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Leeds Beckett Sports Journalism students on media duty ahead of Super League Grand Final
The students were on hand to conduct interviews with players and coaches from finalists Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons, as they worked alongside some of the sport’s high-profile journalists and broadcasters.
As part of the event, students were allowed to take part in the official press conference, where they asked questions alongside members of the media, and were also treated to an incredible experience of conducting one-on-one interviews with players and coaches pitch side.
Dr Taylor Umland, senior lecturer in Sports Journalism, said:
“Every time we get to work with professional athletes, I always say that this is a once in a lifetime experience. How often do student reporters, never mind an entire class, get the opportunity to work at a Grand Final press conference and interview rugby league’s top players and coaches ahead of the biggest event of their calendar.”
“I am so proud of our students and have no doubt they will be ready to work in sports media when they graduate. These opportunities mean they won’t be overwhelmed when they graduate, and I think experiences like this is what makes our course and their journey at Beckett so special.
“I would like to thank Andrew Donnelly and the Rugby Football League for allowing us this incredible opportunity to work at the Grand Final and give our students this once in a lifetime experience.”
Third year Sports Journalism students interviewing Catalans Dragons player Sam Tomkins ahead of his final career game
The Grand Final is the second time in the past year that Leeds Beckett’s Sports Journalism students have worked with the Rugby Football League.
Last year, students were on hand as the only media representatives for England Knights Women’s first ever competitive fixture against the Cook Islands ahead of the Rugby League World Cup, and the students are set to work with England again in the coming month.
England will face Wales in a friendly ahead of the Autumn internationals and the fixture will once again see all Sports Journalism students operate as the sole media representatives for the event.
Taylor said:
“This upcoming opportunity is for every single sports journalism student from first to third years. Every student will have the chance to exclusively report on the match, conduct interviews and create content with international athletes and coaches.
“The chance to interview internationals is such a rare opportunity, not just for students but for regular reporters as well.
“Our first year students will be getting this opportunity barely six weeks into their studies. To work with internationals at this stage will provide them an invaluable experience, regardless of whether they produce amazing content or simply gain confidence to be able to speak to an international athlete, they can still say they got to work as a real sports journalist.
“The fact that all students across our three years of studies get to work with international athletes is what makes our course at Leeds Beckett so unique.”
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