First-year creative student Tom Phillips is relishing his voluntary media role with the Telford Tigers ice hockey team alongside his studies at Telford College.
A long-standing fan who grew up around the team thanks to his dad – equipment manager Andy – the former Holy Trinity Academy pupil started working with the team in 2022 after being invited to help with cameras during a preseason game.
“I was in the café one day, just getting some chips, and Paul Shuttleworth, the match-night announcer, came up to me and asked, ‘Would you like to help out on the cameras?’ I thought, ‘You know what, that’s an exciting opportunity. Let’s give it a go. Why not?’
“I went and helped out on that one game in pre-season; all the feedback I got was great. I really enjoyed myself, and it’s kind of just turned into what it is now – this being my fourth season as a member of the club.
“For me, it’s turned into something that I love to do every week. I wake up on the weekend with a spring in my step thinking, ‘It’s game day. I get to do what I love!’
“I’ve grown from being someone who was on the side just doing a secondary camera to now being the main cameraman and conducting post-game interviews as well.
“When I see the interviews go up, I love it. I love being able to provide that content for fans. After the game, they want to know a player’s thoughts, a coach’s thoughts. It’s nice to stand with them for a few minutes and get their views on the game. Without these interviews, I don’t think they’d get the proper opportunity to do that. It gives fans a bit of insight and reflection.”
He added: “I’m thankful for the opportunity that I’ve been given. There’s a lot of people there who supported me – I don’t think I’d be doing what I am now if it wasn’t for people like Paul, our social media manager Katie, and everyone else in the organisation. I’m just thankful for everyone’s support so far.”
Tom heard about the creative course at the college through another member of the media team, who was a student at the time. “I love the course, it’s amazing. It’s been challenging at times, but every challenge helps me grow. Everything I’ve worked for has led me here.
“My favourite thing is probably having access to professional software, such as Photoshop and Lightroom. It allows me to practice my skills, go over everything I don’t know, and learn new things.
“I’ve been using Photoshop a lot and learned a ton of things I never knew before. That feeling of progression, of becoming better at what I’m doing is a nice feeling.
“Right now, with the Tigers and at Telford College, I’m aiming for a career in TV or radio production. I loved my work experience at BBC Shropshire and recently discovered a passion for DJ-ing and announcing at sports events.”
Are you looking to study towards a career in media production? Take a look at our creative courses or join us on our next open event.
