'Books in Schools' scheme launched

.The new children’s book, ‘The League of Dreams’, which was launched last month by the Friends of Bradford City, is being delivered free of charge to 150 local primary schools. The initiative is supported by Bradford City FC and the club’s community partner, The Co-operative

Each school in the next two weeks will receive six copies of the book, activity cards designed to help teachers create a lesson plan using content from the book, and activity certificates for the children to keep.

n as inspiration. The book’s reading age is 6 – 7 and it draws on the club’s double Wembley seaso

For every book sold, £1.00 will be donated to the Bradford City Football in the Community Foundation - a self-funded charity managed by former Bantams striker Ian Ormondroyd.

The money raised from the charitable donation will then be used to provide opportunities for local children to participate in sport. 'The League of Dreams' is based on the story of (City striker) James Hanson, who works in his local Co-operative Food store and dreams of becoming a footballer and playing at Wembley.

Based on this inspirational true story, it aims to help encourage youngsters to read more and inspire them to never give up and reach for their goals. Mark Neale, Friends of Bradford City Chairman, said: "This unique book not only provides an exciting way of offering a memento of that history-making season, but also fulfils a real need, and offers encouragement to local children to improve their reading skills."

“Bradford City Football Club is delighted to support the Friends of Bradford City and this fantastic book. Bantams joint-chairman Mark Lawn, speaking at the launch of the school initiative, added:

"This children’s book will allow the story of the historic 2012 / 2013 season to be retold to both our current and next generation of young supporters, leaving a legacy for years to come.

"I would like to thank Parkland Primary School, which as a youngster I used to attend, for the tremendous welcome they have given us today. The children enjoyed the story and really brought the activity to life with their huge enthusiasm.

"We have budding doctors, teachers and a few footballers too.”

Headteacher at Parkland Primary School said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark Lawn and The Friends of Bradford City into school today and to be involved in the launch of this great initiative. Ms Laura Newcombe,

"Books of all types are good for children but this book with its local setting and inspiring life message has a particular significance. Our Year One and Two children loved the book and participated enthusiastically in the activity.

"I would like to thank the club, Friends of Bradford City and The Co-operative for their generosity in providing all local primary schools with the books and activity cards.”

Further copies of the book, which costs £5.00, are available from all Co-operative Food stores in Bradford, theBradford City FC store at the stadium. They are also available online from the Friends of Bradford City at www.juniorbantams.co.ukand at WHSmiths in the Arndale Centre in Bradford.

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