Association football (Soccer) Books

Book SynopsisThis is the perfect gift for the travelling football fan, football lovers or for anyone lucky enough to watch European football live. Available as part of our Collect and Scratch range, the Scratch Off European Football Grounds displays 75 stunning stadiums in Europe where the very best football clubs compete or have participated in European championships. Each Stadium is located by a football icon and you can scratch off the label and football kit, revealing the team colours. Follow your team as they play in these locations, and scratch them off the map. Or if you're lucky, scratch off these stadiums as you visit them in Europe as an away supporter this season! Are you a true football fan that can visit all 75 in your lifetime?

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Book SynopsisStanding Free is the funny, emotional, at times downright bizarre but always enthralling autobiography of 1980s and 90s Aberdeen FC hero Theo ten Caat. Theo's time at Aberdeen was certainly eventful. All is revealed in this no-punches-pulled chronicle of his career, both in Scotland and Holland, told in Theo's own words.

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Book SynopsisDame Bola takes us on a journey through the rich football-related language phrases, concepts, stories used by arguably the most passionate fans in world football. Fútbol dominates Argentinian society's machinery the cogs of their world simply wouldn't turn without a metaphorical mention of football in every sentence.

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Book SynopsisIreland's rich football heritage has been captured in this quirky and readable guide that will fascinate, amuse, educate and entertain.

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Book SynopsisBob Waterhouse uncovers the dark history of Bramley Moore Dock site of the new Everton FC ground tracing the historical links between the city of Liverpool and the slave trade. This fascinating book is a must for all Everton supporters and anyone with a personal connection to Merseyside.

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Book SynopsisUPDATED TO INCLUDE ALL THE ACTION FROM THE CLUB'S TITLE-WINNING CENTENARY YEAR.THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, PUBLISHED IN ASSOCIATION WITH LEEDS UNITED'Every up and down at Leeds United. Essential reading.' Phil HayThe definitive history of Leeds United's first century. 100 Years of Leeds United tells the story of a one-club city and its unique relationship with its football team. Since its foundation in 1919, Leeds United Football Club has seen more ups and downs than most, rising to global fame through an inimitable and uncompromising style in the 70s, clinching the last Division One title prior to the Premier League's inauguration in 1992, before a spectacular fall from grace at the start of the 21st century.United finally restored their top flight status after a sixteen-year wait with an unstoppable promotion campaign in the club's 100th year; the transformation under manager Marcelo Bielsa fittingly reminiscent of those instigated by Howard Wilkinson and Don Revie decades earlier.In 100 Years of Leeds United, Chapman delves deep into the archives to discover the lesser-known episodes, providing fresh context to the folkloric tales that have shaped the club we know today, painting the definitive picture of the West Yorkshire giants.Trade ReviewEvery up and down at Leeds United: Essential reading. -- Phil Hay

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Book SynopsisHarry Kane: The Ultimate Fan Book takes you into the England superstar's world like no other book. Feared and respected as a goalscorer across England and Europe, Harry has been a prolific marksman where ever he has played. Born in London on 28 July 1993, he made his debut, for Tottenham on 25 August 2011, aged 18. He captained England to their first FIFA World Cup semi-final for 28 years in Russia and went onto winning the FIFA World CUp 2018 Golden Boot as top scorer with six goals. Written in a lively style and filled with fun features, fantastic photographs and enlightening quotes, Harry Kane: The Ultimate Fan Book celebrates his greatest moments and most famous goals, including the goals which have made him one of the world's most watchable superstars. Table of ContentsIntroduction • The Young Harry Kane • Growing up in a sporting family • On trial at Arsenal, aged 11 • Local boy makes good • Turning professional at Tottenham • Learning on loan • UEFA Euro U19 semi-finalist • Champions League Star • Harry Kane at Home • FIFA U20 World Cup • Harry Kane's Super Skills • Great Tottenham Goals • UEFA EURO 2016 Frustration • Training with Harry Kane • The Pride of North London • Harry Kane in Numbers • Harry's Club-mates • Harry's fans • Great England Goals • Champions League 2018-19 • Harry Kane – A Coach's Dream • Global Superstar • Footballer of the Year • Harry Kane – Record Breaker • Harry Kane at the 2018 FIFA World Cup • Harry Kane – Facts, Honours and Awards • What Next for Harry? • Harry Kane Quiz.

