Future Turf Managers' Initiative (FTMI)

               


Future Turf Managers' Initiative (FTMI) 

Applications Now Open


The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association recognises the importance of preparing sports turf managers to continue personal and professional development, in order to advance their careers and develop the capabilities for Leadership positions. 

The Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI) is a world-wide program developed and operated by Jacobsen, successfully delivering education to future leaders in the turf industry who aspire to be Superintendents, Ground Managers, Head Curators or hold a senior leadership position. 

Together, the ASTMA and Jacobsen have been offering this highly successful training opportunity to Australian and New Zealand turf management staff since 2016, with over 100 candidates selected to be a part of the program to date.

About the Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI) Program

The Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI) has been designed to provide practical tools and guidance, to help candidates to pursue their career aspirations through a professional development course.

Working with professional trainers, industry leading mentors, Jacobsen and ASTMA staff, candidates are provided training and knowledge relating to Management and Leadership, and leave FTMI with a clear understanding of what the future holds, an understanding of the expectations that come with the role of a Leader, and practical skills to develop their career in the a future leader in the sports turf management industry.

Since inception, FTMI participants have utilised the skills and knowledge gained during the program to take the next step in their careers, with almost half of all participants in the past 5 years being promoted onto a more senior role.
Present during this year’s FTMI program was Jacobsen’s regional sales manager for Australia and New Zealand, Peter Schumacher, who says such initiatives are important for the future progression of our next generation of leaders in the sports turf management industry.
 

“From Jacobsen’s perspective, we believe that the FTMI is a program of significant benefit for the turf industry and its participants,” says Schumacher.
“We are delighted to have been instrumental in its development and its ongoing success. "As a company of innovation, this program aligns perfectly with our pursuit of pushing
boundaries and limitations for the betterment of our customers and industry.  This year we again had a very strong group of FTMI students and it is clear to me that the
future of our industry is indeed bright with the quality of the participants coming through year after year.”  

 

A Focus on Professional Development

The 2025-26 FTMI will be a combined online learning and face to face education model, taking place over five months.  

The online modules commence in late 2025, culminating in an intensive live in 2.5 day (Sun - Tues) program including graduation ceremony in March 2026. 

Content covered in the FTMI workshops include:

  • Presentation Skills
  • Effective Communication
  • Leadership and Professionalism
  • Interview Preparation and Techniques
  • Developing a Resume
  • Working with and leading a team
  • Financial Acumen - Building and Managing a Budget
  • Becoming a Leader

Sessions will be presented by keynote speakers, established and respected superintendents/course managers (mentors) and other industry professionals.  Content and the agenda will be determined by the ASTMA and Jacobsen and alters from year to year to keep pace with industry expectations and travel guidelines.

Who is the FTMI for? 

The FTMI program has been developed to provide learning and development opportunities to:

  • Senior staff at small, regional and remote facilities, such as Grounds Managers, Curator or Superintendent with 2 or less paid staff members
  • Assistant Sports Turf Manager, Assistant Superintendents, Assistant Grounds Managers or Assistant Curators who are looking to take on senior leadership positions
  • Forman, 3IC, Senior Groundstaff or Senior Greenkeepers looking to move into Management or Assistant Management positions

Focusing on personal and professional development, rather than agronomy based subjects, the FTMI programme utilises the expertise of leading Sports Turf Managers, leading trainers and industry experts, to mentor and educate the next generation of sports turf management leaders.

 

 

“The FTMI program is a great initiative packed full of learning and development opportunities. I recommend this program to anyone looking to progress their career and I will encourage my junior staff to apply in the future.”

- Jimmy Ross

Great Barrier Reef Arena, Qld (2025)

 

 

 

"I believe this is a great opportunity for any aspiring superintendent. The skills you learn are invaluable. The people you meet through this course are incredibly helpful and have taught me some life long lessons I can utilise in my job."

- Mason Calder

The Kinloch Club  (2025)
 

 

"The FTMI was an absolute game changer. I met great people and took so much away from it. The leadership techniques and personal growth was big for me...  If you are serious about a future in turf management, this program will take your career to the next level.."

- Liam Maling

MCC, Vic (2025)

 

Eligibility and Criteria

To participate applicants need to:

  • Be a current ASTMA  Member
  • Have at least 2 years experience working full-time in the Sports Turf Management industry post apprenticeship
  • Currently be employed full time in the Sport Turf Management industry
  • Have the full support of employer and manager to take part in the program

Please note: 

  • Applications for the 2026 Future Turf Managers’ Initiative are now open.  Click here to apply
  • Apprentices and trainees are not eligible to apply.  Applicants must be fully qualified with 2 year experience post completion of their Cert III. 
  • A list of the FTMI scenario questions can be downloaded HERE for your review

 

Applications Close Monday 22 September 2025