China Calls for Harry

A would-be sports scientist who dropped out to study journalism instead is off to the Far East after having landed an international reporting job.

Harry Bamforth (pictured) quit his sports science course and subsequently began a sport journalism degree at Staffordshire University. Now, the 23-year-old, from Evesham, has landed a freelance role covering the Asian Games in China.

During his studies at Staffordshire, he completed internships with three football clubs – Brentford, Port Vale and Forest Green Rovers – and volunteered at the Birmingham-held Commonwealth Games.

Speaking of his change of course, Harry said:  “It was a risk because I’d already been to university. I was a bit worried about what I was going to do in my life, but it’s the best risk I’ve ever taken. It’s evident now when I’ve been job seeking that these experiences help you and if you don’t have them, it can make life a bit trickier. So, make sure you get out there, you’ll learn so much.

“That’s given me this opportunity to get a job, an actual job freelancing, at the Asian Games and I’m really excited. Sports journalism was my true calling in the end and I never realised that until I took the leap. I would advise anyone who’s worrying about what they’re going to do and whether the course is right for them at the start, you’ve got time so choose what’s right for you. I made that decision and it’s paid off.”