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• Media expert calls for increased media training and branding for developing athletes

  In today's fast-paced and competitive sports environment, where an athlete’s brand can be just as valuable as their on-field performance, mastering media skills has become essential for career success. Recognizing the importance of effective communication in sports, media expert Stacy-Ann Smith is calling for increased media training and branding for developing athletes, particularly in Jamaica.

  Speaking at the recently launched "Malta Holistic Workshop," an initiative spearheaded by Malta in collaboration with Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), Smith, with nearly 25 years of industry expertise, emphasized the critical role media training plays in shaping an athlete’s public image and opening doors to greater opportunities.

  "Any youngster serious about pursuing a path to success should be keen to show up well—on and off the field," Smith said. "Being able to handle media interviews is just as important as good sportsmanship. In an ever-shrinking world where interviews and videos can go viral at the speed of light, a well-done interview can position an athlete for huge opportunities—be they scholarships, contracts, or endorsements."

  Smith pointed to several athletes who have used effective media communication to enhance their brand and public image, such as Jamaican sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles. "Whether that image is loveable—like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce—or makes them the guy everyone loves to hate—like Noah Lyles—how an athlete presents themselves creates an impression that increases visibility and often translates to bigger, more valuable contracts," she explained.

  Beyond the immediate financial rewards, Smith highlighted how strong media skills can extend an athlete's career well into retirement, with many former athletes transitioning into roles as commentators, analysts, or securing lucrative endorsement deals that involve public appearances and speaking engagements.

  Smith urged sports organizations and educational institutions to integrate media training into their development programmes, saying, "Athletes and sports organisations need to prioritise media training as a foundational skill. Brands that recognise the value of strong partnerships and endorsement deals should invest in media training to expand the pool of athletes they can leverage for marketing campaigns."

  Owen Hill, CEO of the PFJL, echoed Smith’s call for press training in youth development programmes. "Media training equips our athletes with the tools they need to effectively communicate their stories and represent themselves and their clubs with professionalism. With the support of Malta's partnership and initiatives like the Holistic Workshop, we are equipping our footballers with essential media skills. This not only strengthens their brands but also elevates the profile of Jamaican football as a whole."

  Looking to the future, Smith envisions Jamaica becoming a global hub for sports commentators and analysts. "If we are deliberate about it, Jamaica can become known not just as the 'sprint factory of the world,’ but also as a ‘global curator of sports commentators’—churning out analysts who are knowledgeable, witty, and engaging speakers that can enthrall audiences anywhere in the world."

  With initiatives like the Malta Holistic Workshop, Jamaica is taking steps towards that goal, empowering young athletes with the skills they need to succeed both on and off the field.

   

   

   

   

   

• Carsley: Only the best should be considered for England role

  Lee Carsley said he understands his role as interim England head coach for the next three camps, insisting the best person should get the job on a full-time basis.

  Carsley kickstarted his Three Lions tenure with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland last weekend, with Declan Rice and Jack Grealish on the scoresheet.

  England continue their Nations League campaign on Tuesday against Finland at Wembley, an occasion they will be looking to mark with a win on Harry Kane's 100th international appearance.

  Carsley could also become the first manager since Fabio Capello in 2008 to win his first two competitive games in charge. 

  The only managers to win their first two England games at the helm without conceding a goal are Steve McClaren (2006), Ron Greenwood (1977) and Joe Mercer (1974).

  Despite his impressive start, Carsley said he was not thinking about taking on the job permanently just yet.

  "I feel like we are a step closer as a team. I try not to think about it too much. The best person should get the job," Carsley said.

  "I know my role for the next three camps, and I am comfortable with that."

  Carsley also explained his role for the next three camps, saying his full focus remained on the team.

  "I think it's quite clear I am doing the three camps," Carsley added.

  "I'm really happy with that, if it changes also I'm happy with that. I'm very privileged in the position I'm in, in terms of the Under-21s. I have enjoyed it so far.

  "The important thing is the team as opposed to the coaches - they should be the ones in the spotlight and getting the attention."

  England's next appointment will be a crucial one, having improved their recent tournament results by reaching the final of the last two European Championships under Gareth Southgate. 

  Carsley's relationship with the Under-21 team was a pivotal factor in replacing Southgate, having led the side to Euro Under-21 Championship glory last year.

  However, the likes of Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Pep Guardiola have all been linked with the permanent role as the Three Lions look to end their wait for an international honour.

  And after England supporters got a glimpse of Carsley's style of play at the Aviva Stadium last weekend, the former Republic of Ireland midfielder is aiming to continue that same attacking tempo on his Wembley debut.

  "It's important that we are exciting to watch," Carsley said.

  "I think when fans come and watch England play at home, they expect attacking football, they expect chances to be created and to play with a tempo."

• Hayes sees plenty of Man Utd great Ferguson in herself

  Emma Hayes said she "sees so much of herself" in legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

  Hayes, who left her role at Chelsea at the end of last season, took charge of the United States women's national team in May, with her first test being the Paris Olympics. 

  She guided the USWNT to their fifth gold medal in the French capital, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final thanks to Mallory Swanson's 57th minute goal. 

  After the triumph, Hayes revealed that Ferguson was the first person to congratulate her on the win, going on to say she sees similarities between herself and the Scot.

  “I see so much of myself in him. His was the first text I received when we won gold," Hayes said in an interview with The Telegraph.

  Hayes spent the early part of her coaching career in the United States, managing the Long Island Lady Riders, Iona Gaels and Chicago Red Stars before her move back to England in 2012.

  But her success with the USWNT in Paris is something she had dreamed about growing up in London, a triumph that still strikes an emotional chord a month later.

  “I still get a lump in my throat thinking about it,” Hayes says of winning at the Olympics.

  “I fill up every time. I have dreamt about it. I have played that out on the pitches by the flats in Camden."

  During her time with Chelsea, Hayes won 16 major honours, including the Women's Super League title for the last five consecutive seasons. 

  The 47-year-old oversaw 367 matches for the Blues, winning 261 (D42 L64), ending her 12-year stint at the club with a win percentage of 71.12%. 

  She also came close to winning the Women's Champions League in the 2020-21 season, with Chelsea well beaten in the showpiece match by Barcelona. 

  Despite her success in SW3, Hayes welcomed the change in scenery but understood her success with the Blues put her in a pressurised position.

  “I was happy for my time at Chelsea to come to an end,” Hayes said.

  “Pressure comes with the position I am in and certainly comes with the winning history I have. I accept that. 

  “But I have enjoyed feeling joyful again.

  "I didn’t realise how debilitating grief is and how much both grief and my own personal struggles of the last few years have really sapped me of everything.

  "I am so happy to turn a page. Proud of everything I have done at Chelsea but happy to be in this new space.”