BBC Kick Off Reporters - Inside the scheme

The BBC Kick Off Reporter scheme is an eight-week work placement with BBC Sport teams across the UK, both in radio and online.

I have helped re-build BBC Kick Off from its original form as the BBC Blast Reporter scheme and I have worked to make sure that the schemes run and are successful.

For me, the most important part of the scheme is to find someone who has a passion for sport that can inspire or provide something different for our audiences.

A lot of the work for BBC Kick Off takes place alongside my day job and so I have is to use my time effectively. One task I do is to build on a portfolio of contacts so I am able to get the application details into as many areas across the UK as possible.

One way I do this is by researching, networking and reaching out to sporting community groups and charities across the country.

There is a dedicated team of people across BBC radio and online sport teams who support BBC Kick Off and the schemes aims.

As a team we have high quality trainers who work with our reporters before their placements start.

Once on placement each reporter has a mentor who volunteers to support them throughout the eight-weeks.

This year we had 30 reporters in locations across the UK from BBC Radio Scotland through to BBC Radio Jersey each providing new ideas and stories to their station.

Charles Runcie, Head of Sport for English Regions and manager of the scheme, says “The great thing about Kick Off is that our trainees immediately become part of the sports teams at their BBC workplace. No wasting time making tea and getting bored. They are out on day one doing interviews, coming up with stories, making a real difference. They like it that way, as they feel wanted and useful, plus we get some great stories for our audiences.”

When the eight-weeks are over there is a slight pause whilst our reporters take their next steps.

Over time we continue to support them through our schemes social groups and many of our ex-reporters get back in touch, letting us know that they have been successful in getting work in the industry as presenters, reporters, runners, producers and broadcast assistants.

*The BBC Kick Off Trainee Sports Reporter scheme is part funded by BBC English Regions and BBC Outreach & Corporate Responsibility. It is managed and produced in Birmingham.