The Daily Aus (TDA) and Nike Australia are extending The Training Squad program launched in 2023, working to help young female and gender diverse sports journalists break into the professional field.
The Training Squad is now accepting applications from female journalists aged 18-35 across Australia who are passionate about sports journalism and ready to take the next step in their careers.
The 10-week program aims to equip five aspiring journalists with the tools, connections, and confidence to succeed in sports media. Emphasising digital storytelling, it seeks to nurture the next generation of Gen Z sports journalists who engage their audiences online.
Throughout the program, participants will learn from journalists at The Daily Aus and Nike, gaining access to storytellers, trainers, and product experts. They’ll also get hands-on experience reporting on live sporting events to sharpen their skills.
Speaking on the renewal, TDA co-founder Sam Koslowski said: “We are so proud of what we were able to achieve with the first round of this program. Our aim has always been to provide the next generation with the tools, connections, and confidence to grow their careers and we can’t wait to invite the next cohort of participants in.
“We are committed to offering the personalised support from top media operators and leaders who will help them navigate the media world with confidence, and will know we’ve done a good job when we look at who makes up the Australian sports media landscape over the next decade.”
Alumni from the 2023 program have gone on to positions in broadcast television, content production for major sports tournaments, and social media management and production for leading sports organisations.
“This program gave us a chance – which isn’t what a lot of people do these days,” 2023 program participant Maddie Date said. “It seems kind of daunting for a business to take in a couple of rookie gals and train them up, but TDA and Nike had that vision.
“It has given me the extra drive to achieve what I really want to and has removed any self-doubt I had those months ago. I’m now also connected to some amazing young journos. These ladies are definitely going to be my friends in the industry for a long time.”
Abbey Wirth, Nike Pacific communications lead, added: “Women and girls are leading positive change in sport, creating space for even more young people to see themselves represented. At Nike, this drives us to think bigger to grow women’s sport, support the work towards equality, foster ambition and remove barriers, not only for those on the field, but those reporting on it.
“To see the first years’ cohort go on to see success with some dream media roles is testament to the program with TDA. We look forward to continuing to see the sports journalists, content creators, and presenters of the future come through this Squad.”
See Also: The Daily Aus on Meta, international expansion, and remedying ‘Fontgate’