Sports journalism students offered range of work experience and employment opportunities
Sports Journalism students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) are reaping the benefits of a new partnership between the University and League Football Education (LFE).
As a result, a range of work experience and employment opportunities are being provided to students, in support of their academic achievements.
Students are also being tasked to produce media coverage for the youth teams of several Football League clubs as part of their course, including Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic.
"It’s a mutually beneficial partnership which has allowed LFE to deliver more content across a variety of platforms, while at the same time providing students with exposure to the football industry."
The University was approached by League Football Education, which was established by the Football League and the Professional Footballers’ Association in 2004 to manage the education programme for young players at all Football League clubs.
Third year UCLan student Jack Wylie has already completed work as a multi-media journalist at LFE, which is based in the Football League’s Preston headquarters. This involved reporting, video editing, producing content for the in-house magazine and running social media accounts.
Steven Sutcliffe, communications manager at LFE, said: “We’ve been delighted to work with UCLan and utilise the skills of its sports journalism students. It’s a mutually beneficial partnership which has allowed LFE to deliver more content across a variety of platforms, while at the same time providing students with exposure to the football industry. Developing their experiences and understanding working practices will stand them in good stead for the future.”
"It speaks volumes for the reputation of the Sports Journalism course and UCLan itself that LFE has entered into this partnership."
Charlie Lambert, senior lecturer in Sports Journalism at UCLan, said: “This partnership gives our students valuable access to Football League clubs and the opportunity to work with one of the most respected organisations in sport. They are applying the skills they learn on their course to real situations, gaining experience and making all-important contacts for the future.
“It speaks volumes for the reputation of the Sports Journalism course and UCLan itself that LFE has entered into this partnership.”
The sports journalism course equips students with the knowledge and skills to deliver copy, presentations and broadcast packages across a range of sport sectors.
Graduates of the course have gone on to work for organisations including Sky Sports, the BBC and UK Athletics.