Amy Gillingham, a former PE teacher turned football commentator, has been making waves in the sports industry as the UAE’s first female football commentator. Over the past two years, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the field, reporting for Abu Dhabi TV and providing commentary for various leagues.
Originally from Merseyside, England, Gillingham’s passion for football led her to pursue a career in sports commentary. Her journey took her from playing semi-professional football for clubs like Liverpool Feds and FC United of Manchester to becoming a respected voice in the industry.
One of the highlights of Gillingham’s career was her experience at the Dubai Super Cup in 2022, where she had the opportunity to interview players from top clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, AC Milan, and Olympic Lyonnais. She also covered the Globe Soccer Awards in 2023, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest stars in the football world.
As a diehard Liverpool fan, meeting players like Jürgen Klopp and James Milner was a dream come true for Gillingham. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she has been given in the UAE, a country that is rapidly becoming a hub for world football.
Despite having no prior presenting experience, Gillingham’s talent and dedication have propelled her to success in the industry. She credits experienced commentators like Joe Morrison, Graham Clews, and Brian Murgatroyd for mentoring her and helping her hone her skills.
Preparing for each game requires hours of research and quick thinking on her feet. Gillingham emphasized the importance of being able to react instantly and add excitement to her commentary, even in unpredictable situations.
While she remains the only female football commentator in the UAE, Gillingham has noticed a positive shift in the industry, with more women taking up sports presenting roles. She highlighted the supportive environment in the UAE and expressed her hope to inspire other women to pursue their dreams in sports commentary.
In addition to her work as a commentator, Gillingham serves as a sports coordinator for the Emirates School Establishment, organizing football competitions and sporting events for young athletes in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. She hopes that her story will inspire more women and girls to enter the sports industry and make their mark in the field.
With her passion for football and dedication to her craft, Amy Gillingham continues to break barriers and pave the way for women in sports commentary. Her journey from PE teacher to football commentator is a testament to the opportunities that the UAE offers to those who dare to dream big.
Former PE teacher in the UAE transitions to football commentator, looks back on fulfilling 2 years in her dream job
Amy Gillingham, a former PE teacher turned football commentator, has been making waves in the sports industry as the UAE’s first female football commentator. Over the past two years, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the field, reporting for Abu Dhabi TV and providing commentary for various leagues.
Originally from Merseyside, England, Gillingham’s passion for football led her to pursue a career in sports commentary. Her journey took her from playing semi-professional football for clubs like Liverpool Feds and FC United of Manchester to becoming a respected voice in the industry.
One of the highlights of Gillingham’s career was her experience at the Dubai Super Cup in 2022, where she had the opportunity to interview players from top clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, AC Milan, and Olympic Lyonnais. She also covered the Globe Soccer Awards in 2023, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest stars in the football world.
As a diehard Liverpool fan, meeting players like Jürgen Klopp and James Milner was a dream come true for Gillingham. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she has been given in the UAE, a country that is rapidly becoming a hub for world football.
Despite having no prior presenting experience, Gillingham’s talent and dedication have propelled her to success in the industry. She credits experienced commentators like Joe Morrison, Graham Clews, and Brian Murgatroyd for mentoring her and helping her hone her skills.
Preparing for each game requires hours of research and quick thinking on her feet. Gillingham emphasized the importance of being able to react instantly and add excitement to her commentary, even in unpredictable situations.
While she remains the only female football commentator in the UAE, Gillingham has noticed a positive shift in the industry, with more women taking up sports presenting roles. She highlighted the supportive environment in the UAE and expressed her hope to inspire other women to pursue their dreams in sports commentary.
In addition to her work as a commentator, Gillingham serves as a sports coordinator for the Emirates School Establishment, organizing football competitions and sporting events for young athletes in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. She hopes that her story will inspire more women and girls to enter the sports industry and make their mark in the field.
With her passion for football and dedication to her craft, Amy Gillingham continues to break barriers and pave the way for women in sports commentary. Her journey from PE teacher to football commentator is a testament to the opportunities that the UAE offers to those who dare to dream big.