Reading The Game (RTG) is an initiative run by the National Literacy Trust (NLT) which works to promote reading, writing, and speaking and listening for all ages through the motivational power of sport.

September 2008 - Penguin Book Giveaway

Penguin Books has donated over 10,000 books to a total of 20 football clubs. The first books were given away at home matches for Norwich City FC (vs Sheffield Utd) Click here to see press coverage from ITV anglia and Bristol City FC (vs Doncaster Rovers FC) on Saturday, 20 September 2008.

Football clubs were given books entering the stadium on matchday. Families have been informed of the project through Playing for Success study centres based at local clubs. Local libraries will be on hand to talk to families, with the opportunity to join the local library and gain free access to books long after the match is over.

April 2008 - Ralph's Big Run

Congratulations to Ralph Newbrook from everybody at the NLT for completing the London Marathon in a very impressive 3 hours 39 minutes in aid of the National Literacy Trust. To date, Ralph has managed to raise a very respectable £2,300 with money still being donated. Well Done Ralph

You can still donate at: http://www.justgiving.com/ralphsbigrun


Ralph regrets eating a full english breakfast
earlier that morning

Ralph and fellow runners celebrating

March 2008 - Storytelling Down the Lane

Tottenham Hotspur is the latest club to take part in our storytelling programme in partnership with Haringey Libraries. Read the full news story on the THFC website

Premier League Reading Stars. Middlesborough keeper, author and Reading Champion Mark Schwarzer launched Reading Stars for 2008 with a reading in his local library. PLRS Reading Champions 2008

February 2008 - Bees Go it Alone

Brentford FC coaches launched storytelling sessions in 5 Hounslow libraries to over 600 children last week. All the sessions were well attended with excellent feedback received from teachers and librarians. As well as old favourites like the chicken and the hedgehog and the boat story, the children particularly enjoyed the opportunity to tell their own football stories and jokes. Each session was rounded off with a song – Hello, my name is Joe and I work in a button pushing factory being the favourite!

A first this year for the Bees was the inclusion of Sixth Form Reading Champions to the storytelling bench. Three learning mentors who usually help out in the Study Support Centre read a story or two at some of the sessions. It was a great boost to their confidence to be received so well by the children.

The final surprise of the week was a visit by the local fire brigade to Heston Library. The crew had attended part of the training day and had promised to drop into any of the sessions if they weren’t out on a call. The fire engine caused a lot of interest in the car park and the young people amazed the coaches and the librarians with the knowledge they already had about fire safety!

In fact, the the week was enjoyed so much by all participants, there are plans to visit some of the schools who couldn’t make it to the libraries to deliver some additional Kick into Reading sessions.