Books, toys, clothing, and more celebrating girls and women in soccer in honor of the 2023 Women's World Cup!
With nearly 30 million players in over 200 countries, it's no surprise that soccer is the world's most prominent women's team sport! In fact, women’s soccer games have been recorded since the late 19th century, and today, 187 nations have national women’s soccer teams. Best of all, girls’ soccer leagues continue to thrive, with gender representation among youth soccer players almost exactly 50-50, something that's all too rare in athletics. It's no wonder that excitement about the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is at a fever pitch, with millions of girls around the world eager to cheer on their favorite players — and dream about their own turn kicking the winning goal!
To celebrate Mighty Girls and their love of the beautiful game, we've put together a selection of books, clothing, toys, gear, and movies that support and encourage Mighty Girl soccer lovers. Whether she's a toddler kicking her first ball into a pop-up net, or a teen reading about her favorite soccer hero, there's something for players and fans of every age. We hope that these inspiring resources will keep your Mighty Girl playing her favorite game for many years to come!
Soccer Stories: Books About Soccer
Soccer Baby
Soccer Baby
Baby is going to her very first soccer game! It's fun to have snacks and do the wave with the crowd, but she's captivated by the players: passes, punts, big goals and miraculous saves. She rides home from the game clutching a soccer ball and dreaming of her new passion — and she's thrilled when she gets to put on her own shinguards and soccer cleats for the very first time and learn to play the game herself! With colorful illustrations and details that will appeal to young soccer lovers, this is the perfect board book to foster a love of the beautiful game.
Maisy Plays Soccer
Maisy Plays Soccer
Maisy and her friends can't wait to play a game of soccer! Together, they lace on their cleats, grab the ball, and split into teams. As the game gets going, kids will get swept up in the excitement: who will score first? Who will win? But in the end, what really matters is that all of them are having a great time playing their favorite game. This sweet story reminds young players that the best part about soccer is how much fun it is to play!
Winners Never Quit!
Winners Never Quit!
Fans of Mia Hamm will love this story based on the soccer star's childhood experiences! Young Mia loves soccer and wants to be the best, so when her family team starts losing a game she quits — right in the middle of it. In fact, her furious exit from the game is so disruptive that the next day, her siblings refuse to let her play. When she's denied the chance to get on the field, Mia realizes that what really matters is how much she loves playing her favorite game, win or lose. Competitive kids will sympathize with frustrated Mia's trouble with losing and will gain a new perspective on sportsmanship.
Courage in Her Cleats: The Story of Soccer Star Abby Wambach
Courage in Her Cleats: The Story of Soccer Star Abby Wambach
Even as a kid, Abby Wambach loved to play soccer and to WHOOSH the ball into the goal! But while we know her today as a star of the U.S. Women's National Team, she had to fight lots of setbacks to get there. In this powerful biography, kids will learn about the obstacles Abby had to avoid on her way, from missed goals and lost games, to injuries that put her on the sidelines, to the razor-sharp competition of the world soccer stage. Fortunately, from her days in school leagues to her World Cup appearances, Abby has been tough enough to keep going, no matter what. With colorful illustrations and an empowering story about perseverance, this is the perfect picture book to encourage young soccer fans!
Megan Rapinoe (Little People, Big Dreams)
Megan Rapinoe (Little People, Big Dreams)
Megan Rapinoe grew up in Redding, California, chasing a soccer ball "like a wild animal" on the school playground. Although she didn't always fit in at school, she always knew where she should be on the field, and her teammates looked up to her for leadership. After years of diligent practice, she won a place on the United States Women's National Team, eventually being named co-captain and leading her teammates to Olympic Gold and World Cup victory. And she also used her fame to fight for causes that were important to her, like LGBTQ rights and gender equality in sports. This empowering book features from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series is a colorful, inspiring look at on of America's heroes!
Squad Goals
The Unstoppable Women of the US Women's National Soccer Team
Squad Goals
The Unstoppable Women of the US Women's National Soccer Team
The first recorded women's soccer match took place in 1881 — and ever since then, girls have been clamoring to play. The first US Women's National Team was founded in 1985, but they had to sew hand-me-down men's uniforms and barely had enough money to travel to games. Since then, the program has grown into the most successful women's soccer team in the world, with four Women's World Cup titles and four Olympic gold medals! In this fascinating nonfiction reader from the You Should Meet series, kids get an introduction to the USWNT and the unstoppable women who have been a part of it, including Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Briana Scurry, Trinity Rodman, and Mia Hamm. This inspiring story of the most successful women's soccer team in the world is perfect for budding soccer fans.
