Giving more to our community

Secondary school pupils from across the Wigan area were given an insight into the media operation on a matchday last week, at Latics’ Papa John’s Trophy semi-final with Sutton United on Tuesday night.

Run through the Supporters Project, the experience aimed to raise the aspirations of pupils and offered the opportunity to learn more about a career in the industry.

As part of the evening, youngsters were given behind the scenes access, enjoyed a tour of the press facilities and given an insight into the career of Sky Sports commentator Gary Taphouse.

Pupils were also challenged to write a match report of the fixture which saw Latics bow out of the competition after being beaten on penalties.

Ash Houghton, Head of Digital and Communications at Wigan Athletic, said: “We were delighted to welcome 15 pupils from secondary schools across Wigan to our Papa John’s Trophy semi-final with Sutton United.

“With the Sky Sports cameras in town, it was a wonderful opportunity to offer an insight into the media operations on a matchday.

“I’d like to thank Sky Sports commentator Gary Taphouse for taking the time to present to the class on the level of preparation that is required to commentate on a professional football fixture.

“Thanks to the Supporters Project, these experiences will raise the aspirations of young people and give them a great understanding of the opportunities which are available, as they start to consider what career they wish to pursue.”

Schools involved in the visit included Up Holland High School, Sharples High School, St John Fisher, Cansfield and St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School.

Benjamin Paul, who attends St Edmund Arrowsmith said the experience has only enhanced his desire to work in the industry.

“Before coming to the game, I had an interest in sports journalism”, he said. “But after this experience I’ve learnt a lot more and I’m more interested in pursuing this career.

“Hearing from Gary Taphouse and being able to talk to him and ask questions about his profession was very interesting.

“I’ve enjoyed looking around the stadium and more so learning about the qualities of becoming a sports journalist, so if I want to pursue this pathway then I know what qualities I need to develop.

“I’m very privileged to be given this opportunity and I hope I can take the things I’ve learnt from this experience and use them to my advantage going forward.”

Fellow pupil Erin Foreshaw added: “I’ve really enjoyed the experience including talking to Gary and hearing all about his career in commentating at Sky Sports.

“It’s definitely a career I want to pursue, and it’s been great to see how things run behind the scenes and I love how this experience has been created to allow people like myself who may want to go into a career in this in the future.