Harvey Takes the Penalty
The cup final comes down to penalties, and Harvey 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 Tilly the turtle.
Each team would take five penalty kicks. The players hugged in a big circle on the pitch. Harvey was chosen to take the last kick for the Maroon Mighty.
The first four kicks came and went. One for the Maroon Mighty, one for the Lime Leopards, and on it went. After four kicks each, the score was level. It all came down to Harvey.
Harvey 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.
Harvey remembered what Coach Tilly said. ‘Breathe in, breathe out. Pick a spot. Kick it like you do in the park.’ Harvey breathed in for a count of three, and out for a count of three.
The whistle blew. Harvey ran up to the ball. THWACK! The ball skimmed the crossbar and bounced into the net. GOAL! ‘It went in!’ Harvey yelled, and the crowd went wild.
When the whistle blew, the Maroon Mighty were champions. Harvey held the cup high, and every single teammate got to hold it too.
That night, Harvey 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 Harvey still felt proud at the end? Why?
Finish stories to collect Harvey as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
More Football stories
Idris Joins the Team
Idris just moved to town and doesn’t know anyone. Then a ball rolls by...
Where Is Jamal’s Boot?
It’s match day, but Jamal can only find one boot. Where could it be?
Splash! Rani’s Match in the Rain
Rain pours on match day, but Rani has an idea that makes the game the muddiest, happiest ever.
You might also like
Match Point for Cleo
Cleo is playing in her first tennis tournament against a much better opponent.
Nell’s Whale Who Lost Her Song
Nell the whale wakes up unable to sing. Her ocean friends lend a hand, or a fin.
Amy and the Night of No Lights
When the power goes out across town, Amy and friends become the neighbourhood’s superheroes.