THE ACADEMY

FROM THE PLAYGROUND TO THE PREMIER LEAGUEAn inspiring page-turning series perfect for young readers 7 to 13 years old and for sports fans of all ages.Born and raised in a small town Leo K. Doyle has never seen the ocean or stepped foot on a plane. But Leo is a star soccer player with big dreams in life. Rock-star Olympic gold dragon-slaying dreams.While Leo has a pet lizard named Messi and longs to make the pros one day he has no idea how to achieve his goal until a professional scout pays a chance visit to one of Leo's games and extends an invitation to try out for the London Dragons youth squad known as The Academy.Leo is stunned. The London Dragons is not just any old soccer team. It is a world-famous English Premier League team. Soon Leo is off to a whole new country embarking on the greatest adventure of his life. The downside? Only eleven players can make the team. Eleven out of two hundred of the very best youth players on the planet.Along with the grueling competition Leo must also face a bully intent on ruining his summer a roommate who does not know how to have fun a terrifying camp director and most of all Leo's own lack of formal training and the fear he will never succeed. By the end of the summer Leo will become a much better player and forever changed by his experience. But will he be good enough to make the Academy?WHY KIDS WILL LOVE THE ACADEMY:Perfect for kids ages 7-13 who love soccer competition and underdog stories.A fast-paced motivational middle grade sports book packed with heart humor and big dreams.International adventure meets elite soccer academy great for fans of Mike Lupica and Kwame Alexander.Themes of resilience friendship confidence and teamwork make this a great classroom or bedtime read.Features a relatable hero a pet lizard named Messi and a thrilling path from small town to Premier League.Ideal for readers looking for sports fiction for kids soccer chapter books or books about chasing your dreams.A must-read for fans of the FIFA World Cup Premier League soccer or any kid who wants to go pro one day.