BBC Sport football commentator joyful to work with next generation of UCFB sports media students

Vicki Sparks has been speaking about her joy of returning to UCFB to meet with the latest cohort of BA (Hons) Sports Business and Sports Broadcasting students and offer her expert advice and guidance to them about forging a career in sports media. 

Known globally for her work in women’s football, Vicki spent the summer in Switzerland commentating on the Lionesses’ successful Euros title defence, an experience she shared with UCFB’s students during her visit to our Wembley Campus. 

The BBC Sport and Disney+ lead football commentator spoke at length with Guy McCrea, UCFB Wembley’s Senior Lecturer in Sports Media and Communications: 

Returning to the national stadium, where she also commentated for BBC Radio on England’s historic victory in the 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championship, Vicki said: “I really enjoy coming back here and to Manchester to meet and work with the next generation of sports broadcasters studying at UCFB. It’s really exciting. 

“Meeting people who are passionate about sports broadcasting, passionate about football and have their own dreams. It’s how we all started out. It takes me back to when I was thinking how I could break into this industry. 

“I love hearing about people’s aspirations, where they want to be, and listening to their skills and talents. That’s why I love doing the sports commentary workshops with UCFB students. 

“It’s inspiring for me to come and meet the next generation of people who are so committed to this, working hard to where they want to be.” 

She added: “It’s so wonderful to see people going on from these courses and making a success of themselves in the industry. 

“Links and connections are so key. That’s something I always try and recommend to people. So much of journalism and broadcasting is making contacts. 

“There’s so many great connections the students get here (at UCFB), and it’s key in terms of how you go and develop your career.” 

You can learn all about UCFB’s wide range of undergraduate degree courses, all tailored to the domestic and global sports industry, whether it be sports business, sports media or sports coaching. 

View a UCFB prospectus to learn more about student life, our unique courses and everything there is to know about kicking off your career in the sports industry.