Barry Comprehensive School

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Pupils listened attentively as Dan took them on his journey from schoolboy football fanatic to accomplished author.

‘Strive to achieve your dreams’; ‘Never give up’ and ‘Believe in yourself’. These are the three clear messages that were stated to Barry Comprehensive School’s Year 7 pupils during the exciting presentation by football writer and young people’s author Dan Freedman.

Pupils listened attentively as Dan took us on his journey from schoolboy football fanatic to accomplished author. He shared with us video footage of his World Cup interviews with Steve Gerrard, Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham. A glimpse of the football superstar Rio Ferdinand as a ‘real’ person chatting to Dan over a game of pool was fascinating. He’s just as competitive off the pitch as on the pitch and it is that drive to win that has ensured his success.

Dan signed books, footballs and cards and chatted to pupils and staff after his presentation.

Dan not only writes eloquently about the beautiful game but about the ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ of everyday life for teenager Jamie Johnson, a boy with a dream. Dan can captivate the imagination of his readers and this was certainly the case during his presentation. Pupils were given tips on how to describe accurately the atmosphere at a football match or the path of a winning goal. Back in the classroom I am sure that our budding Year 7 writers will remember his inspiring words.