Media student gains experience commentating on European knockout match

One of our students recently got the opportunity to gain experience as a co-commentator, covering a major European knockout tie.

Harry Nicholson, a BA (Hons) Football Business and Media student, was sat in the commentary box during West Ham United’s UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final second-leg knockout game against KAA Genk.

The opportunity came to Harry from James Datson, the main audio description commentator at the club. Harry asked if he could have some experience at commentating, and the European match was when he got the green light.

Harry said: “James messaged me the Tuesday before the game, asking if I was around to co-commentate for the game, and I’m not sure I’ve ever replied to a message quicker.

“I did some surface level research on West Ham players, just so I would have some sort of stat to say if needed.

“I arrived a couple hours before the game, went through security to pick up my passes/accreditation. After that, it was straight into the media room with all the other media personal (journalists, photographers, etc) with some free food which is always nice.

“I was sharing co-commentary with Rosanthan Aldrin, but it was mainly James as he was the main commentator, and then he would ask for my input if there was a break in play, or to go through and describe a goal, or my opinion on how the game was flowing.”

West Ham were dominant in the game, going 2-1 down on aggregate in the tie to win 5-2 overall (a 4-1 victory on the night).

Harry added: “It was quite cool to know that clubs have that kind of thing in place where those fans that have trouble with sight can still go to and be involved in the game.

“I’m enjoying my time here at UCFB, I am just hoping that I can capitalise on more opportunities in the industry in the future.”