The Power of Sport and Other Stories
An illustrated children’s book from The Tim Henman Foundation, inspiring children and young people to reach their potential.
The Power of Sport and Other Stories is an illustrated children’s book, featuring a foreword by Tim Henman and four powerful stories inspired by real experiences. Each story explores how support and opportunity can help young people begin to reach their potential.
Created as both an educational resource for children aged 7-11 and a way to raise awareness of The Tim Henman Foundation, the book will be given free of charge to thousands of children through schools and community networks, and made available to supporters, with all funds raised supporting the THF’s sport and education programmes.
Lee, age 10
Lee dreads anything that makes her stand out – especially running, sports, or being watched. School often feels overwhelming, and her confidence is low. When she’s encouraged to try a new tennis group, she expects more embarrassment. Instead, with patient support and small, playful steps, Lee begins to discover she’s more capable than she thought – though believing it isn’t always easy.
Archie, age 12
Archie sees the world differently. He loves order, routines and train timetables, but school often feels confusing and uncomfortable. He struggles to focus, fit in, and understand what’s expected of him. When he’s introduced to a different kind of learning environment, built around his interests, things slowly begin to shift – helping Archie find confidence in ways that work for him.
Amy, age 14
Amy loves running – it’s where she feels strongest. But life at home has become uncertain, and her dreams of competing feel further away than ever. Training alone can only take her so far. When an unexpected opportunity appears, Amy must decide whether to trust it – and herself – as she begins to rebuild her confidence and take steps back towards something she thought she’d lost.
Otis, age 16
Otis has always been quick on his feet, but after leaving school, he feels stuck with no clear direction. Work doesn’t last, choices spiral, and frustration builds. When he finds a local boxing gym, it offers more than just a place to train. With guidance, structure and support, Otis begins to see a different path – taking it means facing his past.
Part of the National Literacy Trust’s Go All In campaign
The Power of Sport and Other Stories is proud to be part of the National Literacy Trust’s Go All In campaign – a national effort to help more children discover a love of reading. Right now, too many children are missing out on the joy of reading:
- Only 1 in 3 children (32.7%) aged 8–18 say they enjoy reading in their free time
- Just 1 in 5 (18.7%) read something daily for pleasure
These are the lowest levels recorded in over 20 years.
But there is real hope. Research shows that when reading connects to children’s interests – like sport, stories and real-life experiences – they are far more likely to engage and build confidence.
By combining storytelling, sport and real-life inspiration, The Power of Sport and Other Stories aims to help children see reading as something for them – something enjoyable, relatable and empowering.
Educational resources
The Power of Sport and Other Stories is designed to do more than entertain. Alongside the book and audiobook, we will provide a range of free resources for schools and families to help explore the themes within each story, including confidence, perseverance, teamwork, belonging and reaching your potential.
Through activities, discussion prompts and reflective exercises, children will be encouraged to think about their own experiences, develop important life skills and continue the conversations sparked by the stories long after the final page. Resources will include materials suitable for mainstream settings, alongside adapted versions designed to support children and young people with additional needs, helping ensure the stories can be enjoyed and explored by as many learners as possible.