Leeds United kick off reading scheme to support families and improve literacy skills

"4Leeds 4Reading 2Together" - or '442' for short is a family reading scheme launched by a partnership of Premiership sponsor, Barclaycard, Leeds United, Leeds Libraries and the National Literacy Trust.

Leeds United defender Lucas Radede joined trainees at Wetherby Young Offenders Institution to launch the project, on Tuesday, 29th April 2003. 442 sees Leeds United and Leeds Library Service building on the success of the Leeds United Book Challenge launched two seasons ago which proved a huge success with over 12,500 children and adults taking part.

This time, 442 will focus on the issue of reduced literacy standards amongst families across the city and will aim to create a family reading culture by using football to capture interest and inspire new ways of learning. It is hoped that families visiting libraries to join a 442 reading group will make new friends and encourage each other as well as receiving expert tips from library staff. This scheme will tie in with the Premier League Reading Stars being run by RTG and the Premier League.

Lucas Radebe, who fronted the Leeds United Book Challenge and is Reading Champion for Leeds, has again offered his support to what he feels is a very important issue. Lucas said: "Reading aloud to my kids is just one of the amazing things I can do as a dad. All it takes is 10 - 15 minutes of your time to get out a book and read to your child and within moments you're both off in a fantasy land, sharing the same experiences. I believe it is important for children to see adults enjoying books, so I try to promote reading by example and I hope my kids grow to enjoy it as much as I did when I was a kid and as I do now".

On Thursday April 24th an event was held at Elland Road to kick-start this process by inviting 350 children and adults from all areas of the city to an activity based literacy day including author-led workshops.

The innovative scheme is supported and completely funded by a £10,000 investment from Barclaycard Free Kicks, a three-year programme to inject £4million into each Premiership club's education and community initiatives.

To read the press release click Leeds Utd press release.