At TicketCo, we’ve always believed that behind every great matchday is a team of ticketing professionals who make it all happen. They’re the ones who manage the flow of fans, solve last-minute challenges, and quietly shape the experience that supporters will remember long after the final whistle.
This season, in partnership with the National League, we launched the Ticketing Manager of the Year Award—an annual recognition of the dedicated individuals who embody the spirit of football through their work. It’s our way of saying: these are the unsung heroes who keep the turnstiles turning and the game alive.
The award was judged by an independent panel made up of experts from Everton FC, Wrexham AFC, Welsh Rugby Union, Macclesfield FC, and Bohemian FC—people who understand what it takes to deliver excellence, week in and week out.
We’re proud to introduce this year’s three outstanding winners:
⭐ Sarah Rowntree (Hartlepool United FC) – National League
Sarah is the heartbeat of Hartlepool United. With 17 seasons of unwavering service, she’s been instrumental in transforming the club’s ticketing operations—leading the move from paper to digital, helping launch the club’s app, and ensuring that every supporter feels valued and included. Her role goes far beyond ticketing: as Retail and Ticket Office Manager, Supporter Liaison Officer, and Disability Liaison Officer, she’s the bridge between the club and its community. Whether it’s working at the window or coordinating with away clubs, Sarah brings warmth, professionalism, and an unshakable calm that lifts everyone around her. Her work has helped Hartlepool grow stronger and more connected, season after season.
⭐ Andy Gate (Oxford City FC) – National League North
Andy’s impact at Oxford City can be felt in every corner of the club. Joining in 2020, he quickly became a driving force in transforming matchday operations and fan experience. From launching a digital ticketing system and online car park booking to creating “Hoops+,” a Netflix-style monthly subscription for season tickets, Andy has shown how innovation can unlock new possibilities even in the toughest of times. Despite the club’s relegation, Oxford City has seen record season ticket sales and maintained impressive average attendances—proof of the loyalty Andy inspires in supporters. Beyond ticketing, he’s the club’s voice as a matchday commentator, an organiser of community events like “Town v Gown,” and a trusted face who always has time to help a fan. Andy’s energy, creativity, and positivity have made him a true club legend.
⭐ Ollie Gout (Dorking Wanderers FC) – National League South
Ollie is a leader who wears many hats—and wears them all with purpose. As Marketing Manager and Head of Media at Dorking Wanderers, he’s at the centre of everything from ticket sales and supporter enquiries to digital media and fan engagement. This year, he led the club through a complete ticketing platform migration, personally managing the transfer of every fan’s account and data to ensure a seamless experience. He’s also worked tirelessly to support vulnerable fans who needed custom plastic season cards when the club went fully digital—making sure no one was left behind. His collaborative approach extends to forging away ticketing partnerships to prioritise Dorking’s most loyal supporters and to helping shape platform features that benefit the whole club. Ollie’s adaptability, attention to detail, and genuine care for every fan make him the perfect example of what this award was created to celebrate.
Why do we do this?
This is just the first year of the award, but it won’t be the last. We’ll be back next season to keep celebrating the ticketing professionals who work so hard for the game they love.
So why do we do this? Because at TicketCo, we’ve spent years focused on the people who make sports possible. Through our Don’t Forget Your Tickets podcast (running for over two years now), the DFYT Conference at Emirates Stadium, roundtables across Europe, and the launch of our Turnstile Talks video podcast series, we’ve worked to share insights, shine a light on the voices that deserve to be heard, and elevate the work of those who make matchdays magical.
The Ticketing Manager of the Year Award ties all of this together. It’s part of a bigger picture: one where TicketCo stands as a partner, not just a provider. We’re here to help ticketing managers thrive—whether they’re our clients or not—because we believe that when they succeed, the whole sport grows stronger.
Congratulations to Sarah, Andy, and Ollie. And thank you to every ticketing manager out there who makes football what it is. 🏆🏆🏆
