Mia the Goalkeeper
Mia is scared of the ball flying at the goal. Can a brave heart help?
Coach Nell the turtle blew the whistle. ‘Today we need a new goalkeeper!’ Mia gulped. Everyone looked at Mia. ‘Me?’ she squeaked.
Mia did not like the idea at all. The ball came so fast! What if it bumped her nose? What if it went past her? Her tummy did a funny little flip-flop.
Mia pulled on the big orange gloves and stood in the goal. Isaac took the first shot. WHOOSH! The ball flew past, and Mia shut her eyes.
‘Don’t worry,’ said Coach Nell, kneeling down. ‘Think of a hug, and catch it like a hug.’ Mia took a deep breath. Then another. Her tummy flip-flops began to slow down.
The next shot came. Open eyes. Big hands. Bounce! The ball landed right in Mia’s gloves. ‘I SAVED IT!’ she yelled, jumping up and down.
All through the game, Mia dived left and dived right. She saved four shots. Each one made her feel taller, braver and bigger.
After the match, Isaac gave Mia a high-five. ‘You’re a super goalkeeper!’ Mia grinned. Being scared hadn’t stopped her 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 Mia felt better after the first save?
Finish stories to collect Mia as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
More Football stories
Dylan’s Great Forest Cup
The forest animals hold a football cup, but nobody can agree on the rules!
One Boot, Two Boots, Where, Sam?
It’s match day, but Sam can only find one boot. Where could it be?
Priya’s Fair Play Award
Priya scores a goal that no one saw was wrong. What would you do?
You might also like
Nell’s Sandwiches in Space
Nell takes a picnic to the moon, but nothing stays where it’s put!
Brave Little Tilly on the Waves
A small rescue boat sets out in the fog to guide lost fishermen home.
Arlo Lights a Lamp
Arlo joins the lantern festival, where the whole town glows.