Join the scrum

Sports fanatic and award-winning children’s author Tom Palmer

Sports fanatic and award-winning children’s author Tom Palmer is inviting local families to join his scrum at Rochdale Central Library.

Inspired by his love of football and rugby, the Leeds born writer has penned a number of sporting series for children, that became bestsellers including; Football Academy, Foul Play, The Squad and Scrum!

In anticipation of the Rugby League World Cup this autumn, when Rochdale will host a group A match, Fiji vs Ireland, at Spotland Stadium, Tom is challenging local families to go head-to-head in a sports trivia quiz and a goal kicking competition.

Most suitable for children aged 7 to 12 with an accompanying adult, families will be lightly quizzed on their sporting knowledge, then to take kicks at Tom's portable rugby posts. The winning family get to take home a trophy.

The event is funded by the “Try Reading” project which celebrates the RLWC2013 and aims to encourage many more people to try reading through their enjoyment of sport. 

Visitors to Rochdale Central Library at Number One Riverside, in the town centre on Tuesday 13 August at 2:30pm can get to meet Tom Palmer and test their sporting trivia. Places are free, but limited. To book, please contact Joanne Eaves on 01706 924941 or call joanne.eaves@rochdale.gov.uk  

Councillor Peter Williams, cabinet member for Economic Development and Customer Services, said: “Tom’s books conjure up the joys, jubilation and down-right heartaches of being a sport fan.”