How to become a sports commentator
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- applying directly
University
There is no set entry route to become a sports commentator but it may be useful to get a degree in a relevant subject like:
- journalism
- sports journalism
- sports business and broadcasting
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
Higher apprenticeships relevant to this role include:
- Level 5 journalist
- Level 7 senior journalist
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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Work
You could get started by working as a broadcast assistant in a television or radio company.
You'll need to work your way up from commentating at a local level and applying for promotion when you've got more experience.
You'll need to show employers that you have the sports knowledge and commentating skills that they're looking for.
Volunteering
You'll need to have some practical experience and be able to show you have a real enthusiasm for sports commentating.
To get some work experience you could:
- volunteer to commentate on charity events like fun runs
- commentate for amateur matches at schools, college or for local teams
- record commentary for websites or internet radio stations
- volunteer for community, hospital or student radio, or TV
You can get a list of radio stations from:
Look out for work experience placements, insight and talent days with broadcasters like:
- the BBC, including their New Voices scheme
- ITV
- Channel 4
The Sports Journalists' Association has more ideas about where to look for work experience.
Direct Application
You can apply directly to employers if you've got some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this job. You'll usually need a background in sport or journalism.
As a sports professional, you may start off as a co-commentator or summariser, offering a specialist opinion on the action and tactical insights, before progressing to lead commentator.
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Career tips
Competition for jobs is very strong and very few jobs are advertised. Building up a network of industry contacts can help you find out about vacancies.
You'll need to record examples of your commentating to show your skills to potential employers.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Sports Journalists' Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in radio sports commentating from The Pips.