Hi there, my name is Matt Oldfield and I'm the author of Unbelievable Football (winner of the 2020 Children's Sports Book of the Year award) and the Johnny Ball: Football Genius series. I'm also one half of the brothers behind the Ultimate Football Heroes and Classic Football Heroes books series for children aged 7-12. Our fun, action-packed biographies tell the exciting life stories of the world's greatest footballers, from Maradona through to Messi, from Beckham through to Kane.
When I'm not writing, I work with schools, charities and organisations (The National Literacy Trust, The National Football Museum, Beanstalk, Football Beyond Borders) to deliver literacy workshops aimed at football fans and reluctant readers. My workshops aim to combine key aspects of writing (dialogue, character, emotion, setting) with key aspects of football and life (teamwork, bouncing back, achieving dreams). I'm based in Bristol but I'm very happy to travel far and wide in the name of literacy!
You can follow me on Twitter (@footieheroesbks), or email me at oldfield.matt@gmail.com. All questions and enquiries welcome!
And don't forget to check out our website - heroesfootball.com
Fabulous, the students were very engaged during the workshop, Matt has a great ability to get the best out of the students and gauge their ability. The students and staff thorough enjoyed the day. We have discussed another booking for the next academic year.
The whole day was just amazing. Matt truly delivered, the pupils were engaged & didn't stop talking about for days on end. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Matt Oldfield to other schools. Our principle Rev Leach even came to me to say what a brilliant choice of author :-) I was impressed how he dedicated his time to speaking to the pupils during the lunch period too. I do hope Matt enjoyed it as much as we (Walkwood) did. Please thank him again for his time and energy. NB my library shelves are still empty of the football books, one comes in and goes straight out again.
Matt was fantastic. He really engaged the students with his assembly and workshops, even those who did not have a particular interest in sport. We highly recommend Matt to other schools.
Brilliant day. Thank you Matt for your fantastic writing workshop that got all the students planning. Engaging and fun assembly as well. Matt's visit was not just for football fans, and the sense of excitement around the school was brilliant.
What an amazing day Matt! You delivered a thoroughly engaging workshop and talk for our pupils which was pitched at exactly the right tone and level. You have inspired our students and we honestly can't thank you enough. Clare: Raynes Park High School
Wow! Such a fantastic day with Matt. The assembly was engaging, informative and fun. The students who took part in the workshops dug deep to write about their own resilience stories and I have noticed a real uptake in borrowing (specifically Matt's books) since his visit.