Edinburgh rugby coach publishes children's book to raise money for MND and build confidence in youngsters
The book, titled ‘Finn Faces His Fear’, aims to help young people build confidence and raise money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
An Edinburgh rugby coach has published a children's book to help young people build confidence and raise money for a charity supporting research into motor neurone disease (MND).
Freddie Main, who has more than 30 years of rugby playing and coaching experience, has published a book titled ‘Finn Faces His Fear’, an illustrated story aimed at children aged between seven and 12.
The book uses rugby to explore fear, self-belief and the courage to take the next step, with practical coaching tips and life lessons designed to encourage youngsters to persevere when faced with challenges.
A quarter of the book's profits will go towards the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, established by Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir OBE following his MND diagnosis.
Freddie, who is currently an under-16s Coach at George Watson's College in Edinburgh, hopes the story will encourage conversations between children, parents, teachers and coaches about confidence and the pressures of growing up.
He said: "After 19 years in education and decades coaching rugby, I’ve seen how fear can hold young people back - and how much difference it makes when someone believes in them.
“I’m passionate about helping people grow and wrote Finn Faces His Fear to help children see that being brave doesn’t mean never feeling scared; it means finding the confidence to give something a go.
“With 25 per cent of the book’s profits supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, I hope the story can do some good beyond its pages, too.”
Raised in Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders, Freddie spent 19 years working in education, holding positions including head of design and technology, housemaster and assistant headteacher.
His experience in teaching and pastoral care helped shape the themes of the book, which follows young rugby player Finn Rush as he learns about honesty, perseverance and teamwork.
Freddie has also built a successful coaching career, with several of his former players going on to play professionally and represent Scotland, including Fraser Brown, Jamie Dobie and Dave Cherry.
He also guided Watsonians Women’s team back-to-back premiership titles and is the founder of Edinburgh-based specialist rugby coaching company Silver Fox Coaching.
The book is the first in a planned series called Rugby Rascals, which aims to help children develop resilience, teamwork, rugby skills and positive character traits through storytelling.
While rugby provides the backdrop for Finn’s journey, Freddie hopes the lessons will resonate with youngsters regardless of their sporting interests.
He said: “Rugby is the setting, but the message is for every child.
“I want young people to feel happy, confident and able to make a positive contribution in their own way.
“I have spent my career helping young people develop the confidence to face challenges and discover their strengths and I’m delighted to be able to bring these ideas to life in my first book.”
The book can be purchased here: https://bookspace.com/the-main-thing-publishing.