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Working closely with Liverpool Libraries, Extra Time has been able
to provide children with the opportunity to visit several of their
local libraries during November and December, to work with the libraries
children's support services, Centre staff and authors. One occasion
saw the children working closely with author Tom Palmer at Larkhill
Library. Tom, who has also worked on the Premier League Reading
Stars programme, discussed different types of reading material with
the children, and introduced them to some of the football literature
available in Liverpool Libraries. The days work ended with lots
of fun as the children took penalty kicks against Tom in the Library,
much to the delight of children, staff and onlookers! Tom had a
lovely time and said he thought the kids were great. He also commented
that: "The Everton FC Reading is FUNdamental project is wonderful.
I see dozens of projects like this every year and Everton's is among
the best, if not the best. Everton FC are doing great work in the
community!"
Everton Press Release, January 4th 2004
Extra Time is bringing books alive by working with authors and
illustrators, and linking literature to football.
Everton's successful Reading The Game and Premier League Reading
Stars projects, which began over a year ago in partnership with
Liverpool Libraries and the National Literacy Trust, was recently
extended to include the Reading Is FUNdamental project at Everton's
Extra Time Study Support Centre.
"The National Literacy Trust is delighted to be working with
Everton, who have really pulled out all the stops to promote the
fun and fundamentals of reading to young people," said Jim
Sells, Literacy Development Officer from the Literacy Trust. "By
providing free books for children to choose and keep, through the
Club, we hope to help children to associate reading with football
rather than just something that they think of as schoolwork.
On December 9th, inspirational young players Daniel Fox and Anthony
Gerrard joined Extra Time to celebrate the achievement of the 60
young people who have participated in the first stage of the Reading
is FUNdamental project.
The event held in the Picton Room at Central Library was a huge
success in increasing and widening the use of the library by attracting
new audiences, and giving everyone involved the opportunity to see
how dynamic and creative reading can be.
Friends and families joined together with the young people and
school staff from the Beacon, Northcote and Norman Pannell Primary
Schools to share their new found love of books and to celebrate
their achievements.
Head Teacher of Norman Pannell School, Alan Price, said: "The
children have enjoyed the varied programme of activities at Extra
Time enormously. The children have developed an enthusiastic interest
in reading, and as a result have joined the library service and
borrowed books for the first time".
Children's author and illustrator Tony Ross gave an inspirational
workshop at the event by demonstrating his artistic talents, how
he generated ideas for his stories, and gave the young people the
opportunities to ask questions about his books.
Every young person received free books, Everton goodies and a certificate
of achievement.
Reading Champion and Club Secretary Dave Harrison, said: "The
project has had a big impact upon the Club as it has provided fun
opportunities for both players and staff to become involved with
the children at Extra Time and show their support".
Joanne Hatton, Centre Assistant said: "The project has inspired,
motivated and engaged all those involved. The young people's reading
and writing skills have been improved and they've learnt that these
activities can be enjoyable as well as educational. Already the
project has attracted wide media attention, which promises to get
a strong message across to an even wider audience."
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