US Women's Soccer: Go For Gold!
US Women's Soccer: Go For Gold!
Learn all about America's World Championship-winning Women's National Team — the first women's team to get a ticker tape parade down New York's Canyon of Heroes — in this Penguin Young Readers book that's perfect for newly independent readers! From the beginnings of the sport in America to the girls' and women's soccer community of today, this book celebrates the vibrant women's soccer culture and the tremendous talent that it has brought to the world stage. Young soccer fans will love having their very own book to read about their heroes.
The Everything Kids' Soccer Book
The Everything Kids' Soccer Book
Do you know when to pass the ball and when to keep it? How about the best way to practice dribbling, goaltending, or other key soccer skills? What about the different ways that you can continue to enjoy your favorite sport, whether you shoot for the World Championship stage or just want to get together with friends? This book teaches you everything you need to know! From understanding the intricacies of the rules to important offense and defense techniques, the clear explanations will help you get more out of your game and stay active, healthy, and happy.
The Kicks: Saving The Team
The Kicks: Saving The Team
When 12-year-old Devon moves from Connecticut to California, she's horrified to discover that the Kentville Kangaroos, AKA the Kicks, are a disaster. Their coach doesn't care if they win or lose — or even get any better at the game — and the players lack even basic soccer skills. Devon steps up to teach her new friends, but with a game against a powerhouse team coming up, can the Kicks rally together, play well, and still have fun? This charming series, written by US Women's National Team member Alex Morgan, is sure to be a hit with soccer-loving tweens. Fans of the series can check out The Kicks Complete Paperback Collection, which includes all twelve volumes from this best-selling series.
Who Is Megan Rapinoe?
Who Is Megan Rapinoe?
Megan Rapinoe is one of America's most decorated soccer players, with multiple Women's World Cups and Olympic gold medals, victories at the ESPY Awards, and much more! Her goal in the July 7, 2019 Women's World Cup final was a game-changing point and an iconic moment from the tournament. And even off the field, Rapinoe is a fighter: she's a dedicated activist for equitable pay and treatment for female athletes and an LGBTQIA+ activist. This illustrated biography from the best-selling Who Was...? biography series — told in the engaging Who HQ NOW format for current events — is a compelling introduction to an American sports hero.
For Soccer-Crazy Girls Only
For Soccer-Crazy Girls Only
Within these pages, soccer-crazy Mighty Girls can learn everything they've ever wanted to know about their favorite game! From practice techniques that will help you achieve your best, to useful tips on stretching, hydrating, and eating right, to a guide to the big competitions and top players of the sport, this book has something for every eager young player. One section even talks to girls about what careers might appeal to young soccer fans — whether it's on the field as a player, on the sidelines as a coach, or other options that might surprise her! With clear language and an encouraging tone, this is a book she'll return to over and over.
What Is the Women's World Cup?
What Is the Women's World Cup?
The first international women's soccer match was held in 1881 — but there was no World Cup for female players. In fact, it took 110 years — until 1991 — before the Women's World Cup became official. Since then, though, the sport has grown by leaps and bounds, and today the FIFA Women's World Cup is one of the biggest tournaments in women's sports. In this book from the best-selling Who Was...? illustrated series — told in the engaging Who HQ NOW format that focuses on current events — kids will learn about the past, present, and future of women's soccer, from the teams that made history to the players who inspire people around the world. It's the perfect read to prepare for the 2023 Women's World Cup!
Epic Athletes: Alex Morgan
Epic Athletes: Alex Morgan
When she was growing up, Alex Morgan knew she wanted to go to the Olympics — even before she knew which sport she wanted to play! When she fell in love with soccer, she wrote a note to her mother declaring that she was going to be a professional player someday. In this exciting biography from the Epic Athletes series, best-selling author Dan Wetzel tells the story of how Morgan rose to become a major player on the international sporting stage. With comic-style illustrations from Cory Thomas, and compelling writing that makes you feel like you're on the field next to her, this thrilling book is perfect for both long-time and new fans of Morgan and the US Women's National Team. For another biography of this soccer star, check out Amazing Athletes: Alex Morgan for ages 7 to 10.
Soccer Sisters: Out Of Bounds
Soccer Sisters: Out Of Bounds
Makena and her teammates on the Brookville Breakers are Soccer Sisters, and they have a code that emphasizes skill-building, competition, and fair play. But when Skylar joins the team, Makena starts wondering if the code is really all it's cracked up to be. Skylar plays hard both on and off the field, and she doesn't always follow the rules — and Makena starts joining her. But there's a big tournament coming up, and Makena has some choices to make: can she stay true to the Soccer Sisters' ideals and still be a winner? Tweens will love this story about integrity, peer pressure, and the love of the game.
