Indie publisher Rebellion is launching a limited edition football shirt as part of its campaign for the new Roy of the Rovers book about fictional football team Melchester Rovers. 

Rebellion has teamed up with the National Literacy Trust (NLT), which will feature as "shirt sponsor", in keeping with real football clubs. Fans will be able to pre-order the shirts from manufacturer Hope & Glory’s website, in a range of sizes for children and adults.

The launch comes ahead of Sudden Death, the latest book in the Roy of the Rovers series, written by Tom Palmer and illustrated by Elkys Nova. The book will be published in September, followed a month later by New Digs, the next comic in the series, written by Rob Williams.

Tom Palmer is an absolute fave of the LoveReading4Kids team, a best-selling children's author from Leeds, England. He has written dozens of books for children, including the Football Academy series, and continues to inspire young readers up and down the UK. He supports Leeds United.

Jim Sells, sport and literacy programme manager at the NLT, said: "We're fierce supporters of the adventures of Roy Race and his sister Rocky and we're really proud to have the National Literacy Trust logo featured on these special Melchester Rovers shirts! Tom Palmer, Rob Williams and the exciting Roy and Rocky of the Rovers stories have all helped us to engage young readers, especially those who may be a bit reluctant to reading but love football!"

For football fans the country over, this simple red shirt with a yellow stripe introduced in the 80s is iconic, a portal to another time. A time of racing down to the local newsagents every week to find out what Roy Race and his Melchester teammates were up to. A time of heroic players, fierce rivalries, and last minute rockets into the top-corner of the net.

When people think Melchester Rovers, they think this kit, which is why Rebellion is so proud to reveal it as the Home Shirt for the third season of rebooted books and graphic novels.

Pre-order your kit today - exclusive launch price at £30 (Adults) and £25 (Juniors) + P&P! The shirts will be available to pre-order until 31st August 2021 here.