The Football Association of Wales have announced that they will be working with the University of South Wales for the 2017/2018 academic year.
The course’s aim is to provide a new batch of Sports Journalists to South Wales and afar in what is an exciting opportunity for all those involved.
The University announced back in September last year that Wales’ first Sports Journalism course would be launched later this year.
The partnership between both the University and the Football Association of Wales will see students given the opportunity to pick up specific work experience, as well as work placement opportunities.
Already, students at the University who have worked closely with Julie have taken the opportunity to cover Welsh football, by attending World Cup qualifiying matches, press conferences and women’s internationals.
Course leader Julie Kissick who has had experience at covering major sporting events such as the 1999 Rugby World Cup has welcomed the news, stressing the importance of relationships with respected outlets like the Football Association of Wales.
“It’s vital for the success of our new course that we build meaningful relationships with key players in the sporting world and being able to count the Football Association of Wales as one of them is an exciting prospect.”
Julie who has been at the university since 2009 has worked in a wide range of roles in the media industry, working as a print & broadcast journalist, as well as PR consultant and managerial roles at the ITV and the BBC.
Chris Coleman, who led Wales to their first major tournament since 1958 has given his backing to the course and says that the sides positive performance in the European Championships shows how media can play a part in football.
“Whatever area of sport you’re involved in, you need drive, dedication and passion, as well as talent, in order to achieve success.
That’s as true for journalists as it is for professional sports men and women they report on.
As we saw during the Euros last year, fans have an insatiable appetite for information about their teams and good journalists reflect what’s happening - the euphoria and the heartbreak and everything in between.
The FAW’s relationship with the University of South Wales will give the journalists of the future a real insight into the part the media plays in an organisation like this and will I’m sure foster positive relationships for the future.”
Ben Donovan who is the FA Wales Media Executive commented on the partnership and wants to see students benefit from this opportunity.
“I’m delighted to be able to get this partnership off the ground.
“Having been a student myself, I know how important the role of external work placements are as a way of developing skills and enhancing a CV.
“Without the opportunities that were afforded to me, I wouldn’t have achieved anything close to what have done in my career so far and I’m excited to be able to help USW’S most talented journalism students.
“I have no doubt that this partnership will benefit all of those involved.”