Soccer Queens
Soccer Queens
Celebrate some of the greatest stars of women's soccer in this empowering collection of poems paired with dynamic artwork! In Soccer Queens, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Charles R. Smith Jr. pays tribute to trailblazing players past and present, from "escape artist" Roe Lavelle to Julie Ertz, AKA "the Wall," to Alex Morgan the "game-winning / dream ender." Each woman is depicted in action on the field, with bold graphic design that draws the eye. The book ends with an ode to the legendary '99ers US Women's National Team, as well as an afterward from Smith discussing how he wrote each poem. For anyone who's dreamed of lacing on a set of cleats and scoring the game-winning goal, this inspiring poetry collection will be a treasured read.
Play Like a Girl: Life Lessons from the Soccer Field
Play Like a Girl: Life Lessons from the Soccer Field
Kate T. Parker, the photographer behind Strong Is The New Pretty, creates another inspiring photo book, this one drawing from the lessons you can learn while kicking a soccer ball! Parker's photos capture players from ages 3 to 63, from brand new kickers to some of women's soccer's top athletes. Each picture includes a quotation that captures the spirit, drive, and determination of these dauntless players. Packed with confident, resilient, and proud girls and women, this book will encourage and empower both children and adults!
Champions of Women's Soccer
Champions of Women's Soccer
From the moment the U.S. women's soccer team won the 1999 world Cup, the popularity of the sport exploded — particularly among girls. Today, women's professional leagues beginning to grow, and the U.S. Women's National Team continues to set records around the world. Award-winning sports journalist Ann Killion introduces young fans to the excitement of the sport with this volume, which includes Top Ten lists, thrilling photos, biographies of famous players, and more. Soccer-crazy girls will love this tribute to their favorite sport, which encourages them to imagine themselves as the next generation of soccer stars!
All Heart: My Dedication and Determination to Become One of Soccer's Best
All Heart: My Dedication and Determination to Become One of Soccer's Best
When Carli Lloyd scored a hat trick in the Women's World Cup final in 2015, she broke records and inspired the world, but at one point, she considered giving up her sport altogether. She struggled with self-doubts and low confidence, and wondered if she would ever have what it took to be an international level player. But with help from a good coach — and a lot of grit and determination — she pulled through, trained hard, and made history. This candid memoir provides young readers with an intriguing look inside the mind of a professional athlete. Older teens and adult readers can check out the original version of this memoir, When Nobody Was Watching: My Hard-Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer World.
Forward: My Story (Young Readers Edition)
Forward: My Story (Young Readers Edition)
Abby Wambach has always pushed the boundaries, achieving great feats — like the record for the most international goals scored in the history of soccer by either a man or a woman — and capturing the heart of a country as she helped lead the 2015 Women's National Team to victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup. But behind the professional successes were many struggles that fans didn't see, including a fight against addiction and fear about coming out as a lesbian. These struggles, though, have driven her to achieve as a professional athlete and as an advocate for equality and women's rights. This young readers edition of Wambach's book Forward: A Memoir is sure to delight young soccer fans.
Breakaway: Beyond The Goal
Breakaway: Beyond The Goal
When Alex Morgan joined the US Women's National Team, it was the fulfillment of a dream she'd had since she was 8: to be a professional soccer player. In this friendly memoir, Morgan remembers her time playing with the American Youth Soccer Organization, then joining the Olympic Development Program and the under-17 and under-20 World Championship teams. Morgan is up-front about some of the challenges she faced, from long-distance relationships to sports injuries, and provides a great look at what it's like to stay focused and positive as you rise through the ranks of the soccer world. Younger readers can check out the World Soccer Legends biography Alex Morgan for ages 7 to 12.
Go For the Goal: A Champion's Guide To Winning In Soccer And Life
Go For the Goal: A Champion's Guide To Winning In Soccer And Life
Learn about soccer — and life — at the feet of Mia Hamm, one of the greatest female soccer players in history! In this combination of biography and soccer guide, Hamm talks about her rise from beginning player to world stage, and also provides plenty of tips on how to improve your game. Plus, her optimistic, can-do attitude isn't just useful in soccer: her determination to improve and willingness to put in the work that it takes to do so is a skill that can transfer to any area of a Mighty Girl's life.
