Northampton Saints Head of Operations Kristy Coates saw off competition from around the world to be named the winner of a prestigious Leaders Sports Awards accolade.
Held on Tuesday (15 October) evening in the heart of London’s West End, the Leaders In Sport-run awards celebrate the year-round commitment that individuals and organisations make to elevate sport.
Kristy was named the winner of the Unsung Hero award – ahead of a shortlist of contenders that included figures from NBA basketball, football and tennis.
It marks a meteoric rise for the Northampton resident whose journey with the Club started as a programme seller back in 1996, aged 15. She now plays an integral leadership role, overseeing a team of 16 permanent staff and more than 250 matchday staff.
The day-to-day operation of cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, planning and delivery of matches and events, and delivery of major development projects all sit under Kristy’s remit.
She played a key role in securing and hosting the venue’s first major concert in 2018, as well as the bidding process which led to Northampton being named as host venue for six Women’s Rugby World Cup matches in 2025 and bringing all of Loughborough Lightning’s Premiership Women’s Rugby home fixtures to the stadium.
“We are thrilled that Kristy’s dedication and hard work have been acknowledged with this incredible award,” said Saints Chief Operating Officer, Julia Chapman.
“While the award is for an Unsung Hero, everybody behind the scenes at Northampton Saints is aware and appreciative of the incredible role she plays in making sure supporters and those who visit cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens have a brilliant experience.
“Kristy’s work ethic, positive approach and tenacity are key qualities to help us deliver a multitude of projects and we’re extremely proud of her for winning such a prestigious accolade.”
Julia Chapman, Chief Operating Officer at Northampton Saints
Kristy was shortlisted along with six other people from across the world; Andrea Hirsch (Chief Operating Officer & Chief Legal Officer, United States Tennis Association), Boris Serbian (Chief Information and Technology Officer PSG), Dave Winkworth (VP Finance for Joint Ventures & Partnerships IMG), Edson Crevecoeur (Senior Vice President, Strategy & Analytics, Miami HEAT; Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, 601 Analytics), Nasser Saleh Al-Olaqi (Manager of Facilities & Maintenance, Riyadh Club FC) and Tony Proud (Head of Design, Partnerships, City Football Marketing).
Next Home Match
