Birmingham budding sports broadcasters shortlisted as 2025 MCC Young Female Broadcaster runners-up

Lara, aged 24, is based in the city as a sports presenter and journalist, whilst Polly, aged 20 is now a student at Manchester Metropolitan University, after growing up in Birmingham and was first introduced to the sport by her dad in local parks. Helen Trappelides, a student at the University of Warwick, was named as the winner, but the pair from the city were highly praised by the judges and invited to Lord’s for a special runners up celebration. 

First launched last year, the competition, supported by Sky Sports and leading cricket charity Take Her Lead, aims to increase opportunities for young women aspiring to build a career in sports broadcasting, while uncovering and supporting the next generation of female broadcasting talent in cricket. 

Polly said: “I’m very proud to have been selected as a 2025 MMC Young Female Broadcaster of the Year runner-up; to have the esteemed panel recognise my work is very special. 

I’m really passionate about women’s cricket and the way in which its broadcasted, so to add something to that space is really important to me, and I’m excited to use the competition to help me push further into this traditionally male dominated space”. 

Lara added: “It means so much to be selected as a 2025 MCC Young Female Broadcaster of the Year runner-up. This recognition is such a confidence boost for me and a reminder to believe in myself and that I am on the right track. It also feels amazing to be part of something that supports women in cricket — a sport I’ve loved since I was a little girl. 

 I’m excited to use this opportunity to really hone my craft and soak up as much as I can from the amazing broadcasters involved in this competition. I’m still at a stage in my career where each opportunity can shape the next one — and being part of this competition feels like a big step forward. It’s all about growing, connecting and showing up with passion, and that’s exactly what I plan to do”.  

During their visit to Lord’s, Helen, Polly, Lara and two more runners up enjoyed a tour of Lord’s and the iconic Barclays Media Centre, a look behind the scenes in the Sky commentary box with cricket and broadcasting star, and Take Her Lead patron Mel Jones. The group also got to spend time with the Take Her Lead team, including founder and broadcaster Isa Guha and 2024 winner Regina Suddahazai, gaining valuable insight into the broadcasting world and the opportunity to ask questions. They were then joined by broadcaster and competition judge Georgie Heath for another session on new media and at a later date the group will have a virtual broadcasting workshop with top cricket broadcaster Alison Mitchell. 

Lara’s passion for cricket began at a summer camp in primary school, and ever since then she’s been hooked. However, it was at university where Lara combined her sporting background with a growing interest in media. 

She studied Broadcast Journalism at Nottingham Trent, where she headed up the student TV news team and began presenting and commentating on cricket matches for Notts TV. Her work behind the mic quickly gained recognition, earning her a silver award for Best Broadcaster at the Student TV Awards. Since then, she has worked with the Commonwealth Games, MLB Europe and England Hockey but dreams of presenting at the Olympic Games. 

Polly is also a lifelong cricket fan, and was first introduced to the sport by her dad by watching matches at Edgbaston. She began her broadcasting journey at 16, starting a women’s cricket podcast with her dad before eventually going into written work and commentary. She now provides commentary and punditry for several county teams including Warwickshire, Lancashire, and Durham, whilst also featuring on BBC local radio. Her podcast has now also hosted over 150 cricket guests. 

Katie Maier, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at MCC, said: “For the second year running, we’ve seen some very strong submissions with a wide range of broadcasting skills, experience and talent. This clearly demonstrates that there’s a lot of interest to enter the industry and how important this competition is. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming the runners up and winner to Lord’s for what I am sure will be an invaluable day of experience for them”. 

Take Her Lead Patron, Mel Jones said: “At Take Her Lead, we believe in the power of women’s voices to shape narratives, challenge perspectives, and inspire change. This initiative isn’t just about creating opportunities — it’s about breaking down barriers so that the next generation of female broadcasters are supported to lead with confidence and impact." 

Bryan Henderson, Director of Cricket & NFL at Sky Sports, added: “We are delighted to welcome Helen to join our team at The Hundred Final. Thank you to MCC and Take her Lead for such an inspiring competition”. 

Find out more about MCC women and girls cricket at lords.org/mcc/the-club/women-and-girls, and Take Her Lead at takeherlead.org