Short summary:
TicketCo has announced the winners of its Ticketing Manager of the Year Awards 2026. Now in their second year, the awards recognise outstanding ticketing professionals across football and wider sport. Following the close of public voting and strong engagement from fans, colleagues, and the wider industry, five winners have been confirmed across the National League, National League North, National League South, NIFL, and a newly introduced Open Class category.
The awards were established to recognise the often overlooked professionals who underpin ticketing operations across the industry. These individuals play a central role in delivering smooth matchdays, dependable supporter service, and operational continuity, frequently without public recognition. Through the TMOY Awards, TicketCo aims to highlight their contribution and the value they bring to clubs and supporters alike.
A Bigger Stage in 2026
When the awards launched in 2025, they covered three categories: National League, National League North, and National League South. That first year crowned three worthy winners, Sarah Rowntree of Hartlepool United, Andy Gate of Oxford City, and Ollie Gout of Dorking Wanderers.
This year, the awards grew. Alongside the three National League categories, TicketCo introduced a category for NIFL, where TicketCo serves as league partner. The biggest step forward came with the launch of the Open Class, a category open to any club, any league, any country, and any sport. The ambition was clear: to recognise brilliant ticketing people wherever they work.
How the Winners Were Chosen
The journey to recognition was both rigorous and inclusive. In early 2026, CEOs, Commercial Directors, and other senior leaders were invited to nominate the colleagues who make a real difference. Those nominations were handed to an independent expert panel, who carefully scored every candidate. The result was a 15-person shortlist of exceptional talent.
From there, the decision passed to the people who matter most. The shortlist was published and shared across the industry, and fans, colleagues, and the public were invited to vote. Engagement was strong across all 15 shortlisted candidates, but the winners stood clear.
The 2026 Winners
National League | Natasha Fitzgerald, Woking FC
Natasha joined Woking during a period of significant change and quickly mastered a new ticketing platform, including the complexities of stadium mapping. She has built an effective ticketing team while keeping a warm rapport with supporters, bringing stability and confidence to the operation throughout.
National League North | Amanda Penney, Macclesfield Football Club
Amanda plays a central role in delivering smooth, fair ticketing across home and away fixtures. During the club's high-profile FA Cup ties, she managed exceptional demand, broadcast requirements, accessibility needs, and stakeholder allocations with calm authority, making every fan feel valued.
National League South | Charlie Fraser, Dagenham & Redbridge FC
Charlie led the club's ticketing operation while also serving as Club Secretary. This season he successfully integrated a new ticketing platform, balancing innovation with the demands of a senior role and placing the club at the forefront of new technology in National League football.
NIFL | Scott Smyth, Coleraine Football Club
Scott is valued across Coleraine for his tireless support and positive attitude. He has guided colleagues through new systems with patience and professionalism, giving his time and knowledge generously and earning the deep respect of everyone around him.
Open Class | Jodie Carter, Burton Albion Football Club
Jodie made a major contribution during a period of significant transition and a change of ownership. Beyond ticketing, she has taken on fan engagement, joined the leadership team, and served on the Fan Advisory Board, moving the department forward while supporting the wider club and community.
Visit our LinkedIn page to meet the winners and celebrate their achievements.
Celebrating the Full Shortlist
While five winners take home the title, all 15 shortlisted candidates deserve recognition. The ten runners-up, spanning clubs and leagues across England, Northern Ireland, and beyond, represent the dedication, resilience, and supporter focus that define the very best in ticketing. Every one of them earned their place, and every one of them made the case for why this industry runs on remarkable people.
A Word from TicketCo
It's brilliant to see ticketing managers being nominated by their clubs and recognised by their peers and fans," said David Kenny, Vice President, UK & Ireland at TicketCo.
"TicketCo is proud to have started this initiative across our sports verticals and to see the recognition it now brings to the people working behind the scenes. Year two saw us once again celebrating clubs from across the UK, while also welcoming our partners from the Northern Ireland Football League.
We also introduced our Open Class category for the first time, which was ultimately won by an EFL club."
The TMOY Awards 2026 recognise the winners, runners-up, and all nominees whose work underpins ticketing operations across the game. TicketCo extends its congratulations to everyone shortlisted for their contribution to clubs, supporters, and the wider industry.
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