Sam’s Section: A year in review- Favourite moments, time at Severn Sport and working for Forest Green
Well, the season is starting to come to an unwanted climax so, as a result of that, it’s time that I reflect on my personal season and what I have seen.
From working my third season with Ryan and Severn Sport, to enjoying a second season as a media intern at Forest Green Rovers, all whilst completing my university degree.
SEASON IN NUMBERS
As I write this piece I’ve endured my busiest season ever watching, working on or covering 96 games starting all the way back in July 2024, with plenty more to come as I work towards my first ever century.
No game has disappointed, even the rare 0-0 results (I’ve only seen THREE!) but some memorable goals have been scored, and magical moments have happened.
MY GAME OF THE SEASON
My favourite game of the season came when working with Forest Green back on New Year’s Day when they hosted Yeovil Town in their promotion bid.
Rovers found themselves behind at half time but a red card for the Glovers changed everything in the 75th minute as Kyle McAllister netted an equalising penalty before all hell broke loose in the 94th minute.
The game looked destined for a draw until centre-back Ryan Inniss popped up with a last gasp winner sending The New Lawn into euphoria, and it sits with me because whilst being on camera duties, I managed to get up and get involved with the mass celebrations.
That is a game I will never forget but I have had plenty of favourites for many different reasons and if I had to choose one whilst with Severn Sport, it would be Dursley Town v Brockworth Albion in November.
It promised to be a tasty Gloucestershire Northern Senior League clash which it was as, Brockworth ran out 4-0 winners against a Dursley side who ended the game with eight-men.
Dursley received two red cards in the space of 30 seconds, had two players sin-binned during the game and the referee that day brandished 12 yellow cards!
SEASON WITH SEVERN SPORT
I can only start this section with a huge thank you to Ryan for again giving me the opportunities and the trust to go out and cover games and produce content for the website whilst getting my name out there.
I’ve had a season of firsts with recently being a lead commentator for the first time during the GFA County Cup Final on Monday night.
I’ve also kept my section going which has been a joy to write throughout the season and being able to promote games from the Stroud & District League’s level all the way up to the Southern League’s.
I’ve already stated above my favourite game I’ve covered this season but my favourite goal that I’ve seen while working this season has to be from the Fred Gardiner Memorial Shield Final on Tuesday night when Danny Knight of Longlevens scored an unearthly, unbelievable overhead kick.
HUNTING PROMOTION WITH FOREST GREEN
What a season it’s been working at Forest Green in what has been a National League promotion battling campaign.
The side clinched a top three finish the other week which means I get the chance to work on a play-off campaign as Steve Cotterill aims to guide the side back into the Football League.
But my word how I’ve enjoyed my time there this season from sitting pitch side filming all the action (and some memorable goals), becoming part of a family within the club and stepping up my content production for the side.
I’ve had some incredible moments with Rovers from beating promotion rivals, York City at home in front of a packed out New Lawn and some unforgettable last minute winners.
My content has been well received the season and has come on leaps and bounds to what I thought I could do but I’ve also gained so much experience working inside a professional football club.
From having work used on the BBC to getting my name out there, I can’t be more grateful to everyone at Forest Green, the staff, players, Josh Evans who has gifted me these opportunities this season, and even the fanbase for everything they’ve allowed me to produce, achieve and for just taking me into the family.
EXCITING FUTURE
As my time at university comes to an end, my two-years as an intern at Forest Green slowly tick down and the season comes to a close, I am extremely excited about what my next chapter looks like and who knows where I could be.
I will definitely be lingering around the Gloucestershire non-league scene, and I want to thank everyone who has read, liked or followed my work over the last two and a half years and for all the clubs that have welcomed me in and supported my development.
But bring on the 2025/26 season and what an exciting, enthralling, rollercoaster campaign we’re all in for!
Follow Sam Yapp on Twitter (X) @SJY_Journo for more
NOMINATE: Submit your nominations for the Severn Sport End of Season Awards 2025 HERE
READ MORE: Check out the list of fixtures in and around Gloucestershire on Saturday right here
READ MORE: Check out the list of Women’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire on Sunday right here
