Categories and Media Requirements

Who is eligible?

Open to anyone with less than one year of full-time experience in professional journalism, or those for whom journalism has never made up their primary source of income. This may include students, graduates, or those without formal training.

We particularly welcome applications from those who feel their voices and communities are underrepresented in the sports journalism industry.

What to submit:

Entrants may submit up to three pieces of their work produced between 1 January 2025 - 31 December 2025, as well as no more than 200 words per submission explaining each piece.

Entries may be from across print, digital, broadcast or any other medium the candidate feels best reflects their work and potential as a sports journalist.

We ask that broadcast entries are no longer than 10 minutes each. If you wish for us to consider a clip from a larger piece, please note on your entry form the start and end times of the section you would like the panel to review.

Submissions may consist of published or unpublished work. Candidates may also submit work expressly created for the purpose of this application should they wish.

Shortlisted entrants may be asked to complete an additional assignment or task.

Judging criteria:

A diverse panel of judges will consider a number of criteria including quality of storytelling, news sense, accuracy, reporting and originality.

Prize: The winner will be invited to the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards, offered a work placement with talkSPORT and the opportunity to meet with one of our committee members to discuss their work and career development.