Abbas Younas

Content Creator, iboxinghub

Speaking myself at Journalism and Media Week was something I didn’t think I would be doing but I really enjoyed it.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity and my best memories

I chose to attend Leeds Trinity University as it was one of the first universities I noticed with a degree with specific focus on sports. I attended the Open Day and saw the facilities that were available and also met the lecturers who were so welcoming. I knew straight away it was the place for me to go to.

Having a placement module on the course was huge for me as it offered the opportunity to not just complete a degree but also have the chance to be able to do my own projects, getting stuck in to the world of media and journalism. Some of my fondest memories involved me completing my placement module which saw me visit London for the first time, which was truly eye opening.

I have fond memories of Journalism and Media Week especially getting a chance to listen to the legendary Jeff Stelling. The final year TV project was the most fun I’ve had in a group project and something on a personal level was my final year research project which focused on media representation of Muslims post 9/11. My experience at Leeds Trinity gave me the full package of fun, entertainment, knowledge and confidence to continue to believe I can be successful in my career.

Valuable placements

Although I was quite late to secure a placement I sourced one in London with a football charity called Football Beyond Borders. My role mainly focused on being an editor for their YouTube channel but also included being a part of their shoots. Following on from that, the connections I built enabled me to speak to people at Copa90 and I was able to go there and work with some of their social content - this gave me an idea of what working for a digital based company felt like. The world of media was transitioning to a more digital space and Copa90 really reflected this at the time. 

Course highlights

I loved working in the TV studio in the final year because it was a big group project and one that allowed me to get hands on doing different things. I also enjoyed being able to use professional level equipment and going out to source my own stories through projects that I was passionate about. The lectures were always really great and a special mention to Nigel Green and his love for Mcnae's (Essential Law for Journalists).

My career so far

My career has had some ups and downs since I left Leeds Trinity. I’ve worked with people including Joel Beya and the team for Rio Ferdinand FIVE page, helping grow the social platform and assist on shoots from time to time.

A big project that was I was involved and one that I recommend to any journalist if they are struggling to get their foot in the door for sports media is the BCOMS masterclass programme. It was amazing to be selected for the programme and it forged a solid entry into the world of media for me. I’ve worked with Eurosport/TNT sports covering their social media which was challenging as it included sports that I didn’t know so much about.

My current role is a content creator for iboxinghub which involves me going to events and doing interviews and weekly podcast shows on YouTube. You can also follow my content on X and Instagram.

Coming back to speak at Journalism and Media Week

Speaking myself at Journalism and Media Week was something I didn’t think I would be doing but I really enjoyed it. It felt like while everything can change, everything stays the same and that’s the best part of Leeds Trinity University. 

My advice to other students

Some quick advice tips I would give to students would be use each other while you can - find what you enjoy, team up together and make your content now.

Make your CV stronger while you have the opportunity to do so and use all the resources available at Leeds Trinity to the best of your ability. Look at specific job roles you would like to work in and develop those skills now so you can be really prepared to apply for that role and finally make sure you always up to date on your media law.