UoG and England Seniors Cricket join forces to provide live match coverage

University of Gloucestershire and England Seniors Cricket have renewed their partnership to deliver live student-led coverage of international cricket fixtures to a worldwide audience.

Professional-quality streams of England Seniors Over-60s’ matches in the UK will be provided by Film and TV Production and Sports Journalism students from the University, working alongside experienced industry experts.

Enabling students to gain valuable experience to support their academic learning, the 2026 fixtures will be broadcast live on England Seniors Over-60s’ YouTube channel, which also broadcasts their matches abroad. The season starts with an inter-squad match on 30 April, followed by a game against Scotland on 14 May.

Film and TV Production students are responsible for the sound, vision mixing and camera operations, while Sports Journalism students deliver commentaries and interviews, backed by live match data – all based from a broadcast vehicle owned by live streaming business BBA.Media featuring industry standard audio and video technologies.

Last summer, YouTube streams of the England Seniors Over-60s’ matches from the start to the end of the season received nearly 138,000 views, more than 14,000 hours of watch time and reached 55 different countries.

Ivor Richards, Technician Demonstrator for Media Studies at the University, said: “Our collaboration with England Seniors Cricket is giving our students essential experience in a fast-paced matchday environment, helping them build the skills and confidence the industry demands.

“Students are working on live broadcasts alongside professional sportspeople, event organisers, commentators and scorers, gaining first-hand insight into how international sporting events are delivered.

“Broadcasting to a global audience and responding in real time, whether behind the camera or on the microphone, pushes students to think on their feet. It strengthens their confidence, resilience and professionalism, preparing them for successful careers in the industry.”

England Seniors comprises four age groups – Over-40s, Over-50s, Over-60s and Over-70s – whose leading international rivals include Australia, West Indies, India and New Zealand.

Runners-up at the 2024 IMC Over-60s World Cup, England Seniors Over-60s will be looking to go one place better when they contest this year’s tournament in Canada in August.

England Seniors Manager, Paul Bradley, said: “The partnership has already demonstrated significant value, particularly in strengthening the link between academic learning and real-world application.

“By working closely with the university, we’ve been able to support students through practical experiences, industry insight, and meaningful engagement with professionals.

“In turn, we benefit from fresh perspectives, emerging talent, and the opportunity to help shape future-ready graduates equipped with the skills our sector truly needs.

“Collaborations like this also foster innovation. By connecting academic research and teaching expertise with practical industry challenges, we create an environment where ideas can be tested, refined, and implemented in ways that are mutually beneficial. It’s a relationship built not only on opportunity, but on shared ambition and long-term impact.”

Students from the University who provided live coverage of England Seniors Over-60s last year spoke of the benefits of their experience.

Matt Evans, (BA (Hons) Sports Journalism, said: “What began as a role primarily focused on commentary quickly evolved into a fully immersive broadcasting experience, as our small but highly driven team adapted to the demands of live sport coverage throughout the summer.

“The experience mirrored the pace and responsibility of a full-time sports journalism role. Ivor’s leadership was central to this. From day one, he treated us not as students, but as working professionals.

“That standard elevated the entire operation, making each broadcast feel comparable to output from major networks such as the BBC or Sky Sports. Expectations were high, and so was the level of trust placed in us.”

Nuala Goodlad, BA (Hons) Film and TV Production, said: “My responsibilities ranged widely from game to game. As a small crew of five people, we found ways to quickly adapt and make our approach efficient.

“This experience was the springboard I needed to enter the TV industry. Last summer I joined NEP as a technical trainee for the Wimbledon Championships and I have continued to work with them in freelance roles.

“I am so thankful to Ivor Richards, and England Over-60s manager Paul Bradley who allowed me to develop my skills, gave me the freedom to test new ideas, and work with some incredible people.”

Benny Martin, BA (Hons) Film and TV Production, said: “From rigging a multi-camera set up, to meeting experienced television professionals, there were countless opportunities to learn on the go and improve my outside broadcast skillset.

“The experience allowed me to make contacts in sport and journalism and I am currently using these connections to help me find further work in television.”

Main image: UoG students commentating on an England Seniors match