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Book SynopsisTrailblazers uncovers the extraordinary pioneering exploits of Nottingham Forest. The Garibaldi Reds have historically influenced progress in the game and possess a wonderful collection of unique records and exceptional firsts'. Key elements of the game today can be linked to the groundbreaking feats of this remarkable football club.

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Book SynopsisManchester, 2018: Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho lead their teams out to face each other in the 175th Manchester derby. They are first and second in the Premier League, but today only one man can come out on top. It is merely the latest instalment in a rivalry that has contested titles, traded insults and crossed a continent, but which can be traced back to a friendship that began almost 25 years ago.Barcelona, late-nineties: Johan Cruyff's Dream Team is disintegrating and the revolutionary manager has departed, but what will come next will transform the future of football. Cruyff's style has changed the game, and given birth to a generation of thinkers: men like Ronald Koeman, Luis Enrique, Laurent Blanc, Frank de Boer, Louis van Gaal, and Cruyff's club captain Pep Guardiola and a young translator, José Mourinho.The Barcelona Legacy is a book in part about tactics, about how the theories that underpin the modern game were forged by Cruyff and his successors, but also about the people and personalities who gathered at the Camp Nou for what was effectively the greatest coaching seminar in history, about their friendships and rivalries and, in one case, an apocalyptic falling out that continues to shape the game today.

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Book SynopsisJurgen Said to Me is a human-interest story centred around Liverpool FC''s most successful and charismatic leader of recent times. It charts Jurgen Klopp''s impact on Liverpool through the voice of the author and those at the heart of his revival.In October 2015, Klopp took the helm at Liverpool at a time when the famous club were entering a third decade of league-title drought. The German coach had prospered with his brand of ''heavy-metal football'', but little was known about his personality beyond an obvious energy and charisma. He entered a city steeped in personality, history and trauma - a place where the people demand more than a mere coach to lead their clubs.Klopp''s social influence has stretched to matters such as diversity, the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic and local history. The book explores the human impact of a man who single-handedly harnessed togetherness and the global unity of millions, while reshaping one of the most fam

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Book SynopsisDesigned for coaches and football fans interested in the theory of football, this handbook is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the foundations that football is built on.

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Book SynopsisHow much do you really know about Newcastle United? Put your Magpies knowledge to the test with this bumper book of brainteaser quizzes and fascinating facts, beautifully illustrated by one of the world's leading sports artists. It's packed with trivia on all the Newcastle greats - from 'Wor Jackie' Milburn to Supermac and Shearer, from 'King Kevin' Keegan to Rafa Benitez and beyond - providing hours of highly dippable fun and entertainment. On his retirement in 1984, which player left the field by helicopter still dressed in his kit? Which club favourite made 95 appearances for Peru? Alan Shearer once scored a goal 10.4 seconds into a Premier League game against which club? Who was the first Newcastle United player to win the Premier League Golden Boot? The Magpies take to the field for each home game to the sound of which Mark Knopfler song? Trivquiz Newcastle United holds the answers to all these questions and hundreds more.

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Book SynopsisHow much do you really know about the club you love? You can find out by exploring the 1,000 questions set out in 100 categories that make up this Everton quiz book. It s not often that books on football make reference to Bob Dylan, the London Underground, Pink Floyd, The Godfather, the Beatles, Shakespeare, Rising Damp and The Who, but this one does! Call Yourself a Toffees Fan? is a quirky, challenging affair for real Everton fans who can test themselves or take on each other, with the emphasis on enjoyment and discovery. Try these for size: in the 1966 FA Cup Final between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday, which surname appeared on both sides? What was unique about the 1962/63 season at Goodison Park? Who is the only Everton manager to score the winning goal in a European Cup Final? You will struggle to find anything as comprehensive as this eclectic collection. It s a must for Everton fans of all ages and you might not see anything quite like it again.

