A woman who worked her way up from receptionist to Director of Operations and HR at Reading Football Club has won the Legacy Award.
Jackie Evans started front of house at the club’s old Elm Park ground in 1994 and progressed through roles in administration and customer service before earning her place as a Director, said her nominator.
They added: “As we all know, Reading FC has gone through a tumultuous time the last few years. Jackie has been working at the club for over 30 years and it’s a bold statement but I don’t think we’d still have a club if it wasn’t for Jackie.
“Jackie works so incredibly hard leading from the front and having to turn her hand to a myriad of challenges, from play-offs, Covid, owners etc., Jackie has seen the club from Division 1 to the Premiership and back down again, and hopefully back up the leagues!”
Her nominator added: “She always puts the club first and is passionate about the club and the local community.
Having seen first-hand, having worked at the club with Jackie, she is so deserving of a Pride of Reading Award.”
Speaking after collecting her award, Jackie said: “After everything that has gone on at the club over the past few years it feels so special.
“I heard about the nomination a few months ago and I love coming to this event every year anyway so I wasn’t expecting to win it, it’s really a humbling experience.
“There’s nothing better than being able to come together with the rest of the community and to celebrate.
“Being born and bred in Reading and having lived my whole life here, it just means the world.
Rob Couhig, Chairman of Reading Football Club, paid tribute to Jackie’s extraordinary service and said: “Jackie embodies the spirit of Reading Football Club. Her dedication, resilience, and leadership have been instrumental in guiding the club through both triumphs and challenges. This award is a fitting recognition of her decades of service and unwavering commitment to the club and community.”
“Everyone at Reading Football Club congratulates Jackie on her award and thanks her for her hard work.”
