Peter Capaldi hosted the recent awards ceremony for Voices 2017, and said: “every young person who entered the competition expressed in words their thoughts, memories and emotions, and their moving entries gave powerful insights into their lives and experiences of the care system.”
In the clip, Peter reads ‘My First Match’, a dynamic poem by J, 9 which describes the experience of playing his first football match, and the invaluable support he receives from his foster carer. It was awarded first place in the competition’s Primary School category, and authors Jenny Molloy and Keren David who judged the category said they liked how the young writer “conveyed feelings of empowerment and optimism and the clever way in which he drew parallels between different ways of being a supporter.”
Listen to Peter’s reading here:
Winning the competition has had a big impact on J, and his foster carer said: “His team mates and coaches think his poem is brilliant and it’s been read out at his school assembly. His self-esteem has shot through the roof, which is the best thing. Everyone is making a fuss of him and congratulating him. If someone doesn’t know about it, they soon will!”
Useful links:
Read more of the Voices 2017 winning and shortlisted entries