I’ve been beavering away for the last few months working on my latest children’s fiction book, Goal Squad: Win The Cup.
The book follows the journey of eight-year-old striker Leo James, as he tries to save his team from relegation and also win the end-of-season cup.
With 2026 being a World Cup year, it’s a great time to get your children stuck into a football fiction book for young readers.
It’s perfect for children under ten who love football, especially boys who may be reluctant readers and prefer fast-paced, action-packed stories.
The book features the brilliant illustrations of Lidia Fernandez, who has brought all the characters and football action to life.
Goal Squad: Win The Cup is out on May 7, 2026, and you can pre-order the book now from all good bookshops and online retailers.
I’d like to thank my superb editor, Karen Ball, and the fantastic team at Scholastic, who all helped bring the book together in record time.
Below is the official cover and back-cover blurb to whet your appetite.
What is the book about?
Eight-year-old Leo dreams of playing Premier League football. As TIGERS’ star striker, he’s got the skills – but not the luck. When their season opener against the EAGLES goes wrong, everything falls apart.
A devastating ankle injury sidelines Leo just when his team needs him most. His rival Max steps up as substitute, leveling the score but leaving TIGERS dangling in the relegation zone.
With only three matches left to save their season and a knockout cup within reach, time is running out.
Can Leo recover before it’s too late? Will TIGERS avoid the drop? And is that a talent scout watching from the stands…?
How to buy Goal Squad: Win The Cup
The book will be available in all good bookshops from May 7, 2026. To make sure you get your copy on publication day, you can pre-order from your favourite local bookshop.
I’m a big advocate of supporting independent booksellers, so they should always be your first port of call.
But if that’s not possible then you can buy the book on Amazon here, and chuck a little more money the way of Jeff Bezos. The poor love, he’s scraping a living.
READ MORE: How to buy children’s books written by Scott Allen
READ MORE: What are the best children’s football fiction books
FAQs
The book follows the journey of eight-year-old striker Leo James, as he tries to save his team from relegation and also win the end-of-season cup.
Young readers between 6-10. Football fans, reluctant readers and those who prefer fast-paced, action-packed stories.
Scott Allen, the children’s author who wrote Llama United, Llamas Go Large and On Your Marks, Get Set…Gold!
Lidia Fernandez, who is based in Valladolid, Spain.
Scholastic