We are delighted to share that one of our 2023 books has been shortlisted for the prestigious Football Book of the Year as part of the 2024 Sports Book Awards sponsored by Charles Tyrwhitt in association with The Sunday Times.
Congratulations to Sally Freedman whose memoir "Get Your T*ts Out for the Lads" takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the masculine and enigmatic world of football, offering a unique perspective from an intelligent and ambitious woman.
The book offers readers an intimate look into the triumphs and challenges encountered by Sally whilst working in football in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, in both clubs and governing bodies.
Sally's book was one of many we released prior to, or around the time of, the World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand last year.
The book’s central theme became even more relevant with the events at the presentation ceremony of the World Cup Final when Luis Rubiales, then the President of the Spanish Football Federation inappropriately kissed Jenni Hermoso from the Spanish team – an act now subject to legal proceedings in Spain.
As for Sally?
Sally says she is, of course, "honoured" to be nominated for the Football Book of the Year.
Sally's book came about because she kept a diary to help her deal with some of the challenges and setbacks she experienced while working in football - her 'dream' environment.
We suggested to her that she turn it into a book as it contained some important, contemporary messages about women in the football workplace, as well as women in workplaces more broadly in society.
What's next?
The winner of the Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards in association with The Sunday Times and the Football Writers’ Association, will be announced at a black tie ceremony on June 6th at The Oval in London.
We wish Sally all the best on behalf of all our authors and readers.
And for Fair Play Publishing?
As a small, independent publishing house, we are thrilled that one of our authors and one of our books has been recognised in this way. It's not easy being small, independent, or specialising in football in Australia, and we see this as testament to our vision, determination, hard work and entrepreneurship.
Fair Play Publishing has now published more than 60 books since our establishment; we have founded the Football Writers' Festival and the Manly Writers' Festival; we are one of the most prolific publishers of sport non-fiction in the country; and the biggest publisher of quality football non-fiction and fiction.
Our really good books are sharing stories that deserve to be shared.