Creative media student Ellie-Mae Thompson is preparing for an exciting career in sports journalism, where she hopes to realise her dream of covering her favourite women’s team, Arsenal.

A former student of Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby, Ellie is entering her second year studies and already has an impressive portfolio of articles online.

“I chose to study creative media as it sets me up perfectly for university” says Ellie. “I was looking at courses at Telford College and the range of skills I could learn to help me achieve my dream were fantastic.

“I was really inspired to work in women’s football after the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022. I was amazed how the sport managed to capture the imagination of the nation – members of my family who don’t watch women’s football were even cheering on the ladies!”

“I write voluntary articles for a sports journalism website called FootieFusion, focusing solely on women’s football.

“I’ve been writing for them since August 2024 and I love it. It all started with an article about Emma Hayes leaving Chelsea. Journalism really helps me channel my love for the game whilst creating positive awareness for women’s football.

“I have some media accreditation jobs coming up which means I will travel to a club on matchday, be able to sit in the press box and watch the game live whilst writing an article.

“Writing for FootieFusion is going great and I am really enjoying it. It has given me the opportunity to connect with other people who share the same passion as me, whilst getting the chance to share my work online. It is contributing greatly to what I would like to do after college and bolstering my CV and university applications with experience.

“After university, I’m looking to get any paid media role in football, whether that’s internally in a club or reporting externally for the BBC or other sites.”

Johnathan Abbott, learner manager for creative & music, said: “Ellie has had an incredibly positive start to her second year of her level 3 media course where she has become independently involved in creating online content reporting on national women’s football.

“This is a true testament to her hard work and commitment to her college course, and what creative opportunities can be accessed through the skills acquired here at Telford College.”

Inspired by Ellie’s story? Take a look at our creative courses or sign up to one of our open events.