Could you coach the Australian women’s soccer team to victory? In her funniest book yet, Carla Fitzgerald serves up a winning middle-grade story about sport, friendship drama and finding the guts to have a go.

Eleven-year-old Ronni is basically a professional athlete … at watching sport. If it’s on a screen, she’s glued to it – just like her parents. But when Ronni and her best friend, Kai, are recruited to secretly coach the Australian women’s soccer team through the World Cup qualifiers, she discovers life looks very different on the other side of the screen.

Suddenly, she’s running training sessions on the sly and sidestepping suspicious players. The team is floundering, social‑media critics (including her own dad!) are piling on – and worst of all, Kai thinks her tactics are way off. Turns out coaching is tougher than it looks! With their World Cup dreams slipping away and her friendship on the line, Ronni must choose: stay on the bench or get in the game?

Praise

“This is a hilariously funny story … Carla Fitzgerald clearly has a gift for entertaining writing.”

Schooldays Magazine

“Featuring plenty of humour, a strong sibling bond, and themes of courage, environmental activism and family love, this is a fun, charming and wholesome read.”

StoryLinks

“This is a really fun book about the great ideas that kids have. It is also a wonderful story of facing up to your fears and standing up for what you believe is right – for both kids and adults!”

Lamont Books

“Filled with humour … an affirming story about facing your fears and having the courage to stand up for what you believe is right, no matter your age!”

Wild About Books blog

Explore Carla’s other books and find out more about her work, writing life, and what she’s up to next.