Special Collections
Fantastic football!
Description: Football inspired resources - both accessible images and titles - both fiction and non fiction! Aimed at children and young people reading.
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Fitter, Faster, Funnier Football
by Michael CoxFrom bizarre tales of triumph to incredible facts about footballers, this is an informative, interactive and hilarious guide to football - what it's all about and what made it what it is today. Packed with funny illustrations, inspirational ideas and amazing activities, this is a brilliant guide to football past and present.
Football in Sun and Shadow
by Eduardo Galeano'Football is a pleasure that hurts'This unashamedly emotional history of football is a homage to the romance and drama, spectacle and passion of a 'great pagan mass'. Through stories of superstition, heartbreak, tragedy, luck, heroes and villains, those who lived for football and those who died for it, Eduardo Galeano celebrates the glory of a game that - however much the rich and powerful try to control it - still retains its magic.'The Uruguayan whose writing got right to the heart of football ... readers were never in doubt of the warmth of the blood running through his veins' Guardian'Galeano can run rings round our glamorous football intelligentsia' When Saturday Comes'Stands out like Pele on a field of second-stringers' New Yorker
50 People Who Fouled Up Football
by Michael HendersonDespite its immense wealth, and the high public profile it enjoys, English football is not a land of milk and honey. The national side has won the World Cup only once when England staged the tournament in 1966 and the woeful performances in recent years would suggest that Sir Alf Ramsey's success will retain its unique status.50 People Who Fouled Up Football casts a sceptical eye on the game in this country. It looks at the game as it really is, through the gaze of an outsider, who grew up loving the game but who has been turned off by the excesses of players, managers, broadcasters and fans, and increasingly by the rich men who own and run the clubs.The big bang came in 1992, when the Premier League went its own merry way, aided by the millions that Sky television found to ease the passage. Now the game is richer, and can attract the world's leading stars, but it is poorer in spirit. The old football community means little to these Masters of the Universe. The old links between club and community have been ruined, and many players live in a different world, where they feel free to behave as they like.The book names the guilty, who include those on the fringes of the game as well as the ones at the heart of it. Indignant in the right sense, it is a lament for a spoilt game, and a world that has vanished.The 50 People are, in alphabetical order:Roman Abramovich, Sam Allardyce, Mike Ashley, David Baddiel, Tony Banks, Joey Barton, Ken Bates, Victoria Beckham, George Best, Sid and Doris Bonkers, Billy Bragg, Ashley Cole, Garry Cook, Hunter Davies, Didier Drogba, Martin Edwards, Sven-Goran Eriksson, 'The Fans', Paul Gascoigne, 'Geordie Blubber', 'The Golden Generation', Alan Green, Alan Hansen, Derek Hatton, Nigel Kennedy, Richard Keys, Lord Kinnaird, Nick Love, Steve McClaren, Freddie Mercury, Piers Morgan, Jose Mourinho, Graham Poll, Sir Alf Ramsey, Antonio Rattin, Charles Reep, Don Revie, Peter Ridsdale, Robinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Richard Scudamore, Bill Shankly, Bob Shennan, Peter Swales, Gordon Taylor, Sir Harold Thompson, Terry Venables, Ian Wright, Pini Zahavi.
Footballer
by Kelly SmithAll Kelly Smith ever wanted to be was a footballer. Blessed with brilliant talent which she honed with hours of practice, it was soon clear to all who saw her that Kelly was the best women’s footballer that this country had ever produced. Yet for this shy girl from Watford, it would be a long and difficult journey to the pinnacle of the world game, and one which would involve the hardest of challenges.After starting drinking to mask her loneliness thousands of miles from home in the United States, a series of career-threatening injuries led to severe depression and a battle with alcoholism. But with the fighting spirit that was so essential on her path to be Britain’s first women’s professional player, Kelly bounced back to inspire Arsenal to countless trophies and become England’s record goalscorer.Footballer: My Story is the inspirational tale of a woman with a drive to succeed. It is the unique inside story of a star in a sport enjoyed by millions yet often not granted the recognition it deserves. And as she nears the end of a glittering playing career, it is the story of how Kelly Smith became what she always wanted to be. A professional footballer, in a professional league.
Zlatan (PDF)
by Matt Oldfield and Tom Oldfield'With the TV cameras watching, Zlatan roared like a lion. It was his tenth league title in only twelve years but he never got tired of winning.' Zlatan follows the Swedish superstar on his amazing journey from the tough streets of Malmö to becoming the deadly striker at Manchester United. Along the way he has been a star for Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as becoming Sweden's all-time leading scorer. This is the story of one of a generation's finest footballers. Ultimate Football Heroesis a series of biographies telling the life-stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to super-star professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.
Total Football
by Alan GibbonsThe Rough Diamonds are a close knit team. Kev McGovern, their captain, makes sure they work hard and play hard. Kev is stunned when he discovers that Dave has to cope with epilepsy. When he suffers a major attack, the victory the Rough Diamonds are so desperate to win, hangs in the balance.
