Meet the Series That’s Teaching Kids the Value of Sports

No two kids are the same – we know that.

Yet, so often, the lessons we try to teach them are very ‘one size fits all’. Yet, when those lessons feel too universal, kids tend to zone out. Even lessons with the best intentions – ‘eat your veggies’, ‘always be kind’ – fall flat when kids don’t feel that they relate to them.

So what’s the secret?

It’s easier than you might think. To get kids to absorb advice that will help them, the information must be relatable. And while that doesn’t mean that you need to make every bit of wisdom super-personal, it does mean getting kids to connect with whatever message you’re trying to share.

And what better way to interest young minds than through reading?

When we read a book, we become absorbed in the world and characters that make up the plot. This sense of empathy and imagination allows kids to relate to stories of all kinds – even when they’re vastly different from their own lived experiences.

Kristin Darell, author of the Football Fever series, knows this first-hand, and though her books are about elite athletes, even the least-sporty children can relate.

While there is specific mention of football, the technicalities, and the team dynamics of it, the Football Fever series is first and foremost centred around the universal lessons that sports teach us.

Reading along as the Under 11s Merridale Fever go head-to-head against opponents in games and tournaments, young readers not only learn about football, but also about camaraderie, overcoming challenges, and teamwork.

While sporty kids will adore the play-by-play descriptions of fancy footwork on the field, those less-football-inclined will be drawn in by the characters and broader messages that span the series.

Read on to learn about the 3 books out (so far), perfectly timed in the lead-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

Football Fever 1: The Kick-off

It’s a new season for the Under 11s Merridale Fever, and star striker Kyra can’t wait to meet their new recruit. Sam, coming all the way from England has one secret though. He’s never played on a mixed team, and he’s not sure what it will be like to play with girls. Will advice from special football superstars help Kyra and Sam join forces, or will it end in disaster before the season even begins?

Football Fever 2: Half-time Heroes

The team is back and better than ever! Not only is it their best season yet, but they’ve also been given the chance to play as Half-time Heroes at a Socceroos game. But first, they have to make a video to prove that their team is special. Instead of working together, the team starts taking sides with each trying to convince the other that their way is best. With some sage advice from Australian footballers, the Under 11s Merridale Fever just might be able to come to an agreement.

Football Fever 3: Next Level

In exciting news, the entire Under 11s Merridale Fever team is invited to participate in a two-day camp for the National High Potential Pathway Program. Both Kat and Crabbie want to be selected for the Game of the Stars match, but first, they’ll need to find a way to perform when faced with challenges. With difficulties arising on the field and off, they’ll need the help of some football heroes to learn how to take things to the next level when it counts most