Strike

About this book

When Owen and best friend Teddy are scouted for a Premier League academy, he’s over the moon.  

And Dad’s gift of a pair of the football boots that all the top stars are wearing only makes him more delighted. Until he finds a note inside one of them. It seems to be from a worker in the factory where the boots were made and has a simple message, ‘Help us’.  

Despite his joy at being part of the academy, Owen can’t forget the note. He investigates and finds out all sorts of horror stories about dangerous working conditions and child labour. Can he ignore his concerns and play on regardless or should he risk his dream, speak out and try and change things for people he has never met?    

With themes of social justice, resilience, standing up to power and, on a very personal level, dealing with the loss of a parent, as well as masses of footballing action, this is a book with something for everyone.  

Exploring the human stories behind elite sport, Strike exposes some of the ugliness behind the beautiful game and asks difficult questions about loyalty, fairness and ambition.