Rocky Of The Rovers: Get Ready For France 2019 With England’s Lionesses
by Richard Bruton
From 7 June to 7 July, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 takes place in France. It’s the biggest footballing tournament of the year. It’s the pinnacle of the Women’s’ game across the world… And comics is going to be a big part of it, thanks to Rebellion, The UK National Literacy Trust, and England’s Lionesses all coming together with Rocky of the Rovers…
Rocky of the Rovers is the younger sister of the famous Roy of the Rovers, and this year, Rocky and Roy will be following England’s Lionesses all the way to France and all the way to lifting the World Cup. Oh yes. You Americans might have a half-decent team but mark my words.
And part of the adventure will be a live story unfolding as the tournament unfolds, with Roy of the Rovers prose novel author Tom Palmer creating a new story, to be published chapter-by-chapter as the Lionesses progress through the tournament. Rocky of the Rovers: France 2019 will feature characters from the new Roy of the Rovers series, following the adventures of Rocky Race, her brother Roy and her football coach Ffion as they travel around France to cheer on the Lionesses.
The first chapter, featuring illustrations from the Roy of the Rovers series, is now ready to download for free for schools. Subsequent chapters will be published before 8.00am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout the tournament. Chapter 2 will be available to download for free on Monday 10 June.
Rocky of the Rovers: France 2019 is the first time we’ve seen a Roy of the Rovers story with a female lead and the collaboration with the FA and England’s Lionesses is a huge deal. That Rebellion and the FA are also involving schools and other organisations is a huge thing as well, involving as many young people in both the excitement of the Women’s game and the exciting world of comics.
And, of course, before France 2019, there’s the very first chance to see Rocky of the Rovers in action with her very first comic strip in the Tammy & Jinty Special, out from Rebellion on 29 June, with a new strip written by Rob Williams and drawn by Lisa Henke.
Excitement is building as the Lionesses head out to France for the Women’s World Cup. The tournament provides the perfect opportunity to inspire girls and boys throughout the country to get involved in football. By working with the National Literacy Trust and Rebellion, we can also use the excitement and profile of the tournament to engage students in reading and literacy too.
Donna McIvor, Women’s Development Manager at The FA
I went to watch the Lionesses play in the Euros two years ago and loved it. This time I’m sending three of my characters from Roy of the Rovers to enjoy it, setting Rocky, Ffion and Roy a few challenges along the way. The idea is to write the story day-by-day as the events unfold, making the action as up-to-date and relevant to children in the classroom, so they enjoy reading for pleasure. And to encourage them to follow England Women all the way to the final!
Tom Palmer, author, Roy of the Rovers
We’re delighted to be sending Roy, Rocky and Ffion to the Women’s World Cup. This is the first time Rocky – or indeed any female character – has taken the lead on a Roy of the Rovers story, and it’s fitting that this should come about in the 65th anniversary of Roy’s first appearance in comics. Rocky and Ffion are as integral to the Roy of the Rovers world as Roy himself, and we’re proud to support women’s football and the Lionesses as they make their bid for World Cup glory!
Rob Power, Deputy Publishing Manager at Rebellion
