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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our editorial team and dive into the world of sports journalism.
- Company: The Athletic, a leading global sports media newsroom.
- Benefits: Paid internship with hands-on experience and mentorship.
- Why this job: Shape sports stories and learn from industry leaders in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate or recent postgraduate student passionate about sports journalism.
- Other info: Office-based role in London with opportunities for career growth.
About Us
Powered by one of the largest global newsrooms in sports media, The Athletic brings sports fans the most comprehensive stories about the teams, sports and athletes they love. The Athletic's newsroom of 450+ full-time staff delivers in-depth coverage of hundreds of professional and college teams across more than 47 North American markets and all 20 football clubs in the English Premier League, as well as many Championship clubs.
About the Role
The Athletic is accepting applications for its Leon H Carter newsroom internship, a 12-week program based in London, which will run from May to August 2026. The intern will be embedded on our editorial team, which will expose the intern to every facet of the newsroom. The mission of The Athletic's internship program is to attract and develop the industry's next stars. Throughout the summer, the intern will experience the beating heart of our newsroom and be supported to sample all the aspects of what we do, with regular feedback sessions to ensure the intern gets the maximum out of their time with The Athletic. The intern will help shape our most informative coverage while helping to advance our goal to be the top destination for sports news around the world. This is a paid internship.
This position is based in London and would require office attendance for the majority of the internship. The application deadline is 28 November 2025.
Responsibilities
- Experience, in full, what The Athletic's industry-leading global football/soccer department produces and become a full part of the team.
- Assigned an editor throughout the internship and a 'buddy' - a reporter who can provide a point of reference throughout.
- Time within each department - news, data, audio, subbing, socials and others - to discover where your true passion lies.
- Expectation to produce published work regularly within the internship.
- Assigned time 'out in the field' alongside reporters.
- Learn and understand the editing process - what an editor looks for in a piece.
- Go through pieces with editors and sub editors from idea to publishing.
- Learn the importance of legal requirements, rights of reply, to investigations and in-depth reads.
Requirements
- Currently an undergraduate or a recent postgraduate student looking to break into the sports journalism industry.
- 18 years of age or older.
- Ability to work a 30-40 hour work week, including evenings and weekends when required.
- Right to work in UK.
- Flexibility: ability to adapt to fast-paced work environments where needs and priorities can change quickly.
- A can-do attitude with a determination to succeed and welcome constructive feedback throughout the internship.
- A tenacity to break a story, land an interview, work with the rest of The Athletic's substantial staff - and provide original, thought-provoking ideas.
- Deep knowledge of and a passion for sports.
- A willingness to work as part of a team.
The Athletic Media Company is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. The Athletic will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
UK Newsroom Student Intern, Summer 2026 (London) employer: The Athletic Media Company
Contact Detail:
The Athletic Media Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Newsroom Student Intern, Summer 2026 (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns and staff at The Athletic on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the internship. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your portfolio ready! Showcase your best writing samples, especially those related to sports journalism. Make sure to include a variety of pieces that highlight your versatility and passion for sports. A strong portfolio can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview! Research The Athletic’s recent stories and be ready to discuss them. Show your enthusiasm for their work and how you can contribute to their mission. Being informed will impress the interviewers!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on the deadlines and follow up if you haven’t heard back. Persistence shows your commitment!
We think you need these skills to ace UK Newsroom Student Intern, Summer 2026 (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sports: When you're writing your application, let your love for sports shine through! Share your favourite teams, memorable matches, or even your own experiences in sports journalism. We want to see that you’re not just applying for any internship, but this one because you genuinely care about the industry.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role at The Athletic. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with what we’re looking for. A generic application won’t cut it; we want to see how you fit into our newsroom!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We appreciate authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your unique perspective on sports and what drives you to pursue a career in journalism.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Athletic Media Company
✨Know Your Sports Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest sports news, especially related to football and the teams covered by The Athletic. Being able to discuss recent matches, player performances, and industry trends will show your passion and knowledge, which is crucial for a role in sports journalism.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask during your interview. This could be about the editorial process at The Athletic or how they approach storytelling in sports. It shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to learn more about the company culture.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Bring along samples of your writing, whether it's articles, blogs, or even social media posts. Highlight pieces that demonstrate your ability to engage readers and convey information clearly. This will give the interviewers a taste of your style and potential fit for their team.
✨Embrace Feedback and Adaptability
During the interview, express your willingness to receive constructive criticism and adapt to fast-paced environments. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully taken feedback on board and improved your work. This attitude is key for thriving in a dynamic newsroom like The Athletic.