Sports Media Trainee Programme 2025 cohort selected

Four applicants have been selected for the 2025 edition of the World Curling Sports Media Trainee Programme. The programme has helped young professionals gain valuable experience required to launch their careers in sports media. Previous trainees have gone on to be successful within the industry, including working at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and other global sports institutions.

This year, two spots within two positions were available — Photographer and Communications Assistant — attracting individuals aged 18-35 from around the world. Shortlisted applicants were then interviewed by a panel of World Curling’s media professionals who selected four outstanding individuals for the programme.

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Selected Trainees

The following Photographers will receive hands-on training in photographing curling, including techniques for composing and editing photos, curating photo selection and developing additional essential skills.

Alessio Bergadano (Italy)

A professional photographer based in Turin, Alessio specialises in sports photography, with a passion for capturing high-speed action and emotion. He discovered curling while covering the Turin 2025 FISU World University Games and has gone on to cover the Special Olympics Winter Games 2025 and other major pre-Olympic events.

Caroline Sherman (United States)

Based in Rochester, New York, Caroline is a freelance photojournalist with a strong background in collegiate sports media. She has worked with Cornell University and Rochester Institute of Technology Athletics, led photographer teams and covered National Collegiate Athletic Association tournaments. Caroline is a two-time World Sports Photography Awards winner.

The following Communications Assistants will gain practical experience in content creation, reporting, storytelling, interviewing and supporting live event coverage.

Noor Saleha “Alec” Salem (Philippines)

A journalism graduate from the Philippines, Alec brings international experience and a passion for content creation. Now working in public communications in the Bangsamoro region, she has previously served as a FISU World University Games Young Reporter and covered other major events like the Chengdu 2023 Summer World University Games.

Kate Hall (England)

A London-based communications professional with a degree in Sports Science and Physiology, Kate has experience in healthcare PR and professional rugby. Former Sports Editor of the University of Leeds newsletter, she is a graduate of the Sports Integrity Global Alliance Female Mentorship Programme, advocating for inclusion and equality in sports.

The trainees will join the World Curling Media team at one of the following events:

U.S. Steel Pan Continental Curling Championships 2025 in Virginia, Minnesota, United States (19-26 October 2025)

Le Gruyère AOP European Curling Championships 2025 in Lohja, Finland (22-29 November 2025)

About the Sports Media Trainee Programme

The Sports Media Trainee Programme is designed to give aspiring young sports media professionals from around the world the opportunity to gain valuable media experience at international sporting events.

The trainees’ work will be published not only on the World Curling website and social media but may also reach mainstream media publications.

This unique opportunity gives young individuals the chance to develop journalistic or photography skills in a practical setting, providing them with vital knowledge and experience which will help them progress prospective careers within the media industry.

Entries are taken from those between the ages of 18-35 with a passion for sport and a keen interest in writing/content creation or photography.