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On 19 May, at the star-studded Football Writers Association Footballer of the Year Awards dinner, the next generation of journalistic talent will also be recognised. The deadline for the FWA’s trio of Student Football Writer of the Year awards is rapidly approaching: Friday 24 April. 

Since the competition was launched five years ago, there have been thousands of entries, with many of the past winners going on to secure jobs in the business. To address inequalities in the game, particularly in the media, the FWA actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and religions.

The competition is split into three categories. The Hugh McIlvanney Award for Male Student Football Writer of the Year is named after a much-missed member of the association. The Unheard Voices Award is run in conjunction with Kick It Out and is aimed at those from less represented sections of society, whether because of ethnicity, sexuality or disability.

The third award is the Vikki Orvice Award for Female Student Football Writer of the Year, named after another much-missed member of the media. Vikki was also a founding board member of Women in Football, and we are absolutely delighted that this award for the first time this year, will be ‘in conjunction with Women in Football.’

The competition is simple to enter. In all three award categories, the FWA are asking for one piece of writing of less than 800 words. It might be a match report (either of a student game or a professional encounter, watched live or on television). It could be an interview, a piece of analysis, or a take on personal experience, as a fan or a participant. Work does not need to have been previously published. To be eligible, entrants need to be in full time tertiary education.

A judging panel of eminent football writers and broadcasters, including Alyson Rudd, Carrie Brown, John Cross, Jacqui Oatley, Miguel Delaney, Paul McCarthy, Anne-Marie Batson, Adam Crafton, Keir Radnedge and Sami Mokbel has been assembled to assess the work. They will be looking for three things: originality, insight, and delivery.

As well as a trophy, each of the three award winners will receive a cash prize of £1000. Thanks to the FWA’s partnership with The Football Association, all those who make it on to the shortlist will also be invited to attend a match in the press box at Wembley. 

To make the most of such a chance, you need to be in the competition. Articles should be submitted by email (please cut and paste work into the email, don’t send it as an attachment) to this address: fwasjoy@gmail.com.

Please state your age, the place where you are studying and which of the awards you would like to enter. The closing date for entries is Friday 24 April 2026; the longlists will be published on the FWA website on Friday 1 May and the shortlists on Friday 8 May.

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