'Tom Chapman's book is simple but brilliant. It will be a huge help for kids who shouldn't be under so much pressure on the sports pitch but feel that they are.' – Simon Thomas, author and sports presenter
'This is a lovely, simple football tale for children to understand how to deal with pressure, and for parents to think about what’s more important: success or having fun? Children learn their behaviour by watching and listening to the adults in their lives.' - Neville Southall, former Everton and Wales International goalie
'This book is amazing! Not only is it honest about the kind of pressure that children feel on the sports pitch, but it also gives young readers a chance to unload their own worries to their loved ones, just like Abel and Drake. Mighty Lions & the Big Match is exactly the book I would have wanted to read when I was a kid.' - Chris Kirkland, football coach and former Liverpool goalkeeper
'Tom Chapman's book is simple but brilliant. It will be a huge help for kids who shouldn't be under so much pressure on the sports pitch but feel that they are.' – Simon Thomas, author and sports presenter
Abel, his brother Drake and the rest of the Mighty Lions have made it to the final match against the Tigers. They know they have to win the cup, especially as it is expected of them. But with the stakes getting higher as the game progresses, it becomes too much for the young footballers and they crack under the pressure. They lose the match and are disappointed that they’ve let everyone down. Worse, they are worried they've completely failed. But Mum and Dad Lion have some important words for their young cubs: that losing one match doesn't make them failures.
This important picture book portrays the incredible pressure that kids – and especially boys – can face on the sports pitch, and discusses how learning from failure can only make you stronger.
Tom Chapman is the charismatic founder of The Lions Barber Collective, a charity that promotes suicide prevention and awareness, which focusses on men’s and boys’ mental health.