Becomes a
Soccer Star
This book was created
especially for
Michael Jeremy Smith
at the age of 8
With love from
Mom and Dad
June 12, 2001
Page 4
Mike Smith lay asleep in his bed, dreaming about tomorrow's game. The next afternoon would be one of the most important games he had ever played. A scout from America's national team would be in Atlanta watching the game and perhaps select players to represent America in the "8 and under" world championships.
Page 7
In his office, the scout was busy assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each player. In fact, the team he had already picked was so strong that he didn't think anyone from tomorrow's game would have a chance to make the team.
Page 8
The next day Mike was awesome. He dribbled the ball as if it were attached to his feet. His passes were right on the mark and he scored a beautiful goal to help his team tie the best team in the league. Mike had noticed the scout watching him, but the scout was stone-faced, and Mike didn't know what he was thinking.
Page 11
Two days later, the scout telephoned him.
"Mike, would you be interested in playing for America in the "8 and under" world championships?" he asked. "We have a series of practices starting next week and then the games begin."
"Yes!" Mike said excitedly, nearly dropping the telephone. "I'll be there."
Page 12
At practice the next week, Mike
met his coach and was introduced to all the other players. Mike proudly
put on the American uniform. He could hardly wait for the championships to begin.
"Imagine," he thought to himself, "I'm playing for America."
Page 15
After a week of tough practices, the day of the first match finally arrived. In the locker room, the coach was going over the game plan and giving the players their final instructions. Mike sat very still and quiet. He was so nervous.
Page 16
When the American team ran onto the field, the roar of the crowd was deafening. Mike had never been in front of a crowd this large before.
Mike became even more nervous when he remembered that he would be seen on television for the first time. He wondered if Larry, Wayne and Bob would be watching as he was introduced to the crowd.
Page 19
Soon the big game was ready to begin. Mike joined several other players on the bench. Unfortunately, the first half started badly for America as the opposition took the lead early in the game. America was still losing by a goal at half-time.
Page 20
In the American dressing room you could hear a pin drop. Mike and the rest of the players were dejected. The silence was finally broken when the coach came into the room. He suggested that a number of players should be playing better. He then went over the game plan for the second half and tried to "pump-up" his troops.
Page 23
The American team played much better in the second half, but could not get the goal they needed to catch up. The game was very physical and several players were knocked to the ground with hard tackles. America's star goal scorer fell painfully to the ground after a tackle and was unable to continue.
The coach called Mike over. "Get in there and try to score a goal," he instructed him.
Page 24
Mike was not used to competing against such good players. The pace was incredibly quick. As usual, he played hard, and sweat poured down his brow. The sounds of the crowd rang in his ear. Mike knew that his friends, including Larry, Wayne and Bob, were cheering every move that he made and he did not want to disappoint such good friends.
Page 27
The first time Mike got the ball, he managed to side-step a defender and loft the ball into the penalty area. One of his teammates leaped above the other defenders and headed the ball into the corner net. The crowd erupted into cheers. The game was tied.
Page 28
With only three minutes of time remaining to play, it seemed that the game was certain to go into extra time. Both teams were desperate to find a way to score that winning goal. As time slipped away, the ball came to Mike near mid-field. He ran up the field with defenders all around him.
Page 31
Mike faked as if he were going to kick to the right and then using all the skill he had been taught, he drilled the ball toward the upper left corner of the goal. The crowd was silent and time seemed to stand still. Then, suddenly, the ball was in the net. As the crowd realized that Mike had just scored the winning goal of the game, they went wild with excitement. Mike ran with joy, waving his hands high.
Page 32
All of the American players ran to Mike, excitedly jumping and shouting. The crowd was cheering loudly: "Mike!, Mike!, Mike!, Mike!", just as time ran out and the referee blew the final whistle. The American team had won.
Page 35
That night Mike could hardly sleep. All he could think about was "The Big Game" and the sounds of the fans cheering. Next week, they would play again. Although it was a long shot, America, with Mike's help, had a chance to be world champions.
That night Mike had a dream. He imagined winning the world championship and holding the cup high above his head while the crowd cheered wildly. One time he woke up holding his pillow as if it were a trophy. It wasn't quite the trophy he wanted, but Mike knew he wasn't far from making his dream come true.
Page 36
Mike
Hope you enjoy this book from
Mom and Dad