Kicked Out launch at Old Trafford

Pupils from Manchester United Foundation’s partner primary schools celebrated reading and writing with a special event at Old Trafford with Read Manchester.  The author-led event was held as part of A.M.Dassu’s book launch tour and presented a brilliant opportunity for Manchester United Foundation and Read Manchester to work together on a special event to promote empathy and combat racism. 

Award-winning children’s author A. M. Dassu spoke to the children about her Manchester-based novel Kicked Out (published by Old Barn Books), which encourages young readers to question harmful stereotypes through the lens of football.   

St Philips C of E Primary School pupil Jahvel, 10, said:

“The atmosphere was crazy, we got to go in the stadium, I liked having the opportunity to be here and I’m so grateful.” 

“I’m going to read lots more, and the book we got, Kicked Out, it looks really good and I think I’m going to enjoy it.” 

At the end of the session, each child received a free copy of ‘Kicked Out’ and a copy of A.M. Dassu’s World Book Day 2023 title ‘Boot It!’ gifted by Read Manchester.  A.M. Dassu said:

“In Kicked Out I wanted to use the universality of football to highlight the many inequalities faced by young people.  It is an incredible honour to be able to work with both Manchester United Foundation and Read Manchester to spark conversations with young people about racism, displacement and the power of sport to change hearts and minds.” 

Young people from Divine Mercy Primary School and St Philips C of E Primary School in Manchester were amongst pupils at the event who also took part in additional educational workshops delivered by Actiphons, poet Griot Gabriel and Show Racism the Red Card.  The children also met club mascot, Fred the Red, as part of a spectacular day to inspire them about the importance of reading. 

Feedback from children shows how impactful the event was: 

Did you enjoy the event?	75% said strongly agree
The event was interesting	75% said strongly agree
The event was inspiring	70% said strongly agree
I enjoyed meeting an author	90% said strongly agree
I’m inspired to read the book I’ve been given today	80% said strongly agree

Aaron Liburd, one of the Foundation’s Primary Education Officers, said: “Bringing children to Old Trafford with A. M. Dassu is so powerful – using the aspirational environment of the stadium can help children to understand the importance of reading and motivate them to pursue their goals both in school and beyond in wider life.”