Caerphilly’s Schools Library Service recently arranged another very successful author visit, this time, specifically aimed at Year 7/8 boys. Dan Freedman ticked all the boxes as far as the pupils were concerned, having led a life most could only dream about, meeting the stars of the football world.
When Dan finally accepted at the age of 15 that the dream of making it as a professional footballer was beyond him, he aimed instead to become a sports journalist. He built his experience at Sky Sports, Radio 5, Arsenal FC, ITV, Channel 4 and the Daily Express before becoming FA’s Editor-In-Chief, travelling all over the world with the England Football Team.
In 2007, Dan’s debut football novel The Kick Off, following the life of football prodigy Jamie Johnson as he strives to make it to the top of the professional game, was published. The second and third books in the series, Shoot to win and Golden Goal are also out, with two further books coming later this year. Featuring real-life story lines and top footballing tips, the series has been endorsed by, among others, Steven Gerrard, Gary Lineker and Frank Lampard.
Dan’s sessions at three Caerphilly comprehensives included footage of wonderful interviews with the likes of Wayne Rooney and David Beckham. Sian Evans, LRC Manager from St Cenydd, said of the visit “It was wonderful to see the positive impact that such an inspiring author can have on a group of lads, who were gripped by a subject close to many boys hearts. We need all the help we can in stimulating our children to read more. I feel such author visits are invaluable as they can often be the springboard to getting pupils to try new books.”
