Kevin Bannon

I am a passionate and hardworking Sports Journalist looking to develop my career in the industry. In 2021, I decided to return to university as a mature student to fulfil my ambition of working in news and sports journalism. I can now offer a real passion for sport, together with a solid academic foundation, and professional skills developed across a variety of roles including live football commentary, podcast editing, sports writing and social media coordinating.

2024 2:1 Sports Journalism BSc through Liverpool John Moores University.
2023 NCTJ Media Law and Ethics
2019 GDPR Training

Writer for Vavel: 

https://www.vavel.com/en/autho...

• Writer: I covered the European Championship for Vavel.com, with four teams under my remit. I wrote tournament previews, match reports, player ratings and reflective pieces to deadline, ready to publish on the whistle. I adhered to the website’s style guide for grammar, layout and images, making use of specific SEO considerations.
• Due to my strong performance, I have been asked to stay on and write for the upcoming Olympic Games, as well as being part of the websites’ Serie A coverage for the forthcoming season.

Match Commentator and Media Team Member for Marine AFC:

• Radio commentator: I attend every Marine game, doing live commentary for an audience of 200+ people. Using the online platform Mixlr, I create an event for each fixture and go live for each game, engaging with listeners throughout the game. I was the solo commentator for the live television broadcast of the Nation League North promotion playoff final between Marine and Macclesfield.
• Social Media Coordinator: I create content, including up-close videos and photos of the pre-match preparations of the team. I conduct post match interviews with the manager and players based on audience feedback.
• Documentary making and written coverage: I recorded and edited a 15-minute audio documentary entitled ‘A match day at Marine’ which was published by the Marine Media Team. My match reports have been published in the Non-League Paper.
• Awards: I was awarded Volunteer of the Year for commentary and media by club officials in 2024.

Podcast Producer for the Move Against Cancer Podcast for charity MOVE:

https://themoveagainstcancerpo...

• Podcast producer: I produce the Move Against Cancer Podcast for the charity MOVE. Each long-form interview episode is an hour long and covers sensitive topics, such as living with cancer. I maintain consistency and set the tone, scripting the host’s intro and outro segments. I select and mix theme music for each episode. I edit the interviews, using Adobe Audition to ensure crisp, clean and engaging content with minimal cuts. I work to a deadline and in accordance with the upload schedule.
• Video Editor: I cut and edit separate video clips from the interview using Adobe Premier Pro for the charities’ social media outlets. Each clip is between 30-60 seconds and is designed to advertise the show.

2023 - 2024 John Schofield Trust Fellowship
My potential to succeed in Sports Journalism was recognised by my lecturers who put me forward for the John Schofield Trust Fellowship, which I successfully applied for. I built my application around my interest in and coverage of a wide range of sports including Football, Cricket, Rugby, Athletics and Gaelic sports - as I grew up playing Gaelic Football and Hurling.

2021 Valuable Contribution to the department of Sports Journalism Award chosen by the LJMU Journalism team for academic achievement and engagement within the course


2021-2024 Sports Journalism BSc at Liverpool John Moores University

https://merseysportlive.co.uk/...

• Academic Study: I returned to university as a mature student to fulfill my ambition of becoming a Sports Journalist. I gained a 2:1.
• Professional experience: I worked as a sports reporter for merseysportlive.co.uk (2023-24). For this, I was chosen amongst my peers to attend and cover both a Jurgen Klopp and a Pep Lijnders’ pre match press conference and produce a quotes piece. I wrote an on-the-whistle match report for an FA Cup game and local interest feature articles based on in-person interviews. I worked within the Press Box at a Republic of Ireland Men vs Ukraine Men game in the Nations League (June 2022), I wrote an on the whistle match report and attended both post-match press conferences and mix zones. I have undertaken Vox Pops in Liverpool City Centre with members of the public and have written Quote Pieces based on these and other interviews.
• Professional Standards and Skills: I have trained in the importance of SEO for web stories and the workings of WordPress for publications of articles. I am confident using Adobe Audition and Premiere Pro to edit clips for radio and television broadcasting. I have trained with various broadcasting equipment such as Zooms and Mojo kits.

2020 - 2021 Rehabilitation Co-Therapist for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust:

• Professional Standards: I assisted in the rehabilitation programmes of patients admitted to the long-stay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit. I supported in personal care and assisted during Physiotherapies, Speech and Language Therapies and Occupational Health Therapies. I had to adhere to all health and safety protocols, including the stringent COVID-19 protocols.
• Communication: I recorded observations every hour efficiently and accurately. I took detailed notes quickly and clearly which would be used by others. I built positive, trusting relationships with the patients, contributing to their emotional therapy. I was taught to respond appropriately to challenging behaviours in accordance with the Trusts’ Breakaway Training. I worked closely with families, understanding that life altering events can be highly traumatic and upsetting for the individual and those around them. I worked alongside the nursing, doctor, therapy staff and other health professionals to ensure all patients got the highest level of care.

2016 - 2020 Volunteers Coordinator for Serious Fun: 

• Recruiting: I recruited 700 volunteers per year, essential for running Therapeutic Recreation Camps for children affected by serious illnesses. I created new application forms to ensure applicants were suitable for the role and to best support them once volunteering. I conducted face-to-face or virtual interviews and appointed those suitable.
• Management: It was my responsibility to ensure all volunteers were fully DBS checked and taught to follow all safeguarding procedures. I designed, organised and led orientation days across the UK. I delivered tailored training programmes to successful applicants both online and in person. During camp I supported all volunteers, providing the best environment for their success; answering questions; hearing and resolving issues. I performed regular check-ins and assessments of performance.
• Training: I was trained to manage emergency procedures, I was trained as a Fire Warden and was required to be on call during nights. I was responsible for coordinating up to 120 volunteers on site.

C. S. Lewis