The SPFL Trust, Livingston FC and West Lothian Community Foundation have joined forces to bring the 4-4-2 Reading Challenge to children and families across West Lothian.
The national literacy initiative uses the appeal of Scottish football to encourage children aged 5–12 to read four books, visit their local library and discover the enjoyment that reading can offer.
Free Tickets for Completing the Challenge
Children who complete the challenge will receive a free ticket to a selected Livingston FC home match. Due to the generosity of Livingston FC, an accompanying adult will be able to also claim a free ticket, subject to the programme's terms and availability.
The 4-4-2 Reading Challenge is led by the SPFL Trust in partnership with the Scottish Library and Information Council, Scottish Book Trust, participating SPFL clubs and local library services, with funding provided by the SPFL.
Local Support and Community Impact
West Lothian Community Foundation will support the programme locally alongside Livingston FC, helping to promote the opportunity to schools, community groups, children and families throughout West Lothian.
Leaghann Watson, CEO of West Lothian Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to work with the SPFL Trust and Livingston FC to bring the 4-4-2 Reading Challenge to children and families across West Lothian.
“Football gives us an incredible platform through which we can connect with young people. By linking reading with the excitement of attending a Livingston FC match, we can help children see books and libraries as something enjoyable, welcoming and rewarding.
“This is particularly valuable for children who may not already be confident readers or who need a little extra encouragement to pick up a book. Every child can choose books that interest them and complete the challenge at their own pace.
“We hope families across West Lothian will visit their local library, take part together and enjoy the opportunity to cheer on Livingston FC.”
Dave Black for Livingston FC added: “Livingston FC is proud to support the 4-4-2 Reading Challenge alongside the SPFL Trust and West Lothian Community Foundation.
“Our football club is at the heart of the West Lothian community, and we want to use that reach to create positive opportunities for local children. If the incentive of attending a match encourages a child to read four books or visit their library for the first time, that is a result worth celebrating.”
How to Take Part
The initiative is intended to support literacy, educational attainment and positive family engagement while introducing more children to their local library and football club. It can also help engage children who are less naturally drawn to reading but have a strong interest in football. Young readers can choose books about any subject; they do not need to select football books.
West Lothian Community Foundation is Livingston FC's associated community charity. Working in partnership with the Club, the Foundation uses football, education and community activity to create opportunities and improve outcomes for people across West Lothian.
Families should visit a participating West Lothian library and ask for a 4-4-2 Reading Challenge card. After reading four books and collecting four stamps, the completed card can be presented to Livingston FC to claim the ticket reward for an eligible home fixture, subject to availability and the applicable terms and conditions.
