Breaking news might generate the biggest headlines, but week in, week out, Island Echo is also telling the stories of the people, clubs and rising stars that make the Isle of Wight’s sporting community what it is.
Being a truly local, independent news publisher means being there when major news breaks, but also when an Island footballer scores a winner, a golfer sinks a crucial putt or an emerging talent earns the chance to represent their country.
Over the past 3 months alone, that has meant reporting on 29 different sports, from grassroots competition here on the Isle of Wight to Islanders achieving success on the national and international stage.
Football, golf and rowing have been a particular focus – but our commitment goes beyond simply publishing results.
Nowhere is that more evident than in our coverage of local football.
As another season gets underway, dedicated Sports Reporter Warren Whitmore is preparing to once again spend his weekends at Wessex League and Isle of Wight League matches across the Island.
Local football isn’t simply covered from a results sheet. We’re there on the touchline, following the teams, players and people involved throughout the season.
That same commitment extends to following promising Island sportsmen and women as they progress beyond local competition and begin making their mark further afield.
One youngster we are particularly proud to support is young archer Summer Chambers. For 2026, Island Echo is sponsoring training with a Team GB coach as the 15-year-old continues her development in the sport, with hopes of one day reaching the Olympics.
On the water, we have followed 15-year-old Connie Batley-Smith as she progressed from Shanklin-Sandown Rowing Club to a Great Britain call-up, winning the U16 trials before making a winning GB debut against France. She then took gold at the British Junior and Senior Championships, breaking a British Championship record in the process.
Fellow Isle of Wight rower Louis Sheasby has also featured prominently in our coverage as his career has progressed towards international competition. Louis became a Henley Royal Regatta champion in July after helping Leander win the prestigious Fawley Challenge Cup and is now part of the Great Britain team for the U19 World Rowing Championships.
Then there’s rising darts talent Reggie Woodmore. The Ryde youngster secured a Junior Darts Corporation Advanced Tour Card before earning an England call-up in July, qualifying for the JDC Academy Nations Cup.
Island Echo isn’t simply reporting on the Isle of Wight community – we’re part of it.
