Football can be an inspirational force both to improve children’s education and to aid positive mental health. For this reason, Striker Boy represents two important causes for the club and our community.

Striker Boy is a thrilling book about a 13-year-old who proves an unlikely star striker for a Premier League team. It’s sure to have any young football fan gripped.

The special edition has been released in aid of the mental health charity Mind and in memory of its author Jonny Zucker, who last year tragically took his own life. He is survived by his loving wife and their young children. £1.40 from the sale of each copy goes to Mind, with the rest of the proceeds going to the author’s family.

Jonny lived with depression for over two decades but accomplished many things in that time. He dedicated his life to getting kids reading, working first as a primary school teacher before becoming a children’s author. He often used football as a way to reach young people that wouldn’t normally read for pleasure.

Beyond funds, the Striker Boy campaign is raising awareness of mental health issues in adults and children. Mental health will touch the lives of almost everyone in one way or another – one in four people will live with a mental health problem and it is the largest killer of men under 50. It’s vital we all work together to raise awareness and remove the taboo around issues of mental illness.

Available at www.strikerboy.com for £6.99, Striker Boy makes a wonderful gift for young fans aged 7-12.

Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday).