Writes Ruby Millard, Assistant Librarian
‘Você é do tamanho dos seus sonhos’ – You are as big as your dreams.
Last week the Taylors’ Library welcomed Seth Burkett, author and former professional footballer, to school to speak to the Third and Upper Third Form to celebrate Reading Week and World Book Day. Seth shared his remarkable journey from early rejection in football to eventually playing professionally in Brazil, an experience that inspired his debut book The Boy in Brazil.
He spoke about balancing his passions for sport and writing, showing pupils that you don’t have to choose just one path. Taking opportunities as they came, Seth has been able to work with a wide variety of people, experiencing new things along the way. It was especially fascinating to hear about his work as a ghost writer, creating a book for someone from a completely different walk of life whilst keeping it authentic.
His message of resilience, determination, and creativity left pupils feeling inspired and motivated.
Hugo G. (3rds) writes:
This week, our school welcomed a special guest, Seth Burkett, an author, speaker, and ghostwriter (I’ll admit, I didn’t even know what a ghostwriter was before his talk!).
From a young age, Seth loved both football and writing, and instead of choosing between them, he worked hard to follow both dreams.
I really enjoyed hearing how he went from playing football in England, where he faced rejection, to becoming one of the very few British players to play in Brazil after a scout spotted his talent. It was fascinating to hear about his football career there and how he succeeded despite competing with so many talented and determined local players. I tried to imagine how hard and exciting it must have been to play in a completely new country, especially one so famous for its love of football.
Seth experienced a lot in Brazil. He had to share three rooms with his entire team of twenty eight people, which was nothing like what he had expected. He was also surprised by the gap between rich and poor players – some came from wealthy families, while others grew up in favelas (impoverished neighbourhoods).
What really stuck with me was how Seth turned his football experiences into exciting books. Instead of keeping his memories to himself, he used them to tell stories that other people can enjoy. He showed us that even tough times can become great stories. After hearing him speak, I started reading his Tekkers book differently. Now I keep spotting bits that might be based on his real life, and that makes it more interesting to read.
I really like that Seth’s journey shows that a “no” in one situation (like his rejection in England) can lead to a bigger “yes” somewhere else. Things often happen for a reason. One closed door doesn’t mean it’s over. Like Seth, we should keep pushing forward until we find where we truly shine.
Aaryan V. (3rds) writes:
Tuesday’s visit from Seth Burkett was really interesting and inspiring. Seth is a former professional footballer who is now a published author. As someone who dreams of becoming a footballer, I was excited to hear about his career, but I also found his writing journey really motivating.
Seth told us about playing football in countries like Brazil and Sri Lanka and explained that becoming a professional footballer takes a lot of hard work and determination. I have always dreamed of visiting Brazil one day, so it was especially interesting to hear about his experiences playing football there.
One of the most interesting parts was hearing how he started writing. His first book was based on his experiences playing football in Brazil, but at first, it was rejected by publishers. Instead of giving up, Seth kept practising his writing for five years until he finally got a book deal.
He explained that writing is just like football, and that you have to keep practising to get better. It was really interesting to learn how he turned his football experiences into books.
I also enjoy writing and attend Mr Wilson’s Creative Writing Club. I would encourage others to join the club too. You don’t have to be an amazing writer. It’s about having ideas and improving. Just look where writing practice took Seth!
His visit inspired me to keep working on both my football and my writing. Thank you to the school for arranging this visit.
