INTRODUCING: NEW VOICES
Have you got the passion to commentate on football – and the voice to make people listen?
New Voices is a new initiative designed to uncover and nurture the next generation of commentators from underrepresented backgrounds. Backed by a network of industry partners, this program aims to expand access to commentary boxes and inject fresh perspectives into the beautiful game, and offer access to all in football broadcasting by opening doors for talented individuals across the UK.
We’re looking for aspiring football commentators who already sit close to the industry and who may have faced barriers because of finances, networks, access, or perceptions about how a commentator “should” sound. If that’s you, this is your invitation to step up to the mic.
What you can expect
A practical, industry-led development program for aspiring football commentators. Five successful applicants will be paired with experienced professional commentators and supported by IMG and the EFL throughout the season. Through mentoring, coaching and matchday shadowing, you’ll gain first-hand insight into the industry and develop the confidence and skills to tell the story of the game in your own voice.
- Learn from the best in the business Coaching from experienced commentators, with IMG and EFL support
- Unrivalled mentorship opportunities The chance to be shortlisted for an 8-month mentorship, paired one-to-one with a professional commentator
- Get stuck in Matchday shadowing and real opportunities to develop across the season
Why Now?
Sport is global and multicultural, but the voices telling its stories don’t yet fully reflect that diversity. Most federations have made strides in inclusion on and off the field — New Voices continues that momentum by opening the door to aspiring commentators from communities who’ve historically been underrepresented in broadcast media.
If you love the game, have a point of view, and want to develop your commentary skills in a genuine, high-quality environment, we’d love to hear from you.
New voices deserve to be heard. This could be where your journey begins.
How to Apply
Alongside your CV and details about you, please complete the below tasks as part of your submission. Only submissions including the below details will be considered for this workshop and mentorship.
Commentate over a football clip
Choose a 1–2 minute clip of football and commentate over it as if you were on air. The clip could show a goal, a key moment, a passage of play, or the build-up to an incident. We want to hear how you tell the story of the game in your own voice.
You can submit:
- A voice note or audio recording of your commentary, alongside the clip or a link to it.
- A video submission with your commentary and the clip together.
There is no need for studio equipment or professional editing. A phone recording is absolutely fine. Focus on your commentary: your storytelling, description, accuracy, timing, insight, personality, and ability to bring the moment to life.
Tell us about your voice
Alongside your clip, submit either:
- A voice note of up to two minutes.
- A written statement of up to 250 words.
Tell us why you see yourself as the future of football commentary and what you think is currently missing from UK football commentary. We want to understand what you would bring to the commentary box, the audiences you want to speak to, and the change you would like to help create.
Choose whichever format allows you to express yourself best. Your submission will be considered for its ideas, potential, and point of view – not its production polish.
Send us an email
Alongside your CV and details about you. Include the above task, as well as where you saw the role advertised, in an email to us using the 'Email your Application' button below.
Attend our workshop
If selected, our team will contact you, inviting you to attend a two-day workshop on the 8th - 9th of October 2026 to help us identify our five candidates to participate in the program.
Apply today
The window for applications will close on Friday 25th September. Apply using the button below.
You can review our terms and conditions here.
Your personal data will be processed solely for the purpose of evaluating your application. To learn more about how we process your personal data see our privacy policy here.
Meet the team leading the workshop
Pete Walker, Executive Producer, IMG
Pete has 19 years’ experience in sports broadcasting and oversees the EFL department. He brings editorial, production and operational expertise to the New Voices commentary scheme.
Sarah Lochmore, Match & Studio Director, Studios, IMG
Sarah directs live football across the EFL, MLS, SPL and major international tournaments. She brings insight into live commentary, storytelling and the teamwork behind a broadcast.
Nicola Redman, Voice Coach and Voice Director
Nicola works with presenters, broadcasters and professional voice users internationally. She helps people develop vocal confidence, authentic delivery and the skills needed to engage an audience.
Martin Tyler, Football Commentator & Coach
Martin is an English football commentator and coach whose career spans more than five decades. Best known as the voice of Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage from 1990 to 2023, he delivered iconic moments including his famous “Aguerooooo!” call.
Matt Roberts, Football Producer
Matt has worked across the Premier League, EFL, Soccer Saturday and international football. He was Football Executive Producer at Sky Sports from 2019 to 2024, following senior producer roles at beIN Sports and BT Sport.
FAQs
If you are successful, you will hear from our team regarding next steps by Friday 25th September.
- Flo Pollock, BBC/SKY/IMG
- Richie Wolfenden, DAZN/SKY/IMG
- Cameron Pope, TalkSport/SKY/IMG
- Tom Gayle, BBC/SKY/IMG
- Ellen Ellard, BBC/SKY/Channel 4/IMG
- Be aged 21 or over
- Be based in the UK
- Have a passion for football and a genuine interest in developing a career in commentary
- Have some relevant experience in football, broadcasting, media, content creation, reporting, podcasting, live events, community sport, student media, or commentary-related activities
- Be at any stage of their career journey, whether you’re:
- Building your first career
- Exploring commentary as a side hustle
- Looking to transition from another industry
- Returning to a long-held passion for football broadcasting