Playfair Football Annual 2011-2012
by Glenda Rollin and Jack RollinThe factual, concise and first-choice guide for the real fan. Now in its 64th year, PLAYFAIR FOOTBALL ANNUAL includes all the Champions League and Europa League details; a compact directory for English and Scottish clubs; English and Scottish league and cup match results; and stats on how English league clubs have fared over the last 25 years. A pocket-size treat - this is the ideal book to take to matches and settle arguments before, during and after!
Peter Rabbit Animation
by Beatrix PotterEveryone has gone football crazy! It's rabbits versus squirrels. But surely squirrels can't play football, can they...? Peter Rabbit and his friends have hit the screen on CBeebies and everybody wants to join Peter Rabbit's club! So much more than a story - study the map, enjoy the adventure then complete Peter's special skill challenge.
Football
by James NixonFirst Sport is a simple, fun series that gives young readers a first look at popular sports and pastimes. Equipment, basic rules and keeping safe are all looked at, as well as learning more advanced skills and taking part in competitions.First Sport: Football describes how to play the world's most popular team sport, from the most basic moves to tackling, dribbling and taking corners and free kicks.
Demon Dribbler
by Jonny ZuckerLeo's football skills are...well let's just say he's not his team's star player. But when he visits a football museum everything changes in a flash. He can talk to football superstars - and they help to coach him!In Demon Dribbler, Leo is transported to Brazil where he is coached on a beach by Pelé, the world's greatest football player. He picks up some skills, and then actually helps Pelé out in the 1970 World Cup Semi-Final. A fantasy football tale from another dimension!This title is published by Franklin Watts EDGE, which produces a range of books to get children reading with confidence. EDGE - for books children can't put down.
Football Academy
by Tom PalmerJake loves football and dreams of becoming a professional footballer. He's worried about his height though - what if he's too small for football? But on the day of his trial Jake is quick on the ball and scores - he's made it! Jake can't wait to pull on his shirt and join the team. But someone at the club wants to make his life difficult. Can Jake face up to the bullies and become man of the match again?Stay on the ball this season with the first four stories following the boys in United's under-twelves.
Football Academy
by Tom PalmerYunis can't believe that he's United leading scorer. It should be the happiest time of his life, but his father wants him to give up football and work hard at school. Can Yunis convince his dad that he can do both, or will he have to hang up his boots forever?Stay on the ball this season with all the action from Football Academy.
Fitter, Faster, Funnier Football
by Michael CoxFrom bizarre tales of triumph to incredible facts about footballers, this is an informative, interactive and hilarious guide to football - what it's all about and what made it what it is today. Packed with funny illustrations, inspirational ideas and amazing activities, this is a brilliant guide to football past and present.
The Big Football Frenzy
by Rob ChildsTHE BIG WINMidfielder Mark Towers has just struck lucky: his family has won the Lottery! But Chris Weston, captain of Danebridge School football team, wants a different kind of big win - on the football pitch...THE BIG FIXCan Danebridge beat their arch-rivals, Shenby, when the referee seems to be playing against them too?THE BIG FREEZEChris captains the team in an exciting triangular tournament - on an all-weather pitch!
How To Watch Football
by Ruud GullitHow can one striker be better than three? Why do the best defenders never need to make a tackle? What's the secret of Tiki-taka?Welcome to Ruud Gullit's masterclass on how to 'read' a match.From his unrivalled perspective as player, manager and pundit, the Dutch football legend shows us everything to look for in a 90 minute match. From formations and tactical decisions to player qualities and pivotal moments, Ruud Gullit unveils the hidden patterns on the pitch.Packed with his acute insights, original observations and talking points, How to Watch Football will quite simply change the way you see the beautiful game.
Fantastic Football Facts
by Nick CallowInprove your knowledge!Amaze your friends! Settly any pub argument!Fantastic Football Facts is packed full of facsinating feats, humorous anecdotes and entertaining trivia about the beautiful game.Featuring such topics as 'The Greatest Comebacks', 'Bizarre Injuries', 'Goal-scoring Feats', 'Classic Fantasy Xis' and many more. Fantastic Football facts is the essential book for any football fan.
