Exciting opportunity for Journalism students who reported live at West Brom FC

A group of students on the BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism course spent last Sunday in the press box at the Hawthorns reporting West Bromwich Albion Football Club Women's Team.

For the second time this year, the current cohort of Multimedia Journalism students got to experience the thrill of reporting on live sport at a major football stadium. Their previous experience was a successful evening with the Wolves under 21 squad before switching their attention this week to fierce rivals West Bromwich Albion Football Club (West Brom).

On Sunday 17 September, the students attended and reported on the West Brom Women's team at a showcase fixture against Huddersfield in the Football Association (FA) Women's National League. They were granted access to the stadium an hour before kick-off allowing time for interviews before the match began and enjoying front row seats, students were able to video great footage of the match from the sidelines! 

The student journalists compiled TV and radio reports, interviewed players and coaches, and talked to fans about the growing popularity of the women's game. Students were given full access to use the facilities in West Brom's media suite, sit in the commentary positions, and even record pitchside as the teams ran out. To finish off a great outing, the West Brom team won convincingly 4-1 on home turf. 

Journalism course leader, Gareth Owen, spent twenty years with ITV, including spells on ITV Sport's Champions League and FA Cup coverage. He said these real world experiences are vital for young sports journalists to build confidence. Gareth says: "We do lots of practical work in the safety of our fabulous news studios on City Campus, but nothing beats getting out there and working in public at real events, interviewing real athletes and hitting real deadlines. West Brom could not have been more welcoming, and we will definitely return to cover future matches." 

This opportunity was made possible thanks to the University's sponsorship of West Bromwich Albion Football Club. Students have already benefitted from a separate commercial relationship with Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club. More experiences at both clubs are planned for the coming academic year.