Everything Your Coach Never Told You Because You're A Girl: And Other Truths About Winning
Everything Your Coach Never Told You Because You're A Girl: And Other Truths About Winning
Girl athletes can be fierce and competitive — but often, they're urged to tone back their drive for the sake of "being nice." Dan Blank, a top coach and best-selling author, urges girls to stop worrying about what others think of them when they're on the field, giving them permission to win big without apology. Players who read this book will feel empowered to stretch their muscles and really give their best, but it's also a great read for coaches who want to examine the messages directed at female athletes and how to counteract them.
Pride of a Nation: A Celebration of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team
Pride of a Nation: A Celebration of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team
Celebrate nearly four decades of astounding women's soccer with this officially authorized history of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team! In Pride of a Nation, soccer fans get a unique look at this pioneering team, from its earliest days to its greatest successes (including four World Cup titles and four Olympic gold medals.) You'll also meet some of its greatest stars over the years, including Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Briana Scurry, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith, Rose Lavelle, Catarina Macario, Mallory Pugh, and more. With 250 full-color photographs — including many unique behind-the-scenes shots — and an exploration of the cultural impact of the team, this is a beautiful tribute and an inspiring keepsake for a new generation of soccer players and fans.
Catch Them Being Good: Everything You Need To Know To Successfully Coach Girls
Catch Them Being Good: Everything You Need To Know To Successfully Coach Girls
If you're thinking about taking up coaching soccer, then this book is a must-read! Tony DiCicco, the coach for the 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning US Women's National Team, and Colleen Hacker, the team's psychology consultant, speak to parents and coaches about how to get the best performance out of players, whether they're putting on their first set of cleats or preparing to play in a World Championship. Exercises to build team cohesiveness and technical skills echo DiCicco's creed that soccer — and every sport — is about "playing hard, playing fair, playing to win, and having fun." You can also check out the book Coaching Girls' Soccer: From the How-To's of the Game to Practical Real-World Advice - Your Definitive Guide to Successfully Coaching Girls.
Raised a Warrior: A Memoir of Soccer, Grit, and Leveling the Playing Field
Raised a Warrior: A Memoir of Soccer, Grit, and Leveling the Playing Field
Susie Petruccelli's star was on the rise: her talent and drive at soccer had earned her a place on the soccer team at Harvard University. But a combination of injuries and health problems pulled her off the field — and tanked her sense of self. And at the same time, she was beginning to understand all the inequities that faced female athletes, from unequal pay to dramatically different training conditions, coaching support, and more. In this memoir, which is part personal story, part examination of sexism in the athletic world, Petruccelli explores the perseverance that helped her get back on to the soccer field — and that stands her in good stead now as she continues to fight alongside other activists for women athletes.
The Making of the Women's World Cup: Defining Stories from a Sport's Coming of Age
The Making of the Women's World Cup: Defining Stories from a Sport's Coming of Age
When the FIFA Women's World Cup began, it was a gathering of eight teams — and no one knew just how big it would get. By the 2015 Women's World Cup, 25 million people tuned in to watch the finals in the United States alone! Kieran Theivam and Jeff Kassouf explore the history of the Women's World Cup through the stories of games and people who left their impression on the sport forever. It's a fascinating look at the triumphs, heartbreaks, hopes, and dreams that drove women's soccer to become the world's most prominent team sport.
SoccerWomen: The Icons, Rebels, Stars, and Trailblazers Who Transformed the Beautiful Game
SoccerWomen: The Icons, Rebels, Stars, and Trailblazers Who Transformed the Beautiful Game
Soccer is a tremendously popular sport, both in America and around the world — but the famous female players of today still faced significant hardships and discrimination, in addition to all the challenges of a world-class athlete, in order to play the game they love. In this tribute to the daring women who transformed the sport, author Gemma Clarke interviewed over fifty players and coaches to explore their lives and experiences with the beautiful game. Packed with names both famous and unfamiliar, this book is sure to be a favorite with any fan of soccer or women's sport.
Gear Up For The Game: Soccer-Themed Clothing
'I'm Just Strong' T-Shirt
'I'm Just Strong' T-Shirt
Forget being told you're "strong for a girl" — you're just strong! This design from Spreadshirt is the perfect way to celebrate the determination of the Mighty Girls and women in your life. This shirt is available in infant, toddler, child, teen, adult, plus and maternity sizes in a variety of styles and colors including t-shirt, long sleeve, hoodie, and infant bodysuit, including several styles available in 100% organic cotton, so everybody can celebrate the strength of Mighty Girls!
