Youngsters sit in on Danny Wilson press conference

The workshop was hosted by the Inspire Media Academy, which has been created under the umbrella of Chesterfield FC Community Trust to help improve literacy, communication skills and confidence among youngsters.

Held at The Hub at the Proact Stadium during last week’s half-term break, the workshop was designed to give students interested in a career in reporting an idea of how the sports media works.

Those who attended not only watched Wilson at a press conference, they were also taught how to write match reports and sports news stories. What’s more, they were taught the necessary interview techniques, which they put into practice during a mock press conference featuring Spireites’ goalkeeper Tommy Lee.

The workshop concluded with a commentary session, which gave the budding journalists a chance to commentate on a goal sequence.

The four attendees included 18-year-old Nicole Challoner, the first female to take part in the one-day workshop. Nicole is keen to study sports journalism at university and provided positive feedback on the event.

“I want to say thankyou for giving me the opportunity to participate in the workshop,” said Nicole. “I thoroughly enjoyed it. The workshop gave me more knowledge about the industry and how to make the most of my writing and broadcasting.”

The youngsters will be invited to watch a future match at the Proact from the press box and to write a match report. A half-time presentation will see them receive a certificate from a Chesterfield player, together with a DVD featuring their commentary.

Sports media workshops take place during school holidays. To register an interest in a future workshop, please email [email protected].

Inspire Media Academy also delivers various programmes for primary and secondary schools, including a key skills workshop and a ten-week literacy programme. Other exciting, football-related initiatives will be announced soon.