The Academy IV: Title Fight

#4 in the The Academy Series

A new group of players join the Lewisham Knights and one of them threatens Leo's starting position. Add in growing pains and the need to let his body rest and heal, and Leo has a lot to contend with. Can Leo overcome his soccer struggles and fight for what matters most?

• THE WORLD CUP IS BEING HOSTED BY THE USA/CANADA/MEXICO: With many cities in the USA hosting 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup games, this series about a fictional soccer team will MAKE WAVES! Cities hosting: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the San Francisco/Bay Area.
• GOOOOOAAAALLLL!: This is THE new sports series for middle grade readers, especially soccer fans that are clamoring for books that don't just involve soccer but imbue all things soccer from its core -- moment by moment plays, cool tricks, FIFA tournaments, and most importantly, the possibility of playing professionally. Lots of soccer stats and facts and data trends for the sports nerds as well!
• Why This Book is Needed: It'll help get boys (and other reluctant readers) reading, it has a hilarious voice, a spunky boy protagonist, an underdog team that travels the globe, and coming-of-age themes like becoming a leader, new experiences, and fighting the odds.
• Exciting, Soccer Dad Author: T. Z. Layton, who also writes adult horror under his real name, Layton Green, is a soccer dad, youth coach, former collegiate player, and lifelong fan of the beautiful game and it is EXTREMELY evident in his writing. He is an Arsenal fan.
• More on the Horizon: Expect even more sports middle grade fiction in the future (8 books expected within the series). Plus, a multi-million dollar film deal has been made! Layton also has an upcoming girl's volleyball series in the works.

Praise for The Academy:

"Without letting up on the breathless pace for a moment, Layton packs Leo's narrative with clear descriptions of skills and techniques both basic and advanced, sapient coaching, game strategies, and intangibles (such as team chemistry) that ultimately come together to set Leo apart from his bigger, faster, stronger rivals. A page-turner for soccer-mad readers, whether fans or players. " - Kirkus Reviews STARRED Review

"Young readers continue reading this series, asking for the next one and the one after that... Equally important, this series fills a gap in middle grade literature: action filled, fast-paced sports novels featuring young players." - Maria Salvadore, Politics & Prose, Washington, DC