It was a fantastic night for a UCFB broadcasting student last week, who won a Bronze Award at the annual Football Content Awards.
Liam Clark, a BA (Hons) Sports Business and Sports Broadcasting student at UCFB Wembley, won the bronze award for Best in Non-League Video on the very special evening, hosted at Anfield, for his work on ShrimpersTV.
ShrimpersTV is a fan channel focusing on National League side Southend United, giving supporters of the team a chance to express their views.
When asked about his work on the channel, he said: “Essentially, I do everything on the channel. It’s solo run, but I have had my cousin, a couple of mates and even my dad helping me film when I’m stood with the mic interviewing fans.
“I then edit the videos and upload them myself. I’ve had some great opportunities that have come with it and it’s strange to look back on as for me, it’s just myself enjoying Southend games but documenting it on YouTube!”
He added, talking about the award-winning content the channel has produced in the past year: “When I have done a video, I’ve put absolutely everything into it. I’ve edited graphics to put into it, short news packages and even filmed my trip to last year’s Football Content Awards ceremony and made a travel video out of that.”
Liam was pleased that his content had earned him a nomination, but at his second Football Content Awards ceremony, he finally heard his name called.
“The evening was incredible,” he said. “To be at Anfield for the first time; The buzz around the place was superb meeting some familiar faces who have even seen my work as well was very surreal.
“Everyone was so friendly and supportive after every award and when it came to my award I was so made up to be in the category I actually gasped and turned to my girlfriend and parents before I actually stood up to let out a little celebration.
“It has to be one of the proudest and most surreal moments of my life.”
He added: “I was actually meant to be giving up the channel following the awards to focus on my studies and to watch the football without a camera, but the award has made me want to go even further next year and take my channel to the next level.
“I’ll look to do a few videos outside of a matchday as well as a podcast I’m planning on starting.”
When asked about his time so far at UCFB, Liam said: “My time at UCFB has been a dream come true. Learning in the home of football is surreal, but the lecturers being actively in the industry is a huge plus for us and they’re always offering bags of advice.
“The list of experiences we’ve already been greeted with in these opening few months is extraordinary and I can’t wait to see what others arise in the coming years.”
He finished: “Be yourself and throw yourself into every opportunity you can no matter how new or daunting it may seem.”
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