Milton Keynes Dons recently hosted a journalism workshop for local students interested in media careers. The event, held last week at Stadium MK, was organised by the club's Community Trust and its media partner, Fortitude Communications, for pupils from The Cottesloe School.
More than a dozen teenagers attended the session, which was led by Shaun Reynolds of Fortitude Communications, a former journalist himself. Reynolds guided the students through the fundamentals of sports reporting, including what makes a compelling story, effective interview techniques, and how to write a match report against a tight deadline. There were also practical opportunities in videography, with two students tasked with creating a social media reel to document the day.
What did the workshop involve?
The centrepiece of the day was a live press conference where the students quizzed MK Dons Community Trust CEO, Paul Mitchell. This practical exercise gave them a real taste of the media environment surrounding a professional football club. Following the workshop, the group was given a guided tour of Stadium MK by Hannah Bladen, the Trust's Head of Community Development. The tour took them pitch side and into the media room, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the venue where the Dons, currently 14th in League One with two points from two draws, play their home games.
Shaun Reynolds highlighted the value of the event. "Journalism – and the wider roles attached to the media sector – present fantastic career opportunities for those who are interested in sport," he said.
How does this fit with the club's community work?
This journalism event acts as an extension to the Trust's existing partnership with The Cottesloe School. In December, following the opening of a new 3G community pitch, the two organisations launched weekly football training sessions for girls aged nine to 16. These sessions, which run every Monday during term time and are open to players of all abilities, represent a sustained commitment to youth engagement in the area.
Anna Gunn, Marketing and Careers Coordinator at The Cottesloe School, praised the latest initiative. "The journalism workshop and tour was an incredible experience for our students," she said.
What is the context around the first team?
While the Community Trust fosters future talent off the pitch, the first team is working to find its form on it. As of late August, Milton Keynes Dons sit mid-table in League One, having drawn their opening two matches. They have scored three goals and conceded three, leaving them with a zero goal difference. The team is four points behind early leaders Bradford City, with top scorer C. Paterson, who has 16 goals from 36 appearances last season, yet to open his account for the new campaign. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings and stats pages.
The event, reported by MKFM, demonstrates the club's role as a community hub beyond matchdays. It provides a tangible link between the stadium and local education, offering pathways into the sports media industry at a time when the first team is aiming to build momentum in the league.
