Our contributors

Working in partnership with Universities, ConnectSport supports students keen to promote the social and environmental impact of sport. We also welcome submissions on 'sport for change' from other writers, especially those from less well-represented groups in journalism, for example people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities; disabled people, and women and girls. All published contributors will receive a byline, have their content promoted on our social media channels, and be invited to list their profile on this page. Contact hello@connectsport.co.uk to pitch your idea for an article.*

NIA HARRIS (@niashakiye)

Nia helped to manage the ConnectSport platform while on placement during her BSc in Sport Psychology at Loughborough University. She explained: “My experience working with ConnectSport opened me up to the many ways in which organisations, charities and governing bodies across the UK use sport and physical activity for positive change. It felt purposeful being able to showcase and give these stories a platform, and I also had the opportunity to highlight stories within my own community which I felt were impactful. I really enjoyed the process of developing stories and how it helped improve my confidence and skills around writing.”

DORTHE BERGER

Dorthe BergerDorthe, from Norway, is a final-year multimedia journalism student at Manchester Metropolitan University. She explained: “I first connected with ConnectSport through my coursework, where they helped me with ideas and to expand my professional network. Back in Norway, I have worked as a local and regional journalist, and in Manchester, I work as a content creator for the Department of Health Professions at Manchester Met. Additionally, I serve as a presenter and social media content creator for the university’s live sport broadcast channel, Man Met Matchday Live.” Contact Dorthe via LinkedIn.

CALVIN DE VILLIERS

Calvin de VilliersCalvin is a postgraduate student studying for his Masters in Journalism and Media Communications. After earning first-class honours in his Sports Business Management degree, he is now keen to forge a career within sports media communications with a particular interest in football and rugby. Calvin has had experience working with Saracens Rugby Club with articles being published on the official website. He is also currently a sports reporter for the local Hertfordshire radio station mix 92.6.  Through ConnectSport, Calvin hopes to highlight the importance of sport in communities and add to his portfolio of work. Contact Calvin via LinkedIn

BETH McCOWEN (@bethrmccowen)

Beth McCowenBeth is a sports journalist based in London, specialising in women’s football. Her work frequently focuses on the intersection between health and sport. Beth is currently working towards her MA Sports Journalism and NCTJ diploma in Multimedia Journalism, for which her ongoing final project investigates the relationship between endometriosis and women's football. Connect with Beth on LinkedIn.

JON HARLAND (@bethrmccowen)

Jon HJon is a London-based sports journalist pursuing an MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary’s University. With a first-class degree in Philosophy, he uncovers deeper narratives in his sports writing. Specialising in football, Jon co-hosts a weekly podcast on Fulham FC and contributes to Hampton & Richmond Borough FC’s media operations. Jon is eager to share stories of people using sport to improve lives and contribute to ConnectSport’s vision of maximising sport for development’s full potential. Connect with Jon on LinkedIn

ERVIN ANG

Ervin is a sports journalist from Singapore with two years of newsroom experience at The Straits Times’ sports desk. During his stint at the national broadsheet, he wrote more than 150 stories for print and online focusing on football, golf and many other sports. Now based in London, Ervin is pursuing a Masters in Sports Journalism at St Mary’s University and working towards his NCTJ qualification. Through ConnectSport, he hopes to highlight how sports can positively impact local communities. Connect with Ervin on LinkedIn.

ALEX CHARLTON

Alex CharltonAlex spent seven years as a primary school teacher before pursuing his dream job in sports journalism. He is a freelance football writer and is working towards his NCTJ qualification while studying for his MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary's University. As the editor of the Sports Gazette, he relishes interviewing new people and writing stories that matter. Connect with Alex on LinkedIn.

EMILY SALLEY (@emily_salley)

Emily, from Ireland, completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary’s University and now works for BBC Sport. She also has an undergraduate degree in journalism from Cardiff University. Emily's articles have been published in national news publications such as the i, Eurosport and Yahoo and as part of her MA final project, her articles focus on the relationship between professional men's football and LGBT+ issues. Connect with Emily on LinkedIn.

