Ben Willers

Discovering sports journalism at USW

I was undecided about what to study, but I love writing and sports, so a friend suggested I look into sports journalism. After a bit of research, I found the course at USW in Cardiff, and it felt like a great fit. I attended an Open Day, loved the campus and the central location, and decided this was the place for me.

Since starting, I’ve already gained hands-on experience. Just a week into the course, I got an email about a placement opportunity at AFC Llwydcoed, which is local to me. I’ve been handling social media, attending games, writing match reports, and more—it’s been a fantastic experience that really immerses me in the field. I didn’t expect to dive into practical work so quickly, but I’m loving it.

In our academic sessions, I’m developing technical skills alongside soft skills, from Harvard referencing to critical thinking. Even in areas like sports journalism, these skills are essential and will definitely support my future career.

Enjoying every moment of studying in Cardiff and looking ahead

Living in Cardiff has been amazing; it’s a dynamic city with everything within easy reach. Though I commute in by train, which means early mornings, the city’s energy and proximity to my interests make it worth it. Cardiff’s architecture and lively atmosphere also add a lot to my experience here.

Looking ahead, I’m most interested in the writing side of sports journalism. I prefer writing articles and reports over podcasts or video presentations, but I’m open to exploring all areas before deciding. I’ve already had collaborative projects, like our upcoming podcast on Welsh football, and we often switch roles for match coverage, which helps us build versatile skills.