A UCFB sports journalism graduate has been successful in gaining a position as a sports reporter at a national newspaper website.

Lewis Browning, who graduated from UCFB with a degree in BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism, is now working as a sports reporter at the MailOnline.

After graduating in 2022, Lewis worked as a freelance sports reporter for the MailOnline as well as other organisations such as SportBible.

He spent around 18 months as a freelancer at MailOnline before being offered the full-time position in early 2024.

Lewis writes articles including breaking news, match reports, feature articles and interviews for the national newspaper site as part of his role.

Speaking about his role, Lewis said: “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be at a national newspaper so early in my sports media career, but know I have to perform. There are high standards and you can’t let up!

“There are a lot of early mornings! Every day is different and there’s big pressure, but in an enjoyable way.”

He added, talking about his time at UCFB: “I absolutely loved it. It was one of the best experiences of my life, I treasured every minute and took every opportunity offered to me.

“I can’t recommend doing the same enough. It’s really worth it and the world class facilities and teaching on offer make it a fantastic university.”

He continued: “The skills were massively important. I think the modules on offer for my course were great - they focus on all areas of the job.

“From the basics of writing to law, it’s all really important and you can see the course has been divided really well. I imagine it’s the same for the others.”

Lewis went on to say how vital his work experience while at UCFB was in making him ready for this role at the MailOnline, as well as his degree course.

He said: “I think the best way to learn and grow is firstly to study masters of your craft - so in my case, reading others’ work - and putting what you have learnt into practice.

“At VAVEL I covered Gillingham for around two seasons - and did a bit more for other sites too - so the experience going alongside my studies was the perfect combination, really.

“In my opinion, it was my experience that pushed getting my job over the line, so I’d really recommend doing that while you’re studying, wherever you can.”

Lewis added: “The fact that UCFB is purely a sports university makes it special. The facilities, the location, the guest speakers and what you’re learning is all unique.

“I had a brief experience at a different university before I joined UCFB, and I can safely say I made the right choice in switching because of what I wanted to do.”

He finished: “Make sure you are putting what you want to do in practice. It may be for a small website or club, it may be for free, but it will pay off in the long run and you will see really good progress over time.

“Speak to who you can, ask questions, and study the experts. Combine that with hard work and you won’t go far wrong.”

To find out more about some of our graduates and the roles across the sports industry they have gone into since graduating from UCFB, click here.

You can also score your career goals by clicking here to view a UCFB prospectus.