Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Courage, Creativity and Connection with Leader of the Lionesses, LEAH WILLIAMSON CBE
Primary Times speaks with Leah Williamson CBE and her cousin Jordan Glover about football, friendship and facing fears
An inspiring figure in British sport, Arsenal’s Leah Williamson CBE has written her name into history books as England women’s football captain. Away from the pitch, she also creates exciting, time-twisting adventure stories for children with her cousin Jordan Glover. Their latest book, The Wonder Team and the Football Phantom, is a thrilling tale celebrating bravery, determination and teamwork for readers aged 8+.
Leah shares her thoughts on their new title and encourages young minds to be brave and to dream big in 2026…
What’s surprised you most about creating these stories for children?
Creating the stories and characters is our absolute favourite thing to do, but once the words are down on paper, the hard part starts. The books have to go through lots of edits to get them just right – creating books takes longer than you think!
As a brilliant teammate yourself, what are your top five tips to help children be kind, positive and supportive of each other?
1. Listen to each other carefully.
2. Share your feelings.
3. Celebrate each other’s achievements.
4. Disagreeing isn’t the same as being unkind.
5. Have fun together!
What would you say to a child who wants to join a new club or team but feels shy and scared?
I’d say it’s normal to feel scared, but it’s something you really want to do. Once you get started, all of that fear will melt away.
Who is your favourite character in The Wonder Team and the Football Phantom and why?
I think we both have a soft spot for Mimi – she’s so sassy and when we wrote her, we took inspiration from one of Leah’s best friends. But we love George too. He often gets scared but he does his best to overcome his fears to help his friends.
The book is full of teamwork and problem-solving. Which message from the story do you hope will stick with young readers?
We want them to believe in themselves. There will always be obstacles in life that make achieving dreams difficult, but we know they can overcome everything with some determination and self-belief.
If the Wonder Team had their own motto, what would it be?
Together, we can do anything. The Wonder Team is about finding your team and leaning on each other to achieve your goals.
Are there any new children’s stories or projects on the horizon?
Well, Leah, Mimi and George still have their trusty box of magical time-travelling objects. There’s always more room for further time-twisting adventures into the past!
The Wonder Team and the Football Phantom by Leah Williamson and Jordan Glover is out now, published by Macmillan Children’s Books (RRP £7.99).