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Book SynopsisThe Working Hands of a Goddess is the story of how Atalanta BC rose from the lower reaches of Serie A to become Champions League quarter-finalists in just four years. The appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as manager in 2016 changed the club's fortunes forever. Quickly making his mark, he developed a squad that play one of Europe's most scintillating brands of football, and upset the status quo by going toe-to-toe with the giants of the Italian game. The Working Hands of a Goddess analyses and details the tactics and systems that underpin this thrilling team, the stories and backgrounds of the unique players that define it, and the culture and history that not only produced a beautiful football team but a special club and city-wide community. When the pandemic rocked the community, Atalanta became far more than just a football team by uniting a city in strife.

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate guide to Real Madrid. The Real Madrid Handbook is an entertaining compendium of fascinating facts, match coverage, stories, personalities and trivia from the biggest club team on the planet. Rab MacWilliam traces the history of Real Madrid from the early 20th century, examining its progress in the domestic cup and league, and analyses the impact that the Republic, the Spanish Civil War and the repressive authoritarian aftermath had on the club. He relates how the stunning success in European football in the mid-1950s to the early 1960s was one of the factors that helped to ease Spain’s integration into Europe and explores the club’s rise to become one of the most skilful and dominant teams in the global game over the last thirty years. Fascinating, informative, irreverent and insightful, The Real Madrid Handbook is the perfect guide to the history of this extraordinary club.

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Book SynopsisThe Arsenal Scrapbook provides an insight into the unique journey of Arsenal one the most famous football club’s in the world.

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Book SynopsisStunningly illustrated by David Squires (as featured in the Guardian), The Illustrated History of Football is a wry look at the highs and lows of the beautiful game. Laugh-out- loud and occasionally moving, it's the perfect gift for anyone who loves football.'Squires is the master of the football comic strip and this collection is recommended reading for enlightened football fans everywhere' -- Late Tackle'No one captures the absurdities and ugliness of football better than him ... hilarious' -- Coach Magazine'[Illustrated History of Football] is the funniest football tome since Viz's Billy the Fish Football Yearbook, published 26 years earlier' -- Esquire'Simply brilliant - my favourite football book' -- ***** Reader review'Completely amazing cartoons with beautiful insight as to the how, why, when & wow' -- ***** Reader review'Simply wonderful' -- ***** Reader review'One of the funniest books I've read in a very long time. A must for anyone who loves football' -- ***** Reader review*********************************************************************************************Football and comics. Once a hearty Saturday combination to match cartoons and cereal, in recent years they've drifted apart. Thankfully for us, illustrator Squires is here to change all that.In The Illustrated History of Football, his first book, Squires relives some of football's most glorious moments and meets its greatest figures. In a sport full of handsome paycheques and corporate sponsors, he also casts a critical eye over corrupt backroom workings and helps pierce football's overblown balloon.Funny, good-looking and preternaturally astute, this book is everything Sepp Blatter wishes he could be.More than the archetypal loo book, this is a satirical look at the highs and lows of football and the perfect gift for all fans...Trade ReviewA ruddy good artist * The Telegraph *Squires exhibits his personal knowledge of the game in a way that is thoughtful and, as with all comic satirists, really very funny . . . On the face of it this may look like a perfect lavatory book for dad for Christmas. But it is a lot more than that and well worth the read. * Daily Express *David is unparalleled in his ability to highlight how ridiculous modern football can often be with his unique brand of caustic satire. -- Mike Hytner * The Guardian *You will really want to buy it * Football365 *Squires is the master of the football comic strip and this collection is recommended reading for enlightened football fans everywhere. * Late Tackle *Brilliant * The Set Pieces *If you’re not familiar with the work of David Squires, then you really have been deprived up to now * The Final Third *No one captures the absurdities and ugliness of football better than him … hilarious * Coach Magazine *A bloody funny read * Adam Peacock, Fox Sports *Squires’ opening lines sets the tone for a lively, tongue-in-cheek history of the beautiful game, accompanied by some excellent illustrations. * Dorset Echo *This is an absolute landmark of football literature – worthy of the same status as Football Grounds of Europe , Inverting the Pyramid and All Played Out . This is not least because of the mind boggling amount of work involved – all the more prodigious given that Squires is a regular provider of comic strips for The Guardian . . . this is a genuinely funny book * The Two Unfortunates *[Illustrated History of Football] is the funniest football tome since Viz's Billy the Fish Football Yearbook, published 26 years earlier. * Esquire *

