Following the release of his debut book about Wales’ only prison football team, author Jamie Grundy is holding a reading at 10 Feet Tall
Local author, Jamie Grundy, is celebrating the release of his new book with a reading at a Cardiff venue this month.
90 Minutes of Freedom is Jamie’s first book and is self-published. A reading from Jamie plus a discussion of the book, hosted by Russel Todd of the Welsh football podcast, Podcast Pel-Droed, will be held at 10 Feet Tall on 23 October.
The book uncovers the story of Prescoed FC and the lives of its current members: all serving prisoners of HMP Prescoed in Monmouthshire.
Jamie has worked in prisons as a trainer and educator previously and is a firm believer in the importance of purposeful activity for offenders.
90 Minutes of Freedom began as a research project inspired by a small grant from Sporting Heritage to capture prison football.
After spending several months inside the prison with offenders, learning about their unique experiences, he realised he needed to develop it into a bigger, physical book allowing him to faithfully capture their voices.
He said: “I wanted to give each participant a copy of the book. Prisoners do not have access to ereaders (kindles, etc.) or the internet so I knew I’d have to develop a physical book – even if only for them.”
Football is more than just a game for these men, said Jamie, because on the pitch they feel free.
His research showcases the positive impact of programmes such as this within the Criminal Justice System (CJS).
The Alliance of Sport, an organisation that supports the use of sport in the CJS to reduce reoffending, said on Twitter (@AllianceofSport): “We need more sport for development and activity for good programmes in the CJS!
“Social connectivity and supportive culture can only help!”
The book launch takes place at 7pm on 23 October. Tickets are free via Eventbrite.
