Chris Newsham
Founder and CEO
Chris Newsham
Founder and CEO
What brought you to work in sports travel
As a lifelong sports fan I always wanted to work within the sports industry, my big break came when London was awarded the Olympic Games. I applied for nearly every job and was incredibly grateful when I was appointed to manage the accommodation for the football tournament.
What has been your highlight of working for Sportsrooms
I have had so many highlights since stating the business, but my biggest highlight has been seeing the team at Sportsrooms grow over the years not just in terms of numbers but experience and knowledge. I am truly grateful to have such an amazing team which means I always know that our clients are in great hands!
What is your favourite sporting event or moment
I have been incredibly fortunate attend so many events over the years, the Olympic Games opening ceremony in 2012 was incredible, the Rugby World Cup Finals in 2015, 2023 and the women’s final in 2025 were amazing, EURO 2020 Final (despite the result) was special to share with my dad, best friend and eldest son. Plus seeing the Men’s 100m finals at both the 2000 and 2024 Olympic Games was brilliant! All this being said my answer would always be, the next one!
Matt Annis
Head of Operations
Matt Annis
Head of Operations
What brought you to working in Sports Travel?
After studying Football Business and Media at University, I was always interested in the travel element of athletes. I ended up doing my dissertation on the Logistics, Travel and Preparation of Professional Sport which I was lucky to receive a 1st Class Honours for. When the opportunity arose to combine my studies with a career in sports travel, I was delighted! I love the variety of work I get to be involved in, no two days are ever the same! It also comes with amazing opportunities, great to people/clients to work with and for along with. Finally, plenty of challenges to keep me on my toes!
What has been your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
Without sounding too cliche, I’ve been very fortunate to be involved in some amazing projects, be it our daily domestic team travel with teams across the football pyramid, to more recent projects such as the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final. I’ve also been fortunate to work on five Champions League finals which has given me the opportunity to work in some amazing locations (shame Chelsea haven’t been involved in any of them yet!)
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
I have been very very lucky to experience so much within sport it’s hard to choose. I had the privilege of playing at Old Trafford on a corporate day once which was a iconic experience even if you are not a Manchester United fan. I’ve also been very lucky to visit Wembley on several occasions when we have had clients in cup or play off finals including one visit within the Royal Box which was amazing (despite the result that day!). My colleagues would say though that my favourite sporting experience is the hat trick I scored at the Manchester Regional Arena in a charity football match at university which I constantly remind them every time we’re in or talking about Manchester (rare I ever score in football!)…
Tracy Rookyard
Head of Finance
Tracy Rookyard
Head of Finance
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
I came from an events background to Sportsrooms, starting in the operations team I have developed as the business has grown and now head up the finance department.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
Watching the Cricket World Cup Semifinal between England and Australia at Edgbaston in 2019. It was a very exciting and a great day out with my colleagues.
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
World Tour Cycling and GB Triathlon are my go to sporting events.
Jen Holt
Head of HR
Jen Holt
Head of HR
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
Having been a client of the then Teamrooms, I knew first hand the fantastic service that the company gave its clients and teams. I wanted to be part of it and 7 years on I haven’t looked back.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
My highlight has to be flying with 48 hours notice to work in Japan within the accommodation team for the Rugby World Cup 2019
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
It maybe a lifetime ago but memories like this live with you. I was part of the winning Under 15 National Hockey Team. We travelled the length and breadth of the UK and ended up beating Hinckley Hockey Club which later became my hockey team when I moved from Worcestershire to Leicestershire back in 2017.
Ross Chapman
Senior Account Manager
Ross Chapman
Senior Account Manager
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
I studied Sport Tourism at University and as an avid sports fan I always knew I wanted to work in the industry. Working in sports travel has allowed me to travel the world watching major sporting events and I feel very lucky to call it my job!
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
Working on the Champions League Final 2023 in Istanbul and also seeing our one of our clients Somerset win the T20 Finals Day at Edgbaston!
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
There are a couple, watching England at the FIFA World Cup 2018 and being at the MCG for the Ashes where Alastair Cook made a double hundred!
