On Friday 15th November, children from four local primary schools took part in a fun-filled fay of literacy with Sunday Times bestselling author, Dan Freedman. The day's activities used the children's passion for football to motivate them to read and write. 

Throughout the day, 65 children took part in a workshop with Dan and discussed his books, including the popular Jamie Johnson football novels. They also took part in a Q and A with Dan, covering his career as a managing editor for the FA, the famous people he has worked with and how he got in to writing. 

The club author day was ran by Derby County Community Trust, and the National Literacy Trust, supported by Priority Literacy to celebrate the efforts of children who have taken part in the Premier League Primary Stars programme, which uses the power of football to inspire primary school children to read and write. All attending children were able to take home a copy of an Ultimate Football Heroes by Matt and Tom Oldfield. Children also had the chance to take part in a special tour of the DCFC changing rooms and have their photo's taken at the end of the tunnel at Pride Park. 

Touching on why he chose to write about football, Dan said "When I was growing up, I didn't think I was a very good writer. I certainly knew that I was obsessed with football and knew all about it. When I realised that it still counted as creative writing and a legitimate piece of art or storytelling even though it was about football. I thought, well I can do that. So that combined with the fact that as a career I went into football media, I was really was lucky enough to have the most incredible experiences in football. I really felt as though I could put it all together and create a story that was compelling about a footballing character that had a unique selling point"

On the link to football in his writing engaging children in reading "I didn't think I liked reading but I knew I loved football and I think that there is a really big correlation with the kids who like football and them often being reluctant readers. For me I ended up realising it wasn't that I didn't like reading, I just thought that the books out there weren't particularly interesting and I think a lot of kids are still the same. So you have to offer them something that is going to play to what they are keen on."

Derby County is one of over 100 Premier League and EFL clubs taking part in Premier League Primary Stars. The project inspires children to be active, look after their wellbeing and develop important life skills. The programme includes Premier League Reading Stars, which aims to inspire typically reluctant readers to become proud readers in just 10 weeks. Priority literacy enhance this offer by providing books, club author days and specially designed resources for Reading Stars delivery within the Derby City area. 

Holly Gunn, Project Manager for School Programmes at the National Literacy Trust said:

"Working in partnership with Premier League Primary Stars and Priority Literacy, we are thrilled to have brought exciting author events and free books to schools across Derby to help inspire children to discover a love of reading through football."

“Recent National Literacy Trust research revealed that children and young people's enjoyment of reading in their free time is at an all-time low. We know that children who have books of their own, who get to experience opportunities such as author events, and who are encouraged to read about things they’re interested in, like football, are more likely to be enjoy reading and be inspired to read in their free time. This, in turn, can help children to build vital reading skills and reap benefits for their wellbeing, confidence and learning."

“Events, such as the club author day held last Friday with Derby County, can inspire children’s reading, and open them up to whole new worlds. The children loved meeting Dan Freedman and finding out about his journey to becoming an author, which started with a love of football. They enjoyed the football-themed literacy activities, and it was fantastic to see the positive impact the project had on the children. We would like to thank Dan for being such an incredible role model and the Derby County Community Trust for putting on a wonderful event."

For more information on Derby County Community Trust's Premier League Primary Stars programme CLICK HERE.