Rochdale AFC Community Trust distributes hundreds of free books to celebrate World Book Day

Date published: 05 March 2021


Rochdale AFC Community Trust has 200 free, brand new books to distribute to local primary schools to support young readers.

In a partnership between the Premier League and the National Literacy Trust to celebrate World Book Day, nearly 25,000 free books will be given away in total to children who need them most.

Pupils taking part in the Premier League Primary Stars education programme, delivered by professional football club community organisations across England and Wales, will each receive a free copy of Football School: 20 Fantastic Football Stories. The book, by authors Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton, is also a £1 World Book Day title.

National Literacy Trust research has found that children who have their own books are nearly three times more likely to enjoy reading. The partnership will help support children whose access to physical books has been made difficult due to school and public library closures during the national lockdown.

Ryan Bradley, Rochdale AFC Community Trust director said: “Many schools in Rochdale fall below the national average in terms of attainment in reading at Key Stage 2.

“Schools are working hard to bridge the gap and the value-added results show that, but if we as a football club charity can inspire even a small percentage more to pick up a book, either through alternative delivery such as Primary Stars delivery or by providing resources such as brand new books I’m sure we will eventually close that gap.”

Jim Sells, Sport and Literacy Programme Manager at the National Literacy Trust said: “World Book Day promotes reading for pleasure to improve all children’s life chances, and we are so pleased to support the charity behind the initiative.

“We know that children who have books at home do better in school, so we are delighted to be able to distribute such an incredible number of books to schools across the country with the help of the community organisations. I’d also like to thank our partners at Walker Books and the Morrisons Foundation for making this possible.”

If your school or community group would like a batch of books for the school library, as prizes or for individual pupils please contact Rochdale AFC Community Trust Primary Stars Coordinator Graham Hicks:

Do you have a story for us?

Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.


To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.

To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.


While you are here...

...we have a small favour to ask; would you support Rochdale Online and join other residents making a contribution, from just £3 per month?

Rochdale Online offers completely independent local journalism with free access. If you enjoy the independent news and other free services we offer (event listings and free community websites for example), please consider supporting us financially and help Rochdale Online to continue to provide local engaging content for years to come. Thank you.

Support Rochdale Online