Staffs Uni scores hat-trick in sports journalism

Just a week into the new football season and Staffordshire University is claiming a hat-trick of sports journalism graduates who are embarking on exciting new careers in the industry.

Over 100 Staffordshire University alumni are now employed at football clubs across various divisions as well as sports news outlets around the UK and internationally.

11 Barclays Premier League clubs, and 14 from other divisions, now employ sports journalism graduates, with others working in print, broadcast and online media.

Among this year’s successful graduates are Joe Questier, James Beckett and Yannie Makarounas, who have started work at Port Vale FC, Crewe Alexandra FC and Sky Sports News, respectively.

The trio collected their BA(Hons) Sports Journalism degrees at this year’s Awards Ceremonies.

Joe, 22, from Cambridgeshire, said: “I did two weeks work experience at Brighton and Hove Albion and after that I was looking to get into another football club when I was recommended to Port Vale. After I graduated, I was employed as a Media Executive.

“Everything I learned on the course has been helpful. Shorthand has come in really handy. We did a video-editing module and that’s been useful. And just learning how to put stories together.”

James, 21, from Crewe, said: “After submitting an article in a sports writing module to the Crewe Chronicle, I went on to a work placement with the same paper.

“When a job arose in the Crewe Alexandra media department, I was already known to the employer and was approached to see if I was interested in the job. As a Crewe supporter the answer was obvious.”

Yannie, 21, from Wolverhampton, added: “I'd definitely recommend the Sports Journalism degree at Staffs. The modules are relevant and rewarding and the first hand experience that our lecturers have of the industry helps in the pursuit of employment in what is a highly competitive field.”

Others from this year’s cohort of sports journalism graduates include Emily Croydon, who is working at BBC News, having enjoyed spells at Setanta and IMG. Jonathan Ogle joins the media team at Ipswich Town. Callum Sheppard has secured employment with Harlequin Rugby Club. And Mel Baroni has landed a job at M&C Saatchi Sport and Entertainment, a sports PR company with clients including Reebok, Natwest and The FA.

Other alumni have gone on to work for ITN Sports News, ITV Sports, Everton FC, Watford FC, as well as for South Africa’s Kick Off magazine during the last World Cup.

Staffordshire University’s Sports Journalism award leader, Mitch Pryce said: “The success of the sports journalism courses continues to be reflected in the quality of students we attract.

“I’m delighted our professional reputation gives employers confidence that they will be hiring top quality performers with multi-media skills relevant for the 21st century.”

Staffordshire University’s links with the football industry also now includes new partnership with Barclays Premier League club, Stoke City FC.