United aid diversity in sports journalism

BCOMS are an organisation that works tireless to diversify the UK sports media.

Led by industry professionals from the African and Caribbean community, members of the organisation feel strongly about all strands of diversity, including gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and socio-economic background.

Several members were offered the opportunity to report and broadcast on the young Reds' eventual 1-1 draw with the Gunners at the Theatre of Dreams, and live the full matchday experience.

So good for BCOMS North to back under the💡s at Old Trafford #PL2

5️⃣x On The Whistle Match Reporters ✍🏽

1️⃣x Social Media Producer📱

1️⃣x Radio Reporter🎙️

2️⃣x Radio Commentator🎙️

1️⃣x Post Match Press Conference 🗣️#MUFC 1-1 #AFC

Invaluable experience 🙌🏾

Thank you @ManUtd ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QeslRMH1F4

— BCOMS (@wearebcoms) April 1, 2023

In addition to the opportunity to sit in the press box, the BCOMS attendees also held a mock press conference with Under-21s' boss Mark Dempsey, in which members were able to hone their questioning technique and react to his responses in real time, as would be the case following a first-team fixture.

The event follows on from the club's previous work with BCOMS, where last year we combined to deliver a Masterclass workshop with industry professionals such as BBC Match of the Day and Radio 5 Live commentator Vicki Sparks and also a Q&A with former Reds defender Wes Brown.

Following the event, Tom Gayle, who oversees the BCOMS North Masterclass programme, said:

“We are really grateful for Manchester United’s support. Being able to access the media facilities at one of the most iconic grounds in world football was incredibly inspiring for the group.

“They were treated like industry professionals, and I have no doubt this opportunity will only further motivate them all to pursue a career within the sports media industry.”