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Commentary Training Course

Building on our successful efforts in streaming the National League, The WFA is delighted to announce our second initiative aimed at nurturing new talent in sports commentary. We’re coordinating another in-depth Commentary Training Programme for ten dedicated members of our community. This opportunity will equip you with the essential skills needed to bring our exciting games to life through engaging and insightful commentary.

Date & Time: The commentary training course will be held over the course of two consecutive days, starting at 9:00am and ending at 5:00pm on each day. The first session is scheduled for Saturday, August 10th, and the second session will follow on Sunday, August 11th. 

Venue: This commentary course will be delivered at Derby Arena, Royal Way, Derby. DE24 8JB

Fee: With support and funding from our partner, Amazon Web Services (AWS), we can offer this course to the selected participants for free. We request that those participating then give back to The WFA by putting their new knowledge and skills into action by commentating at our National League and WFA Cup competitions.

The training will be conducted by Alan March Sport (AMS), a renowned firm with over 20 years of experience in the field. AMS specialises in providing top-quality Commentators, Announcers, Hosts, and even Audio Description Specialists. They are globally recognised for their expertise in Audio Description Commentary, catering especially to blind and visually impaired audiences. This course is an excellent foundation for those aspiring to become the sports commentators, journalists and pundits of tomorrow.

Their commentary training offers a real first step onto the ladder for the commentators and pundits of tomorrow. To find out more about AMS and the services they provide, you can visit their website below:

https://www.alanmarchsport.com/

Tutors will spend time exploring some of the elements below:

  • Fundamentals of Commentary: Understanding the basics of sports commentary, including voice control, pacing, and clarity.
  • Preparation and Research: Techniques for preparing for a match, researching teams and players, and building a compelling narrative.
  • Commentary Practice: Sessions with match commentary, providing hands-on experience and feedback.
  • Audio Description: Specialised training in audio description commentary, particularly for audiences who are blind or visually impaired.

Application Process

If you require further information about the Commentary Course, please contact WFA National Development Officer Ryan Sipple at ryan.sipple@thewfa.org.uk.

To apply, Alan March Sport requires applicants to submit a 60-90 second audio clip of themselves performing commentary. This can be for any game or even a fictional scenario – what’s important is showcasing your voice and style. Please note that all applicants for the commentary training course must be 16 years of age or older.

Please title the email “Powerchair Training Course Audio Clip”, provide your name and send it to: info@alanmarchsport.com

After the application deadline, Alan March Sport will review all submitted audio clips to assess each applicant’s potential as a commentator. This process is designed to evaluate your voice quality, articulation, and overall style in delivering dynamic and engaging commentary. From this, ten individuals will be selected to participate in this exclusive commentary training course.

Course Tutors

Alan March

Course Tutor

Alan March is a professional commentator, announcer, presenter, show caller, and event host with extensive experience in various sports. As the Managing Director of a sports events company, he leads a team of commentators and event hosts, managing client needs for PA systems, music, and video production. Alan specialises in ‘Audio Descriptive Commentary’ and has contributed to major events, including the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2020, and the Women’s World Cup 2023.

Brad Hope

Course Tutor

Brad Hope is a professional commentator with extensive experience in various sports. As a full-time employee of AMS for seven years, he has provided audio description commentary at major events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Men’s Euros 2020 and 2024, and the Women’s Euros 2022. Brad’s expertise extends to providing commentary for BBC Sport online and Channel 4 across multiple sports. He also manages the audio description services for 17 clubs, ensuring high-quality commentary and coverage for diverse sporting events.