The soccer-mad gang from Brunswick Valley School featured in Robert Rayner's two previous books for this series is back, gathering every Saturday afternoon to play a friendly game against friends from a neighboring town. A well-meaning adult spots potential in some of the players and offers guidance, inspiring parents of the other side to get their own coach. As the games become more structured, they become more serious -- and less fun. It's up to the kids to find a way to reclaim the spirit of the sport.