The Academy

Gr 4-6–Twelve-year-old Leo Doyle is stunned when he’s invited to the London Dragons’ elite summer camp. During the four-week program, over 200 players are competing for just 11 spots in the club’s youth development program, The Academy. Leo’s flashy dribbling may turn heads, but it won’t be enough to secure a spot, especially against top-tier competition. With hard work, focused training, and support from unlikely allies, Leo begins to learn that teamwork and technique, not just talent, are what elevate a player to greatness. This fast-paced, action-packed title is just the beginning of a promising series for soccer fans. Capturing the heart-racing energy of the pitch, readers will feel every slide tackle, goal, and dramatic showdown. The soccer action is described with precision and clarity, while Leo’s modest personal growth adds just enough emotional depth to make readers care about more than just his footwork. Though non-soccer elements and side characters can feel underdeveloped, fans of the sport won’t mind. In a field lacking strong middle grade soccer fiction, this one delivers.