HATRIQA Launches Groundbreaking Grassroots Programme Across Oxfordshire with ARCh and OXFA
HATRIQA has launched a bold new phase of its mission to transform literacy through football — this time at the grassroots level, in collaboration with Oxfordshire FA and ARCh Oxfordshire (Assisted Reading for Children).
Through this three-way partnership, HATRIQA’s Soccer Reader Method® will be delivered directly in schools by trained volunteers — creating new, football-powered opportunities for children across the county.
Literacy That Starts with Football
At the heart of the initiative is a simple insight: when we meet children where their interests already lie, learning becomes more natural, personal, and powerful. The Soccer Reader Method, developed by HATRIQA in collaboration with UCL’s Institute of Education, is designed to do exactly that — using football-themed fiction and structured literacy resources to engage:
Reluctant readers
English language learners (EAL/ESL)
Students with dyslexia or other learning needs
The programme centres on Dan Freedman’s Jamie Johnson series, a globally successful collection of football novels that has sold over one million copies and inspired the BBC’s most-downloaded children’s drama.
Now, those stories are being brought to life by ARCh’s network of 300+ trained volunteers working in over 100 Oxfordshire schools — with training and resources adapted from the Soccer Reader Method to support one-to-one sessions.
“ARCh's one-to-one approach means volunteers can choose when and how to use football-literacy connections based on each child's interests and reading level,” said Dan Freedman, author of the Jamie Johnson series. “The books create natural teaching moments that can go far beyond traditional reading support.”
“Working with ARCh gives us the chance to offer the Soccer Reader Method as a valuable new option for volunteers who want to try something different,” said Tim Gentles, Head of Publishing at HATRIQA. “Their volunteers bring patience, dedication, and genuine care, and now they have access to tools that could help children who might otherwise struggle to engage with reading discover their love for books through football.”
A Community-Driven Model
What makes this collaboration unique is how it combines the strengths of three local systems:
HATRIQA brings research-based methodology and engaging literacy tools
Oxfordshire FA connects football communities, clubs, and volunteers
ARCh delivers expert, compassionate reading support at a one-to-one level
“This partnership demonstrates the power of volunteering through football to transform life chances – not just for the children being supported, but for the volunteers themselves,” said Jonathan Duckworth, CEO of Oxfordshire FA. “By creating a pathway between the Soccer Reader Method and ARCh we're aiming to give people valuable experience and skills that enhance their employability and build their CV while making a real difference in their community. It's a perfect example of how football can create opportunities that benefit everyone involved.”
Join the Movement
The programme is now actively recruiting:
New ARCh volunteers — especially those with a passion for football
Schools and teachers — interested in using the Jamie Johnson series as part of their reading support offer
Volunteers receive full training, enhanced DBS checks, and ongoing guidance from ARCh, with flexible commitments starting at one school visit per week.
“We're always looking for more volunteers so we can help even more children,” said Elaine Adams from ARCh. “This partnership with HATRIQA and OXFA opens up exciting new possibilities for engaging potential volunteers who share a passion for both football and supporting young people's development.”
Learn More
HATRIQA.com/oxfa – Learn about the Soccer Reader Method
archoxfordshire.org.uk – Become a volunteer
jamiejohnson.soccer – Discover the Jamie Johnson books