Vicki Sparks is a British sports journalist and football commentator who reports for BBC Sports and BT Sports. Vicki made a remarkable achievement as she broke barriers and made history as the first woman to commentate on a live World Cup match on British television.
This groundbreaking moment occurred in 2018 during BBC One’s coverage of Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in Group B, which took place in the city of Saransk. She also serves as an ambassador for the UK-registered charity “Street Child United“.
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Profile Summary
| Name | Vicki Sparks |
| Age | 33 years old (as of April 2023) |
| Birth Date | November 28, 1989 |
| Birth Place | Tyne And Wear, Newcastle, England |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethinicity | White |
| Profession | Sports Journalist |
| Parents | Unknown |
| Marital Status | Still secret (Unknown) |
| Height | Unknown |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Net Worth | Yet to be estimated |
| Social links |
Early Life & Background
Vicki Sparks was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne And Wear, England on the 28th of November 1989. As of April 2023, she is 33 years old. Her nationality is British and her ethnicity is white.
Professional Career As A Sports Journalist
Hailing from Newcastle, Vicki developed a deep passion for football from a young age and often attended Newcastle United matches in her youth. With a strong determination to become a football commentator, she pursued a career in journalism after graduating from university.
Starting out as a freelance journalist, she worked tirelessly to hone her skills and gain experience in the industry. One of her earliest roles was as a radio assistant at BBC Radio Newcastle, where she gained valuable knowledge of the broadcasting world.
Her hard work eventually paid off when she submitted an audition tape to become a commentator and reporter, and she was awarded her first commentary commission not long after.
Her debut match was the Championship game between Middlesbrough and Charlton, which she covered with great confidence and professionalism. She quickly rose through the ranks and made her mark in the world of sports broadcasting.
Her hard work and dedication paid off in 2018 when she made history by becoming the first-ever female commentator at a FIFA World Cup during BBC One’s coverage of Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in Group B, which took place in the city of Saransk.
Since then, Vicki has become a regular commentator at the BBC, working on a range of stations and programmes including BBC Radio 5 Live, Final Score, Match of the Day, and The Women’s Football Show.
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Criticisms
Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Vicki has faced her fair share of criticism and online abuse, particularly in relation to her gender. Alongside fellow female pundits Eniola Aluko and Alex Scott, Sparks has been subjected to unfair and sexist comments, with some critics claiming that her voice is too high-pitched for commentary.
However, she has also received support from many prominent figures in the industry, including Jacqui Oatley and Piers Morgan, who commended her and also spoke out against the criticism by former player Jason Cundy saying his comments were a result of sexism.
In addition to her commentary work, she has also made appearances on the BBC show Fighting Talk, demonstrating her wit and knowledge of the sporting world.
Threatening Remarks From David Moyes
In a disappointing display of sexism, former Sunderland manager and now West Ham United Coach David Moyes made inappropriate comments towards the English journalist during a post-match interview in March 2017.
After taking issue with one of Vicki’s questions, Moyes said, “You were just getting a wee bit naughty at the end there, so just watch yourself. You still might get a slap even though you’re a woman. Careful the next time you come in.”
The comments were rightly condemned by many in the industry, and the Football Association took action by fining Moyes £30,000 for his “improper and threatening remarks”.
Personal Life & Marital Status
The 33-year-old journalist has been very careful about talking about her personal life in public. As to whether if she is married or not has been hidden from the public as this information is only available to those closest to her.
Likewise, information concerning her weight and height measurements is also in the dark.
Net Worth
Vicki Sparks has made significant contributions to the world of sports broadcasting, particularly in breaking down barriers for women in the industry.
Her historic achievement as the first woman to commentate on a live World Cup match on British television in 2018 was a momentous occasion and one that will undoubtedly inspire future generations of female sports journalists.
While her net worth has not been publicly estimated, it is important to note that financial success is not the only measure of achievement or impact. Her trailblazing work has helped to pave the way for greater inclusivity and diversity in sports broadcasting.
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