Former England Women's captain Stoney to pen kids fiction

Studio Press has bought three fiction titles from Casey Stoney MBE, based on the former England Women’s captain’s life “on and off the pitch”.

Aimed at eight to 12 year-olds, the first as-yet untitled book in the series will be published in paperback by Studio Press, an imprint of Kings Road Publishing, on 16th May 2019, retailing at £5.99, to tie in with the FIFA Women’s World Cup which runs from 7th June to 7th July next year.

The fiction series will be loosely based on Stoney’s “inspirational life on and off the pitch”.

Natalie Jerome, acquisitions director and publisher at Bonnier Publishing, acquired world rights for three fiction books from Tom Caplan at 10Ten Talent.

Former defender Stoney earned 130 caps for the England Women’s national team and won 12 major trophies during her club career. She became England Captain in 2012, the same year she skippered Team GB at the London Olympics. Following her retirement in February 2018 she moved into coaching and has been named in the Independent’s Rainbow List of most influential LGBTQ+ people in the UK.

Jerome said of Stoney: “She’s a huge sporting star and she has played a big role in making women’s football more popular than ever in the UK. I think kids are going to love these books and I hope they will be inspired by this incredible author.”

Stoney said: "Football has given me a long career and I am looking forward to drawing on that for inspiration when it comes to writing. Having three children of my own makes this project particularly special. I know that kids have incredible imaginations, so I want to make sure that the books are fun and hugely enjoyable.”