The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the 12 days of competition.
FISU launched this journalism education programme to provide young sports journalists with a unique training experience during FISU’s major multi-sport events, the summer and winter World University Games. While this is an education programme, it is organised and conducted by the FISU Media department, under the Media and Communication Committee, and in partnership with the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
After the inaugural edition of the FISU Young Reporters Programme in 2011 at the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China, and the successful editions during the Summer Universiades in Kazan 2013, Gwangju 2015, Taipei 2017, Napoli 2019 and Chengdu 2023, FISU’s Young Reporters Programme was also present at the Krasnoyarsk 2019 Winter Universiade and Lake Placid 2023 FISU Winter Games.
The Young Reporters Programme takes journalism students (aged 20 to 25) or recent graduates in the fields of journalism and communications or digital media from the continents of Africa, the Americas, Asia, Oceania and Europe, right into the heart of the multi-sport event for its entire duration, with full access to the competition venues and the Main Press Centre. Over this fortnight, participants are immersed in a multi-cultural learning experience that challenges them in many different ways and are joined by journalism peers from the host nation.
In addition to covering sporting events at the FISU Games, participants also take part in lectures delivered by experienced media and communications professionals and expert mentorship from current sports journalists. All Young Reporters receive both general and specialised training in various aspects of reporting and the coverage of major events such as the FISU World University Games. The course programme looks at what makes a good human interest story, how to produce news stories under tight deadlines, when to look for background detail and why accuracy and fairness still remain the cornerstones of reporting. The FISU and AIPS partnership enables wonderful mentors and leaders to help deliver the curriculum to the aspiring Young Reporters who, in addition to covering the event, attend lectures on media-related topics taught by sports reporting veterans.
Since it began at the Summer Universiade 2011, the Young Reporters Programme has been a smashing success. The young journalists bring a fresh perspective to the storytelling. The students have full credential access to the Athlete Village and competition venues, just like any other professional journalist. With this access, the Young Reporters have shown an uncanny ability to take audiences behind the scenes, discovering diamond-in-the-rough storylines.
Candidates for the Young Reporters Programme are selected based on their portfolio, background and education, recommendations of teaching staff or managers, and their motivation letter. They must be available shortly before and during the whole period of the FISU Games.
Applicants must provide the following documents in English (or translated to English if original documents are not in English):
- CV listing applicant’s previous experience and education
- Motivation letter (one page)
- Links to previous published work (for non-native English speakers, previous work in English is a plus), experience, and portfolio.
- Two reference letters with contact details (professional references only)
- All candidates must provide a copy of their passport with a validity of at least six (6) months after the Games end.
- Official documentation confirming the level of English knowledge (for those from non-English speaking countries—TOEFL, IELTS or other equivalent certification)
Submissions must be emailed to media@fisu.net
All listed documents above must be included to be considered a complete application, and submissions should be sent as a single PDF. Packages missing any information, or applications that are submitted past the submission deadline will not be considered. The FISU selection team may proceed to additional interviews and/or tests if and when required.
For any further information, please contact media@fisu.net
News
All news
