Football star kick starts young readers with his engaging book series

SOCERROO legend Tim Cahill is heading for Penrith.

SOCERROO legend Tim Cahill is heading for Penrith.

The football star will meet fans and sign copies of books from his Tiny Timmy series on Thursday.

He will greet fans outside Big W between 5pm and 7pm.

His books aim to inspire readers aged seven to 12-years.

Cahill, who has scored at three World Cups, said the books are based on his own childhood experiences.

Tim Cahill celebrates scoring his first goal in the first half during the 2015 Asian Cup match between the Australian Socceroos and Kuwait on January 9, 2015. Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

“For me as a young footballer, I was told I was too small, not fast enough, not strong enough. I felt that was something that so many kids could connect with so put a bit of a twist on my story,” he said.

“With my own kids I can now see how difficult it can be to make them enthusiastic towards reading if they’re not that interested in the material. I wanted to come up with something that would make reading appealing for the kids who don’t already love to read.

“When I was younger, I would always go for the book that looked the most fun or had the best illustrations, so I’ve made Tiny Timmy as quirky and entertaining.”

Big W store manager Iain Morrison said: “It is wonderful to have a much-loved Australian icon like Tim Cahill here at Penrith supporting younger readers.

“I encourage the community to bring the whole family down to the store to meet Tim and have their Tiny Timmy books signed.”

Tim Cahill unveils his wax figure at Madame Tussauds in Darling Harbour .Picture Gregg Porteous