Each book equates to a goal and the more goals scored the higher up the league table the team goes. A review sheet about the book has to be completed before a goal is awarded, with stickers given for the goal and put on display on the league table in the library.

The top four teams every month then get to play a five a side football match to score extra goals. Librarian Ms Wendy McCabe said ‘After the success of last year’s challenge, it is great to see so many of the year 7 boys taking part this year. The challenge targets the boys who love football but don’t see the importance of reading in their lives and encourages them to engage in reading in a fun way. Students need to work together as a team to succeed and I hope that as well as enjoying taking part the students will be inspired to keep reading long after the challenge has finished’

There will be weekly updates on the screens throughout the school to remind the teams how they are doing and create competitiveness. Year 7 student Matty Smith who has already scored his first goal said 'Our team is Everton. I enjoy reading but I think the challenge will encourage me to read even more books so we can be at the top of the table!’

The reading challenge will mirror the premier league and run until the end of May, when there will be a presentation with a trophy for the winning team and top goal scorer along with medals and prizes.