Starting Eleven

by Bali Rai

The local youth club are putting an under-11s squad together and Dal, Chris, Abs and Jason are determined to be picked. They know they're the best players in their school - but what if that isn't good enough and they don't make the team?

107 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Bali Rai was born in 1971 and grew up in Leicester. As a child, Bali wanted to be a footballer or to write stories. Always an avid reader, he hails Sue Townsend, Douglas Adams and Robert Swindells as his writing heroes. Bali grew up reading Dr Seuss and Meg and Mog and his first book purchase was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He realised he wasn't good enough to play for Liverpool F.C. and after gaining a politics degree in London he returned to his home city and combined a variety of jobs in pubs and clubs with completing his first novel. Bali set about writing a story he had been thinking about for many years. He wanted to write accessible material for children of all ages and backgrounds and realising there were no British Asian authors writing for children, he saw a gap. Bali hopes his novels capture the unique ethnic mix of the UK, of which he is proud to be a part.

Bali writes stories inspired by his working class Punjabi/Sikh background, but his aim was always that his writing should be enjoyed by readers everywhere, irrespective of class or culture. His has the ability to tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the UK and blend this with humour and often a overriding optimism. Bali visits schools and libraries in every major UK city, averaging 70 school and library events a year.

His first book, (un)arranged marriage, created a huge amount of interest and won many awards, including the Angus Book Award and the Leicester Book of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the prestigious Branford Boase first novel award. Rani and Sukh and The Whisper were both shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize.

All of Bali’s teen titles have been short-listed for awards across the UK, including twice making the Booktrust Teenage Prize shortlist. His third novel Rani and Sukh has represented the UK at the International IBBY awards and this title has its own Facebook tribute group set up by fans. Bali’s first three novels appear in The Ultimate Teenage Book Guide. Bali also writes shorter novels for Barrington Stoke, his first book, Dream On, was selected for the Booktrust’s inaugural Booked Up list. He also writes the hugely popular Soccer Squad series for younger readers.

Reviews

[Jill Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dal and his best mate Chris and friends Abs, and Jason are trying out for the local soccer squad the Rushton Reds. It's tough to get on the list, but they all want to be on the team.

This is a great read about soccer and how the trials work. The under tens all vary in size, one boy is huge and takes it in his head to get Dal.

When the coach splits up the group to train, he makes them work hard. Then he names a team to practice a game, Dal is left on the bench. The big guy teases Dal about it.

When they play the game, Dal gets a chance in the second half. He's being careful to make good passes and not to be annoyed by the jibes. He gets a chance for another trial on Thursday.

That trial is even harder. His mum and dad support him by coming to watch and cheering him and his mates.

When he gets into the team he's happy. The first real game against their rivals is tough and Dal gets his nose in the dirt a couple of times. The big guy is sent off.

I think this book gets right into the action and kids will love it. Some girls' in the Ruston Reds girls squad join the boys. The Rushton Reds are ready to take on the year of soccer competition.