Crawl, Walk, Soccer Onesie
Crawl, Walk, Soccer Onesie
Crawl before you walk, and walk before... you play soccer! Our novelty infant bodysuits will look absolutely adorable on your little one! This exclusive Threadrock design is available on multiple size and color combinations of your choice, all made with 100% cotton. Bodysuits feature lap shoulder construction for over-the-head ease and three button snap closure for a diaper friendly fit. Available in infants' sizes 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months.
I Know I Play Like A Girl: Try to Keep Up T-Shirt
I Know I Play Like A Girl: Try to Keep Up T-Shirt
"I know I play like a girl... try to keep up!" This is the perfect shirt for anyone who refuses to let gender stereotypes dictate how they play! This cotton-polyester blend shirt features the quote and a graphic of a soccer ball. It comes in five colors and in available in women's sizes small to 3XL, as well as unisex youth sizes 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, and men's sizes small to 3XL.
Alex Morgan USWNT Shirt
Alex Morgan USWNT Shirt
She'll feel just like her favorite soccer star in this jersey, shorts, and socks set modeled after the US Women's National Team uniform! This 100% polyester set features Morgan's name and number on the back of the jersey, and it's machine washable, so she can play hard and still have it look perfect for her next game. The set is available in both blue and white, and comes in sizes to fit ages 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years, 11-12 years, and 13-14 years.
USA Women's Soccer Shirt
USA Women's Soccer Shirt
Get ready to cheer on the United States Women's National Team with this shirt featuring the USWNT crest from Nike! This comfortable shirt features a bold design that shows off your love of the USWNT and the sport. This awesome jersey is available in women's sizes extra-small to extra-large.
Time To Play: Soccer Toys And Training Gear
Bright Lights Soccer Ball
Bright Lights Soccer Ball
Have a ball with this colorful light-up soccer ball from VTech! As you move this ball around, you'll trigger music and sounds that encourage kids to kick, pass, and shake the ball and introduce concepts like opposites and numbers. Press the light-up face button to activate more sounds, or feel the textures of the crinkly hands or the soft plus ball. It's a cuddly way to get some soccer into your Mighty Girl's life! For another soccer-themed toy for little kids, check out Fisher Price's Laugh and Learn Singin' Soccer Ball.
Smart Shots Sports Center
Smart Shots Sports Center
Celebrate a love of sports with this interactive sports center from Vtech that lets toddlers shoot, score, and learn! Toss the basketball into the hoop or kick the soccer ball in the net to score points and hear fun sounds. Buttons, gears, and pages help kids learn about numbers, letters, and more. Not only does it build fine and gross motor skills, it's a great way to start the habit of active living early.
Easy Score Soccer Set
Easy Score Soccer Set
Get ready to get in the game with Little Tikes' soccer set! A sturdy but lightweight metal goal with two height settings lets you set up to practice your shots or goal keeping in no time, while the kid-sized soccer ball is just the right size to help kids perfect their technique. A ball pump ensures you don't fall flat! Kids will love getting to practice "real" soccer at home.
Soccer Coach Doll and Playset
Soccer Coach Doll and Playset
Explore a world of competitive fun with the Barbie Soccer Coach Playset! The soccer coach doll is ready to teach in her blue soccer uniform with cleats, while her soccer player is ready in her own pink team uniform. Set up the goal and the cones to run some drills, and don't forget to drink some water and have a healthy snack! With perseverance, her player can even win a gold trophy to show off at home.
Soccer Player Doll
Soccer Player Doll
Young athletes will love exploring the world of professional soccer with this Barbie doll! There are two versions of this soccer player, one in a red and blue uniform with blonde hair, and one in a green and white uniform with brown hair. Each doll comes with realistic accessories like fabric soccer socks, a headband to keep her hair back while she's scoring the game-winning goal, and her very own scale-sized soccer ball. It's the perfect toy for any girl dreaming of her own day playing with their national team!
Pop-up Soccer Training Goal
Pop-up Soccer Training Goal
These GoSports portable soccer training goals offers an innovative, lightweight and collapsible design that you can easily carry to the field. This pair of 4' goals sets up quickly, and can be secured down with the included anchoring pegs so you're quickly ready for games or drills. They quickly fold down to a 1 inch thick flat oval that easily fits in a handy carry bag, so the game can go wherever you do — and they even come with six training cones to mark off your field!
