I'm a college student and I want to be a sports photographer?

Right now I have a Nikon D7000 and Tamron 70-300mm lens. I tried to get in with the pro's at last Sunday's soccer game of Orlando vs L.A. But they didn't let me in close to the field because I didn't have press credentials. So next I decided to go to local high school's football games, but didn't know how to find out about when the seasons start and other details. If High Schools wouldn't let me in, would college games mind me taking photographs from the sidelines? Tell me what you think I should do because I really need to get my foot in.

Read more: I'm a college student and I want to be a sports photographer?

What is the real difference between SLR and D-SLR camera?

What is the real difference between SLR and D-SLR camera?

Read more: What is the real difference between SLR and D-SLR camera?

My camera lens is making a weird noise and won't focus.help?

I have a nikon D50.it's a little old but works amazingly well! Today i went to take some pictures (in automatic focus) and the lens made a weird noise. It was a scratching or screeching noise. And it wouldn't focus. The lens works fine if it is in manual. But I'm worried about the lens. I think one of my friends messed with it while i wasn't looking and broke something?
is there anything inside of the lens that could have broken to make a weird scratching noise? Or could it just be dirt?
I just don't understand how it makes that noise in automatic but it doesn't make a sound in manual.
does anybody know what i should do?

Read more: My camera lens is making a weird noise and won't focus.help?