FICTION and reality collided when Northern Ireland women's stars hosted a story-telling session at the school of a writing competition's winner.
Electric Ireland’s 'Shooting for the Stars' invited children between the ages of seven and 11 to create their very own original story about girls’ football.
Nine-year-old Sarah Dickson’s winning story, The Dancing Footballer, was unveiled during a storytelling session at Carrick Primary School in Lurgan hosted by Northern Ireland women’s captain Marissa Callaghan and players Toni-Leigh Finnegan and Abbie Magee.
Sarah’s story about Avery, a girl who danced her way to footballing success, was illustrated by professional illustrator Fru Czech and published in association with Blackstaff Press. The Dancing Footballer forms part of the Electric Ireland Game Changers NI movement which in partnership with the Irish FA, supports girls’ and women’s football at all levels.
“It is so exciting to hold the book in my hands!” said Sarah. “My story was read by Marissa and the heroes who inspired it, I can’t believe it.”
A copy of The Dancing Footballer, which deals with themes of inclusivity and equality, will be made available to all primary schools in Northern Ireland via the Education & Library Service.
