University of Winchester Journalism student Lennie Teague stepped in to act as co-commentator when BBC Radio Surrey covered the FA Trophy clash between Walton & Hersham and Sutton United.
Third year student Lennie is also Walton & Hersham’s head of media and had invited the local radio station to cover the cup tie which paired his club with their near neighbours.
When the BBC asked for a volunteer to take the mic alongside their match commentator Adrian Harmes as a match summariser, Lennie jumped at the chance.
“I’ve commentated for the match highlights on the club’s website but to be on the BBC was an experience like no other,” said Lennie.
“It was a really great insight into how live sports coverage works,” said Lennie. “I was a bit nervous beforehand Adrian was very helpful and really made things flow.”
The 21-year-old, who grew up in Hersham, said all his family, and several course mates, had tuned into listen to the game.
Lennie was able to bring much of his Walton & Hersham (nicknamed The Swans) knowledge to the commentary but was also aware that he had to try to be impartial. However, he found it hard to disguise his pleasure when giving the end of game summary after the Swans had triumphed 4-1.
Going into the game Walton & Hersham were eight points clear at the top of the Southern League Premier South Division but started as underdogs against visitors Sutton from the National League, two tiers above.
The Swans are now into the last 32 of the FA Trophy, equal to their best-ever run in the competition. In the next round they are at home to Brackley, also from the National League, and Lennie is hoping BBC Radio Surrey will return to cover the match.
As media officer, Lennie manages the Swans’ social media, creates publicity material for matches including previews for games on the club website, and supplies news to the local media.
“Sometimes it can be difficult to juggle the job with my studies but so far I’ve managed,” said Lennie.
Adrian Harms was full of praise for his young co-commentator. “I thought Lennie was excellent. He’s clearly done his homework- not only did he know a lot about his team but he also had a great deal of information about Sutton.
“He gave some really great insights during the game and he knew when to come in and make a comment and when not to.
“As well as helping me he was also doing his media job - tweeting and taking photos during the game – I was very impressed.”
In the long-term Lennie would love to pursue a career in sports journalism or work as a media officer for a top football club.
“I have learned so many useful skills on my course and it has helped me branch out by covering such a wide range of subjects outside sport,” said Lennie.
Dr Angus Scott, Senior Lecturer, Journalism, who has worked extensively in TV sport, said: “This is a perfect testament to Lennie's hard work and talent. He has shown perfectly how to put into practice everything he has learnt at the University of Winchester.
"It is great to see our vocational course being recognised by broadcasters such as the BBC. Well done, Lennie!"
To see Lennie giving his post-match summary and to hear some of his commentary follow this link.
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