Children’s Football Writing Festival

Children's Football Writing Festival What's On updated

A year on from the first Children’s Football Writing Festival, the National Football Museum hosted some of its favourite children’s authors online in a special virtual edition of the festival.

Each of the author talks also features an activity for kids to try at home! Download the Children’s Football Writing Festival worksheet by clicking here: cutt.ly/5kBCVcP

Monday 15 February, 11am


On Monday, join author of the Football Academy, Foul Play and latest Roy of the Rovers series, Tom Palmer, for the first of our talks and activities. Tom will be reading a story about Roy’s football-mad younger sister Rocky, and her determination to to blaze her own football trail…

Buy Rocky of the Rovers from the National Football Museum shop

Tuesday 16 February, 11am


It’s 1966 and the World Cup is taking place in England – but the Jules Rimet Trophy is stolen before the tournament! Can you help save the day? Assist our very own Denise Lambert and the hero of the hour, Pickles the Dog, in this fun story session for under-7s.

Wednesday 17 February, 11am


On Wednesday, it’s the turn of Kicking Off author Eve Ainsworth. Eve will be sharing the story of Hettie, who begins supporting the war effort by working at a local munitions factory – home of the famous Dick, Kerr Ladies. Can Hettie become part of sporting history?

Buy Kicking Off from the National Football Museum shop

Thursday 18 February, 11am


How would you handle football super-stardom? Redwood Rangers goalscorer Zak is thrust into the limelight when one of his freestyle videos goes viral. As his online status grows worldwide, Zak discovers that friends are more important than followers. Seth Burkett reads from Tekkers, his entertaining and important story about football and fame.

Buy Tekkers from the National Football Museum shop

Friday 19 February, 11am


Rounding off the week is one of the first names on our teamsheet, museum stalwart Matt Oldfield. The co-author of the Ultimate Football Heroes series will be sharing some of the stories from his Unbelievable Football book, winner of the Telegraph Children’s Sports Book of the Year in 2020.

Buy Unbelievable Football from the National Football Museum shop