BREAKING BARRIERS

TRAILBLAZER

This award is for the individual who is forcing change, breaking barriers, treading new ground and exerting influence in global professional sport.

Key questions for entrants:

  1. The Individual (max 300 words): Tell us about the nominee: Who are they? How did they get to where they are? What is their background?
  2. The Work (max 300 words): What is the nominee’s current responsibility? How big is the team they manage? What are their career highlights?
  3. The Results (max 300 words): Facts and figures: What success has been seen as a result of the nominee’s work?
  4. The Story (max 300 words): This is a chance to give us a little more… think outside the box: Is there a story about this individual that sums up their work (or personality)? How have they made an impact on the industry?
  5. Reference (max 300 words): Please supply a reference from a colleague or peer suggesting why they believe the nominee is worthy of the Trailblazer Award.

Start an entry
2024 SHORTLIST

2024 WINNER

Ebru Köksal

Chair
Women in Football

Alejandro Agag

Founder and Chairman, FIA Formula E
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Extreme E
Founder and Chairman, E1

Aref Al Awani

General Secretary
Abu Dhabi Sports Council

Carolyn Kindle

Chief Executive Officer
St. Louis City SC

Khalid Ali Al-Mawlawi

Chief Operating Officer,
Aspetar Hospital

Mollie Marcoux Samaan

Commissioner
LPGA

Sharon Allela

Partnerships and Media Lead Africa, Giants of Africa
Founder, ADANA

Thamindu Wedatilake

Lead Physician, England Women’s Cricket
England & Wales Cricket Board

BEHIND-THE-SCENES OPERATORS

UNSUNG HERO

This award is for the behind-the-scenes operator and influencer who is helping to shape an organisation and the industry, away from the limelight and headlines.

Key questions for entrants:

  1. The Individual (max 300 words): Tell us about the nominee: Who are they? How did they get to where they are? What is their background?
  2. The Work (max 300 words): What is the nominee’s current responsibility? How big is the team they manage? What are their career highlights?
  3. The Results (max 300 words): Facts and figures: What success have been seen as a result of the nominee’s work?
  4. The Story (max 300 words): This is a chance to give us a little more… think outside the box: Is there a story about this individual that sums up their work (or personality)? How have they had an impact on the industry?
  5. Reference (max 300 words): Please supply a reference from a colleague or peer suggesting why they believe the nominee is worthy of the Unsung Hero Award.

Start an entry
2024 Shorlist

2024 WINNER

Kristy Coates

Head of Operations
Northampton Saints

Andrea Hirsch

Chief Operating Officer & Chief Legal Officer
United States Tennis Association

Boris Serapian

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

Tony Proud

Head of Design (Partnerships)
City Football Marketing

DOWNLOAD THE NOMINATION GUIDE

SUBMIT AN AWARD WINNING ENTRY

The brand-new 2025 Nomination Guide is your one-stop-shop for curating a winning Leaders Sports Awards entry. In here you’ll find:
✅ Category criteria and 2024 shortlists
✅ Exclusive entry tips
✅ Rules and considerations

…and much more