The 4-4-2 Reading Challenge kicked off in Aberdeenshire on Friday (Oct 11) and runs until May 17.
Children aged between 5 and 12 are challenged to read four books from any Live Life Aberdeenshire library to get free tickets to football matches.
They can read a choice of books from their local library, listen to talking books or download and read eBooks/eAudiobooks, also available from the library service.
For every book read children will receive a sticker/stamp on their card. When they have read four, they can exchange their completed challenge cards at participating football clubs for a free child ticket and half-price adult ticket at any home game during the 2019/2020 Scottish football season.
Of the participating clubs, Peterhead FC is the most local, with other clubs across Scotland also taking part: Arbroath, Forfar, Brechin, Dundee, Dundee United, Montrose, East Fife, Inverness, Ross County, St Mirren, Stirling Albion, Queen of the South, and Ayr United.
Borrowers can redeem their cards at any of these clubs, offering a great opportunity to read more and support your favourite team.
The initiative was very successful during the 2017/2018 season, with 200 libraries in Scotland participating, 4,484 books and 300 football match tickets issued.
In Aberdeenshire, there were 73 sign ups in libraries, with a total of 691 books read.
Get along to your local library to sign up and “keepy up” your reading whilst supporting your local team.
Chair of Live Life Aberdeenshire's Culture and Sport Sub-Committee, David Cook, said: “I’m thrilled our libraries will be supporting such a worthwhile initiative. Reading improves the mind whilst football encourages exercise and develops teamwork and leadership skills.
“I hope that young people from across Aberdeenshire get reading and enjoy cheering on their local teams.”
Funding for the 4-4-2 Reading Challenge has been generously provided by the Scottish Premier Football League (SPFL).
The SPFL Trust, Scottish Book Trust and Scottish Library and Information Council all support the initiative. This year the project includes Gàidhlig translation for the first time, in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
SPFL Trust Chief Executive Nicky Reid said: “The 4-4-2 Reading Challenge initiative is designed to encourage children who don’t regularly visit the library or sport to do so.
“As such, we think it’s a real win-win opportunity for all concerned. The project engaged with more than twenty thousand kids in its first year, and we hope this can continue to grow and inspire children to read.”
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster added: “The SPFL Trust’s 4-4-2 Reading Challenge has already made an extremely positive impact across the country.
“It’s encouraging to see so many children benefiting, and I would like to congratulate the Trust and clubs from across all four SPFL divisions who are helping children develop a love for reading, which is an incredibly rewarding part of childhood.”
