Bristol’s Doorstep Sport returns to the small screen

A man prepared to “make himself look like an idiot” to champion the unsung heroes of grass roots sports returns to our screens on Wednesday.

Neil Maggs is the brains behind Doorstep Sport and has made a name for himself in Bristol not just because he gives a voice to local teams and minority groups across the city, but also for his ability to convince the great and the good to take part in spoof comedy sketches.

And this is something to expect plenty more of as the show that he writes, produces and co-hosts returns to Made in Bristol TV for a second series on Wednesday, November 29 at 8pm.

Comedy sketch featuring Maggs (right) and Scott Murray, former Bristol City player and current kit man

“The difference about this show is partly the sports we cover, but it’s more who and how we cover it,” says Maggs, a sport journalist and regular Bristol24/7 contributor.

“To get people’s attention, we have to make it a bit silly and fun. People will watch sport anyway if it’s one of the big professional teams but, as this is kind of the ‘low hanging fruit’, we have to work at it to get people to watch. As such, the whole show is tinged in comedy.

“Plus, all of our presenters are steeped in their local communities – which is a big driver for me. For too long people have been telling stories on our behalf. Our approach changes that – it’s sport that’s on your doorstep, presented by people from the doorstep.”

Ash Jenkins (left) is one of Doorstep Sport’s guest presenters

Maggs’ unique approach to putting grass roots sports in the spotlight has already earned his BCfm radio show The Midweek Sportsbar the title of ‘Best Community Radio Show of the Year’, becoming the first of its kind to ever receive the accolade.

Like Maggs’ regular Bristol24/7 articles, Doorstep Sport showcases sports from baseball and covers innovative sport schemes which engage people with disabilities, middle-aged men, the elderly, young offenders and many more.

‘It’s a cliché, but sport does have the power to change lives,” adds Maggs. “And we want to shine a light on the hard work that is carried out by amazing projects across the city.”

Young footballers pictured in Netham Park, where they were filmed as part of the series

James Edwards, who works with Bristol City Community Trust, says: “I am proud we have someone pushing our cause, and giving coverage to some of the amazing people we work with.

“Bristol is a great city, but we don’t always hear from the full range of voices. This show gives that platform. He’s an Easton boy with a Bristol accent, which is rare in the media, and anyone that knows him will tell you that there’s isn’t anyone more passionate about Bristol than Maggsy.

“He does it all in a very funny way, but he’s smart, he basically makes himself look an idiot for our cause.”

Maggs (left) filming with Ryan England, the second strongest man in England

Maggs believes more inclusive coverage in the media helps remove barriers for people from marginalised or minority groups and helps inspire them to get involved and be more active.

Co-presenter Alfred Reynolds

The show is anchored by Maggs and football and rugby radio commentator Alfred Reynolds. It also includes a guest presenter slot each week.

In the interests of catering for all, the programme includes a ‘Posh sports with Alfie’ where the presenter, who is from Stokes Bishop, guides the audience through the likes of equestrian sports and falconry.

Bobby Reid, Greg Streete, and Dino Zamperelli are some of the people to have appeared in the previous series and more big names are promised for series two.

Maggs reveals that the long-term plan is to launch a national show promoting grass roots sports.

Filming in Pathway Judo Club

The show is created and written by Maggs Sport Media and Film Hive. It airs on Made in Bristol TV on Wednesday at 8pm.

Read more: When Maggsy met Marv