John Dean – Crime Writer

Authors and football personalities supported the official launch of the National Year of Reading at The Emirates, the home of London club Arsenal.

The nationwide initiative from the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust seeks to address the steep decline in the nation’s enjoyment of reading by inspiring people of all ages to ‘Go All In’ on the things they already love through reading in whatever way works for them, whether that’s print books or audiobooks, digital magazines or graphic novels.

To launch the initiative, former Arsenal and England footballer Theo Walcott, author, producer and TV presenter Richard Osman and children’s authors and illustrators Nadia Shireen and Jordan Glover joined local primary schoolchildren in a series of activities to spotlight how passions such as football can ignite a love of reading and lead to exciting jobs.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson officially launched the campaign alongside Chief Executive, Jonathan Douglas, and National Year of Reading Director, David Hayman.

Bridget said: “Some of my happiest childhood memories are of reading with my grandad, getting lost in The Chronicles of Narnia together. I want every child to feel that same joy, whether their passion is football, fantasy or physics.”

Jonathan said: “The National Year of Reading provides us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate the UK’s relationship with reading and change people’s life stories. Whether it’s a baby experiencing the magic of a picture book for the first time, a family listening to an audiobook on the school run, a teenager immersed in fan fiction or an adult reading the football pages on their commute, reading is for everyone.”

National Year of Reading ambassadors were also unveiled, committing to using their voices and platforms to help more children, young people and adults reconnect reading to their interests this year.

They include footballer and author Leah Williamson, authors Cressida Cowell, George the Poet, Michael Morpurgo, Julia Donaldson and Richard Osman, social media star Jack Edwards and fitness coach and author Joe Wicks.

Leah Williamson, Arsenal Women and England Lioness captain and children’s author, said: “The Go All In campaign is a massive moment for literacy in this country. Football is all about moments too. It’s all about chances. Waiting for them to arise and taking them when they do. The National Year of Reading 2026 is YOUR chance to really Go All In on your passions by reading into them. So, seize the moment and take that chance. Pick up a book, listen to an audiobook, get stuck into articles on whatever you love. It all counts. Because if you’re into it, read into it.”

You can find out more at https://literacytrust.org.uk/