Pip’s Last Penalty
The cup final comes down to penalties, and Pip 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 Nina the elephant.
Each team would take five penalty kicks. The players hugged in a big circle on the pitch. Pip was chosen to take the last kick for the Sky Wolves.
The first four kicks came and went. One for the Sky Wolves, one for the Orange Tigers, and on it went. After four kicks each, the score was level. It all came down to Pip.
Pip 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.
Pip remembered what Coach Nina said. ‘Breathe in, breathe out. Pick a spot. Kick it like you do in the park.’ Pip breathed in for a count of three, and out for a count of three.
The whistle blew. Pip ran up to the ball. THWACK! The ball rocketed in under the keeper’s arm. GOAL! The stadium shook with cheers.
The Sky Wolves won the cup, and the noise was so loud the pigeons flew off the roof. Pip hugged Remy until they both fell over, giggling.
That night, Pip 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 Pip still felt proud at the end? Why?
Finish stories to collect Pip as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
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