Unbelievable Football: The Most Incredible True Football Stories
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
Unbelievable Football: The Most Incredible True Football Stories by Matt Oldfield is a collection of true stories about football, from the most unlikely champions to the most remarkable comebacks. The book takes readers on a journey through the history of football, highlighting the most astonishing and inspiring stories of the sport. With a focus on the human side of football, the book shows how the sport can bring people together and create unforgettable memories. The stories in the book are verified and accurate, and are sure to delight football fans of all ages. Celebrate the Euros with the perfect gift for young England football fans! Think you know everything about the Three Lions and the Lionesses? Have you heard of the naughty pitch-invading dog that stole the show at the 1962 World Cup, the English amateurs who achieved Olympic gold, the spy who snuck into training, the incredible comeback of the England women's team, the infamous World Cup handball that sealed England's fate, or the Lost Lionesses who made it big in Mexico? From penalty pain to unbelievable comebacks, discover some of the best true tales of England's beloved national teams. Compiled by bestselling author Matt Oldfield, this is the third book in the award-winning Unbelievable Football series and the perfect World Cup gift for football fans everywhere.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-11
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is the most surprising football story you read about in the book, and why did it stand out to you?
How do the challenges faced by the players inspire you in your daily life?
What qualities do you think make a great football player based on the stories you've read?
If you could meet any of the players mentioned in the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do you think teamwork and sportsmanship are portrayed in these true stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express which stories they found most engaging and explore deeper the reasons behind their choices.
Discuss the real-life lessons that can be learned from the players’ experiences and challenges, connecting them to everyday situations your child might face.
Ask your child to imagine themselves in the shoes of one of the players and describe how they would handle similar situations.
Draw parallels between the perseverance shown by the athletes and any current goals your child is working towards, whether in sports or other areas.
Celebrate the diversity and global aspect of football by exploring the different countries and cultures represented in the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Dedication
Explanation: The book narrates real stories of football players who achieved great success through commitment and relentless effort. These accounts exemplify the value of sticking to one's goals despite challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt this lesson by consistently working hard in their academics, sports, or any area of interest, understanding that success often follows persistent effort and dedication.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Through various anecdotes, the book highlights how teamwork in football leads to winning matches and achieving collective goals. It underlines the importance of cooperation and supporting each other.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to work cooperatively in group projects at school or during team sports, appreciating how every member’s contribution is crucial for overall success.
Example Lesson: Handling Failure Positively
Explanation: The book discusses instances where even top footballers faced setbacks and failures, but they used these as learning opportunities to improve and come back stronger.
Real-World Application: Children learn to view their own failures as stepping stones to success, developing resilience by understanding that setbacks are part of learning and growth, not the end of their efforts.
Example Lesson: Respect and Sportsmanship
Explanation: ‘Unbelievable Football’ also touches on the sportsmanship displayed by football players who respect their opponents, referees, and the rules of the game, teaching fair play.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children in practicing respect and fair play, not just in sports, but in all interactions with peers and adults, fostering a positive social environment.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness and Diversity
Explanation: The stories from around the globe reflect football's diverse culture and the unity it brings irrespective of background, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace cultural diversity, understanding and valuing different perspectives and backgrounds in their community and beyond.