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Book Synopsis"The Definitive Guide to Betting on Football" is a distillation of "Racing Post" expert Kevin Pullein's extensive knowledge on how to make money when betting on football. His weekly column in the "Post" is hugely popular with sports betting fans. In this masterwork Pullein explains how you can work out what is likely to happen during a football match and how you might be able to exploit this knowledge profitably by betting. In each chapter there will be both theory and practice, in separate but complementary sections. The theory will always be simply explained and illustrated, and will satisfy both the more-specialist and the less-experienced reader alike, each of whom will be able to get out of it want they want most - as well as a lot of other things beside. Topics include first and second half betting, corners, first goalscorer, final result, bookings, spread betting, betting exchanges and ante post.

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Book SynopsisMany of the top professional soccer players played futsal in their youth--Pelé, Luis Figo, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, and Fabregas--and have stated that playing the game made them the great players they are today. Futsal is an exciting, fast moving game of technique, skill, tactics, and physical endeavor. Players undertake the ultimate challenge by testing their skills under the most intense pressure, due to the lack of time and space, stressing the importance of quick reaction times and reflex training. Often used in the off season for soccer players, futsal is due to be placed at the heart of all development programs, improving technique and increasing fun in youth training. Coaches face huge tactical challenges as the game changes minute by minute. It is for these reasons that Futsal has taken a huge grip upon the soccer landscape and the development of players from grassroots upwards. This book is ideal in assisting players and coaches in honing theiTrade ReviewSturgess’ book shows coaches how to teach the game with a series of drills and skills and more than 100 photographs and illustrations. Even the England football team could learn something from this * School Sport *the perfect read for coaches at all levels. -- Jorge Braz, head coach of the Portugal National Futsal Team and FIFA Futsal instructorI highly recommend this book for those who want to learn more about the game - there's no better than Peter Sturgess! -- Keith Tozer, Head Coach of U.S. Futsal Men's National TeamTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 So what is Futsal? 2 Coaching young players 3 Creating the right environment 4 Technique, physical literacy and decision-making 5 The Futsal coaching session 6 One of the secrets of Futsal - the importance of the 'building blocks' 7 Developing your 'game plan' 8 Developing your attacking game plan 9 Developing your defensive game plan 10 What next? Index

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Book SynopsisIn his latest book, bestselling author Cass Pennant takes an engaging and unparalleled look at some of the most volatile and violent scenes of fans following their football clubs to have unfolded over the past five decades, and examines the lengths to which many will go to put one over their local rivals.Here is history that also examines everything from the changing face of football violence, to who gets involved - and why. It looks, too, at how the' firms' operate, both home and away, and at the effects of the football establishment's often counter-productive attempts to contain hooliganism on the psychology of supporters. Has the war on hooliganism been successfully stamped out? Can it ever be won? This remarkable and informative book gives a frank examination of football violence to show how different inter-club and inter-regional rivalries have evolved - and features many first-hand accounts of incidents that make chilling reading. It builds up to provide the most comprehensive look behind the match-day madness and the activities of some of British football's most notorious hooligans, to give answers as to why these games are so important to supporters. The history of such infamous 'firms' as the ICF, the Bushwackers, the Headhunters, and the Red Army has never been fully documented . . . until now.You're Going Home in a F*cking Ambulance is an eye-opening study of a problem that refuses to go away, by a writer who knows his subject inside-out.

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Book SynopsisTraining players in circular playing fields develops and improves their game competence. Circle Soccer Training contains an integrated game concept and provides varied training exercises for fast implementation in training practice that will benefit all players at any level. The book first delves into the theory of circle training, explaining the main technical and tactical principles of the circle training concept. It contains further helpful information regarding the rules of the game, coaching points, how to organize each game or drill, and detailed illustrations. Following the introduction on circle training is the practical application. Beginning with an explanation on how to use this effective training for improving players' technical abilities, this section contains 100 circular games and drills that will allow players to progress and develop their skills. Also presented in this book are trendy, innovative, and cognitively demanding forms of play, which are an integrated and complex part of modern soccer. The concepts of circle soccer and their application in training are important for all players--at any level--to develop their technical playing abilities. With Circle Soccer Training, players can create a competitive advantage over their opponents.

