THE TRIAL: A Soccer Chapter Book for Boys Ages 9–14 | An Academy Trial That Changes Everything | Middle Grade Sports Fiction (First Eleven)

The trial of his life is finally here.

Marco Rivera has spent two years earning this moment, six-forty-five mornings at the wall, one coach who believed before there was any reason to, and every drill, every session, every setback that built the player walking onto this field today. Now there are four men with clipboards on the sideline. One of them is from the LA Galaxy Academy. He has ninety minutes.

This isn’t just a tryout. It’s the moment that defines everything that came before it.

For parents: If your son plays soccer and struggles to sit down with a book, this series can inspire confidence and change that. The First Eleven series was written for boys who live for the game, with fast chapters, real tactics, and a main character who thinks the way young players do. Boys who “don’t read” finish Book 4 in a weekend and immediately ask for Book 5.

In this soccer chapter book for boys ages 9–14, Marco discovers that making an elite academy squad takes more than skill. It takes courage to stay exactly who you are when the pressure is highest, when scouts are watching every touch, when a faster, more polished rival is competing for the same spot, and when everything you’ve worked for comes down to one afternoon on one pitch. This story promotes resilience and self-belief, empowering young readers to embrace their identity.

Perfect for reluctant readers, young soccer players, and any boy who knows what it feels like to want something so badly it hurts.

Fast, short chapters built for boys who don’t like reading

Authentic soccer academy atmosphere, real tactics, real pressure, and stories that reflect actual game scenarios, helping parents see the series as both fun and educational.

Themes of resilience, identity, and performing under pressure

Part of the kids’ soccer book series, the book ends, and the boys immediately want more, creating a sense of belonging and excitement that keeps them engaged and eager to read more.

Perfect soccer gift for boys ages 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14

Great for youth soccer players at any level — academy, recreational, or backyard

If he loves the game, he’ll love this book. If he says he hates reading, give him Book 1 first.

Book 4 of the First Eleven series — a soccer chapter book series for boys ages 9–14. Can be read standalone, but best enjoyed as part of the complete series.

From the Publisher

Don’t Play Their Game. Play Yours.

The trial isn’t just about skill. Every player on that field is trying to prove something — and most of them are playing scared.

Coach Ray’s last words before Marco walks out: “The scouts aren’t looking for perfect. They’re looking for real.”

Marco has one afternoon to be exactly who he is.

The Scout in the Gray Jacket.

Marco doesn’t know which one he is. There are four men on the sideline with clipboards. One of them is from the LA Galaxy Academy.

For ninety minutes, Marco has to forget they’re there.

That’s the hardest part. Not the defending. Not the pressing. Forgetting the man in the gray jacket is watching every touch.

The Book Your Kid Won’t Want to Put Down

For Kids Who “Don’t Like Reading”

Short chapters. Fast pace. A story that reads like a game — it doesn’t slow down long enough to lose them. Boys who haven’t finished a book in years finish this one in a week. Then ask for Book 2.

For Kids Who Live for the Game

Marco doesn’t just play soccer, he thinks it. The tactics, the reads, the moments before the ball moves. Kids who play recognize it immediately. This is the game they know, written the way it actually feels from the inside.

The Gift That Actually Gets Read

Each book is a complete story — no cliffhangers, no frustration. Start anywhere. But most kids start at Book 1 and don’t stop until Book 6. Makes the perfect birthday, holiday, or end-of-season gift for any soccer kid ages 9–14.

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Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars 26

5.0 out of 5 stars 4

5.0 out of 5 stars 2

5.0 out of 5 stars 1

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Price

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Series order
Start here 2 of 6 3 of 6 4 of 6 5 of 6 6 of 6

Marco’s journey
Street kid → first tryout New player → new role Eagles captain On trial for his future Academy recruit FC Porto first team

Key theme
Starting from zero Learning to read the game Friendship & loyalty Performing under pressure Elite environment Europe & identity

Best for readers who love…
Underdog stories Tactics & teamwork Coming-of-age High-stakes moments Academy life International football

The lesson
The wall always gives back The deepest position sees everything The work belongs to you, not the place Don’t play their game — play yours What got you here won’t develop you further The reading works in every language

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GY15J2KJ
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 20, 2026
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 157 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8258227676
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 – 14 years
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.36 x 9 inches
Book 4 of 6 ‏ : ‎ First Eleven
Best Sellers Rank: #50,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #44 in Children’s Soccer Books (Books) #58 in Soccer (Books) #162 in Sports Coaching (Books)
Customer Reviews: 5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars (1) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });