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Friends of First Green
About First Green
First Green has been licenced by the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) with kind permission of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and its Foundation.
First Green is a unique international education initiative that turns golf courses into living, outdoor classrooms where young people can explore science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in a fun and practical way. On guided field trips, golf club greenkeeping teams lead hands-on learning stations that bring STEM concepts to life through real-world activities like soil science, ecology, water quality and problem-solving challenges. Every part of the experience links back to the UK school curriculum and shows pupils how the work of greenkeepers connects to nature, the environment and exciting careers they might not otherwise encounter.
At its heart, First Green is about inspiring the next generation. By showcasing the vital role greenkeepers play in managing vibrant, sustainable landscapes and introducing young people to the world of greenkeeping and STEM careers, the programme helps broaden horizons and open doors. Importantly, First Green field trips are delivered free for schools to attend, making this invaluable learning experience accessible to a diverse range of young learners across the country.
First Green supports:
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Awareness of greenkeeping as a skilled, professional career
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Understanding of golf’s environmental and ecological value
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Early engagement with future education and career pathways
Become a Friend
Friends of First Green is a donation-led fund that supports the delivery, growth, and inclusivity of First Green activities across the UK.
The fund enables the association to support education outreach and workforce development in a way that is meaningful, ethical, and aligned with the values of the initiative - without commercialising learning experiences.
Support from donors helps First Green reach more schools, more young people and more communities across the UK. Contributions help fund resources, educational materials and practical support that enable clubs and volunteers to deliver safe, inspiring and well organised experiences. By supporting First Green, donors play a direct role in nurturing future talent, strengthening environmental education and securing the long term future of greenkeeping and the wider golf industry.
How Donations Are Used
Contributions to Friends of First Green help fund:
- Educational Swag Bags for children attending First Green events
- Production of learning materials focused on environment, ecology and careers
- First Green flags and event resources
- School transport bursaries to ensure access for schools with limited budgets
- Expansion of First Green outreach, including careers and training events
Contribution
- Suggested minimum annual donation: £500
- Open to companies of all sizes and individuals
- Higher voluntary contributions welcomed
- All Friends recognised equally, regardless of donation value
Recognition
Recognition is intentionally consistent, proportionate and values led.
All Friends of First Green receive:
- Logo, link and/or name on the Friends of First Green webpage
- A digital “I’m a Friend of First Green” badge to display on their website, email signature or other digital platforms
- Inclusion in an annual Friends of First Green acknowledgement list
- Recognition within a First Green annual impact update
- Inclusion on a Friends of First Green information postcard placed in event swag bags (with QR code)
Where appropriate, Friends may also:
- Supply approved practical items for swag bags (subject to approval)
- Display pop-up banners at First Green training or industry events (not school-facing field trips)
Our Commitment
To protect the integrity of First Green:
- There are no naming rights or exclusive sponsorships
- There is no direct marketing to children or schools
- Branding on core First Green materials remains limited and consistent
First Green remains focused on education, inclusion, and the future of the profession.
Join Us
By becoming a Friend of First Green, individuals and organisations are helping to inspire young people, support environmental education, and secure the future of greenkeeping.
To find out more or to become a Friend of First Green, please contact firstgreen@bigga,co.uk or complete the form below.
REGISTER TO BE A FRIEND OF FIRST GREEN HERE