Kirsty Gallacher has returned to Sky Sports and she is also fronting a new Sky Sports campaign Living for Sport.
I caught up with her to talk about the campaign, returning to Sky Sports and what's coming up.
- You are backing the Sky Sports Living for Sport awards so can you tell me a little bit about what that is all about?
It’s a great initiative that Sky has been running for 8 years. It’s free and accessible to every secondary school in the UK and it motivates and inspires young people to improve their life skills and increase attainment in school through participation in sport.
Every school that registers gets allocated a sports star that will work with the teacher and visit the school twice in that year, once at the beginning and then at the end of their project.
The two visits really benefit the students as the presence of the athlete helps to get them started and then provide inspiration for them along the way.
Students continue the programme by working with their teachers on a wide array of sports projects and activities from sailing and archery through to martial arts. It’s a great way to get kids active as well as improving their self esteem and confidence.
- How and why did you get involved in the campaign?
I work for Sky so was offered the chance to get involved with this campaign.
It is something I feel very strongly about as a mum of two young boys, I know how important it is to get kids involved with sport.
I am very adverse to kids playing computer games all day or sitting in front of the TV and much prefer them to be active.
- You are a mother yourself so how important do you think sports in schools is in your children's lives?
I think it’s vital. Sport is important not just for health and fitness but it is also great for social skills as it is very interactive.
It installs self belief and confidence and also sharpens them for the classroom which makes studying easier.
- Are your kids into sport?
They are massively into sport. We do encourage them but they do love to run around and kick a ball.
- 2011 has seen you return to Sky Sports so what made you want to return and how have you found being back?
I had been toying with the idea of going back to Sky Sports and when they offered me the opportunity, it was just too good to turn down. I absolutely love sports so it is definitely the right home for me.
- The world of sports journalism is still very male dominated so what advice would you give to any women who see you on Sky Sports and think 'I wouldn't mind doing that?'
More and more women are fronting up sport and it’s really great to see. It is definitely becoming more of an equal footing and why shouldn't it be.
- How difficult an area of journalism did you find it to break in to?
It was difficult at the beginning. I sensed some adversity from traditionalists who didn’t believe in women fronting sport.
However, once they realised that we knew what we were talking about, that shut them up!
- But you were originally interested in fashion journalism so what made you change your mind and go down the sport path?
It was by accident really. I was at a Sky Sports Ryder Cup victory dinner with my Dad and I had just finished my London College of Fashion diploma.
They approached me and asked me to do a screen test. Originally I said no but eventually thought I would have a go. I started working behind the scenes and worked my way up.
- You are a big sports fan yourself so what has been the sporting highlight for you this year?
Every year is a big year in sport but 2012 is particularly exciting with the Olympics. We also have the Ryder Cup and the Euros coming up this year.
- We have seen you on the likes of The Games and you keep yourself in great shape so what is your fitness regime?
I try and get to the gym 2/3 times a week to do circuit training. It’s a lot easier now I have started on the 3-7pm shift at Sky Sports News.
- What tips would you give anyone who will be trying to lose the festive flab after a couple of weeks of over-indulging?
I would say don’t crash diet but eat everything in moderation. It is also really important to get out and exercise even if it’s just for a quick walk.
- Finally what's next for you?
It’s a big year at Sky Sports News this year with lots of exciting sporting events coming up.
I have also become the brand ambassador for the women’s sports clothing brand, USA Pro so I am also very excited about that.
'Kirsty Gallacher is supporting Sky Sports Living for Sport a free secondary schools initiative that uses sport stars and sport skills to skills to improve the lives of thousands young people across the UK. Find out more and get involved at: http://livingforsport.skysports.com/
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
Tagged in Kirsty Gallacher