Marcus Rashford launches book club to show children the power of reading
The Manchester United striker has teamed up with Macmillan Children's Books (MCB) to create the scheme - which aims to advocate the power of reading to children of all backgrounds.
Marcus Rashford has launched a book club to promote reading to children– offering youngsters the kind of “escapism” he could never afford in his youth.
The Manchester United striker has teamed up with Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) to create the scheme – which aims to advocate the power of reading to children of all backgrounds.
“My books are, and always will be, for every child,” Rashford said.
“Even if I have to deliver them myself. We will reach them.”
The first book in the scheme has been written in collaboration with The Athletic journalist Carl Anka and performance psychologist Katie Warriner, titled: You Are A Champion: Unlock Your Potential, Find Your Voice And Be The Best You Can Be.
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According to Sky News, each chapter will contain a story from Rashford’s life and will encourage children to learn more about culture, education, positivity and female role models.
The footballer already has plans to release two further books in the future.
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Imagine if all children were on an equal playing field. Imagine if we all started at the line equal instead of 20 yards behind. Imagine children waking up believing that their dreams could come true. Imagine what that belief could do for the future of this country…
Rashford, who only began reading frequently when he was 17, said the habit “completely changed” his outlook in life, and wishes he could have discovered books at an earlier age.
“I just wish I was offered the opportunity to really engage with reading more as a child, but books were never a thing we could budget for as a family when we needed to put food on the table,” said the footballer.
“There were times where the escapism of reading could have really helped me. I want this escapism for all children. Not just those that can afford it.
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“We know there are over 380,000 children across the UK today that have never owned a book, children that are in vulnerable environments.
“That has to change.”
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Two men charged with rape of teenage girl under 16 in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Two men have been charged with the rape of a teenager girl under 16 years of age in Manchester city centre.
Mario-Alexandru Ratou and Mario-Vifor Ratou, who are both Romanian nationals of no fixed abode, have been charged with rape of a girl aged under 16, while the latter was also charged with false imprisonment.
They were arrested last Tuesday (7 April 2026), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed, after a report of rape at a flat in the Green Quarter area of the city earlier the same day.
A third man in his 20s was also arrested on suspicion of rape, but he has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Speaking following the two men being charged this week, Chief Superintendent David Meeney, who is GMP’s City of Manchester District Commander, said: “Our priority is ensuring the girl, and her two friends who were with her at the time of the attack, continue to receive specialist support during this traumatic time, and as this case proceeds through the court.
“We know this will cause concern across our communities, however as criminal proceedings are now active, I urge the public not to speculate so the legal process can take its proper course for the girl and her family.
“We remain firmly committed to protecting young girls across Greater Manchester and to help people feel safe.
“I ask that the public continue to support us, so if you have any information that could help the investigation, please come forward and report it.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police directly online or via 101, quoting incident 2436 of 07/04/2026 or details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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The Strokes announce first Manchester gig in two decades
Daisy Jackson
The Strokes are finally set to return to Manchester for the first time in years, announcing a huge arena show today.
The iconic indie rockers have shared details of a new European tour, which includes a night at the massive Co-op Live arena here in Manchester.
The news comes hot off the heels of their celebrated Coachella set over the weekend.
The Reality Awaits Tour, named after their upcoming seventh studio album, will take The Strokes to Manchester as well as London and Newcastle, plus several cities across Europe.
The Strokes broke into the industry back in 2001 with their seminal debut album Is This It, which spawned massive indie anthems like Last Nite, Hard To Explain, and Sometimes.
Since then, they’ve released six studio albums, all of which have climbed into the top 10 of the UK Albums Chart.
You can expect to hear all sorts of fan favourites, like Reptilia, Juicebox, and You Only Live Once, plus new music including their latest single The New Abnormal.
Co-op Live said: “This is set to be an unmissable show as they come to Co-op Live for the first time and we can’t wait!”
Last time The Strokes played in Manchester, it was at the O2 Apollo way back in 2006 – the same year they supported Foo Fighters at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
They played Lytham Festival more recently, but haven’t ventured back into Manchester itself since.
The Strokes will play at Co-op Live in Manchester on 26 October 2026.
Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 17 April HERE, with a number of pre-sales beginning from Wednesday 15 April.
The Manc -
17th November 2020 
