Things You'll Need:
- Notebook
- Pen
- Journalistic precision and eye
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Step 1
As with any form of writing, a writer should always write to an imagined audience. For good writers, this audience’s needs and desires are pretty clear. When writing an article on any youth sport, recognize that you are writing to a rather small, local audience made up of parents, kids, school administrators, teachers and town officials.
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Step 2
Be as specific as possible. Kids love to see there names mentioned in the articles, especially when it is attributed to a specific moment in a competition like a fade-away jumper or a diving header.
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Step 3
If it is an important game, like a state final, make sure to interview people in the audience and the players themselves. This will show a greater degree of engagement with the emotional climate surrounding these games.
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Step 4
Know about important rivalries and school traditions. Often, this comes from extended exposure and immersion in the sports culture, but you can also talk to parents at games to get a sense of what this or that game means for the players.
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Step 5
Keep an eye on the future aspirations of youth athletes. Many times, these young kids can become important local heroes, and you should be aware of the various histories and lineages that surround the various schools. For example, if a kid just got asked to play Division I ball at a Big East college, you should put this into your article. This is very gratifying for anyone adults involved, and is exciting to read.
