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Bristol schools receive book celebrating local football fans
3 Feb 2010
3 February 2010
Six lucky local schools[1] have received a unique book called City ’Til I Die from Bristol City Football Club (BCFC) - a book written by the fans, for the fans.
The book is part of an innovative national sports and literacy project, coordinated by the National Literacy Trust, in which fans have the chance to write about their experiences as passionate football fans.
City ’Til I Die charts the heights of elation and depths of despair fans have experienced through a compilation of supporter stories. The book spans eight decades of living memory, and was compiled with contributors attending a series of writing workshops to perfect their stories.
Six hundred copies of the book will be distributed free of charge to local Bristol schools, where they will be a valuable tool to engage pupils in reading and learning about their community. The book will also be available to buy through the BCFC club website and club shop.
David Lloyd, Supporter Liaison for BCFC said:
“These are real stories by real Bristol City fans, which makes it a fascinating and meaningful tale.
“The book shows how important BCFC is to the people of the city and we are delighted that so many people were involved in the project. Not only is it a great read, but the proceeds of the book will go towards funding reading and writing projects in local schools.”
Dave Lane of Legends Publishing, who published the book, said:
“City ‘Til I Die is a credit to all of the many members of the BCFC family who have contributed. BCFC is a well supported club with strong community involvement and fantastic links with local schools and organisations. It’s no surprise this book is so full of exciting stories from both young and old bound by one common goal - to support Bristol City until they die!”
Jim Sells, from the National Literacy Trust said:
“We have discovered that tapping into football fans’ undying passion for their team is an excellent way to encourage them to enjoy writing and improve their skills. By empowering young people to engage with literacy in meaningful ways, the aim of the National Literacy Trust is to create change that will last a lifetime.”
This project has been funded by the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF), the Football Foundation, the Professional Footballers’ Association and Arts Council England, with financial support from BCFC Supporters Trust. City ’Til I Die is one of eight books produced nationally by the National Literacy Trust and Supporters Direct, designed to encourage fans to tell and produce their own football stories.
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If you would like further information, please contact: Irfan Master, Project Manager, Reading The Game on 07773207538 or email Irfan.Master@literacytrust.org.uk.
OR
Russell Tanner is Centre Manager at the study support centre for local schools based at Ashton Gate.russell.tanner@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 903 8297
Notes to editors:
1. The six Bristol schools who are receiving the books are:
Ashton Park
Bedminster Down
Bridge Learning Campus
Hanham High
Mangotsfield Academy
Oasis Academy
2. About City ‘Til I Die
City ’Til I Die is a full colour production with a diverse range contributions from its fans and is available at just £10 at the club shop.
3. About Legends Publishing
Legends Publishing is run by David Lane. Legends’ work includes publishing titles about clubs and their heroes. David works with academic Steve Cowan to help contributors bring their stories to life. www.legendspublishing.net.
4. About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/About/donate.html
National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842.
The National Literacy Trust sport and literacy initiative, Reading The Game, works with professional football to promote literacy and uses the motivational power of football to encourage reading for all ages. It is largely funded by the Football Foundation and works in partnership with the Premier League, the PFA, the FA, the Football League and the DCSF initiative Playing for Success. www.readingthegame.org.uk
