Felix’s Last Penalty
The cup final comes down to penalties, and Felix is the very last kicker.
It was the cup final, and the score was 2-2. The stadium was packed with people waving flags. ‘We’re going to penalties!’ said Coach Basil the bear.
Each team would take five penalty kicks. The players hugged in a big circle on the pitch. Felix was chosen to take the last kick for the Green Giants.
The first four kicks came and went. One for the Green Giants, one for the Sky Wolves, and on it went. After four kicks each, the score was level. It all came down to Felix.
Felix walked to the penalty spot. It felt like the longest walk ever. His legs were wobbly. His heart went thump-thump-thump. He could hear the whole stadium breathing.
Felix remembered what Coach Basil said. ‘Breathe in, breathe out. Pick a spot. Kick it like you do in the park.’ Felix breathed in for a count of three, and out for a count of three.
The whistle blew. Felix ran up to the ball. THWACK! The ball thumped against the post and bounced back. The crowd groaned. But Iris the goalkeeper dived and saved the next shot, and the Green Giants won anyway.
Felix was so happy and so relieved. Iris said, ‘You were brave to take it.’ Together they lifted the cup, and the confetti fell like snow.
That night, Felix lay in bed and held the match ball. Whether the ball went in or out, he knew one thing. He had walked up to that spot and tried, and that was the bravest thing of all.
The little lesson
You can’t control where the ball goes, but you can always try your bravest best.
Let’s talk about it
- What helps you stay calm when you feel nervous?
- Do you think Felix still felt proud at the end? Why?
Finish stories to collect Felix as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
More Football stories
Priya Meets the Big Round Ball
Priya the puppy has never kicked a ball before. Today is the big day!
Theo and the Rainbow Ball
Theo finds a football that glows, and every pass builds a bridge of rainbow light.
Elsa Tells the Truth
Elsa scores a goal that no one saw was wrong. What would you do?
You might also like
How Faye Found Her Voice
Faye the whale wakes up unable to sing. Her ocean friends lend a hand, or a fin.
Lily’s Well at the End of the Lane
Lily finds a well that grants wishes, but every wish has a surprise.
Ben Learns to Read the Woods
Ben goes for a walk with Grandpa and learns to see what the forest is saying.