Sarah Duckworth
Senior Account Manager
Sarah Duckworth
Senior Account Manager
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
I’ve always loved playing sport and working in hospitality, so combining the two into a career just felt like the perfect fit.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
Collaborating with colleagues to successfully deliver sporting events
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
Attending The 2018 Ryder Cup
Georgia Hannah
Senior Account Manager
Georgia Hannah
Senior Account Manager
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
I have always worked within hospitality, (even attending a hotel management school in South Africa for a couple of years!) and had experience working with sports team stays on the hotel side – this made me want to follow a career path that combined both my hospitality knowledge and love of sports.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
Of course getting to know my wonderful Sportsrooms family! Also I can’t miss out seeing Ipswich Town get promoted to the Premier League in the 2023-24 Season after working with them since their League One days!
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
This has to be being lucky enough to attend the Laver Cup tournament in Vancouver in 2024 whilst out there looking after the official accommodation programme for Players, Sponsors, VIP Guests and Workforce. Alcaraz was amazing!!
Ruth Hedley
Senior Account Manager
Ruth Hedley
Senior Account Manager
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
After graduating with a degree in Event Management from Leeds Beckett University, I began my career in the corporate events sector before discovering my true passion within sport. Since making the move, I’ve had the privilege of working across a diverse range of sporting events, each bringing new challenges and experiences.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
A career highlight was being part of the team delivering the Accommodation Programme for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The scale and complexity of the project pushed me both personally and professionally, enabling me to strengthen my expertise and perform at the highest level.
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
If I had to choose one standout event, it would be the Great North Run. Growing up in the North East and living close to the finish line, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible atmosphere and the powerful impact the event has on participants, volunteers, and the wider community. It’s a truly inspiring example of how sport can bring people together.
Kier Lymn
Senior Account Manager
Kier Lymn
Senior Account Manager
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
Working at Sportsrooms combines my experience as a travel agent with my love of sports. Seeking work following a return from living abroad, I came across Sportsrooms and felt instantly it was something I wanted to be part of. I was not wrong!
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
Joining UEFA delegates on hotel site visits ahead of Euro 2028 was a defining moment in my career and cemented the feeling that I want to work with major tournaments throughout my career.
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
Being present as my beloved Leicester City FC have won trophies over the years can never be beat. But seeing the Blue Jays win at Rogers Centre or the Rangers win at The Garden are always special.
Robyn Cini
Account Manager
Robyn Cini
Account Manager
What brought you to working in Sports Travel?
I’ve always had a passion for both sport and hotels, and this role perfectly combines the two. Having played sport to a high level, I’ve always been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes operations, allowing me to bring my two favourite things together.
What has been your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
Working on the Women’s Rugby World Cup was a huge highlight for me. Being involved from start to finish was brilliant for my professional development and seeing the growth of the sport while meeting teams from around the world was incredible.
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
Being a mascot when I was younger for Manchester United. Walking out of Old Trafford on a Champions League night with Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy is a memory I’ll never forget.
Jessica Hornal
Account Manager
Jessica Hornal
Account Manager
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
I’ve always loved the buzz of the events world, and working in sports travel lets me combine that energy with my passion for bringing big sporting moments to life and helping the athletes themselves and communities come together for unforgettable experiences!
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
Having only been here for a short time, I would say meeting the whole Sportsrooms team in Nottingham. Everyone is awesome and so welcoming!
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
Seeing the England winning the Women’s Rugby World Cup! What a moment in history for women’s sport.
Joe Jones
Account Manager
Joe Jones
Account Manager
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
My broad and obsessive passion for sport, working with elite professional outfits, and the ability to contribute to the industry that I love.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
Travelling with our Premiership Rugby team’s across all corners of France for Champions Cup away days.
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
Going unbeaten for 2 seasons with my sixth form rugby team. Or finally seeing Spurs lift a trophy!
