Shireland Biomedical UTC student, Alfie, stepped into the world of sports journalism as an official matchday reporter for the West Bromwich Albion vs Hull City fixture at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich in March earlier this year.
This unique opportunity was made possible through the Albion Foundation’s Supporter 2 Reporter programme, an initiative designed to give young people with a passion for football and writing experience and insight into the world of professional sports media. Participants on the programme gain hands-on experience and receive mentoring by professionals of the Albion Foundation, developing key skills from communication to analytics as they produce match reports and content.
On the day of the match, Alfie was given full access to the press box, where he watched the match alongside seasoned journalists. Surrounded by the buzz of the game, he took notes throughout what proved to be an exciting, nail-biting game.
After the final whistle, Alfie produced his official match report, reflecting on the drama of the game and demonstrating the keen observational and writing skills he had honed during the programme.
Gulfam Shahzad, Principal at Shireland Biomedical UTC, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Alfie for embracing this opportunity with such maturity and enthusiasm.
“Programmes like Supporter 2 Reporter, and the opportunities they provide, help our young learners see what’s possible beyond the classroom, showing that their passions and interests can lead to real career pathways. At Shireland Biomedical UTC, we’re committed to providing experiences like this because they truly inspire and shape the futures our students choose to pursue.”
The day proved unforgettable – not only for the thrilling action on the pitch but also for a young reporter taking an important step towards what could be a potential future career in sports journalism.
