Raised in Staffordshire, Jacqui Oatley MBE developed a love for football from a young age. She studied German at the University of Leeds, graduating in 1996. A serious knee injury ended her ambitions as an amateur footballer, but it also steered her towards journalism. Determined to remain involved in sport, she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism and began her career at BBC Radio Leeds.

Jacqui Oatley | Broadcasting Career & Key Milestones

Jacqui quickly established herself in sports media. In 2005, she became the UK’s first female football commentator on national radio with BBC Radio 5 Live. Two years later, she made history as the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day on BBC One, covering a Premier League fixture in April 2007.

Since then, she has worked with major broadcasters including BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, Quest TV, and FOX Sports internationally. Jacqui has covered top-tier events such as the Olympics, FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cups, European Championships, WSL football, and PDC darts tournaments. She also made history as ITV Sport’s first female darts anchor, highlighting her versatility across sports including tennis, golf, rugby league, and snooker.

Jacqui Oatley MBE | Media, Corporate & Speaking Work

Jacqui is a seasoned presenter and keynote speaker, frequently hosting events for organisations such as FIFA, The FA, Premier League, Goldman Sachs, BNY Mellon, as well as universities and schools. She also produces podcasts like The Molineux View, where she shares her insights and enthusiasm as a lifelong Wolverhampton Wanderers fan. Her experience extends across multiple sports, reflecting her broad knowledge and dynamic presenting style.

Jacqui Oatley MBE | Advocacy

Jacqui is a committed advocate for women in sport, particularly football, and serves as an Ambassador for Women in Football. She actively promotes female participation at all levels, mentoring emerging broadcasters and encouraging leadership in a male-dominated industry. After breaking barriers as the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day, she has used her platform to inspire others and challenge gender stereotypes in sports media.

Her advocacy also addresses broader diversity and inclusion issues within sport. She champions mental health awareness, amplifies underrepresented voices, and works to promote equality across all areas of athletic participation.

In recognition of her contribution to broadcasting and dedication to diversity, Jacqui was awarded an MBE in the 2016 Queen’s New Year Honours List.

Jacqui Oatley MBE | Sports Speaker

Jacqui is an engaging host, accomplished keynote speaker, and skilled moderator for panel debates and Q&A sessions. With a professional yet vibrant personality, she is a popular host who has compered events for FIFA, the Football Association and Premier League just to name a few. She has also fronted many non-sporting corporations and charities too, including Goldman Sachs and many educational establishments.

Jacqui Oatley Corporate Speaking Clients

Just some of Jacqui’s speaking clients include:

Ex-British Forces in business awards, ECA (General Assembly)
FIFA Women and Football and Leadership conference in Zurich
Inaugural Women in Football Conference at Wembley
Wolverhampton Council – business breakfast host
Nuffield Health club Rugby Q&A ‘with the legends’
Premier League Collaborate 92 Conference
Premier League Youth Development Conference,
Wolves End of Season Awards Dinner,
Sport Resolutions Conference,
CISCO Q&A
EFL Screwfix Q &A
Women’s Network event at Goldman Sachs
Manchester Metropolitan – Directorship course lecture,
The FA England Women’s World Cup squad announcement
The FA Women’s Football awards, FIFA Ballon D’Or event in Zurich
Twitter UK

Jacqui Oatley’s Speaking Topics

Jacqui’s talks can be tailored to your business or event type, however, just some of her keynote speaking topics include;

– Women in football
– Jacqui’s career change, from Intellectual property (Brand protection) to journalism.
– Women in sports broadcasting.
– Diversity – she is a director of Women in Football
– Motivational speaking via career change

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book female footballer and TV sports host Jacqui Oatley for your next corporate event.

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