If you love football and are aged 8+, this middle-grade sports adventure series written by T. Z. Layton may just be perfect for you!
Leo K. Doyle lives a quiet life in a small US town, with little experience beyond his love for football. Everything changes when a talent scout spots his skills and offers him the chance of a lifetime — a try-out for a Premier League youth squad, the Academy. But the path to success won’t be easy. Leo must overcome bullies, confront his biggest fears, and juggle schoolwork while proving he has what it takes to earn his place on the team
We love this series because it's got even the most reluctant of our readers into books, with lots of action scenes, football matches and a lovable cast of characters. Even we want to join the Academy!
If you enjoyed the Football School and Ultimate Football Heroes series, you're sure to enjoy The Academy. If you'd like to read more books like this, do check out our blog post on the The Best Football Books for Kids.
All The Academy books in order:
Book 1: The Academy: A Fun-Filled Football Adventures (2025)
Book 2: The Academy II: The Journey Continues (2025)
Book 3: The Academy III: Tournamount of Champions (January 2026)
Book 4: The Academy IV: Tital Fight (January 2026)
Book 5: The Academy V: Cup of Nations (March 2026)
Book 6: The Academy VI: Rise of the Scorpions (May 2026)
Interesting book about my favourite topic- football.
It was pleasure to read it to my brother. I think he enjoyed it too.
Will be nice to read next ...
My eldest is a huge football fan so it came as no surprise to me just how much he enjoyed this one!
Leo was born in a small U.S town and has never le...
Brilliant book that can promote to the reluctant readers. It is a fabulous book for the football enthusiast. It give a good insight into the balance o...