 

LUKAS FLOTTMEYER (@Vlot_ty)

Lukas supported ConnectSport while completing his MA in International Sports Journalism at St Mary’s University. He now works as Multifunctional Producer Women's Football for DAZN DACH in his native Germany. Lukas said: “I had the pleasure to work with ConnectSport during my Masters in 2020/21. Whatever your goal or dream in journalism might be, there’s nothing more important than being able to tell stories on a regular basis and through ConnectSport I was able to meet and interview people who use sport as the tool to bring communities together. It was a great way to learn the skills of interviewing, developing stories and polishing your portfolio for future job interviews. I learned a lot during my time working with ConnectSport.”

MITCHELL MARSHALL

Mitchell, from the USA, completed MA in International Sports Journalism at St Mary’s University. As part of his course, he worked on video production with ConnectSport and he now works as an Assistant Producer / Director IMG Media. He said: "ConnectSport gave me my first professional opportunity in the UK. I produced videos and wrote articles around events for the London Youth charity. I was trusted to develop, shoot, and edit meaningful multi-media content. This helped me expand my network, my CV, and have a new element to put in reels to show potential employers I can be an effective and dynamic storyteller. Shortly after this I came into my full time position producing and directing sports content for IMG." Contact Mitchell via LinkedIn.

CLINTON FORDE (@Clinton_Forde)

Clinton is a talented video producer and journalist with extensive experience in delivering compelling content that engages, entertains and is shareable across platforms. He has worked with BBC Sport, TalkSport, LiveWire Sport, Mail Online and ITV Tyne Tees, and has a Masters degree in sports journalism from the University of Sunderland, as well as a BA Hons in sport and fitness management and administration. He also runs the popular grassroots sports channel Rootz TV (@Rootz_TV). Connect with Clinton on LinkedIn.

DANNY CLARK (@dannyclark96)

Danny completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary's University. Alongside this course, he gained his NCTJ Diploma in Journalism and is now a Gold Standard NCTJ-accredited journalist. Danny also has a First Class Honours degree in Sport and Social Sciences from his home city of Cardiff. His main areas of interest are tennis and football, but he is a passionate writer with experience of covering a wide range of important topics within sport. He hopes to continue building his portfolio and have a successful career in the industry. Visit Danny's Wakelet page.

HRITIKA SHARMA (@HritikaSharma_)

Hritika is a freelance sports journalist primarily covering football. She graduated in BA Football Journalism from the University of Derby. An avid writer who is partial to in-depth features and interviews, she is passionate about sport, with particular enthusiasm for football and cricket. Hritika’s work has been published in various media organisations including the Guardian, the Telegraph and the FA. Through ConnectSport, she aims to highlight stories that showcase the positive social impact of sport in communities. Find Hritika on Wakelet.

ALEX BIDWELL (@bidwell_alex)

Alex, from London, completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary’s University, and is a BA International History & Politics graduate from the University of Leeds. His main areas of interest lie within football and rugby, but as a lifelong sportsman is keen to explore the world of sport, both on and off the pitch. He aims to produce insightful and thought-provoking work to build a well-rounded portfolio that will help him excel in the industry.

DAMI ADEWALE (@D_Ade22)

Dami completed the NCTJ-accredited MA Sports Journalism course at St Mary's University. He is a BA Politics and Sociology graduate from the University of Leicester. His main sports interests lie in basketball, football and American football. In his stories, he not only looks to portray sports as a medium of entertainment but as a key aspect in shaping society as well. He also writes and produces content for the 'Your Harlow' publication. Connect with Dami on LinkedIn.

HAL FISH (@halfish95)

Hal completed his MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary’s University while simultaneously gaining his NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. Prior to that he studied in New Zealand where he completed a BA in English. A keen writer, Hal loves to cover a range of topics within and beyond sport. His proudest moment came when he attended the 2020 London Football Awards for the Sports Gazette and interviewed some of his footballing heroes such as George Graham, Alan Smith, and David Seaman. Connect with Hal on LinkedIn.

