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Having a passion for sports opens you up to numerous career paths. While many who share this same passion may opt to become athletes or specialists in sports medicine and even physical trainers, only a special few can forge a living as sports journalists. As communication technology evolves, so does the means of imparting information about the latest games and sharing analyses on players and matches. Now is still a good time for anyone to build a successful career as a sports reporter. 

However, it pays to know that being one requires more than a flair for color commentary and a passion for the sport you want to focus on. As a craft in itself, writing and talking about sports requires the right skills and experience, especially if you intend to make a name for yourself as an analyst, broadcaster, or columnist. If that’s the trajectory you’re opting for, then the guide below should help walk you through the process of finding success.

1. Build your identity on social media

The first thing you will want to do is to make sure everyone knows just how much you’re into your favorite sport. Today, the best way to do that is by populating your social media feed with sports-related content along with your commentary. 

You can talk about players, share what other commentators posted on their timelines, and discuss at length about the recent matches you’ve watched. Consider Facebook and Twitter as platforms where you can talk about your passion for the sport. That way, other people and not just your friends will know how much depth and value you put into conversations involving your favorite athletes and teams. 

2. Craft writing samples and compile a portfolio

To be a professional sports journalist, you need more than just traction on social media. You need to develop the more serious side of your practice by building a body of work that news outlets, content creators, and potential clients can rummage through. 

For this, you can start by contributing to sports websites and creating a blog on platforms like Medium or Substack, where you can feature original work, including in-depth commentary and analyses. You can hone your writing skills and grow your portfolio even further by working as a freelancer. Not only will you earn through your writing, but you will also attract news organizations that may want to recruit you as their in-house sports reporter and analyst.

3. Get professional training

Even if you have built a large enough body of work to support your passion for sports, it’s not enough to help you land a job in large outlets. Apart from developing your communication skills further, opting for professional training will also help you become more familiar with the ethical domains of your craft, build your professional network, and prepare you for possible leadership and supervisory roles. You can go for certificate courses and workshops, but there are also sports journalism schools offering online Master’s degrees that will help boost your skills and experience.

4. Find a mentor

Even as you have started your career as a sports journalist, you still need guidance on how to navigate the challenges of the industry. If anything, your professional training won’t be enough to prepare you for issues that could stain your reputation if you handle them improperly. 

Consider connecting with a veteran in the field who has gone through so many ethical dilemmas, legal challenges, and creative hurdles. These make them more than qualified to provide insight into your craft, allowing you to stay focused on your career path and maintain your credibility.

Endnote

There’s no better way to respond to your calling as a sports reporter than to heed it. As you do so, use the guide above and stay on the right track.