The Romanian Sports Press Association (APS) has successfully completed the first edition of its Introductory Course in Sports Journalism, an educational program designed for young people looking to build a career in sports media.

The course took place throughout March 2026 and started with eight online sessions, totaling nearly 20 hours of discussions on the fundamentals of sports journalism. Twelve young people from across the country took part - from Bucharest to Timișoara and from Sibiu to Craiova - proof of the interest the new generation is showing in sports journalism.

The course's goal was to provide participants with a realistic understanding of the sports journalist profession, beyond the public perception that working in sports media simply means access to matches and interviews with stars.

The program was coordinated by Cătălin Țepelin, president of APS Romania and editor-in-chief of the publication GOLAZO.ro.

Over the eight modules, participants learned how a news story is built, how a sports newsroom operates, how information is verified before publication and how an interview is prepared. They also explored ethical principles and the pressures that shape the profession. The course addressed the concrete challenges of the profession as well - from the pressure of deadlines and competition with social media, to the relationship between journalists, athletes, fans, and club or federation officials.

The final stage of the course brought participants together in person in Bucharest for two full days of practical workshops. The sessions featured guests from various areas of the sports and media industry: experienced journalists, university professors, athletes and federation leaders.

Among the guests was Martin Mazur, a prominent Argentine journalist and mentor in the Young Reporters program of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), who offered an international perspective on the profession.

At the end of the program, participants received certificates of completion validated by APS Romania, along with the promise that they could be recommended to sports newsrooms across the country.

„This course is part of APS Romania’s commitment to inspiring, supporting and shaping the next generation of sports journalists”, explained the president Cătălin Țepelin. 

The Introductory Course in Sports Journalism is part of APS Romania's effort to contribute to the development of the next generation of sports journalists.

The next edition will take place in August - September 2026.