Welcome back to another TTTONLF meets, this time we are sitting down with James who is the videographer of Nuneaton Town. Volunteers are the lifeblood of everything that is good with non-league football clubs and James epitomises all of that, passion, love, talent and commitment – all free of charge, i love it!

Now myself and James actually work together, even though we have never met. James records the games, passes the footage to me and I edit the games up into a highlights package for Nuneaton fans to hopefully enjoy.

James makes the craft look easy and I predict a big future for him in the game, remember the name!!

Anyway…let’s get stuck into the questions.

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Q) Video is an amazing media form why did you choose to get involved in it?

This is my first season working for the clubs media team. Not long before the first pre-season game a member of the media team asked if I could film the game to which I said yes. I really enjoyed that first game so I continued with the recording of Nuneaton Town games.

Q) Why specifically Nuneaton Town?

I never really had any intention of going into media until I started college. It was at college I realised that I not only enjoyed it but was good at it. The old club folding also came with a stroke of luck for me. I’d been supporting the club for a few seasons and with it being my home town it was a simple decision to join the clubs media team.

I went along to the meetings with my dad at the start of 2024, to help set up the club at this point I weren’t too sure where I fit in in the volunteering side of things. It wasn’t until my badge design was chosen to be the new badge that I joined the media team. Its an honour to work for the club and something I will be doing my whole life.

Q) Do you have ambitions for paid work in the future?

When it comes to getting paid, I don’t want to be paid for the work I do or the work I will do in the future for the club. However in the future a paid position working in media is the goal.

Q) What does a matchday recording look like for you, from start to finish?

The recording of game all starts the day/night before matchday.

Making sure the camera is fully charged, the SD card is initialized and clearing old footage from the camera to save space. Next is all about the matchday itself, setting the camera up and getting it ready. Then comes the recording. The matchday work doesn’t end until all the footage is on the Google drive ready to be edited. Alongside this I help with the match graphics.

Q) What kit do you use and how does this help you perform your job?

The equipment I use is a standard camcorder, tripod and a directional microphone. It doesn’t need to be expensive equipment. For me, as long as it can record 90 minutes and an interview then I’ll use it. The equipment all helps enhance the recording in their own ways. The camera for obvious reasons, the tripod helps keep the camera stable and the microphone allows me to record the sound from a specific direction (the pitch).

Q) What are some of the biggest challenges you face when recording football?

There are two factors that come to mind when recording the game. The weather and the possible places to record from. The weather is the biggest challenge I’d say, especially when taking into account the recent weather, high winds and thick fog. The places to record doesn’t affect me as much but it is easier when there is flat ground to set up on.

Q) What is the biggest personal joy you take from video Nuneaton games?

The biggest personal joy I get recording the games is giving something to the fans that we haven’t properly had before. Many fans will struggle to make it to games, so it brings great joy knowing that because of the work I do they don’t have to miss out on the football.

Q) Is it something you would recommend to others to get involved in?

If the person is committed to putting the work in then I would most definitely recommend others to do this. Not only is it enjoyable but it will help massively with future opportunities like getting into University or applying for a job.

Q) Any tips for those who are looking to get involved in volunteering for their own club?

The main tip I can give is make sure you get into a sector of volunteering that you enjoy. It will make it so much easier on yourself and others if the work you are doing is work you like doing. Also make sure you put in hard work. I always put in 110% because luck can only get you so far. Its the hard work that gets you to the top.

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Thanks to James for his time not only in this interview but for giving up his time to attend matchdays and record the games for others to then be able to enjoy them. It allows the club to provide its current fans with an opportunity to relive the goals and moments and also helps to attract new fans to the club who may see the highlights and fancy a trip to a game themselves, it all helps!!

Until next time!

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