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Book SynopsisThe first book by one of the most successful, respected and legendary football managers of all time, Arsene WengerTrade ReviewA well-paced and well-thought-out account of one of football's most iconic and influential figures, and entirely befitting of its remarkable author * Sports Gazette *A predictably brilliant insight into the mind of a man who has long treated football as a matter of, as he puts it, "life and death". His wit, empathy and unwavering principles have been common knowledge for decades, but never has his all-consuming dedication and obsession been on clearer display * Esquire *Opaqueness has never been this refreshing. It's honestly nice that this book has just been about the game and the human connections he made along the way. The moments that made Wenger, the good times and the achievements. In a world of sensationalism, public spats and calling out old foes, we can all learn something from that * FourFourTwo *As with his approach to on-field matters, this book puts in an impressive performance -- Damien O'Meara * RTE *A surprisingly honest self-portrait of an obsessive, driven man, who decided that the game really could be beautiful, and was prepared to sacrifice himself to that belief * TLS *

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Book SynopsisThe Beautiful History charts the fascinating story of Britain through football club badges. From Premier League giants to non-league sides, it features over 100 clubs, with each badge coming alive to reveal the story behind it, whilst also giving events in history an exciting and engaging twist, as it takes you on a footballing journey from the dinosaurs to the digital age. What does Colchester United's eagle tell us about Roman Britain? Why do the badges of three football clubs feature the Mayflower, the ship on which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World? Why does the Norwich City canary celebrate 16th-century refugees, and which team honours the Battle of Britain and why? The Beautiful History holds all the answers and links football to key dates like 1066 and 1588, with tales that are often surprising, quirky or laugh-out-loud funny. An engaging, informative and fun book for fans of all ages, it includes activities, places to visit, a football timeline and quiz.Trade Review"Intriguing micro-histories... joyfully bringing [football club badges] to life. The Beautiful History succeeds in its game plan, presenting a richly illustrated whistle-stop tour without ever wandering out of position." * EYE Magazine *

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Book SynopsisLionel Messi and the Art of Living is a bold and insightful examination of a world-famous sporting hero's career from an entirely new perspective, providing a context extending far beyond the football field. The idea that sports stars are role models is a cliche, but it is also true in a way that is rarely appreciated. Although the details of Messi's story are already well known, The Art of Living examines afresh and anew his highs and lows, his successes and failures, his ongoing evolution and his endless struggle to succeed. It encourages us to consider, to analyse and - above all - to think about Messi's career from a different viewpoint, understanding how his journey can be related to our own lives on a meaningful and impactful level. Containing exclusive, illuminating interviews with deep thinkers and high achievers from a number of different fields, this book delivers a fresh and inspiring approach to a global icon, ensuring that you will never look at Lionel Messi - or life - in the same way again.

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Book SynopsisCeltic's Cult Heroes is devoted to 20 players who, over the years, have won a special place in the hearts of the Parkhead faithful - not necessarily the greatest footballers, but a unique brotherhood of mavericks and stalwarts, local lads and big signings. The cast list alone is enough to stir up the memories and tug at the heartstrings of any Hoops fan - Stein, Johnstone and Nicholas, Larsson, McInally and Aitken - recalling how these charismatic personalities used to ignite passion on the terraces. Find out which Celtic icon scored direct from a corner, was made to retake it and promptly scored again. Who celebrated his Scottish Cup Final hat-trick with a somersault, and which heroes were affectionately known as 'Yogi Bear' and 'The Golden Crust'. Discover and delight in the magical qualities of these 20 mere mortals elevated to cult status by the green half of Glasgow.

