Borough Life Spring 2006: Matt champions the benefits of reading
Read all about it... Latics ace Matt Jackson with his current favourite book Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl.
When he’s not helping his team to premiership glory, Latics star Matt Jackson likes nothing better than burying his nose in a good book.
So much so that the Leeds-born defender has now been named as Wigan Athletic’s reading champion. Matt and the Latics have teamed up with the borough’s library service to help turn a whole new generation of young fans on to the wonders of the printed page.
Reading Champions is a project pioneered by the National Literacy Trust and the Football Foundation. Each premiership team nominates its own champ who in turn picks their favourite books as recommended reads for young people.
For example, David James of Manchester City likes to curl up with The Hobbit, United’s Rio Ferdinand loves The Twits, while Chelsea’s John Terry thinks Cool by children’s favourite Michael Morpurgo is a cracking read.
For Matt, it’s the Roald Dahl classic Danny The Champion Of The World that he just can’t put down.
“It’s a great story,” says Matt. “It’s funny and has a truly inspiring message about believing in yourself.
“Danny’s the optimistic underdog who overcomes all the obstacles placed before him and triumphs against all the odds.”
Not unlike a certain new premiership team who have defied the critics with an amazing season so far.
For Matt the power of reading cannot be understated.
“It broadens horizons and opens up whole new worlds,” he says. “It stokes the fire of the imagination like nothing else and inspires people to do things they never thought possible.
“We may live in an age of high technology where 24-hour television and video games are the order of the day but take it from me, a good book will never let you down!”
Over the months ahead the borough’s libraries will hold special reading sessions for children using the full list of premiership picked books, including Matt’s choice.
Wigan Libraries Information Service Co-ordinator Jean Lamb says: “The aim of the project is to turn children on to reading by using their footballing heroes. We want to appeal to those young people who may have never picked up a book before and we couldn’t have asked for a better role model in Matt.
“His book choice is a fantastic one. It’s one of those great children’s books that adults can read and get a lot out of as well.”
To celebrate the announcement of Matt Jackson as Wigan Athletic’s Reading Champion we’re giving his favourite book away. Borough Life has two copies of Danny Champion of the World to give away, both of which have been signed by Matt. To be in with a chance all you have to do is answer the following question:
Which position does Matt Jackson play in for Wigan Athletic?
Put your answer on a postcard and send it by April 21st to: Borough Life, Reading Champions Competition, FREEPOST, NWW3502A, Wigan WN1 1XZ.
The winners will be the first two correct entries pulled out of the hat.