Freddie Stands Between the Posts
Freddie is scared of the ball flying at the goal. Can a brave heart help?
Coach Tariq the turtle blew the whistle. ‘Today we need a new goalkeeper!’ Freddie gulped. Everyone looked at Freddie. ‘Me?’ he squeaked.
Freddie did not like the idea at all. The ball came so fast! What if it bumped his nose? What if it went past him? His tummy did a funny little flip-flop.
Freddie pulled on the big orange gloves and stood in the goal. Mateo took the first shot. WHOOSH! The ball flew past, and Freddie shut his eyes.
‘Don’t worry,’ said Coach Tariq, kneeling down. ‘Watch the ball, not the fear.’ Freddie took a deep breath. Then another. His tummy flip-flops began to slow down.
The next shot came. Open eyes. Big hands. Bounce! The ball landed right in Freddie’s gloves. ‘I SAVED IT!’ he yelled, jumping up and down.
All through the game, Freddie dived left and dived right. He saved four shots. Each one made him feel taller, braver and bigger.
After the match, Mateo gave Freddie a high-five. ‘You’re a super goalkeeper!’ Freddie grinned. Being scared hadn’t stopped him at all.
The little lesson
Being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. It means you try anyway.
Let’s talk about it
- Is there anything that makes you feel nervous? What helps?
- Why do you think Freddie felt better after the first save?
Finish stories to collect Freddie as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
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