Behind
SUMMIT 61

Richard Bates
Founder & Managing Director | FIFA & FA Licensed Agent

“My professional career taught me that you can't perform at your best if your mind is cluttered from the external noise. SUMMIT 61 Athlete Management was born out of a desire to offer player representation that genuinely is player-led, but allows for the complexities off the pitch to be handled for you.”

Sport has been the driving force of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in England, my youth was defined by a deep passion for both football and cricket. I was immersed in football from the start, with my dad heavily involved at professional and semi-professional level as a player and manager. I played youth representative football, spent countless weekends on the terraces, and followed the game at the highest level; from international matches at Wembley to FA Cup finals and European matches.

At the same time, my own athletic path led me into elite cricket, resulting in a career playing professionally. Both sports shaped who I am and gave me a lifelong understanding of what it means to live and breathe high-performance sport.

That early foundation evolved into over two decades of playing, coaching and mentoring within elite/professional environments globally. Before founding SUMMIT 61, I spent many years playing professional cricket in England, followed by a career coaching around the world at both international and domestic level. For a significant chapter of that journey I was proud to lead both the England women’s national team and also the New South Wales Breakers during my time working across the male and female state high-performance programs at Cricket NSW.

My experiences have shown me that talent can, at times, lose its way. A career is rarely played out in a straight line; it is defined by incredible highs and challenging lows. The noise around those moments, the complex contracts, the media and the pure business side of sport, can often get in the way of the game.

In recent years, my journey has come full circle. I even got back on the field playing over 35’s football socially, but crucially, I have spent the last decade navigating the modern landscape through my kids' sporting journeys, including my daughter's path as a professional footballer. Seeing the modern game from a contemporary player's perspective, while reflecting on my own history as an athlete and high-performance coach, is ultimately what inspired the transition to athlete management.

SUMMIT 61 Athlete Management is built on a foundation of elite high performance sports, corporate executive management and leadership. In strategic alliance with a global network of partner agents and dedicated sports legal counsel, we deliver a true 360° approach to player-led representation - ensuring our athletes are supported, protected and elevated at every stage of their career.

I don't claim to have all the answers, and I certainly don't want to run your career - your journey belongs to you. I have always advocated for players to be the drivers behind their own careers and to forge their own path. That said, it is a tough road to navigate on your own. The natural support networks we all have around us are the lifeblood of any athlete journey, and should never be replaced. My role and our collective role at SUMMIT 61 is simply to be the trusted ally I wish I always had in my corner. I’ve been in the dressing rooms, I’ve felt the elite pressure, and I understand the dedication it takes to succeed.

We are here to help you navigate your own unique path…

Your Talent. Your Vision. Your Legacy.