Dan Freedman delivers inspirational talk at Co-Op Academy

Dan Freedman, who is best known for his Jamie Johnson football novels, held an interactive session in front of a packed assembly hall at the Co-Op Academy on Thursday, that lasted over an hour, delighting pupils.

The former Football Association journalist then stayed behind to sign copies of his new book - Unstoppable - which tackles difficult teenage themes, including knife crime.

Explaining the purpose behind the talk Mr Freedman said: “It’s a chat with the ‘bosses’. I’ve written a new book and it’s to see what they think of it.

"I read them a few bits and answer their questions and then the conversation goes broader. Do you like reading? Do you think you might like to be a writer? What I you passionate about? In my case it was football that gave me a platform to read and write when I didn’t I could do either when I was younger.

Dan Freedman speaking to pupils at Co-Op Academy, Bebington

“I read them a bit of Unstoppable, which is about two twins. One is a young tennis player who is under quite a lot of pressure from her dad and that feeling of needing to live up to expectations. Her mental health is not what it should be. And the other is a boy who feels a bit abandoned. An angry young man who wants to be a footballer and thinks he should have respect.

“A lot of the kids have got their books and they want to go away and read them over the weekend and nothing could be better than that.

The author’s visit to Wirral forms part of a nationwide tour organised by Authors Aloud UK with assistance from Linghams bookshop in Heswall.

Mr Freedman was very satisfied with the reaction he got from the pupils. He said: “It was brilliant. They were completely engaged. We could’ve gone on for longer. I was really impressed by the level of their questions and the commitment they gave, because it’s a long time to sit and listen.

“They were brilliant and they were fully involved and leading the session.”

One of the pupils to ask Mr Freedman a question was 11-year-old Cai Essam, who was lucky enough to received a football and a free copy of Unstoppable, both signed by the author - for asking “who and what inspires you to write these books?”

Speaking to the Globe, Year 7 Cai said: “This is a really special moment for me today. It was amazing, astonishing. I’d love to ask him more questions again.

“Reading calms the mind and helps me a lot. It can help me with English and improve my writing. I love football too. Best team in the world is Liverpool!”

When asked if he fancied being an author himself, Cai said: “I would like to read Dan’s books over and over again but I would go on my own path.”

Dan Freeman’s Jamie Johnson books have sold more than 800,000 copies globally.

The books have been adapted for TV by the BBC and the drama series is being broadcast around the world.

Before becoming an author, Dan was managing editor for The FA for seven years and has been to two World Cups as part of the official England Team group.

He was also part of the official delegations to meet the Queen, the Prime Minister and Nelson Mandela. When not writing, Dan gives talks at schools and sports clubs.

He has made 2000 school visits during the last ten years and it was those experiences that inspired him to write his latest novel.

David Fickling Books are giving Globe readers the chance win a signed copy of Unstoppable, with three copies up for grabs. To enter, simply email richard.garnett@newsquest.co.uk with Unstoppable competition in the subject line.

Include your name and best contact details in the email. Closing date is Thursday March 26, after which three winners will chosen from a random draw.