Kathleen Leatherbarrow

Soccer Is Everything Kathleen Leatherbarrow

"Soccer is everything! Soccer is life!" was the daily chant from Pedro and Esperanza as they booted that black and white ball. They would listen with satisfaction for that beautiful pop against their feet that made them feel alive and strong.

They dreamt of having a team of their own in their poor oceanside town. When Alejandro Vargas announced he would be coach of the new soccer league, they were overjoyed. As he signed up the students, he told his players that losing was not in his playbook and he would only accept winners who were willing to give his team their all.

When it was Esperanza's turn, he frowned and said that girls were not in his playbook either, declaring that she should learn to dance!

Pedro learned from a past embarrassing experience that you never turn your back on a girl's athletic skills, especially the talented Esperanza. Would she find a way to convince the coach to give her a try? Meanwhile, Pedro worried if this ragtag team would ever win a game.

They must leave impossible on the sidelines and bring possible onto the field of play to have the slightest chance of success.