Throughout the 2023/24 season, the Albion Foundation have been rewarding local secondary school pupils with the chance to become a reporter for the afternoon at a West Bromwich Albion fixture.
Working in partnership with the West Bromwich Albion media team, Supporter to Reporter provides Year 10 students from Sandwell Academy an opportunity to experience what it's like to work as a journalist or member of the media on an Albion matchday.
The Foundation scheme counts as work experience for the pupils and allows aspiring writers to connect with professional sports journalists in the Albion media suite and press box, witnessing how they operate and produce their content at a fixture.
A total of eight students have spent a day in a reporter's shoes during the campaign so far, learning about the structure and content of a match report in Foundation workshops and preparing pre-match notes prior to matchday.
The pupils will then embark on a stadium tour, network with club and external media in the press box, and write their own match report during the game, before watching the post-match press conference to round off their experience.
George and Neveah were first to spend an afternoon in the press box, watching Albion's impressive victory over Blackburn back in January.
Witnessing a five-goal thriller at The Hawthorns, there was plenty to write about for the Sandwell Academy duo, and you can click here to read their match reports: George and Neveah.
Kiah and Aniellia tested their newly learned reporting skills at the Baggies' West Midlands Derby win against Birmingham last month, with Andi Weimann's late goal securing the three points. Click here to read Kiah's take on the action.
As part of International Women's Day celebrations, a girls-only exclusive Supporter to Reporter took place at the start of March, with Sophia and Mya sports journalists for the day. Here's their write-ups from the day: Sophia, Mya.
The Year 10 pupils took their seats in the press box on Mother's day for West Bromwich Albion Women vs Burnley, where Phoebe Warner's strike earned Albion Women a point.
James and Kaiden were the latest students to join us at The Shrine, watching on as Carlos Corberán's side extended their unbeaten run to six games against Bristol City on Saturday. You can read James' report here.
Ella Montgomery, Youth Wellbeing Mentor at The Albion Foundation and Supporter to Reporter delivery lead, emphasises the positive impact achieved by the project on the students.
"It has been a privilege to see the excitement and engagement of these talented young people in such a unique opportunity.
"They should be incredibly proud of the work they have produced and I look forward to seeing their names in print one day."
For more information on the Albion Foundation's educational work, or if you'd like to find out more about Supporter to Reporter, please contact: ella.montgomery@albionfoundation.co.uk
