📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Soccer Writer - Freelance Contributor (Wires)
🔹 Company: Sporting News
🔹 Location: Charlotte, North Carolina (Remote)
🔹 Job Type: Part-time, Freelance
🔹 Category: Sports Journalism
🔹 Date Posted: April 29, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level to 2 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (with potential live coverage assistance)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- High-volume writing for a global sports audience
- Captivating storytelling with a focus on SEO and Google Discover
- Proactive story sourcing and unique angle identification
- Quick turnaround time with concise yet complete copy (300-400 words)
- Engaging team-centric lists and fan-focused content
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for aspiring journalists looking to gain experience or individuals seeking supplemental work in sports journalism.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Curate and write 15-20 stories per week, predominantly focusing on the FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 World Cup qualifying windows, MLS, and the European summer transfer window
✅ Assist with live coverage as needed in coordination with Senior Editors
✅ Proactively identify and source stories to write in adherence to SN’s Wires policies
✅ Write and publish stories directly in SN’s CMS
✅ Apply SN’s Google Discover and SEO best practices
✅ Execute link strategy with specific call-to-action copy and placement
ASSUMPTION: This role does not involve beat writer match reports, long-form features, investigative reporting, hot takes, or commentary.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 0-2 years of writing experience, preferably in sports journalism
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing skills with a strong command of the English language
- Ability to sell stories with captivating headlines tailored for Google Discover
- Proficient in CMS and SEO best practices
- Strong research skills and ability to source ideas from various platforms
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in additional languages
- Experience with live coverage or event reporting
- Knowledge of sports betting or fantasy sports
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable writing about various European clubs and national teams, as well as major North American soccer leagues.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $20-25 per hour, commensurate with experience
Benefits:
- Flexible work schedule
- Opportunity to gain experience and build a portfolio in sports journalism
Working Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week, with flexibility to assist with live coverage as needed
ASSUMPTION: The expected pay range is based on industry standards for entry-level to 2-year experienced writers in sports journalism.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Sports Media, Publishing, and Digital Media
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: 1886
Company Description:
- One of the world's most iconic sports brands, founded as a weekly U.S. newspaper in 1886
- Global digital publisher offering a trusted perspective across major sports worldwide
- Official digital destination of the NBA across leading markets in the Americas and APAC
Company Specialties:
- Sports
- Sports Media
- Publishing
- Digital Media
- Social Media
- Multimedia
- Video
- Podcast
- Mobile
- App
- Journalism
- Branded Content
- Custom Content
- Sports Sponsorship
- Programmatic Advertising
- Fantasy Sports
- Gaming
- Global Partnership
- Lifestyle
- and Fun
Company Website: www.sportingnews.com
ASSUMPTION: The Sporting News is a well-established brand in the sports media industry, with a global presence and a focus on engaging content for casual fans.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level to 2 years of experience
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to Senior Editors within the Wires Network
Work Arrangement: Remote, with potential live coverage assistance as needed
Growth Opportunities:
- Gain experience and build a portfolio in sports journalism
- Potential for long-term freelance opportunities or full-time employment
- Exposure to a global audience and various sports leagues
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for aspiring journalists to gain experience and build their portfolio in a high-volume, global sports writing environment.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote (with potential live coverage assistance)
Office Location(s): Charlotte, NC (with potential travel for live coverage)
Geographic Context:
- Charlotte, North Carolina is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina
- Known for its sports teams, including the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
- Home to several major banks and financial institutions
Work Schedule: Approximately 20 hours per week, with flexibility to assist with live coverage as needed
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement allows for flexibility and the ability to work from various locations, with potential travel for live coverage events.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Submit application through the provided link
- Phone or video screening to assess writing skills and cultural fit
- Writing test or trial assignment to evaluate storytelling and SEO skills
- Final decision and onboarding for successful candidates
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing skills and ability to create engaging content
- Understanding of SEO and Google Discover best practices
- Proactivity in sourcing stories and identifying unique angles
- Cultural fit and alignment with the Sporting News brand
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant writing experience and skills
- Provide a portfolio or writing samples that demonstrate your ability to create captivating, informative content for a casual sports audience
- Demonstrate your understanding of SEO and Google Discover best practices in your application materials
- Follow up with the hiring manager after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
ATS Keywords: Soccer, Sports Journalism, Writing, SEO, Google Discover, Storytelling, Research, Content Creation, News Reporting, Fan Engagement, Sports Media, Publishing, Digital Media, Sports Betting, Fantasy Sports, CMS, Live Coverage
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve multiple stages, including a writing test or trial assignment, to assess the candidate's skills and cultural fit.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content Management System (CMS)
- SEO tools and plugins
- Social media platforms
- Research tools and databases
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they enable efficient content creation, optimization, and distribution.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Trustworthy and relatable
- Insightful and imaginative
- Timeless and crafted
Work Style:
- Independent and self-motivated
- Proactive in sourcing stories and identifying unique angles
- Collaborative and responsive to feedback
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong passion for sports and a deep understanding of various soccer leagues and teams?
- Are you comfortable working independently and managing your time effectively?
- Do you possess excellent writing skills and the ability to create engaging content for a casual sports audience?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with the company's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the Sporting News' mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Meeting tight deadlines and maintaining a high volume of content creation
- Adapting to the unique requirements of the Wires Network and SN's Wires policies
- Potential travel for live coverage events, which may require flexibility in work schedule
- Competing with other freelance writers for story assignments and opportunities
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional beat writer or match report roles, this position focuses on high-volume, feed-friendly content tailored for casual fans
- While this role does not involve long-form features or investigative reporting, it offers an opportunity to gain experience and build a portfolio in sports journalism
- Compared to other freelance writing opportunities, this role provides a structured environment with clear expectations and guidelines for success
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of high-volume content creation, storytelling, and SEO-focused writing, making it distinct from other sports journalism positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Curating and writing 15-20 stories per week on various soccer topics, including the FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 World Cup qualifying windows, MLS, and the European summer transfer window
- Assisting with live coverage as needed, such as reporting on breaking news or events
- Creating engaging team-centric lists and fan-focused content to spark debate and engagement
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a snapshot of the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role, giving candidates a better understanding of the day-to-day expectations and requirements.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow and content creation process for Wires Network contributors?
- How does the Wires Network collaborate with other departments or teams within Sporting News?
- What opportunities exist for growth and development within the Wires Network and Sporting News?
- How does Sporting News support its freelance contributors in terms of resources, training, and feedback?
- Can you provide examples of successful Wires Network contributors and their career trajectories?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates a candidate's interest in the role and commitment to understanding the company's culture and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant writing experience and skills
- Provide a portfolio or writing samples that demonstrate your ability to create captivating, informative content for a casual sports audience
- Demonstrate your understanding of SEO and Google Discover best practices in your application materials
- Follow up with the hiring manager after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
