Helena Pielichaty (pronounced Pierre-li-hatty) is the bestselling author of numerous children's books, including the highly successful Simone's Letters, which was nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Her series, The After School Club, has eight titles and the bind-up, Clubbing Together, sold more than 25,000 copies in its first six months. A local girls' under elevens team helps with the inspiration and tactical know-how for Girls FC, but Helena has been an avid fan of women's football for many years. She lives in Newark, Nottinghamshire with her husband and has two grown-up children.