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The Beginning: Number 9, Book 1
Jack has never played for a real soccer team—until now. When a surprise trial lands him at England’s top football academy, Jack leaves his small Texas town for the cutthroat world of elite youth soccer in London. But it’s nothing like he imagined. Every mistake is punished. Every pass is judged. Rival players want him gone. Out of his depth and way behind the others, Jack starts to wonder if he belongs.
Then he discovers The Bandits—an underground crew of street soccer legends. No whistles. No coaches. No limits. Just pure, electric football that rewrites every rule he’s ever known.
As Jack sneaks between two worlds—the rigid academy and the wild freedom of street ball—he learns that becoming a star isn’t about being perfect... it’s about playing with heart. Can an outsider rise to the top before he’s kicked out for good?
Perfect for fans of soccer books for kids and inspiring soccer stories for kids 8-12, as well as middle-grade sports fiction about teamwork and resilience.
Then he discovers The Bandits—an underground crew of street soccer legends. No whistles. No coaches. No limits. Just pure, electric football that rewrites every rule he’s ever known.
As Jack sneaks between two worlds—the rigid academy and the wild freedom of street ball—he learns that becoming a star isn’t about being perfect... it’s about playing with heart. Can an outsider rise to the top before he’s kicked out for good?
Perfect for fans of soccer books for kids and inspiring soccer stories for kids 8-12, as well as middle-grade sports fiction about teamwork and resilience.
Audible Audio
Published August 19, 2025
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