Jude Aston from Wolverhampton is an inspiring teenager we can all be proud to call one of our own from our beloved Black Country.
The 17-year-old suffers from Cerebral Palsy, but despite his challenges, Jude has not let his condition hold him back on his dreams.
Jude is an up and coming sports journalist, he runs Jude’s Journey across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube often updating these channels with presenting and interview videos he has worked on to help his Journey to becoming a sports reporter.
The Aston Villa supporter has interviewed many stars, including Paul Gascoigne, Tony Bellew, Jack Grealish, Steve Bruce, Adama Traoré, Ben Foster, Matt Murray, Steven Gerrard, Mick McCarthy, and Carl Ikeme.
His passion for football reporting was first ignited in a school assembly when Highfields in Wolverhampton announced they would create their own TV media channel. From there, Jude began learning more about cameras and started reporting on school football matches.
Jude instantly knew this was something he wanted to do as a career, and he began his own YouTube channel when his confidence began to grow. He wanted to prove that he could still live his dreams despite his battles and
2020 saw Jude win the Youth Sport Trust School Games Activator award.
He said, “Amongst the turmoil that 2020 has brought to the world (covid-19) there have been plenty of positives for me.
“When lockdown began it was challenging times for everyone especially those who loved sport – I was determined to keep those engaged to prove no matter the circumstances physical activity should never be devalued.”
Over lockdown, Jude began conducting interviews via Zoom for his YouTube channel. He started doing live chats with like-minded content creators as well as former footballers. He even interviewed former Liverpool Midfielder and Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard!
Jude explained, “The 40-year-old told me how he managed his Rangers side from home, expressed his thoughts on when sport should return and took a fond look back at his playing career.
“It was a fantastic moment for me, I’d never have thought I’d be interviewing an icon in football when I first signed up to Highfields TV!”
Jude even hosted two virtual awards during lockdown. One was the Wolverhampton City Sports Awards which celebrate the successes of sports in secondary schools. The second was the Highfields’ PE Legacy Awards which were Jude co-hosted alongside his head of PE.
On speaking about his career so far, Jude explained, “I’ve always had a fond interest in creating YouTube videos, and have loved creating content. My channel, Jude’s Journey, was established in 2016, however, it wasn’t ’till 2018 when I started documenting my Journey to the media world.
“I saw my YouTube channel as a perfect platform to showcase my video and producing skills.
“Sometimes I still don’t even know how I get such high-profile interviews!
“I do feel very privileged. I have been very lucky and fortunate over these two years and appreciate everyone who has given up their time to support me on my Journey. For me though, it’s not about who I interview it’s about doing something I love and proving that you can still do it no matter the barrier.”
When asked about the advice he would give to fellow young people to help achieve their dreams, he replied:
“Think about your passions, hobbies and interests – I think it’s great that people can have careers and do something you love and are passionate about. Also, it’s never too early to build your CV – have a look if there are any courses, working opportunities or experiences that would boost your knowledge and look good on your CV. This way you are already one step ahead.
Follow Jude’s Journey on Facebook
