Lucy Lynskey is only 14 – but she’s already taking giant strides towards her ambition to make a name for herself in sports journalism.

Since November last year she has been writing match reports for her local football club, Newport on the Isle of Wight, who play in the Dr Martens Eastern Division.

After sending some of her work to Dave Watson, Managing Director of Portsmouth FC, she has been offered a journalism pass for next season and plans to cover some of their home matches, as well as Newport’s, next season. She has also been offered the chance to commentate on Newport FC matches for Isle of Wight radio.

She recently appeared on TFI Friday where she recited all 92 teams in the English football leagues in alphabetical order of their division in under 20 seconds.

She also learned all the fixtures for Euro 2000 in the same way.

“I believe that my talent of learning things and talking quickly will help me should I ever wish to commentate,” she said.

Lucy also writes, and reads, the sports reports for her school radio station Ryde High School radio.

Not content with all this, Lucy has recently completed a 14,000-word book called The Patriotic Fans of Manchester United.

“The book is about the true fans of the club, and the emotions every football fanatic experiences. It shows how people can really get passionate about the sport,” she said.

A copy of her maunscript is with World Wide Publishers.

“Some of my teachers at school are very supportive and interested in my career aspirations,” said Lucy. “My history teacher, Mei Trow, has had 27 books published and has been a good mentor! My English teacher also has been very helpful.”

Already Lucy is planning to study journalism after A-levels, but will be watching for any media opportunities in the meantime.

“Life is not a dress rehearsal! Go for it and get it are my mottos!” she said.

To read one of Lucy’s Newport match reports click here

To contact Lucy, e-mail her at [email protected]

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