Grimsby Town Foundation welcomed local primary school pupils to Blundell Park on Thursday 30th April 2026 for a memorable and inspiring day of learning, creativity and football.

As part of the Foundation’s Premier League Primary Stars programme, schools including William Barcroft, Woodlands Academy, Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe and Macaulay Primary were invited to attend the club’s first-ever ‘Club Author Day’, delivered in partnership with the Premier League and the National Literacy Trust.

The event formed part of wider celebrations for the National Year of Reading and featured a special guest appearance from renowned children’s poet Paul Cookson, funded by the Premier League. Bringing energy, enthusiasm and creativity, Cookson also gifted 100 copies of his books to pupils, helping to inspire a love of reading beyond the classroom.

Throughout the day, 100 children rotated through four engaging and interactive workshops, each designed to combine literacy with the excitement of football.

The ‘Club Author’ workshop, led by Cookson, focused on poetry and creativity. Pupils explored how football can inspire writing, beginning with a lively, interactive session before creating their own original poems. The workshop encouraged imagination, confidence and self-expression in a fun and supportive environment.

Another highlight saw pupils enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Blundell Park. From learning about the rich history of the stadium to visiting exclusive VIP areas not usually open to the public, the tour offered a unique glimpse into the inner workings of a professional football club.

In the media workshop, held in the stadium’s press room, participants stepped into the role of sports journalists. After watching footage from Grimsby Town’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United, pupils were challenged to write their own headlines and match reports, developing both their analytical thinking and writing skills.

The final workshop added a competitive and energetic twist with the Giant Dartboard Challenge. Pupils kicked footballs at an inflatable dartboard, with each section representing a different letter, before working in teams to create as many words as possible in a lively “word-off” that combined physical activity with literacy skills.

To round off an unforgettable day, pupils had the opportunity to meet first-team player Doug Tharme. Speaking about the importance of reading in his own life and career, Tharme answered questions from the children and reinforced the message that literacy plays a vital role in success both on and off the pitch.

With 100 children in attendance, the event proved to be a fantastic success; celebrating literacy, inspiring creativity and strengthening connections between local schools, the football club and the wider community.

The ‘Club Author Day’ leaves a lasting legacy, showcasing the power of football to engage, educate and inspire the next generation.

UTM