Football South Coast reporter Cal Behrendt is set to take up a full-time journalism position with The Area News in Griffith.
Behrendt becomes the fourth FSC reporter to progress to a full-time role following Daniel McGookin (Macarthur Chronicle), Lauren Ferri (Daily Mail Australia) and Dylan Arvela (Cobram Courier).
In his time with FSC, Behrendt has become a key figure in the reporting team, writing match reports, previews and reviews, featuring on the FSC Weekly podcast and commentating on an IPL match.
He believes working for Foootballl South Coast has helped open up this opportunity with The Area News, as well as preview opportunities.
“Working for FSC is easily the best decision I have made in the past few year,” Behrendt said.
“It is very much a case of getting out what you put in.
“It has provided me with a large portfolio of work and it has helped me develop as a journalist and develop connections not only to fellow journalists but also the local community.
“It was my time spent working with FSC that not only led to a position with Football NSW but also directly contributed to my current position.
“Just having that consistent publication of articles and showing you can stick to deadlines and maintain quality really helps you stand out from the pool of other journalists looking for work and can help you get a foot in the door where you otherwise might not be able to.”
Behrendt, who joined FSC halfway through 2017, said he will remember his time covering the local game with fondness.
“There has been a lot of great experiences over the past few years – working the Grand Finals are always a fantastic experience,” he said.
“I think for me personally my favourite experience has been the opportunity to commentate a match of football that was live-streamed.
“Commentating a match has always been a bucket list item of mine and I cannot thank Football South Coast enough for giving me a chance to call such an event.
“Working with FSC you get to spend time with people who are just as passionate about football as you are and meet some truly fantastic people – both in the media side (reporters and photographers) but also the players, coaches and fans who make the sport so exciting to watch.”
FSC media coordinator Bobby Mazevski commended Behrendt’s contribution to the local game.
“Cal is one of a number of great reporters who have been involved with Football South Coast over the last few years,” he said.
“He has delivered everything we have asked from him and he is the perfect example of how being a match reporter for FSC can be made into anything you want it to be.
“It’s a bittersweet moment as losing quality reporters is difficult, however, it is fantastic to see them being recognised and taking that next step.”
If you are interested in becoming a match reporter for Football South Coast, contact Bobby Mazevski at bobbym@footballsouthcoast.com.
