“The Soccer Star”

was create especially for

Bob Smith

at the age of 7

Happy Birthday!

Lisa, Roy & Kelsey

March 9, 2002

Bob Smith lay asleep in his bed, dreaming about tomorrow’s game.  The next afternoon would be one of the most important games he had ever played.  A scout from America’s national team would be in Groesbeck, Texas watching the game and perhaps select players to represent America in the “7 and under” world championships.

4

In his office, the scout was busy assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each player.  In fact, the team he had already picked was so strong that he didn’t think anyone from tomorrow’s game would have a chance to make the team.

7

The next day Bob was awesome.  He dribbled the ball as if it were attached to his feet.  His passes were right on the mark and he scored a beautiful goal to help his team tie the best team in the league.  Bob had noticed the scout watching him, but the scout was stone-faced, and Bob didn’t know what he was thinking.

8

Two days later, the scout telephoned him.  “Bob, would you be interested in playing for America in the “7 and under” world championships?” he asked.  “We have a series of practices starting next week and then the games begin.”

“Yes!” Bob said excitedly, nearly dropping the telephone.  “I’ll be there.”

11

At practice the next week, Bob met his coach and was introduced to all the other players.  Bob proudly put on the American uniform.  He could hardly wait for the championships to begin.

“Imagine,” he thought to himself, “I’m playing for America.”

12

After a week of tough practices, the day of the first match finally arrived.  In the locker room, the coach was going over the game plan and giving the players their final instructions.  Bob sat very still and quiet.  He was so nervous.

15

When the American team ran onto the field, the roar of the crowd was deafening.  Bob had never been in front of a crowd this large before.

Bob became even more nervous when he remembered that he would be seen on television for the first time.  He wondered if Tod, Kyle, and Anthony would be watching as he was introduced to the crowd.

16

Soon the big game was ready to begin.  Bob joined several other players on the bench.  Unfortunately, the first half started badly for America as the opposition took the lead early in the game.  America was still losing by a goal at half-time.

19

In the American dressing room you could hear a pin drop.  Bob and the rest of the players were dejected.  The silence was finally broken when the coach came into the room.  He suggested that a number of players should be playing better.  He then went over the game plan for the second half and tried to “pump-up” his troops.

20

The American team played much better in the second half, but could not get the goal they needed to catch up.  The game was very physical and several players were knocked to the ground with hard tackles.  America’s star goal scorer fell painfully to the ground after a tackle and was unable to continue.

The coach called Bob over.  “Get in there and try to score a goal,” he instructed him.

23

Bob was not used to competing against such good players.  The pace was incredibly quick.  As usual, he played hard, and sweat poured down his brow.  The sounds of the crowd rang in his ear.  Bob knew that his friends, including Tod, Kyle, and Anthony, were cheering every move that he made and he did not want to disappoint such good friends.

24

The first time Bob got the ball he managed to side-step a defender and loft the ball into the penalty area.  One of his teammates leaped above the other defenders and headed the ball into the corner net.  The crowd erupted into cheers.  The game was tied.

27

With only three minutes of time remaining to play, it seemed that the game was certain to go into extra time.  Both teams were desperate to find a way to score that winning goal.  As time slipped away, the ball came to Bob near mid-field.  He ran up the field with defenders all around him.

28

Bob faked as if he were going to kick to the right and then using all the skill he had been taught, he drilled the ball toward the upper left corner of the goal.  The crowd was silent and time seemed to stand still.  Then, suddenly, the ball was in the net.  As the crowd realized that Bob had just scored the winning goal of the game, they went wild with excitement.  Bob ran with joy, waving his hands high.

31

All of the American players ran to Bob, excitedly jumping and shouting.  The crowd was cheering loudly:  “Bob!, Bob!, Bob!, Bob!, just as time ran out and the referee blew the final whistle.  The American team had won.

32

That night Bob could hardly sleep.  All he could think about was “The Big Game” and the sounds of the fans cheering.  Next week, they would play again.  Although it was a long shot, America, with Bob’s help, had a chance to be world champions.

That night Bob had a dream.  He imagined winning the world championship and holding the cup high above his head while the crowd cheered wildly.  One time he woke up holding his pillow as if it were a trophy.  It wasn’t quite the trophy he wanted, but Bob knew he wasn’t far from making his dream come true.

35

Bob Smith

Happy Birthday!

Lisa, Roy & Kelsey