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Book SynopsisPretty Poly tells the fascinating story of the football shirt, charting its dramatic evolution over a 150-year period, from modest beginnings to a product at the centre of a billion-dollar industry. An emblem of everything it means to be a fan, the football shirt evokes memories of triumph and disaster and acts as a symbol of belonging to a chosen footballing tribe. Packed with facts, figures and anecdotes, Pretty Poly explores the history embedded in every feature of modern-day strips. It covers their ever-changing shape, the emergence of dedicated club and national colours and the often surprising reasons behind them. It also looks at the companies and designers behind some of our favourite strips, and explores the birth and exponential growth of the replica-kit industry. Along the way, we learn the histories of the iconic sponsors, names, numbers, patches and badges, and meet the kit collectors with a burning lifelong passion as we delve into the burgeoning vintage kit market that feeds their interest.Trade Review"An engaging, illuminating read... Ireland is an engaging chronicler, enthusiasm and affection for his subject evident in every sentence." * When Saturday Comes *

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Book SynopsisFootball Kit Italia is the ultimate guide to the players, kits and clubs of the Football Italia era of 1992 to 2002. A season by season and club by club account of the kits and characters that cemented this period as one of the greatest in football history. A must-read for anyone who loved Channel 4's legendary coverage.

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Book SynopsisIs Gascoigne Going to Have a Crack? tells the story of Spurs in the 1990s, expertly guiding you through this exciting but chaotic time.The 1990s are often seen as an era of misery for Tottenham Hotspur. They were undoubtedly that; at the moment that English football became commercially driven and outwardly focused the club fell in relevance from being one of the unofficial ''Big Five'' in the 80s to mid-table also-rans by the start of the 2000s.However, this is not a fair reflection of the fortunes of the club during the decade. The Gascoigne-inspired run to the 1991 FA Cup victory, the Gallic flair of David Ginola and the incredible excitement generated by the signing of Jurgen Klinsmann produced moments of unbridled joy and excitement.From Sheringham to Sugar and Venables to Vega, this book journeys through a fascinating decade with a season-by-season account that incorporates the views of players and supporters who lived through a decade that co

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Book SynopsisEach year, 6. 1 million kids aged 6 to 17 play soccer for more than 25 days a year, and each of their teams needs a coach. In many cases, the coach is a parent or adult volunteer who may not have any previous coaching (or even soccer) experience. This book provides these volunteers with a crash course in soccer and coaching fundamentals.Table of ContentsIntroduction. Part I: Getting Started Coaching Soccer. Chapter 1: Teaching Soccer to Children. Chapter 2: Getting Organized. Chapter 3: Getting Up to Speed with the Basics. Part II: Building Your Coaching Skills. Chapter 4: Meet the Parents. Chapter 5: Getting to Know Your Team. Chapter 6: Running a Great Practice. Chapter 7: Getting Your Game On. Chapter 8: Refining Your Approach at Midseason. Part III: Beginning and Intermediate Soccer. Chapter 9: Teaching the Fundamentals. Chapter 10: Fundamental Drills. Chapter 11: Coaching Offense 101. Chapter 12: Coaching Defense 101. Chapter 13: Coaching Restarts. Chapter 14: Taking Practice Drills to the Next Level. Part IV: Advanced Soccer Strategies. Chapter 15: Coaching Offense 201. Chapter 16: Coaching Defense 201. Chapter 17: Implementing Advanced Drills. Part V: The Extra Points. Chapter 18: Keeping Kids Healthy and Injury Free. Chapter 19: Dealing with Common Coaching Challenges. Chapter 20: Taking Your Show on the Road. Part VI: The Part of Tens. Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Make the Season Memorable. Chapter 22: Ten Ways to End the Season on a High Note. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of the renaissance of cash-strapped Worcester City, with a pitch-side view of a remarkable season as City claw their way back from bankruptcy to promotion and the cusp of Wembley. It's also the story of Stourbridge and Kidderminster Harriers, two clubs bonded with the Blues for 120 years.

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Book SynopsisTurning Points: Moments that Defined Football History dives into the archives to reveal some of the most important stories from the annals of the beautiful game. From the FA ban of women's football to Marc-Viven Foe's death and Frank Lampard's ghost goal', this book uncovers the moments that shaped the course of football history.

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Book SynopsisPasión explores the rich diversity of Spanish footballing culture and how the game unites the nation. Whether talking to World Cup-winning managers, elite players and journalists or travelling to dozens of cities and grounds, the author sets out to help us understand what has made Spain the greatest continental football power this century.

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Book SynopsisPacked with fun facts, career stats and lots of jokes, the Football Superstars series tells the story of South Korea's talisman and Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min. The series is aimed at building a love of reading from a young age, especially among football-loving children who are reluctant readers.

