Timmy wins 2026 Young Academy Writer of the Year for 'authentic' team talk story

Luton Town Academy player Timmy Miczalowski has been crowned as the Premier League's Young Academy Writer of the Year 2026 for his inspirational story on teamwork, friendship and resilience.

Timmy's story, which was based on this year's theme of 'The Team Talk’, impressed the judges with his tale of a pre-match discussion between players as they make pledges and commitments to eachother before a cup final.

"I wanted to show the world my writing skills and represent Luton Town Football Club - and I also wanted to see the Premier League Trophy," he said. "It made me feel proud of myself because hard work always pays off."

Timmy's reward was a presentation at his Studham Village CE Academy school, which featured a special appearance by the Premier League Trophy.

In attendance at the assembly were children's author Dan Freedman and television presenter Naomi Wilkinson, both judges for this year's competition, as well as his proud parents and classmates.

"It's been a special day acknowledging one of the best stories I have ever read from someone at school," Dan said. "It had such an authentic voice, which was clear was from his own experience of football and his own writing style. That's what stood out to us, is that this could only have come from Timmy."

The Premier League Young Academy Writer competition is now in its sixth year and highlights the Premier League's commitment to the education of players across the academy system.

Open to young people in the U9, U10 and U11 age groups, the competition aims to nurture and promote literacy skills as well as helping to demonstrate the importance of the holistic development of academy players.

"When all the judges read the story, they thought it was amazing," said Julia Caunt, Head of Apprenticeships and Academic Progression at the Premier League.

"The way he approached the story and each person in the team had their own objective and what they would contribute to the team. It was a really inclusive story and we all thought it was wonderful."

The joy of the competition is that its positive influence is not restricted to those taking part. Timmy's teachers believe that his achievement will have an impact across the school.

"It's opened the eyes of some of the children to actually pushing themselves a little bit hard and a little bit further, so they can achieve like Timmy has done," says Katie Flowers, Studham Village CE Academy deputy headteacher.

My name is Timmy and this story is not about the match. It's about TEAM TALK.

In the World Cup final, our coach told us something strange before the game. He said: "You only have 60 seconds for your team talk today."

We all looked confused because normally we talk for ages. But he said, "say only the things that matter."

So we stood in a circle. Nobody spoke at first.

Then I said: "I promise I will fight until the final whistle."

Then Owen said: "I promise I will score goals."

Ralph said: "I promise I won't stop defending."

Tolu said: "I promise I will do magical passes."

Skippsey said: "I promise I got your backs."

Zyian said: "I promise to take shots."

Yoan said: "I promise to skill them out."

Eiden said: "I promise nothing gets past me easily."

Parker said: "I promise I will be strong."

TJ said: "I promise I will be brave in front of goal."

"All in, game on!" Luca shouted.

The World Final final was tougher than anything we faced before. We were losing 1-0 but we remembered our TEAM TALK.

Every promise we made, to pass, to help and to never give up, ran through our minds.

Ralph blocked a shot that could have ended the game.

I shouted: "We have got this!"

Tolu dashed, passed two defenders and passed the ball to me. I kicked with everything I had and scored. 1-1.

Then Owen ran like lightening and crossed to TJ and the ball hit the net with the last kick. We won the World Cup!

Everybody cheered and ran onto the pitch.

The trophy looked glorious but what we remembered were not the goals. It was the circle before the game and the promises we made to each other.

Every pass was a promise. Every tackle was a promise. Every shot was a promise.