Dan Freedman

danjamiejohnson.info

‘Using the power of football to engage kids in reading and writing'

Bio:

Dan Freedman is one of the leading football fiction writers in the country.

Have worked at the top level of football for the last decade, he combines his work in the game with writing his best-selling series of Jamie Johnson football novels.

Dan's football career started with ambitions of being a professional.

When he finally accepted (aged 15) that the dream of making it as a professional footballer was beyond him, he aimed instead to become a sports journalist. He built his experience at Sky Sports, Radio 5, Arsenal FC, ITV, Channel 4 and the Daily Express before heading to University.

In 2000, having graduated with a degree in English Literature from the University of Bristol, he landed a dream job at The Football Association, where he worked for the next seven years. As The FA's Editor-In-Chief, he wrote FA Cup Final programmes and travelled all over the world covering the England Football Team being lucky enough to go to two World Cup Finals.

In 2007, his debut football novel The Kick Off  was published. It is the start of a series following football prodigy Jamie Johnson as he strives to make it to the top of the professional game. Featuring real-life story lines and top footballing tips, the series has been endorsed by, among others, Steven Gerrard, Gary Lineker, Frank Lampard and Ryan Giggs

With the other books in the series, Shoot to Win (May '08), Golden Goal (May '09), Man of the Match (July '10) and World Book Day prequel Born to Play now all out, Dan is able to undertake some school visits while he continues his freelance work in the football world with The Premier League and FIFA. 

The Event

Contact and Booking

Please contact Dan direct to arrange a visit (e-mail at top of page).

Dan's time is short and he may not be able to visit all the schools which make requests. If schools are confident that Dan's visit is likely to result in book sales on the day, they should advise Dan of this.

Geography: Dan will travel to a radius of up to 100 miles from London (or further if you can provide accomodation). Schools abroad also welcomed.

Finally, some comments about Dan and his books:

Comments

‘The books are an inspiring read for all football fans’ – Gary Lineker

'Jamie Johnson is my type of footballer' - Ryan Giggs

‘Dan was an inspiration to our boys - encouraging them to produce creative writing beyond their usual standards. His books have also inspired some of the students to reading both wider and more frequently.’ Barbara Band, Emmbook School

‘For mixed ability kids he was so appropriate. Very patient with their questions. He was brilliant. I would love to hear him again.’ David Cummings, Rainham Girls School

‘Seeing Tom and Sami with their noses glued to a book in quiet reading is a sight I never thought I would see.’ Sue Hickman, St Paul’s Cray Primary School

‘He really did inspire the children.  The fact that he is so knowledgeable about football makes his books exciting and proves to the boys that they can be connected to football through words as well as actions.’ Dawn Finch, Wheatfields School

‘It has been a pleasure to see the children walking around the school carrying your books. This, I am sure, is due to them being able to associate a real-life author with an actual novel.’ Victoria Nemeth, Highgate Junior School

www.JamieJohnson.info

	The Kick Off (isbn:0439944309) The start of Jamie Johnson's football career. He's got so much to prove, The pressure's on, but has Jamie got what it takes? View in Amazon
	Shoot to Win (isbn:140710294X) Jamie's got everything to play for - scouts from top clubs are coming to watch him play! This is his big chance and he can't wait to show off his latest move but the new coach is bearing a grudge...Has Jamie missed his chance? View in Amazon
	Golden Goal (isbn:1407102958) There's a massive buzz around Jamie Johnson. His dreams of becoming a professional footballer seem to be coming true. But, just when he seems close to living the dream, a shocking event turns his world upside down... View in Amazon
	Man of the Match (isbn:1407116703) Jamie Johnson is fast becoming the most popular player in the country. He's playing the best football of his career for his beloved Hawkstone. But life at the top of the league isn't as easy as it seems..And Hawkstone are about to sign a new winger.. View in Amazon
	Born to Play (isbn:0956287778) Prequel to the Jamie Johnson Series, specially produced for World Book Day 2010 View in Amazon