Tag: sport

Layne Beachley – Beneath the Waves

Neil Beachley was in New Zealand on business when he received the phone call from his wife, Val, at home in Balgowlah Height, Sydney. ‘I’ve got to go and pick up my baby tomorrow,’ she informed him, her tone matter-of-fact. ‘Two things: what are we going to call it and how do I get there?’ It had been just ten months since the couple had applied to the child welfare authorities in New South Wales to adopt a baby girl, and both were pleasantly surprised, but unfazed, by the simplicity and speed of the process.,br> ‘Buggered if I know,’ came Neil’s characteristic response to the question of the child’s name. ‘You think of something.’

Layne Beachley: Beneath the Waves is a biography of one of the biggest names in women’s surfing. It documents her story from birth through to the present, acknowledging that there will be more to come. Layne Beachley was born in 1972, six weeks early, and relinquished by her seventeen year-old birth mother after being told by her father that unless she did so she would be cast out of the family. She was adopted by Neil and Val Beachley. She began surfing at age four and according to all who knew her was characterised by her determination and will to win. Her journey to become a world champion is a long one, and full of twists and turns in both her professional and private life. Along the way, she attracted her share of detractors with her outspoken enthusiasm and self-promotion. There were also many, many and supporters as she competed her way into the record books and fought for recognition of the sport she loved.

Everyone has a story and how that story is told is dependent on who tells it and why. Michael Gordon interviewed extensively for this biography and often uses direct quotes from sources in building a picture of the life of champion surfer. There are accounts from Beachley’s family, friends and supporters but also from competitors, sponsors and commentators.

Elite athletes are viewed as public figures, in much the way that movie stars are. It’s difficult for them to maintain a private life or to control how they are perceived in the media. Their training for this public life is seldom as complete as the training for their sport. For example, the meeting of 26 year-old Layne Beachley with her birth mother was coloured by the media as well as by the personalities involved. Beachley’s diary entries bring the reader close to her emotions as she travels the professional surfing circuit, while others give perspective to her sometimes harsh self-assessments. There is much here for the aspiring professional surfer, or any other athlete, as well as for the reader wanting to understand more about one of Australia’s best known surfers.

Layne Beachley: Beneath the Waves, Michael Gordon
Ebury Press 2008
ISBN: 9781741667288

Goal! How Football Conquered the World, by Catherine Chambers

In 1746, Derby’s Mayor Humphrey Booth banned Shrovetide football, saying it might spread foot-and-mouth disease among the local cattle. Nearly 100 years later in 1846, another mayor who came bounding in on horseback to break up the games was stoned by a screaming mob, and got so angry that he called in the troops. The next year, no-one bothered turning up to play.(p24)

Many countries would like to lay claim to ‘inventing’ football but proof is difficult to establish. It is clear that, worldwide, balls have been kicked since very early times. Balls have been made from rubber, hair, sponge, animal skins, cloth and animal bladders. Football has been called ‘marn-grook’, ‘tsu chu’, ‘kemari’, ‘aqsaqtuk’, ‘episkyros’ and ‘soccer’. Football competitions have waxed and waned in different parts of the world, but always there has been passion. Passion to play, passion to follow. Football has grown into an sport played everywhere from backyards to the grandest stadium. It boasts over 250 million registered players and 30 billion followers. FIFA, the game’s governing body, recognises 207 national teams – more than there are countries in the UN.

Goal! How Football Conquered the World tracks the evolution of football (more commonly called soccer here) from earliest times. It is a history citing archaeological evidence, a collection of statistics and a compilation of anecdotes. There is an extensive index of players, teams and countries. Fans will eat up the statistics as well as the stories and legends that accompany any sport. The style is conversational and the language accessible to most readers. ‘Goal’ is pitched at upper primary – early secondary readers. Though there is a small section detailing the involvement of girls/women in football, the book will have most interest for boys.

Goal! How Football Conquered the World by Catherine Chambers
black dog books 2006
ISBN: 1876372982

Fire in My Soul, by Paul Corbet-Singleton

He loves racing almost as much as he hates it.
He is the best distance runner in the whole club. No-one can get near him. He wins, he breaks records and he loves it. But sometimes – like now when he’s waiting for a race, unable to talk, to sit still – he hates the whole thing.

James Salisbury is a talented distance runner, and he is aiming for the Olympics. There is only one thing holding him back – his inability to cope with pressure. James chokes in big races. This year he’s determined things will be different – he is going to train harder than ever and overcome his problem. Or is he?

When a new boy joins the club, James isn’t worried. Gavin Jellet doesn’t look like a runner, and James knows he can beat him. But Gavin and his father will stop at nothing to ensure Gavin wins.

Away from the track, a series of bushfires in their hills suburb threatens James’ family home more than once, and James realises that it’s not just his running career that’s at risk.

Fire in My Soul is a story about running, friendship and battling demons. Whilst James works to overcome his fears, those around him have battles of their own. His father is terrified of fire and its consequences, his friend Alison is coping with the loss of her mother, and his opponent Gavin must deal with an overbearing father. As the story unravels, it seems the ending is fairly predictable – so it is a pleasant surprise to see that it isn’t as neat as expected, leaving the reader thinking.

