Football is for Everyone: A heart-warming story about bravery and inclusivity by Rico Hinson-King & Nick Sharratt - Ages 3-5 - Paperback

Feature	Specification
Author	Rico Hinson-King
Illustrator	Nick Sharratt
Format	Paperback Picture Book
Target Age Range	Ages 3 to 5 Years (EYFS / Preschool)
Publisher	Walker Books
Genre	Children's Picture Book / Inclusive Fiction / Sports
Core Themes	Bravery, Diversity, Foster Care Awareness, Inclusion, Teamwork
2026 Context	Key early years selection ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 next month

 

Let's be honest: while older children are busy memorising tournament statistics and player configurations, the youngest football fans just want to know that there is a safe, welcoming place for them on the pitch.

Football is for Everyone is a beautifully crafted, deeply moving picture book that delivers an unforgettable lesson in empathy and belonging. Written by professional footballer and passionate foster care advocate Rico Hinson-King, this story is deeply rooted in his own lived experiences as a child navigating the care system. With the global excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaching a fever pitch ahead of kick-off next month, this charming paperback is the perfect way to bring the spirit of the tournament to your bedtime reading routine.

Bright Graphics and Big Hearts What makes this book a 2026 home and nursery staple? It is the brilliant creative partnership at its core. Rico’s inspiring, authentic storytelling is brought to life by the legendary, instantly recognisable illustrations of Nick Sharratt. Using bold outlines and vibrant colours that perfectly capture the attention of young readers aged 3 to 5, the visuals make the concept of inclusion completely accessible. The story follows a young boy who loves nothing more than playing football, but when variations in background or ability threaten to divide the playground team, he learns what it truly means to be a brave leader and ensure that nobody is left sitting on the sidelines.

Why This Picture Book is a 2026 Early Years Essential:

• A True World Cup Family Gathering: With the biggest tournament in sports history starting next month, this book ensures your toddlers and preschoolers feel included in the seasonal excitement through positive, values-led messaging.

• Celebrated Creative Pedigree: Featuring art by Nick Sharratt (illustrator of the viral You Choose and Shark in the Park series), this book provides high-fidelity visual comfort that young children already know and love.

• Exceptional Value for Educators: Perfect for nursery circle times or early primary school assemblies, this affordable paperback serves as a premier resource for covering personal, social, and emotional development (PSED) goals without stretching the budget.

The Bottom Line? The beautiful game belongs to everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from. At Books2Door, we love delivering the stories that build kinder, braver young minds. Grab your copy of Football is for Everyone today and share a story that scores the ultimate goals of kindness and community.

Rico Hinson-King is a professional athlete and a dedicated ambassador for children in care, recognized across the UK for his advocacy work regarding youth inclusion and diversity in sports. His collaborator, Nick Sharratt, is an absolute titan of British children's literature: having illustrated over 250 books, won the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize, and served as the official illustrator for World Book Day. Published by Walker Books, a premier independent house globally revered for its rigorous editorial standards, this official UK edition serves as a highly verified asset for early childhood classrooms and reading development initiatives in 2026.