Football Academy: Striking Out (Book 2)

Football Academy: Striking Out (Book 2) by Tom Palmer

The beautiful game. The pressure to perform. The friendships that make it all worthwhile. In Football Academy: Striking Out, the second book in Tom Palmer's hugely popular series, life at the Premiership academy gets tougher — and the stakes get higher. For striker Ryan, making the cut means proving himself on and off the pitch, even when everything seems to be working against him.

The Story

Ryan is desperate to make his mark as a striker at the football academy — but with a new coach pushing the squad harder than ever and rivals competing for the same spot, he's under serious pressure. When things start going wrong both at home and on the training ground, Ryan must dig deep, trust his teammates, and find the confidence to keep fighting for his dream.

Why Young Readers Love This Book

• ⚽ Authentic football action — Tom Palmer's love of the game shines through in every training session and match
• 👥 Real friendships and rivalries — relatable characters and team dynamics that resonate with young readers
• 💪 Themes of resilience and self-belief — a motivating story for any young person facing pressure to perform
• 📚 Perfect for reluctant readers — fast-paced chapters and non-stop football action keep pages turning

About the Author

Tom Palmer is one of the UK's most celebrated authors of football fiction for children, with millions of copies sold across his series. His books are widely used in schools to engage reluctant readers through the power of sport and storytelling.

Perfect for fans of: Striker Boy, Dan Freedman's Jamie Johnson series, and Shoot to Win.

Recommended for ages 7–11 | Children's Football Fiction | Sport & Adventure | Series Books