Rochdale Central Library’s scrum challenge

Tom challenged local families to go head-to-head in a sports trivia quiz and a goal kicking competition

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Sports fanatic and award-winning children’s author Tom Palmer welcomed local families into his ‘reading rugby scrum’ when he visited Rochdale Central Library yesterday (13 August). 

Visitors to Rochdale Central Library at Number One Riverside got to meet Tom and test their sporting trivia.

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!

Tom challenged local families to go head-to-head in a sports trivia quiz and a goal kicking competition. Lots of local children and families took part.

The event, funded by the ‘Try Reading’ project which celebrates the Rugby League World Cup 2013, aims to encourage more people to try reading through their enjoyment of sport.

Tom’s special visit was a lead-in event looking forward to this Autumn, when Rochdale will host a group A rugby league match, Fiji vs Ireland, at Spotland Stadium.

Councillor Peter Williams, cabinet member for economic development and customer services (including libraries), said: “Tom Palmer, a self-confessed sports fanatic, is certainly helping us get in the mood and his visit to Rochdale Central Library was a welcomed appetiser for the main event. Tom’s books conjure up the joys, jubilation and down-right heartaches of being a sport fan."