Charlotte Harpur: The Rising Voice of Football Journalism and BBC Sport Commentary

Charlotte Harpur has become one of the most recognisable and respected voices in modern football journalism. Known for her sharp analysis, multilingual reporting, and extensive work across The Athletic and BBC Sport, she has built a career that blends storytelling, investigative reporting, and pitch-side commentary. Her journey from teaching to becoming a leading football writer showcases versatility, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to elevating both the men’s and women’s games. With a growing digital presence and a reputation for depth, clarity, and fairness, Charlotte Harpur continues to shape football discourse in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Charlotte Harpur’s Professional Journey

Early Career and Teaching Background

Before entering sports media full-time, Charlotte Harpur worked in education. She served as Head of French at Weavers Academy, overseeing the progress of more than 250 students and leading a cultural trip to France. Her time in education was part of the prestigious Teach First Leadership Development Programme, through which she earned Qualified Teacher Status.

Her experience in teaching sharpened her communication skills, broadened her cultural awareness, and established a strong foundation of discipline and leadership—traits that would later serve her exceptionally well in journalism.

Charlotte Harpur at The Athletic

The Athletic: A Home for In-Depth Football Reporting

Charlotte Harpur joined The Athletic full-time and has contributed significantly to its reputation for thoughtful, investigative, and original football journalism. Her early work focused on the women’s game, where she wrote about major events, emerging talent, tactical developments, and off-the-pitch issues affecting players and staff.

Charlotte Harpur The Athletic – Women’s Football Specialist

As a women’s football writer, Charlotte Harpur covered some of the game’s most defining moments. Her pieces on Champions League fixtures, high-profile international matches, and features on England captain Leah Williamson reflect her expertise and storytelling strength. She has a deep understanding of the sport’s structures, growth challenges, and cultural significance.

Transition to Covering Manchester United

In September 2024, Charlotte Harpur moved into a new role at The Athletic, becoming the dedicated Manchester United football writer. This position reflects both her rising journalistic profile and her ability to analyse Premier League football with clarity and depth. Her coverage includes match insights, tactical breakdowns, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes narratives that fans value.

Charlotte Harpur BBC Sport and Broadcasting Career

Alongside her written work, Charlotte Harpur has become a familiar voice on BBC Sport platforms. She contributes as a:

• BBC Radio 5 Live WSL commentator

• BBC Final Score reporter

• Broadcaster for BBC Sport online

Her live updates, match commentary, and pitch-side reporting demonstrate confidence and quick analytical thinking—skills essential for broadcast journalism.

Expanding into Voiceover and Multimedia

Charlotte Harpur also works with Gravity Media, providing voiceovers and commentary for the Women’s Football Show and producing creative segments, including spoof commentary for the FA Women’s Championship Show. This versatility illustrates her growing influence across multiple media formats.

Journalism Training and Earlier Media Roles

Experience Across Major UK Publications

Before establishing herself at The Athletic, Charlotte Harpur gained experience through internships and freelance roles at:

• The Times

• The Daily Telegraph

• Sky Sports News

• BBC Radio Oxford

• BBC Radio Northampton

• The Coaches’ Voice

• The Mixed Zone

In these positions, she produced match reports, interviewed international coaches, wrote feature stories, and conducted research for high-profile sports programmes.

Multilingual Reporting Advantage

Fluent in French and Italian, thanks to her degree from the University of Oxford in Medieval and Modern Languages, Charlotte Harpur is able to conduct interviews and produce content that many journalists cannot. Her language skills have benefited her coverage of European football and international tournaments.

Academic Background and Achievements

University of Oxford

Charlotte Harpur studied French and Italian at the University of Oxford, where she also achieved notable athletic accomplishments. She earned Blues in tennis and hockey, representing the university in first-team competitions. She also served on the Oxford Union Committee, helping organise high-profile events and debates.

Leadership Development

Her time at Birmingham City University, where she completed a PGDE as part of the Teach First programme, reflects her strong grounding in leadership, communication, and community engagement.

Digital Presence and Audience Growth

Social Media Influence

Charlotte Harpur is active on multiple social platforms, where she shares insights, football commentary, and updates on her latest work. Her accounts include:

• @charlotteharpur on X

• @charlotte.r.harpur on Instagram

• @charps94 as her personal handle

Her combined following demonstrates a steadily growing audience that values her views on football, from Premier League rivalries to the evolving landscape of the women’s game.

Why Charlotte Harpur Stands Out in Sports Media

A Clear and Authentic Voice

Charlotte Harpur’s reporting style prioritises accuracy, fairness, and depth. She writes with a balance of empathy and journalistic rigour, making complex issues accessible to everyday fans while still providing expert-level insight.

Championing Women’s Football

Few journalists have contributed as consistently and as passionately to the visibility of women’s football. Her work amplifies the stories of players, coaches, and staff who often go underrepresented in mainstream sports media.

Commitment to High-Quality Analysis

Whether discussing Manchester United’s tactical shifts or breaking down WSL fixtures, she delivers analysis that is thoughtful, well-researched, and connected to the wider context of the sport.

Quick Info

Conclusion

Charlotte Harpur has emerged as one of the most influential young voices in UK sports journalism. With major roles at The Athletic and BBC Sport, a rich background in education and languages, and a rapidly expanding digital footprint, she embodies the modern, multi-platform football journalist. Her ability to move seamlessly between written reporting, live commentary, and multimedia storytelling continues to strengthen her position as a leading figure in the football media landscape.

FAQs

1. Who is Charlotte Harpur?

Charlotte Harpur is a British football journalist and broadcaster known for her work with The Athletic and BBC Sport. She covers Manchester United, women’s football, and major football stories, and also provides commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Final Score.

2. What does Charlotte Harpur do at The Athletic?

At The Athletic, Charlotte Harpur works as a football writer. She previously specialised in women’s football and now covers Manchester United. Her reporting includes in-depth analysis, exclusive features, interviews, and coverage of both domestic and international football.

3. Does Charlotte Harpur work for BBC Sport?

Yes. Charlotte Harpur is a commentator and reporter for BBC Sport. She provides commentary for the Women’s Super League on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and delivers match updates for BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Final Score programme.

4. What is Charlotte Harpur’s educational background?

Charlotte Harpur studied French and Italian at the University of Oxford, earning Blues in both tennis and hockey. She later completed a PGDE in Leadership in Education through the Teach First programme at Birmingham City University.

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