Finding Your Voice: Lessons from Gareth Southgate for YA Writers (and Readers)

Gareth Southgate's recent Richard Dimbleby lecture resonated deeply with me, not so much as a football fan but as a writer, especially one who writes for young adults. His thoughtful reflections on leadership, identity, and the power of positive values struck a chord. I believe they hold valuable lessons for us in crafting stories for the YA market.

Southgate spoke eloquently about creating inclusive environments, fostering resilience, and encouraging young people to find their voices. I'm passionate about exploring these themes in my work. As writers for young adults, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to offer narratives that empower, inspire, and reflect the complexities of growing up in today's world.

His emphasis on the significance of role models and their impact on young lives is particularly relevant. In my novel, Fulmar, I wanted to create a character, Jacob, who faces challenges but ultimately discovers his own strength through resilience, courage, and the support of his friends and the wider community. Fulmar tells the story of 15-year-old Jacob Penhallow, a Cornish boy on the brink, who finds a new direction when a stranger gives him a surfboard. It’s about how a young person can grow and heal from trauma and the crucial role of positive role models in that recovery. It's a gritty, funny, uplifting tale woven with my love of the sea, surfing, and surf lifesaving.

Like Southgate's vision for his team, I wanted Fulmar to convey a positive message, particularly for young boys. The story celebrates resilience, courage, friendship, and respect for self and others. These are values that Southgate championed in his lecture, and I believe they’re essential for young people navigating the challenges of adolescence.

Southgate's words reminded me of the power of storytelling to shape young minds. When we write for the YA market, we’re not just entertaining; we're contributing to a larger conversation about what it means to be a good person, a responsible citizen, and a compassionate human being. We have the opportunity to show young people that it's okay to be vulnerable, that it's OK to make mistakes, and that it's OK to ask for help.

As Southgate aimed to create a supportive and inclusive environment for his team, I hope my books make a space where young readers feel seen, understood, and empowered. I hope they find in Jacob’s story a reflection of their struggles and triumphs and a reminder that they are not alone.

What are your thoughts on the role of positive values in YA literature? How do you see Gareth Southgate's message resonating with young people today? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.