Hobie goes on the overnight soccer tournament under his dad's strict orders to stay out of trouble. So what's Hobie doing in a penguin costume riding on top of a car full of circus clowns?

"Soccer is not just a game, it's a language spoken across the globe." "Understanding Soccer: A Guide to Playing, Watching, and Enjoying the Beautiful Game" is your comprehensive guide to fully embracing the world's most popular sport, soccer. Whether you're a novice player, an eager fan, or a curious newcomer, this book serves as your invaluable companion to everything soccer. This guide takes you through the basics of the game, introducing you to the essential equipment, field setup, and fundamental rules that govern the beautiful game. It provides a window into the history of soccer, explaining how it has captivated audiences worldwide and woven itself into various cultures. As a player, this book will hone your skills, with in-depth analysis and tips for playing effectively in every position - be it outfield roles or the singularly crucial position of the goalkeeper. From ball control and passing techniques to shooting and scoring strategies, it covers every facet of soccer gameplay. Crucial to any game is strategy, and this guide provides comprehensive information about soccer formations, tactics, and team strategies that dictate the flow of the match. Furthermore, it offers effective drills and exercises for skill development and physical conditioning, ensuring that you're game-ready at all times. For soccer fans, there is a wealth of knowledge on watching soccer on TV and live events, understanding soccer fan culture, and exploring the most notable controversies that have shaped the sport. Beyond being a sport, soccer has a profound societal impact. This book explores how soccer influences communities, how to build soccer clubs and teams, and the ways soccer can be promoted among youth. It provides guidance on opportunities for soccer volunteerism and leadership, ensuring that your love for soccer transcends beyond just watching or playing. "Understanding Soccer" concludes with a recap of key takeaways and encouragement to engage with soccer fully, in all its excitement and complexity. Whether you're seeking to improve your gameplay, understand the rules, or simply appreciate the sport's beauty, this book is your perfect teammate on this journey.Table of contents: Introduction What is soccer? Brief history of soccer Overview of the sport Understanding the Basics of Soccer Soccer equipment and field Soccer rules and gameplay Scoring and terminology Playing Soccer: Basics Soccer positions and roles Ball control and passing techniques Shooting and scoring strategies Playing Soccer: Defense Defensive positions and roles Tackling and blocking techniques Strategies for stopping opponents Playing Soccer: Goalkeeping Goalkeeping techniques and responsibilities Types of saves and catches Strategies for protecting the goal Soccer Formations and Tactics Common soccer formations Offense and defense tactics Counterattacking and possession strategies Understanding Soccer Strategy Offensive strategies Defensive strategies Team strategy Soccer Skills Development Drills and exercises for ball control and passing Drills and exercises for shooting and scoring Fitness and conditioning for soccer Refereeing and Officiating in Soccer Soccer referee rules and requirements Types of soccer referees Refereeing and officiating duties Coaching and Training in Soccer Coaching techniques and methods Player development and progress Building successful soccer teams Watching Soccer: TV and Live Events How to watch soccer on TV Attending live soccer events Soccer fan culture and traditions Soccer and Culture The role of soccer in different cultures Famous soccer players and teams Soccer controversies and scandals Soccer and Community The impact of soccer on local communities Building soccer clubs and teams Promoting soccer among youth Getting Involved in Soccer Joining a local soccer team or club Participating in soccer leagues and events Opportunities for soccer volunteerism and leadership Conclusion Recap of key takeaways Encouragement to play, watch, and enjoy soccer ISBN: 9781776848164

Football is the cruellest game. Legendary footballer and England Captain Kev King takes no prisoners - on and off the pitch. He'll stop at nothing in his quest for fame, lifestyle and silverware. But as all who fell for Kev's 'charms' in PREMIERSHIP PSYCHO will remember, Kev's got a temper - a bad one. Now unjustly accused and losing his place in the England's 2012 squad, Kev's hurt, rejected and publicly betrayed. Short of offers, he signs up with some two-bit side in the Caucasus, pushing deeper and deeper into the country's political intrigue. But can Kev really swap nations and make it to 2012 after all? And can he keep his temper in check long enough to clear his name? A darkly hilarious tale of football, vengeance, winning and losing. GROUP OF DEATH will be loved by all those who can think of nothing except Euro 2012 - and by all those who are dreading it entirely. You can follow Kev King @Kevishly Praise for Premiership Psycho: 'The more of a c*nt Kev King is, the more I like him. How the f*ck is that possible? ... Very good writing. Best book since Kill Your Friends. Bring on the film.' Plan B 'Taylor is clearly a very accomplished and witty prose stylist... Premiership Psycho is deeply satirical and horribly entertaining.' The Mirror 'As with all good satire, this dystopian vision inspires laughter and loathing in equal measure.' Independent on Sunday 'Magnificent... Hilarious and heinous.' Sport Magazine 'Funny, dark and a huge mickey-take on celebrity. Brilliant.' The Sun

A monumental exploration of soccer and society in our time—by its preeminent historian. The Age of Football proves that whether you call it football or soccer, you can’t make sense of the modern world without understanding its most popular sport. With breathtaking scope and an unparalleled knowledge of the game, David Goldblatt—author of the best-selling The Ball Is Round—charts soccer’s global cultural ascent, economic transformation, and deep politicization.

At Liverpool in the early 1970s Kevin Keegan won three First Division titles, two EUFA Cups, two FA Cups and the European Cup. At Hamburg he was crowned Footballer of the Year two years running, won the Bundeslinga title in 1978-79 and reached the European Cup Final. At Southampton he was voted PFA Player of the Year and was awarded an OBE for his services to Association Football. In his debut season with Newcastle United he helped the club to promotion and he captained the England team for six years from 1976-1982. As a manager his career has been no less newsworthy, although not always for the right reasons. Five heady and successful years at Newcastle from 1992-1997 were followed by more controversial spells with Fulham, England and Manchester City. In 2005, Keegan announced his retirement. Then, in 2008, he made headlines by returning to Newcastle United, the scene of his greatest triumphs -- an announcement which was greeted ecstatically by Newcastle supporters -- and no less sensationally resigned in acrimonious circumstances only nine months later. A revered sports journalist with unparalleled access to insider exclusives, Ian Ridley is the perfect man for the task of understanding what it is that makes Kevin Keegan tick. Training his brilliantly incisive and penetrating gaze on Keegan, Ridley offers an unprecedented insight into the mind of this most enigmatic of men.

In 1996, in the middle of watching an ill-tempered football match between England and Germany, Philip Oltermann's parents tell him that they are going to leave their home city Hamburg behind and move to London. Inspired by his own experience of both countries, Philip Oltermann looks at eight historical encounters between English and German people from the last two hundred years: Helmut Kohl tries to explain German cuisine to the Iron Lady, the Mini plays catch-up with the Volkswagen Beetle, and Joe Strummer has an unlikely brush with the Baader-Meinhof gang. Keeping Up with the Germans is a witty look at the lighter-side of Anglo-German relations over the last 100 years.