Soccer Uniform for 18" Doll
Soccer Uniform for 18" Doll
Let your 18" doll join you for some soccer fun with this replica soccer uniform that's just her size! This set from WONDOLL includes a Team USA-inspired shorts and top, a matching headband, red, white, and blue socks, and soccer shoes. It even includes a scale sized soccer ball to use in your imaginary games! This set will fit most 18" doll brands, including American Girl, Our Generation, My Life, and Madam Alexander.
Soccer Ball
Soccer Ball
Get ready to score! The Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball has a machine-sewn, synthetic leather cover for extra durability, and a butyl rubber bladder that helps the ball hold inflation and shape. The traditional panel graphics with silver accents are perfect for any soccer purist! This ball is available in size 3 (ages 8 and under), size 4 (ages 8 to 12) and size 5 (ages 13 and up.)
Funko POP Alex Morgan (USWNT)
Funko POP Alex Morgan (USWNT)
Celebrate a love of soccer and the US Women's National Team with these Funko POP Vinyl USWNT figures! This figure of Alex Morgan celebrates the world-class soccer player (and best-selling children's author.) It's just the right size for display on a desk or shelf — and it's the perfect pick for any soccer fan or aspiring USWNT member! There are also Funko POP! figures of Mia Hamm, Megan Rapinoe, and Brandi Chastain.
Alex Morgan Doll
Alex Morgan Doll
Celebrate one of America's great soccer stars with this limited edition Alex Morgan doll from Barbie! This collectible doll is full poseable and comes wearing a red, white, and blue jersey with her name on the back and her US Women's National Team number 13 on the front. She's also wearing soccer socks, shin guards, cleats, and of course, her iconic pink headband! You'll even get a scale-sized soccer ball so that you can pose her as she kicks the winning goal.
Star Kick Solo Soccer Trainer
Star Kick Solo Soccer Trainer
Practice your shooting, passing, juggling, ball control, and more — all by yourself and without having to chase down the ball! This Star Kick soccer trainer from SKLS is a simple tether system with a patented neoprene ball glove that fits a #3, #4, or #5 ball and holds up to the most aggressive play. The tether stretches to over 18 feet, so kids can practice serious kicks and throws without worrying about damaging their gear. Whether she's new to the game or perfecting her skills, she'll be able to push herself to the limit with this trainer.
Soccer On Screen: Soccer-Themed Movies
Alex & Me
Alex & Me
Teenager Reagan Willis' bedroom is a shrine to her love of soccer and to her idol, Alex Morgan — but outside her bedroom door, she's overshadowed by her football superstar brother. After a disastrous tryout for the premiere local soccer team — including humiliation at the hands of her rival — Reagan is shocked when a bump on her head leads to Alex Morgan stepping out of her life-sized poster and offering advice. It turns out that, with a good coach at your side and a determined mindset, Reagan is capable of achieving her dreams! This fun and uplifting movie will be a hit with young soccer fans.
The 99ers (ESPN: Nine for IX)
The 99ers (ESPN: Nine for IX)
On July 10, 1999, the US Women's National Team won the FIFA Women's World Cup in a nail-biting penalty-kick shoot-out — and their story captivated the nation! In this film from ESPN's Nine for IX series, created in honor of the anniversary of the landmark Title IX legislation that revolutionizes girls' and women's sports, longtime team captain Julie Foudy narrates the story of the team's path to this critical victory. Full of behind-the-scenes footage from the players themselves, this film takes a unique look at the personalities behind this major win. For another documentary about the USWNT, check out Dare to Dream for ages 10 and up.
Bend It Like Beckham
Bend It Like Beckham
Sometimes, to follow your dreams, you've go to bend the rules! Jess was born in England to an Indian family, and she dreams of becoming a soccer star, just like her idol, David Beckham — but her traditional family refuses to allow her to play. When she meets Juliet, who plays on a local girls' team, Jess decides to secretly join the team. But as she develops her skills and the team starts gaining attention, will Jess be able to keep her secret, or can she convince her parents to flex enough to allow her to play the game she loves? This feel-good film is an exuberant delight.
Gracie
Gracie
When 15-year-old Gracie Bowen's soccer star brother dies in a car accident, she's determined to pay tribute to his memory on the field. But in 1978, there's no girl's team — so she sets her sights on replacing him on the boy's varsity team. The school forbids her to play, but she knows that she can play just as well if she's given a chance. When even her family doubts her ability, Gracie will need all her strength and courage to achieve her dream. Loosely based on actress Elisabeth Shue's real-life campaign to replace her brother on her high school's boys team, this inspiring story of perseverance and hope will delight viewers.
