelly and the entire Turf Management Team on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their on-going contribution to cricket in South Australia.