PtG

Pitch your story

The Play the Game Journalism Fund welcomes pitches from freelance journalists who want to investigate critical issues in international sport.

We are particularly interested in journalism that sheds light on power, governance, integrity, human rights, and accountability in sport – and that aligns with Play the Game’s mission and editorial standards.

If you have a strong idea that you believe deserves time, resources, and independent editorial backing, we encourage you to pitch it.

How to submit

Please pitch your idea by email to fund@playthegame.org

What to include in your pitch

Please include the following elements:

1. Story idea
A short description of your proposed article or project. What is the story you want to tell?

2. Relevance
Why is this story relevant for Play the Game’s audience? How does it contribute to public understanding of power, governance, integrity, or rights in sport?

3. Journalistic approach
How do you plan to investigate the story? For example:

  • desk research and document analysis
  • interviews (who and why)
  • data, reports, or legal material
  • cross-border collaboration (if relevant)

4. Sources
Which key sources do you expect to draw on? (Individuals, institutions, documents, datasets, etc.)

5. Output
What do you propose to deliver?

  • one or more articles
  • approximate length
  • format (article, analysis, explainer, series, etc.)

6. Timeline
When would you realistically be able to deliver the final output after the pitch is agreed?

7. Support needs
Would the project require research or coordination support from Play the Game?

8. About you
If you are a new contributor to Play the Game, please include:

  • a short bio
  • links to relevant published works

What happens next

Pitches are reviewed by Play the Game based on:

  • editorial relevance
  • journalistic quality and feasibility
  • alignment with Play the Game’s mission

Selected pitches will be discussed with the journalist before any final decision is made.

All commissioned work is published by Play the Game under our editorial standards and charter.

Journalism Fund
Journalism Fund