Playing For Keeps

Matt is a semi-professional football player who juggles the demands of playing with a full-time job. He meets and falls in love with Anna, an American girl who initially fails to understand his obsession with 'soccer'. Despite struggling with an injury, Matt continues to impress during the cup run and gets a call from a scout representing Premier League side Crystal Palace. Matt and Jess come to realize that there is chemistry between them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2021
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Professional football is a highly competitive field, with only a select few making it to the top. However, countless others pursue their dream of playing at the highest level, often taking the path of semi-professional football. While this may not guarantee them a spot in the top-flight, it does not mean their passion for the game has diminished. Matt is one such player who juggles the demands of semi-professional football with a full-time job. He plays as a goalkeeper for Reigate Athletic in the Isthmian League, a division below the Premier League.

Matt's life becomes even more complicated when he meets and falls in love with Anna, an American girl who initially struggles to understand his obsession with "soccer." As Reigate Athletic progresses through the early rounds of the FA Cup, Anna begins to appreciate the significance of football not only to Matt but also to the club and the town. Despite facing an injury, Matt continues to impress during the cup run and receives a call from a scout representing Premier League side Crystal Palace, inviting him for a trial.

In addition to his football career, Matt is also dealing with his relationship with Jess, a football reporter for the local paper. Throughout the season, Matt and Jess grow closer, and they realize that they have a chemistry between them. Matt's story follows the incredible highs of winning and the deep troughs of losing, as well as the challenges of dealing with injury that any athlete can face. It is set against the backdrop of an intense and complicated relationship with two women.

While Matt's journey to professional football may not be straightforward, his passion for the game and his determination to pursue his dreams remain unwavering. He proves that with hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, anything is possible in the world of sports.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800463035