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Book SynopsisCinque Anni takes an in-depth look at the reasons why Italy failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cups but became champions of Europe. It tells the story of how all this happened the agony and ecstasy, the tears and laughter. It's a must-read for anyone fascinated in the fine line in sport that can separate winning and losing.

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Book SynopsisSliding Doors, Shattered Dreams chronicles Ireland's infamous 1982 World Cup qualification campaign, alongside a vivid picture of 1980s Ireland. The book also ponders how a golden generation of players might have fared had they qualified for Espana '82 and the potential impact on manager Eoin Hand's career and the broader Irish game.

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Book SynopsisPoolies at Heart is a deeply personal and richly varied celebration of Hartlepool United told by players, managers and fans.Looking back across the decades, the book reveals the realities of life at the lower end of football's spectrum at one of the north-east's oldest clubs. Inside you'll discover: Exclusive insider insight from the likes of former managers Danny Wilson, Kevin Phillips and Ronnie Moore, Peter Taylor's daughter Wendy Dickinson, plus Hartlepool United legend Brian Honour The inside story of how Brian Clough came to manage Hartlepool The euphoria surrounding promotion the season after relegation, as remembered by Wilson An epic FA Cup tie against Sir Matt Busby's Manchester United, which Hartlepool almost won Phillips's account of his tenure as manager, interviewed just one week before he was sacked The Egyptian international who turned out for the Pool in the 1920s Insights on how John McGovern was first spotted by Peter Taylor, and given his Hartlepool debut as a teenager Fan memories of the ups and downs of this unique club across the decades In every account, through every high and low, a love of the club shines through. Featuring recollections of favourite moments, memorable games and a plethora of personalities, this is the ultimate celebration of the Pools.

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Book SynopsisThe Twentieth Anniversary Edition*WINNER OF THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR* Fever Pitch is Nick Hornby's million-copy-selling, award-winnning football classic'A spanking 7-0 away win of a football book. . . inventive, honest, funny, heroic, charming' IndependentFor many people watching football is mere entertainment, to some it's more like a ritual; but to others, its highs and lows provide a narrative to life itself. But, for Nick Hornby, his devotion to the game has provided one of few constants in a life where the meaningful things - like growing up, leaving home and forming relationships, both parental and romantic - have rarely been as simple or as uncomplicated as his love for Arsenal.'Hornby has put his finger on truths that have been unspoken for generations' Irish TimesBrimming with wit and honesty, Fever Pitch, catches perfectly what it really means to be a football fan - and in doinTrade ReviewFunny, wise and true -- Roddy Doyle

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Book SynopsisA pocket biography of George Best

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Book SynopsisBirmingham City On This Day revisits the most magical and memorable moments from the club's distinguished history, mixing in a maelstrom of anecdotes and characters to produce an irresistibly dippable Blues diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From its beginnings as Small Heath Alliance in 1875 right through to the modern era and golden goals at Wembley, here are all the rollercoaster highs and lows. The club won the first ever Second Division title in 1893; Blues were the first English team to compete in European competition and the first to reach a European final. Birmingham City have twice won the League Cup and twice reached the FA Cup final. Relive the day in 1963 when Blues beat Villa to win a first major trophy, remember when Darren Carter's penalty clinched promotion in Cardiff, and when Obafemi Martins shocked Arsenal to recapture the League Cup. Recall the exploits of legends such as Joe Bradford, Gil Merrick and Bob Latchford, Trevor Francis, Michael Johnson and Christophe Dugarry.

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Book SynopsisTwelve of Liverpool Football Club's biggest names reflect on their most memorable games during their careers with the club. Laurie Hughes, Ian St John, Ian Callaghan, Tommy Smith, Phil Neal, Alan Kennedy, Mark Lawrenson, Jan Molby, John Barnes, Mark Wright, Gary McAllister and Jamie Carragher recall contributions to memorable triumphs, including league championships, domestic cup success - such as the 1986 all-Merseyside FA Cup Final - and three of the five European Cup wins - with Carragher recalling that night in Istanbul, when Liverpool completed one of the most remarkable comebacks of all time to beat AC Milan. With a foreword by Ronnie Moran, Match of My Life is an evocative and absorbing look back at some of the great moments in the history of the most successful English club side of all time.

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