Football (large print)
by RnibThis page has three images on it: a player about to kick the ball past an opponent, a goalkeeper attempting to save a ball, and a diagram showing the layout of a football pitch. Each image has a dashed line image border. There is a locator dot shown, which will be at the top left of the page when the image is the correct way up. A player about to kick the ball past an opponent: The image on the top left of the page shows two players and a ball. The player on the left of the image is seen from the side and facing right, so only one eye can be found. He has his arms stretched out to the left and right. He is running, and one leg extends straight to the left. On the right, his other leg is bent up slightly. He wears a red shirt and white shorts (large print copy). The player to the right of the image is seen from the side facing to the left so that only one eye can be found. He has his arms stretched out and down to left and right. He stands on the leg to the left. To the left the ball sits on the grass. To the right his other leg is bent to the right, ready to swing left and kick the ball past his opponent. He wears a black and white striped shirt and black shorts (large print copy). A goalkeeper attempting to save a ball: The image at the bottom left of the page shows a goalkeeper, a ball and the goal. The goalkeeper has leapt off the ground towards the ball, which is in the top left of the goal. He has his arms outstretched and his hands are near the ball, ready to catch it. The rest of the keeper's body extends diagonally down and right. The square grid of the goal net can be found filling the goal posts behind him. Diagram of a football pitch: This diagram on the right of the page shows the football pitch and eleven members of each team. The players are represented here by large dots and crosses. At the top centre of the page there is a small rectangle representing a goal. Down the page from this are the goal area with a goalkeeper, and the penalty area rectangle with the penalty spot. Down again is the penalty arc, a semi-circle; all players must stay outside of this area when a penalty is being taken. Further down the page are the centre circle, the centre spot, and the centre line going across the image horizontally. At the bottom of the image is the opposing team's goal and penalty area. The pitch is on average 115 yards long x 75 yards wide (106 x 70 metres). Pitches, even in the Premier League, vary slightly across the country. Before the match starts and after a goal has been scored the players position themselves in various formations. The team at the top of the page is in 4:3:3 formation. That is four forwards, three mid-fielders and three defenders. The team at the bottom are in 4:4:2 formation, four forwards, four mid-fielders and two defenders. There are many other possibilities but these are some of the commonest.
Football Fever 3
by Tony BradmanPep times his move with instinctive perfection. Suddenly, he's back on the ball, and the defenders realize (too late, because they're committed now) that he never really left: it was all an illusion. And then he's over the ball, collecting it with his right instep, to banana it over the heads of both defenders, and way beyond the reach of the late-diving keeper...Football Fever 3 contains ten brand new soccer stories from a team of top authors including Rob Childs, Narinder Dhami and Tony Bradman.As well as Pep, join the rest of the squad - midfielder Andy who has a chance to impress the soccer scouts, if only his father will allow him to play; Dekko, captain of the Hilljoy team, the roughest, toughest team to run out on to a football pitch, striker Jonno, who gets a brilliant idea of how to lift his team from bottom of the league, and many others.
Football Fever 2
by Tony BradmanTen top-of-the-league soccer stories. Meet Craig, who takes advice from a phantom footballer to help his team on a goal-scoring run in the league championship; Dave, an inexperienced goalie who has to make split-second decisions in a penalty shoot-out; Olly, a top striker, who invents new team tactics just before the Cup semi-finals; and a whole squad of other talented young players - goalies, defenders, midfielders and strikers.Celebrate the goals, applaud the great saves and hold your breath for those edge-of-the-seat matchplay moments in this collection of never before published soccer stories from a team of top authors including Rob Childs, Narinder Dhami and Paul Stewart.
Kaiser
by Rob Smyth1980s Rio de Janeiro.There’s only one king in this city and he’s got the mullet, swagger and fake ID to prove it.Introducing Carlos Henrique Raposo, known to all as KAISER.This guy’s got more front than Copacabana beach. He’s the most loveable of rogues with the most common of dreams: to become a professional footballer. And he isn’t about to let trivial details like talent and achievement stand in his way. . . not when he has so many other ways to get what he wants.In one of the most remarkable football stories ever told, Kaiser graduates from abandoned slumdog to star striker, dressing-room fixer, superstar party host and inexhaustible lover. And all without kicking a ball. He’s not just the king… he’s the Kaiser.
World Cup Football
by Clive GiffordPerfect for capturing a young general reader's or an older reluctant reader's interest, this hi-lo title features gripping, minimal, fact-based text, dramatic and impactful pictures, and an edgy design to reveal the best player, best team and best stadium!
Football Jokes
by Macmillan Children's BooksPerfect for football fans who like a good giggle, Football Jokes is filled with hundreds of the most hilarious football jokes around! With funny illustrations by Jane Eccles, young footie fanatics will be laughing through those all-important World Cup games, Premier League matches and European Cup finals.When is a footballer like a baby?When he dribbles.Who's in goal when the ghost team plays football?The ghoulie, of courseWhy is a football crowd learning to sing like a person opening a tin of sardines?They both have trouble with the key.How can a footballer stop his nose running?Put out a foot and trip it up.
Football Academy
by Tom PalmerUnited's under-twelves are in Poland for a tournament. Goal-keeper Tomasz is very excited to be playing in his home country, but team captain Ryan thinks Poland are rubbish - in fact, he thinks everything Polish is rubbish. Ryan's behaviour causes trouble both on and off the pitch. Can Ryan and Tomasz tackle their differences - or will Ryan's bullying foul United's chance of success?
Football Academy
by Tom PalmerBen is at his happiest playing for United and is getting top marks from the coach. But every day at school is a trial for Ben, as he struggles to hide a huge secret from his teachers and classmates.Ben's secret is starting to affect his game - can he swallow his pride and ask for help before he sidelines himself - for good?
Football Fanatic
by Ken FerrisThis is the book which landed the author in the Guinness Book of Records for his record-breaking 20,000-mile tour of every Football League Ground in England. The first edition was hugely successful and was listed by Sportspages Bookshop as one of the bestselling football books of the year. This new and enlarged edition features reports on all 93 grounds visited by the author and is a comprehensive and entertaining guide for every football fanatic.