Latest news with #SouthamptonSolentUniversity
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Students get chance of a lifetime to report live from Wembley Stadium
Eight Southampton Solent University students reported live from Wembley Stadium. The sports journalism students were given press box accreditation for the English Football League (EFL) 2025 League One and League Two play-off finals. The students, who were given the opportunity by a Solent University graduate now working for the EFL, watched on as Charlton and AFC Wimbledon gained promotion. They were tasked with producing web, TV, and social media content for their university outlet, Solent Sports News. Ed Groves beneath the Wembley arch (Image: Southampton Solent University) Third-year student Freddie Dorman said: "I had the best time ever and still can't get my head around it." Second-year student Ed Groves said: "It was the best experience ever and I felt like I learnt a lot. "The noise is something I could never have anticipated - the roar of the Wembley crowd took getting used to when writing the live blog. "However, I really enjoyed the adrenaline rush of providing quick updates as they happened." Freddie Dorman in the press box at Wembley (Image: Southampton Solent University) First-year student Harvey Gerring was a camera operator who also produced a behind-the-scenes video. He said: "It was wonderful to be surrounded by journalists and pundits, such as Jobi McAnuff, Mark McAdam, Geoff Shreeves, and Gary Taphouse. "Recording interviews with fans on Wembley Way whilst thousands of Wimbledon and Walsall fans headed towards the stadium was a unique experience that doesn't come around often." David Reilly, senior lecturer in sports journalism, said: "There are many experienced sports journalists who have never got to report on a live game at Wembley Stadium, so this is a huge experience for our students. "On the course, we make sure that they gain match-day experience, and enforce tight deadlines, but there is nothing like doing it for real on the biggest stage." The 2025 play-off weekend was officially the most successful ever, with 209,000 fans in attendance over three days. Graduates of Southampton Solent University's BA (Hons) Sports Journalism and MA Sports Broadcast Journalism are working in TV, radio, social media, and newspapers at Sky Sports, TNT Sport, BBC Sport, TalkSport, IMG, Premier League Productions, ESPN, Two Circles, Tottenham Hotspur, and Southampton FC, to name a few.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Southampton students livestream prestigious Royal Television Awards
A group of students from a Southampton university livestreamed a prestigious television awards night. Some nine television production students from Southampton Solent University were tasked with delivering a professional broadcast for the 2025 Royal Television Society (RTS) Southern Awards on March 25. The awards, which celebrate the best in local television, were attended by industry professionals from ITV Meridian, BBC South, and Woodcut Media. The students were approached by RTS Chair, Stuart Ray, to provide the live stream for the annual event. They were responsible for every aspect of the production, from liaising with RTS and conducting location recces to working with lighting and sound professionals. READ MORE: Student team recognised for 'outstanding achievement' in live broadcast project The team used the university's state-of-the-art equipment, including five Sony PMW-400 cameras, a Blackmagic Atem Vision Mixer, and streaming iMacs, to create a high-quality broadcast. They used fixed tripod cameras for the main stage, wireless handhelds to capture live audience reactions and winners' walk-ups, and on-stage graphics monitors to help presenters stay in sync with the show flow. Final-year student Alex Dobson, who was the unit manager for the broadcast, said: "The most challenging part was the last-minute switch in our room position. "We had to rethink our whole setup, check for power availability, and completely change our streaming approach. "It was a moment that really tested our teamwork and problem-solving under pressure." Despite the challenges, the team was ready ahead of schedule, with enough time to fully test everything before going live. READ MORE: Solent University takes home several awards from major student TV event Senior lecturer Kate O'Driscoll said: "What makes Solent stand out is its emphasis on hands-on, real-world learning. "These live projects are central to the curriculum, giving students the chance to work directly with real clients, build their CVs, and showcase their skills to professionals, before they graduate. "Alex and the rest of the team did a great job and should be proud of the enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism that they brought to the project." Alex, who hopes to join an outside broadcast company as a camera operator and broadcast engineer after graduation, said: "These projects are essential. "They let me prove that I can handle these jobs at a professional level. "I feel confident stepping into the industry knowing I've already done it - with the support and guidance of my course."
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Southampton Solent University to host first-ever sports festival
Southampton Solent University is set to host its first-ever 'Sport at Solent' festival. The event will run from Wednesday, April 30, to Sunday, May 4. The festival aims to provide a fresh competitive challenge for the university's sports teams while strengthening local community ties. Solent's students will compete against various local teams and other universities. Among the external teams participating are Millbrook FC, Weston Park Blades, and the Southampton Aztecs. These teams will face off against Solent's football, netball, and futsal teams, respectively. The fixtures are intended to provide a friendly yet competitive test for Solent athletes at the start of the summer term. The festival is a collaborative effort by Solent's department of sport and health and the students' union. Dominic Cunliffe, head of sports and health at Solent University, said: "It's great to see all the effort that has gone into organising this event, our sports clubs are some of our best ambassadors and we wanted to ensure they finish the academic year with a chance to celebrate. "I'm very thankful to all of the clubs that have agreed to participate this year, going forward we hope to grow the festival and find as many fixtures for our teams as possible." A large crowd is expected to attend the event, which will feature a diverse range of sports across Test Park, Solent's East Park Terrace sport complex, and the Spark. In addition to traditional sports such as football, rugby, and netball, there will be e-sports, pickleball, powerlifting, and darts. This ensures maximum student participation. Chinmay Darji, president of Solent's students' union, said: "We're so excited to be celebrating our amazing Solent sports teams at the Sport at Solent Festival. "Campus will be buzzing with sports, great music and community vibes. "Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or just soaking up the atmosphere, it's the perfect way to come together, show your support, and make some great memories before the summer break." The festival promises to be a lively week, testing the university's teams and showcasing Southampton Solent University's dedication to community engagement and athletic excellence.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
University helps British Army trio row across Atlantic Ocean
Three British Army officers have become the first all-serving military trio to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Their journey, which lasted 40 days, was made possible with pre-race sports science support from Southampton Solent University. Robert Cross, Charlie Newman, and Robert Treasure, known as team V3NTURE, undertook extensive fitness testing at the university over 18 months, thanks to the involvement of BSc (Hons) sport and exercise students alongside staff. Second-year Sport and Exercise Science undergrad, Abi Townsend, said: "This experience was an incredible endeavour to be part of so early on in my academic career, and it's where I have acquired most of my skills. I greatly appreciated being part of this journey, not only for my growth as an individual but also to have the opportunity to witness the team's growth and have a small role in the history of the incredible event they have conquered!" Dr Lee Bridgeman, lecturer sport science and performance, said: "This was an excellent opportunity for our students to work with inspirational athletes and get hands-on experience, putting what they learn in lessons into practice. Connecting our students to experiences like these is hugely valuable, giving them a competitive edge when entering employment after graduation." This training took place in Solent's BASES-accredited physiology laboratory, where the team underwent VO2max and lactate threshold testing. These assessments helped the trio to understand the physical requirements of their challenge, enabling them to tailor their training regime to achieve peak fitness. The team successfully completed their challenge on Monday, January 20, after 40 days of rowing. They raised more than £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of Robert's father, Stephen Treasure. Following their remarkable journey, Robert Treasure returned to the university for further testing and attributed part of their success in crossing the Atlantic Ocean to the university's support. The laboratory is equipped with the latest technology used for physiological assessments and is regularly used by sporting professionals to enhance their performance. For further information, visit
