The TJ Awards 2019 are delighted to introduce Jacqui Oatley as the host for the Gala Dinner on 3 December when the gold, silver and bronze winners are revealed.

A lively, committed and universally respected sports journalist Jacqui made history in April 2007 as the first woman commentator on Match of the Day. Her depth of knowledge, sense of fun and relaxed style has consistently placed her at the front of sports broadcasting since becoming the first female commentator on British network radio in 2005.

Jacqui is a sports broadcaster for the BBC, ESPN and IMG (the Premier League’s worldwide television channel), specialising in football. She has fronted live England women’s football matches on BBC2, is ESPN’s host of their FA Women’s Super League (FAWSL) Show and a guest pundit on the English Premier League for TV2 in Norway.

A keen sportswoman herself, it took a serious knee injury in 2000 to see Jacqui switch career to sports broadcasting. Since then she has added a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism to her BA Hons degree in German.

Aside from covering sports as varied as tennis, rugby league and MotoGP, she has also reported from the World Snooker Championship, the Open Golf Championship and Royal Ascot – not to mention a period as the voice of TV classic It’s A Knockout for BBC’s Sport Relief.

“Given the rising profile of women’s football we’re excited to have Jacqui as our host, particularly in a World Cup tournament year,” said TJ’s editor Jon Kennard.

The Tower of London provides a magical setting for the TJ Awards Gala Dinner, which is being held on Tuesday 3 December. It offers an opportunity to mingle with VIPs, sponsors, finalists and judges to help build relationships and professional networks.

Email awards@trainingjournal.com to find out more about the Gala Dinner, or to book a table. Follow the conversation with the hashtag #TJA19.