Leo’s Brave Little Goalkeeper
Leo is scared of the ball flying at the goal. Can a brave heart help?
Coach Rosie the pony blew the whistle. ‘Today we need a new goalkeeper!’ Leo gulped. Everyone looked at Leo. ‘Me?’ he squeaked.
Leo 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.
Leo pulled on the big orange gloves and stood in the goal. Louie took the first shot. WHOOSH! The ball flew past, and Leo shut his eyes.
‘Don’t worry,’ said Coach Rosie, kneeling down. ‘Watch the ball, not the fear.’ Leo 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 Leo’s gloves. ‘I SAVED IT!’ he yelled, jumping up and down.
All through the game, Leo dived left and dived right. He saved four shots. Each one made him feel taller, braver and bigger.
After the match, Louie gave Leo a high-five. ‘You’re a super goalkeeper!’ Leo 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 Leo felt better after the first save?
Finish stories to collect Leo as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
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