Teenagers win sporting chance

Dec 8 2006 By The Journal

Football-loving teenagers were put on the spot yesterday when they were given the chance to interview their sporting heroes for a national competition.

About 20 pupils of Walker Technology College in Newcastle had an opportunity of interviewing Newcastle United hitman Antoine Sibierski and injured Olivier Barnard for the Premier League's Aspiring Journalist contest.

The 13- and 14-year-olds visit Newcastle United's Learning Centre for the Playing for Success scheme, run by the club, the city council and the Department for Education and Skills to encourage study. They were given a foot up in the nationwide contest, which invites youngsters to submit a 500-word article or 90-second film reel, by being allowed to interview the players.

The regional winner will shadow a journalist at a Newcastle United game and the overall winner will spend a day with their family in the hospitality suite of their chosen club. The regional winner will be chosen by December 15.