Journalism students gain exclusive insight through interviews with Wolves Women

Students from the University of Wolverhampton have had the unique opportunity to step behind the scenes at Wolves Women, gaining first-hand experience in sports media, player engagement, and professional communication as part of their academic development. The visit offered them valuable exposure to elite women’s football and the chance to develop real-world portfolio content.

During the visit, students interviewed players and manager, Dan McNamara and were hosted by members of the club’s media and marketing team, enabling them to deepen their understanding of matchday operations and the roles that support a professional women’s football environment. The experience also contributed directly to their assessed work and longer-term career planning.

Craig Bratt, Media & Marketing Manager, Wolves Women said: “It was great to spend some time with the University of Wolves students at Molineux as part of their journalism projects. As someone who was in their position almost ten years ago, it was really pleasing to share my expertise with them to help the get ready for prospective careers in the media industry. They all showed a real desire and passion for the subject, and you could really see on their faces how much they valued the afternoon with us.”

Lynn Grainger, Lecturer in Journalism and Media added:

"This was an invaluable and unforgettable experience for our journalism students. They stepped up to the challenge under pressure and were praised by the club for their professionalism and journalistic skills. The marketing and communications team were so impressed that two of our students, Amy Lloyd and Malaika Khan, were asked to record and deliver McNamara's official pre-match interview ahead of their game against West Brom. These are the experiences that make journalism such an exciting and rewarding career, so thank you to Wolves Women for the opportunity - it's a day the students will never forget. I'm excited to see the finished results in their portfolios."

Expanding professional confidence and aspirations

For journalism student Jessica Potts, the experience was both inspiring and transformative. She said:

“I felt nervous interviewing a high‑profile player, but the interview was a dream opportunity. The players were supportive and patient and the experience has given me a proper insight into what I’d be getting up to in my future career and helped me to build confidence and skills.”

The interviews and behind‑the‑scenes access also strengthened her final project, providing authentic material she can use for her portfolio.

Building portfolios and industry experience

Fellow student Malaika Khan said she immediately recognised the value of the opportunity as soon as she received the invitation. Aspiring in sports journalism and media, she knew the experience would enhance both her portfolio and her confidence working with professional athletes.

Malaika said: “It’s been a really good experience. Did I ever think I’d have the chance to come and interview like this? No. But I’m so grateful that it’s happened.”

She emphasised how meaningful it was to speak again to players and staff, with each opportunity strengthening her professional identity and aspirations.

Strengthening links between higher education and professional sport

This collaboration supports the University’s wider commitment to creating real‑world learning experiences that enhance employability. By engaging directly with Wolves Women - an increasingly high‑profile team with growing visibility in national competitions - students experience firsthand the pace, professionalism, and expectations of working within elite sport.

Photo caption: Journalism student Malaika Khan interviews Wolves Women defender, Beth Roberts