You currently play as a centre-back for Leeds Trinity FC’s Fifth team. Have you enjoyed playing for the university?
I have loved my time playing for the University. I have met some of my closest friends along the way. I cannot stress enough the importance of joining a society for freshers. TASC is like a family, you do not really understand it until you join but everyone has one another’s back no matter the situation. With a great commute in place this year, I reckon this could be the best year yet

What would you say has been your highlight with the club so far?
My highlight of my time at the club has been the progression of certain individuals. I enjoyed the time under Connor in my first season but being given the armband in my second season I aimed to work on bringing the best out of every player and hoped that performances would follow. The fifths have great chemistry and I would not have a bad word to say about the effort and determination shown. We always have great games against women’s football and Men’s Rugby. As I live with Women’s Football captain Demi and Heather, this is a partnership I am looking to continue this season.

What has been the most difficult game for you so far?
My most difficult game was our match against Otley. We were in a tough position all season with that every opposition we played were at such a higher level than ourselves. What disappointed me most about that game was it was a calamitous affair. Heads went, players gave up and for the first time during my reign as captain players seemed to not care and that just does not sit right with me.

Last season you captained the Fifths. How pleasing was it to be given such a big responsibility?
It was a huge opportunity for me to be given the armband. The fifths were only formed part way through my first year, so we were still quite a fresh commodity. There was definitely an issue at the beginning with earning people’s respect but I think as the year went on it was clear how much effort I had put in and how much I cared my side and TASC overall.

You have also been chosen to continue to captain the team next campaign. What are you hoping to achieve with The Fifths going into your final year?
As it is my final year I am hoping to make as much of a difference as possible. This year unlike my second year I have been selected by our club members to be captain rather than being given the armband, therefore I know that I must be doing something right somewhere. My main aim is to remove the stigma of the fifth team. Often looked down on, I am looking to let out performances on the pitch do the talking. With me, Butty and Josh at the helm as well as help from Matty Ingham, Jason and Sam Geen who all play higher up the TASC ladder, but all offer their services whenever possible. I think I have a great structure place to help those who are willing to work hard enough to improve drastically this year

You also work for the Away Day Podcast. Has this experience helped you to develop as a sports journalist?
Away days podcast was started by me and my close friends. Those listed above as well as Joe Cheshire and Matthew Crowe have great chemistry, and this comes across well in our podcast. We have the exact same conversations every day, but we decided to act upon it and get this across to an audience. We have taken a step back with COVID but are looking at setting up a YouTube channel in the near future so keep an eye out for that!