#288: How to be a Champion Data Competitions Coordinator with Ashleigh Newton-Spence

·57 min·5 clips

Ashleigh Newton-Spence reveals how Champion Data uses Xbox controllers to capture stats for AFL, netball, and golf.

The episode begins with host Reuben Williams introducing Ashleigh Newton-Spence, a SportsGrad Pro member and competitions coordinator at Champion Data, the company behind statistics for AFL, Netball Australia, and Live Golf. Ash explains that Champion Data 'tells the story of the game' by providing context through numbers, with over 100 full-time staff and 200 casuals working across Australia, the US, and Europe. She describes her role involving hiring, training, rostering, and operational management to ensure data accuracy. Ash shares her background, including working at McDonald's for nearly 10 years and studying media at the University of Adelaide with aspirations to be a football caller. She discusses her favorite interview question for casual hires, which tests candidates' sports knowledge and analytical skills by asking them to propose improvements for their favorite team. Ash details the technical aspects of data capture, mentioning the use of Xbox controllers and the CIS (Coaches Information System) platform. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and relationship-building in managing casual staff, many of whom stay with Champion Data for decades. Ash recounts a specific instance where Champion Data corrected Christian Petracca's disposals count in a Grand Final, highlighting the impact of data accuracy on historical records. She outlines other departments at Champion Data, including broadcast graphics and IT, offering career pathways beyond casual roles. Ash reflects on her experience with the SportsGrad community, crediting it with boosting her confidence and connecting her with mentors like Sarah Lowe from Softball Australia. The episode concludes with Ash advising listeners to embrace rejection and try new things, followed by a segment where Reuben answers a community question about interview preparation.

As heard by us

A practical, focused episode on Champion Data, live sports data, and staying composed when game day turns messy.

The SportsGrad Podcast frames Champion Data's game-day statistics work as a grounded lesson in keeping calm when live sport gets messy. A competitions coordinator outlines how data supports AFL, Netball Australia, and Live Golf, while tracing a path through radio production and…

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Why you'd press play

You want a practical route into Champion Data, from getting a foot in the door to handling pressure on game day.

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