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Press pass for sporting events: media accreditation in sport

Media passes for sport are issued by leagues, governing bodies, clubs and event organisers – not by press card issuers. In English professional football, the Premier League accredits centrally through Football DataCo and locally through the home club, and the EFL lists the UK Press Card among accepted IDs. For grassroots and local sport, a press card and a polite request to the club are often enough.

This guide explains how sports accreditation works in the UK, what you need for professional and amateur sport, and how photographers, reporters and podcasters can get pitch-side or press-box access.

Apply for your press card Accreditation guide

At a glance

Who issues passes: Leagues, governing bodies, clubs, event organisers
Professional football: Premier League: Football DataCo plus home club; EFL: accepted ID includes UK Press Card
Local sport: Club media officer or secretary
Guarantee: None – club media officers allocate places

Football: Premier League and EFL

The most regulated area of UK sports media.

Premier League

According to the Premier League, media accreditation is organised centrally by Football DataCo and locally by the home club, and journalists and photographers must have a Media Accreditation Agreement in place before match day. Outlets usually apply on behalf of their reporters and photographers.

EFL and press ID

The Sports Journalists’ Association reports that the Football League accepts its own Football League ID card, the UK Press Card, the AIPS card (journalists only) and the Sky card (Sky staff) as ID – and that no press card guarantees entry: the club’s media officer allocates press access.

For professional football the FJA card is therefore not a substitute for the UK Press Card or league accreditation. It is more useful at non-league, women’s, youth and amateur football, where clubs handle press requests themselves.

Other sports and major events

Every sport has its own system.

Rugby, cricket, tennis, athletics, motorsport and boxing all run accreditation through governing bodies, leagues or promoters, usually with online portals and deadlines well ahead of the event. Major championships and tournaments often prioritise rights holders and established media; Wimbledon, for example, has been reported in September 2026 as not offering an influencer accreditation category. Specialist sports journalists often join the Sports Journalists’ Association or AIPS, the international sports press association, whose card is recognised by many sports bodies.

Local and grassroots sport

Where most sports journalists start – and where a press card helps most.

How to get access

Contact the club secretary or media officer a few days before the match
Say which outlet or channel you report for and what you will publish
Show your press card on arrival and ask where you may stand or sit
Respect safeguarding rules, especially at youth matches

Photographers pitch-side

Ask for permission before going pitch-side
Wear a bib if the club provides one
Follow safety lines and the referee’s or steward’s instructions
Get consent before photographing children for publication

Writing a sports accreditation request

Clubs are busy on match days – make it easy.

Name the fixture, date and your outlet in the subject line.

Explain your role (reporter, photographer, podcaster) and what you will publish.

Add your press card number and links to previous match coverage.

Send a link to your coverage after the match.

Working on match day

Once you are accredited, a few habits make you welcome in any press area.

Before kick-off

Arrive early, collect your pass at the media entrance and check where the press box, mixed zone and press conference room are. Ask the media officer about Wi-Fi, power sockets and the timing of interviews.

In the press box

The press box is a workplace: no cheering, no autographs, no selfies with players. Respect the seat you are given and the needs of broadcasters around you.

Mixed zone and press conference

Players and coaches pass through quickly. Prepare one short, concrete question and accept that not every player will stop. Follow the media officer’s instructions on order and timing.

Photographers pitch-side

Pitch-side positions are tightly regulated. Stay in the marked areas, wear the bib you are given and never step onto the field of play.

Starting with grassroots and lower-league sport

Most sports journalists build their portfolio far away from the Premier League.

Contact local clubs directly: many welcome regular match reports and photos and will help with access.
Cover a whole season for one club or league – consistency shows editors and accreditation teams that you are reliable.
Report on women’s, youth and disability sport, where coverage is often thin and stories are strong.
Use your local coverage as evidence when you apply for accreditation at bigger events.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a media pass for a football match?

For the Premier League, outlets apply through Football DataCo and the home club. For lower leagues and local football, contact the club’s media officer with your outlet and coverage plan.

Is the FJA press card accepted in English football?

The EFL lists the Football League ID card, UK Press Card, AIPS card and Sky card as accepted ID. The FJA card is not on that list; it is more useful at non-league and amateur level.

Can freelancers get sports accreditation?

Yes, usually with a commission from an outlet. Clubs and governing bodies decide on each request.

Can bloggers get a press pass for sport?

At grassroots level often yes. For professional leagues and major events, outlets with established audiences are prioritised.

Do I need accreditation to photograph a match?

For pitch-side positions and press areas, yes. Venues can also restrict professional cameras for spectators.

What is the AIPS card?

The card of the International Sports Press Association. The EFL lists it among accepted press IDs for journalists.

Can I take photos at a match with a written-press accreditation?

Usually not. Clubs and events distinguish between written press and photographers, and photo positions require a separate photo accreditation. Check the conditions of your pass before you bring professional camera equipment.

How far in advance should I apply for sports accreditation?

As early as possible. Clubs and major events often open media applications weeks or months before the date and close them well before kick-off. For one-off matches, contact the club’s media team at least a week before; for tournaments, watch for the official media accreditation window.

Do I need my own insurance as a sports photographer or reporter?

Some events ask accredited media to confirm that they have public liability insurance, especially photographers working pitch-side. Check the accreditation terms. The FJA press card does not include insurance.

Can bloggers and YouTubers get sports accreditation?

Some clubs and events accredit digital media, often with tighter limits than for established outlets. A consistent track record of coverage, honest audience figures and a clear plan for the event improve your chances.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Press pass for sporting events: media accreditation in sport

Football: Premier League and EFL

Premier League

EFL and press ID

Other sports and major events

Local and grassroots sport

How to get access

Photographers pitch-side

Writing a sports accreditation request

Working on match day

Before kick-off

In the press box

Mixed zone and press conference

Photographers pitch-side

Starting with grassroots and lower-league sport

Frequently asked questions

Sources and last review

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