Sam Donaldson
Account Executive
Sam Donaldson
Account Executive
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
After finishing my BSc Sport Management course at Northumbria University I was searching for a new role within sport. Having coached primarily Football and Futsal for 6 years I was ready for a new challenge, seeking a chance to work directly with professional teams and events. Working in Sports travel was the perfect fit by being able to provide world-class service to professional teams across multiple Sports simplifying their travel with Sportsrooms.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
My highlight so far working for Sportsrooms is working on the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025. Being on-site working with the home nation England, Italy, USA, Samoa, Spain, and South Africa to name some of the national teams I was supporting during their time at the tournament was an amazing experience. Being able to contribute to a massive team effort from everyone at Sportsrooms was great, ultimately leading to a successful event for our company and for England being the winners of the tournament.
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
My favourite sporting event is the FIFA World Cup, I have so many memories of different World Cups with the first World Cup I fully remember being the 2010 South Africa World Cup. There are so many moments within each tournament that stay with me whether it being South Africa’s opening day goal via Tshabalala or Trippier’s freekick against Croatia in the 2018 World Cup, I think to see all the different countries together makes this event so special.
Chloe Haycock
Account Executive
Chloe Haycock
Account Executive
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
Having started my career in Football Partnerships, I have always enjoyed the event management aspect and working closely with teams. When a role at Sportsrooms was recommended to me from a contact at the Premier League, it felt like a natural progression to utilise my strongest skills and make the move to the operational side.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
As we largely work remotely, it’s always lovely when the company get together at our Autumn Extravaganza to celebrate all of our hard work throughout the seasons. That being said, I always enjoy my days on-site with the teams and meeting clients!
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
My first date with my now-fiancé was in a hospitality box at Stamford Bridge, and as a Chelsea fan, I’m not sure that even our wedding can top that! I also have to say I feel really lucky to have worked with Jurgen Klopp at his last season at Liverpool FC, what a legend.
Archie McCulloch
Account Executive
Archie McCulloch
Account Executive
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
Having completed a degree in Sport Management at Northumbria University, I have always had a strong passion of working within the sport sector. I had gained valuable experience at university studying event operations, logistics, as well as delivering a successful charity event in my final year.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
My favourite highlight at Sportsrooms so far was our staff trip to Cheltenham, where I attended my first ever cricket match between Sussex Shark’s v Gloucestershire.
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
My favourite sporting experience is from 2024, when I was lucky enough to attend the final Formula One Race Weekend in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina, watching Max Verstappen bring home his 4th World Driver Championship. In addition, I got to witness the filmmaking of the new F1 movie, as well as meet Motorsport icons in the paddock club such as Will Buxton, David Croft, Billy Monger, and others.
Mary Durrant
Senior Finance Administrator
Mary Durrant
Senior Finance Administrator
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
A love of sport (football in particular), needing a new challenge and a much greater opportunity to learn and develop.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
Probably just say making a continued valuable contribution to our team – That and adding new spreadsheets to help ensure our fantastic department is even more fantastic!
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
Sitting in the Kop end at Anfield. Nothing like that feeling!
Seema Jacquet
Finance Administrator
Seema Jacquet
Finance Administrator
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
Over 30 years’ experience working with numbers, problem solving, accounts receivables for Sportsrooms just clicked 😊 the variety keeps it interesting, no two days are the same at Sports finance.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
My highlight working in finance at Sportsrooms would be successfully recovering overdue payments, ensuring invoices go out on time accurate’s a big win and speeding up payments. Resolving a massive outstanding balance is always a great feeling!
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever ?
Favourite sporting event is the 2008 Wimbledon Men’s final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer an epic men’s final, one of the greatest tennis matches ever!
Kamila Mordak
Finance Administrator
Kamila Mordak
Finance Administrator
What brought you to working in Sports travel?
I’ve always loved staying organised and helping others, so bringing my finance background into the world of sports felt like the perfect match! It’s so rewarding to support our team behind the scenes to make sure every trip goes off without a hitch.
What has your highlight so far working for Sportsrooms?
The highlight for me is definitely the people.
I truly enjoy being the “go-to” person for my colleagues and helping out whenever I can knowing I’ve made someone’s day a little easier.
What is your favourite sporting event or experience ever?
My all-time favourite is following the legacy of the Chicago Bulls; their history of excellence is always inspiring.
When I’m not busy with numbers, you’ll find me at the stables. Absolutely adore horses and find so much peace and joy in riding.