How a Brit found a sportswriting home in the U.S.

I started the Bleacher Report Sportswriting Internship in October 2011 more in hope than expectation. I had just finished a three-month stint with another company and found myself at B/R’s front door thanks to a recommendation from a former B/R contributor named Alun Vaughan.

“Guarded” is how I would describe my outlook when discussing whether I’d be suitable for the program with Writer Program Manager King Kaufman, as you would be when considering any unpaid commitment on a full-time schedule, but I embarked upon it nonetheless.

It was a struggle to start with, as assignments rolled in and thrust me outside my usual writing territory and comfort zone, providing a stern test to come home from work to. The feedback was in-depth, the editing top-tier. Within three weeks, I’d learned more about online journalism at B/R than I had in 12 weeks interning for the previous company.

After the internship, I went from Featured Columnist to part-time paid writer for the World Football team in approximately four months, representing my first real step in the direction I’ve been longing for since I finished university. I’ve been to Wembley to cover the England national soccer team vs. Spain, experienced the press room, met fellow professionals and tasted those lovely, lovely free burgers at halftime.

Olympics, UEFA Champions League, Euro 2012, the English Premier League. Name a league or competition, I’ve probably covered it. Where else can you get such a stunning variety of assignments? Is there a better way to make a living?

Bleacher Report gave me the platform to write and tendered the opportunity to make a name for myself. One of the very best things about B/R is its status as a meritocracy: Work hard, reap the rewards.

I worked hard on producing for this website, and they recognized it. I found a niche, and I took advantage of it. Now I’m writing my “Success Story” blog!

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Sam Tighe is a World Football Featured Columnist. Follow him on Twitter @stighefootball