The search is on for the Young Commentator of the Year 2017
BBC Radio 5 live is marking the 90th anniversary of sport commentary on the radio by launching a nationwide search to find budding commentators of the future.
Published: 4 October 2017
This competition is a platform for unearthing and developing the commentators whose voices could provide the soundtrack to the landmark events of the future. I'm sure I speak for many commentators when I say I would have relished such an opportunity when starting out.
The competition is open to 11-15 year olds, and the winner will be invited to join the 5 live team at a major sporting event of their choice, as well as spending the day with BBC Radio 5 live in Salford to meet programme teams, sit in on live broadcasts and experience the life of one of the nation’s biggest news and sport networks.
Entries will be judged by a team of 5 live’s star commentators including athletics and boxing expert Mike Costello, cricket specialist Ali Mitchell and football aficionado John Murray. Joining the expert commentators on the judging panel will be ex-England footballer and BBC Radio 5 live pundit Jermaine Jenas, BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty and 5 live’s Rachel Burden.
Commenting on the competition judge Mike Costello says: "Across 90 years, BBC Radio has been present at so many great sporting moments at home and abroad and this competition is a platform for unearthing and developing the commentators whose voices could provide the soundtrack to the landmark events of the future. I'm sure I speak for many commentators when I say I would have relished such an opportunity when starting out."
Youngsters can enter the competition by logging onto the Young Commentator of the Year webpage, and choosing one of five clips of recent sporting triumphs to commentate on. The clips include the electrifying 100m men’s sprint relay in the World Athletics Championships, Marcus Rashford’s goal for Manchester United against Chelsea last season, and Johanna Konta’s winning match at Wimbledon that made her the first British woman to reach the semi-finals since 1978.
BBC Radio 5 live isn’t throwing the budding Henry Blofelds and John Motsons in at the deep end either, as it will provide plenty of support material to help and inspire entrants as they prepare their commentaries. Top tips will come from expert commentators including Jonathan Pearce and Jacqui Oatley, and radio broadcasters at the top of their game, such as Radio 1’s Greg James.
There is a special online Live Lesson produced by BBC Learning featuring advice from the professionals on the art of great commentary. The Live Lesson will be hosted by Michelle Ackerley, with star author Dan Freedman and football commentator John Murray on hand to shed light on the art of great sporting commentary, and have a few laughs too.
The competition closes on Friday 27 October, and the winner will be announced live on air on Thursday 16 November.
To enter BBC Radio 5 live’s Young Commentator of the Year competition visit: www.bbc.co.uk/youngcommentator.
This is the second year of the competition; last year Thomas Wilkins from London was victorious with a clever commentary on a Six Nations Rugby match.
Live Lessons are designed to support teachers and bring curriculum content to life. Schools all over the UK can watch the 5 live Young Commentator - Live Lesson online by visiting bbc.co.uk/livelessons
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