There is less than a week to go before the deadline for applications to be on the young reporters' programme at Chengdu 2021 ©FISU

Aspiring sports journalists have less than a week to put themselves in the mix to win a place on a training scheme at the Chengdu 2021 Summer World University Games.

Applications for the young reporters' programme, organised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), are due to close on January 31.

The programme is scheduled to run at Chengdu 2021, which is set to be held from August 18 to 29 this year.

FISU said it already received "strong applications" from all five continents, with the largest number coming from Africa.

A total of 20 international candidates will be chosen by FISU and AIPS, while another 20 candidates from host nation China will be selected by the Organising Committee of Chengdu 2021.

The inaugural edition of the initiative was held in 2011 at the Shenzhen Summer Universiade, and it has since continued at Kazan in 2013, Gwangju in 2015, Taipei in 2017 and Krasnoyarsk in 2019.

"This unique sports journalism education programme provides young and aspiring sports journalists with a rare hands-on training experience during a major multi-sport event," said FISU secretary general and chief executive Eric Saintrond.

"Moreover, the selected participants automatically become members of a continuously growing global network of FISU young reporters and may receive freelance or internship assignments at future FISU events, in case of outstanding achievement."

FISU said it had already received a number of applications for the young reporters' programme ©FISU
FISU said it had already received a number of applications for the young reporters' programme ©FISU

The programme is set to include lectures from world-class media and communication professionals, mentorship from established sports journalists and field-based training with the FISU media and communication team.

"A major multi-sport event as the FISU World University Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring sports journalists and the best place to acquire really valuable knowledge as well as practical training," said AIPS President Gianni Merlo.

Selected candidates will have access to competition venues and the Main Press Centre, with the cost of travel, accommodation and meals covered by FISU and the Organising Committee of Chengdu 2021.

During the 16-day programme, training will be offered in print, photo and social media reporting of live events, with young reporters given multiple reporting assignments each day.

FISU said candidates will be judged on their academic records, recommendations of teaching staff or managers and should show real potential to succeed in their chosen media career.