Last year, the Leeds United Foundation, in collaboration with the 49ers Foundation, supported two local primary schools with book vending machines as part of a wider initiative to inspire a lifelong love of reading among children.

Beeston Primary School was one of the beneficiaries, gaining a unique and engaging way for pupils to access books and turning reading into an experience to be celebrated and shared.

For World Book Day 2026, and coinciding with the National Year of Reading, the school used the vending machines as an incentive for children to dress up in costume, with tokens being rewarded for the most creative, best ‘Veggietale’ (decorated vegetables with a book theme), and for pupils who had read the most at home.

The National Year of Reading is a major government campaign to rekindle the UK’s love of reading. Led by the National Literacy Trust and The Reading Agency, and sponsored by the Department for Education, it aims to make reading a joyful, meaningful part of everyday life for everyone - young and old - and to reverse the decline in reading for pleasure.

One student said, “I like it a lot because I support Leeds United, and they've encouraged me to read books.” Another commented, “It's really fun because everyone works really hard to reach the target, and then someone ends up getting a prize and they feel really happy about it.” A third pupil added, “It's really amazing and helpful because it inspires people to read more and want to get books.”

Reflecting on the impact of the machines, Lorna Charlton, Reading and Phonics Leader, said: “I think it just builds up such excitement in the children. When they see the vending machine, they're excited, especially since we don’t have anything else in school that looks as exciting as that. It's the lights and all the different books. You can see the excitement on their faces in class; they really look forward to going to use it. Teachers talk about and celebrate the vending machine in class, and the children are so proud of their achievements.”

Samantha Sleet, also a Reading and Phonics Leader, added: “This is our first World Book Day with the vending machine in school. In the past, we've really struggled to give out prizes for the children's efforts, whereas now the vending machine will probably be used 60 times today. The more it is used, the more value it has, because the children see they have a real chance to win.”

Beth Tidy, Senior Deputy Headteacher at Beeston Primary, said: “We have seen a significant increase in the number of children focused on the individual targets we set each week. We are really raising the profile of reading, particularly today on World Book Day, and moving forward as we celebrate the National Year of Reading.”

She explained that the school’s targets focus primarily on encouraging reading at home, involving parents and carers, and motivating children to share that special time with a book. Reading engagement is logged on the school system, allowing staff to monitor progress and home involvement.

Speaking about the school’s relationship with the Leeds United Foundation, she added: “We always know that they are going to offer huge support to us in many ways. Our close relationship and proximity to the Foundation impacts a wide range of our curriculum activities, not just reading, but also through our sports coaches getting the children active, trips, and engagement visits. It is very powerful, and we’re very grateful for our special relationship.”