NAKUL PANDE (@NakulMPande)

Nakul worked with ConnectSport while completing an MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary's University, and he now works as an Associate Producer for Sky Sports News. He is a sports broadcaster, podcaster and writer with a deep interest not just in sport, but in how sport interacts with the society in which it exists. During his time at St Mary's, he also edited the University's Sports Gazette newspaper. Connect with Nakul on LinkedIn.

LOUIE BARRETT (@louiejbjourno)

Louie, from Northampton, studied football journalism at the University of Derby. From a young age, he has had a huge passion for sport, particularly football having played it to an Academy level for Leicester City. Since starting University, he has been able to expand and focus on his passion for writing and, through working with ConnectSport, he is looking to further his skills, knowledge and understanding of the industry.

TADHG CREEDON (@tiger93creedon)

Tadhg, from Ireland, completed an MA in Sports Journalism. A one-time apprentice jockey and passionate about horse racing, he was brought up in a GAA-centred household. His upbringing and the GAA club he played for, Eire Og, taught him about how important sport can be to a community, and how they intertwine. He has an academic background in history and politics and has had several articles published by the Irish Field and Irish Examiner. Tadhg has recently focused on diversity in racing and the links between dementia and former footballers.

MONTY PANESAR (@MontyPanesar)

Monty is the former England cricketer who has moved into broadcasting and journalism, and undertaking an MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. A highly-talented left-arm spinner, he made his Test cricket debut in 2006 against India in Nagpur and last played for England during the Ashes tour of 2013, playing a total of 50 Test matches and 26 international one-dayers. Monty collected 167 Test wickets in 50 matches, placing him at 21st position on the list of England’s all-time top wicket-takers.

SAM STEPHENSON (@SamStephenson1)

Sam, from London, worked with ConnectSport while completing an MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary's University. He graduated with a history degree from Royal Holloway University, and is interested in the politics that surround sport. He is an Arsenal fan whose sporting interests have also taken on an Australian perspective, with his father coming from the land down under and indoctrinating him in the national teams. Through ConnectSport and other titles, Sam aims to shine a light on the stories in and around sport that have, for so long, been in the shadows. Connect with Sam on LinkedIn.

AARON COLLINS

Aaron, from South-East London, completed his BA Honours degree in Journalism at the University of Derby. Over the last four years, he has showcased his knowledge and enthusiasm for motor racing through his work for Essaar Motorsport, where he recently became an editor. His proudest moments so far include interviewing ex-F1 test driver Bas Leinders and being part of Ayrton Simmons' Media Team during a Test Day at Brands Hatch. Aaron has also previously produced content for the FIA-accredited website Just Electric. Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn.

GEORGE WILSON (@GWilson1000)

George, from East Anglia, completed his BA Honours degree in Football Journalism at the University of Derby. Since starting at Derby in September 2019, George has had work published on the official club websites of Wolves and Burton Albion and has also helped to build up a student-led podcast named ‘The Fourmation’. His main areas of interest lie within football, but he is also a keen follower of several other sports and enjoys exploring key sporting topics in a variety of forms. 

CHARLIE GORDON (@CharlieWGordon)

Charlie, from Kidderminster, completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary’s University. He recently graduated with a BSc in Politics from the University of Bath before turning his attention towards the world of sport. A Mancunian uncle steered him towards Manchester City and football in general; now, Charlie’s written City-based content features regularly on Sports Illustrated. Through ConnectSport, Charlie enjoyed highlighting the importance of sport on society across the UK.  Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn.

HAMISH PERCY (@hamish_percy)

Bio coming soon

BEN CHAPAL (@BChap12)

Bio coming soon

* Please note articles must be of a good standard to be considered for publication. ConnectSport reserves the right not to publish articles. We also may not be able to respond to all inquiries.