A satisfying read for ages 12 to 15.

Fire in My Soul, by Paul Corbet-Singleton
Lothian, 2006

Shirtfront – a short and amazing history of Aussie Rules, by Paula Hunt

‘In 1886 one train trip from Geelong nearly ended in tragedy when team rivalries got completely out of hand.’ ‘Outside Newport someone dislodged sections of the (train) track in an attempt to crash the trains. Luckily it was discovered in time.’

In 1858, a cricketer called Tom Wills, suggested that Melbourne develop its own football code, as a way of keeping cricketers fit over the winter. The first football game, between Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar, comprised 40 players per side and a ground which included gum trees and rocks.

From these humble beginnings grew what is now called Aussie Rules Football. The game grew with Melbourne, feeling with its people the effects of depression and world wars, to become a national competition. Along the way, it spawned tall tales and true, grew into an industry and inspired many children to become players or passionate followers. Many players achieved legend status, their names and deeds living on in conversations and more. Like many sports, Aussie Rules has enriched the English language with terms like ‘collywobbles’, ‘screamer/speckie’, ‘banana kick’ and ‘the G’.

Shirtfront is jam-packed full of statistics and stories about the history of Aussie Rules football and the characters who made it the game it is today. The history of the game is interwoven with the history of Melbourne. It explores state rivalries as well as the particular characteristics which have shaped individual teams. Paula Hunt has gathered a rich collection for the footy fan. Recommended for anyone interested in understanding and learning more about Aussie Rules football. Recommended for upper primary readers and beyond.

Shirtfront, by Paula Hunt
black dog books, 2005
ISBN 1876372664

Free Style, by Raewyn Caisley

Tumble, twist, push! I exploded off the wall and for three or four seconds turned into a dolphin. Arms stretched out in front, probing ahead, reaching, feet trailing behind ready to burst back into action. My grey, white and blue bathers felt like a second skin.

Kate is midway through a pretty disastrous soccer season. Her Dad is a coach and wants her to be the star player. Trouble is, every time she takes the field she mucks up. In the swimming pool, though, it’s a different story. Kate feels one with the water, perfectly balanced and smooth as a machine. How can she convince her dad that she should give up soccer, the game he loves, and focus on swimming?

Free Style is the tale of one girl’s passion for swimming. Kate’s attitude to swimming (and to sport in general) is refreshing – what motivates her is her desire to enjoy what she is doing, rather than an overwhelming drive to win at all costs. This is an important message for children, and one which author Caisley delivers skilfully.

Part of the Lothian Sports Fiction series, Free Style will appeal to readers aged 10-12.

Free Style, by Raewyn Caisley
Lothian, 2006

AFL Footy Fan's Handbook, by Tony Wilson

Do you have a young football fan in your household? If so, this offering from Omnibus, officially endorsed by the AFL, is sure to appeal. Including a brief overview of the history of the game, followed by profiles of each team in the competition an explanation of how the finals series works, and a section of fun and games, this is both informative and entertaining.

Young fans will enjoy learning the lyrics of their club’s song , challenging themselves with any of the several quizzes, or boning up on some Brownlow Medal history. There are also loads of quick facts, and opportunities for kids to record the season’s highlights and more.

Sure to appeal to footy fans aged 7 to 12.

AFL Footy Fan’s Handbook, by Tony Wilson
Omnibus, 2006

The Line Formation, by Pat Flynn

The coach looked up at the stand. ‘Let me say this, girls. I know y’all are as pretty as pictures, I can see that with my own eyes. But what I want to know is this: can you tackle? Because I tell you right now, I need some people who can tackle on my team and I don’t know if these boys can.’
Some of the girls gave a nervous giggle.
Then the coach spotted Ozzie. ‘How about you, boy. I know you can talk to all the purdy girls, but can you tackle? If you can, come down here right now, ‘cause I need some players who can tackle on my team.’

The Rugby League season is over and, before he decides what to do next with his life, Ozzie Eaton is off to Texas, for a year as an exchange student. He doesn’t know what he will find there – Hope, Texas is about as far away from Yuranigh, Queensland, as he could get. But the last thing he expects is to find himself playing football, American style.

Still, that’s exactly what happens. Ozzie proves that he can tackle and despite knowing nothing else about the sport, is given a spot on the team. Soon, he discovers he has skills he can teach his team – but equally, he can learn from his time as a team member, even if the hardest lessons have little to do with what goes on out on the field.

The Line Formation is a high-sport read aimed at teenage boys, who will enjoy the twist of an Australian showing the Americans how to play their own game. At the same time it also a novel about loyalty, trust, friendship and growing up. From the creator of the popular Alex Jackson skateboarding series, The Line Formation is a coming of age novel suitable for high school age readers.

The Line Formation, by Pat Flynn
UQP, 2006

Wombat's Footy Heroes, by Harvey Lang and Jason McCartney

After Wombat left, Lukey turned to Hawky and said, ‘I reckon he’d be a great asset. Just wish he could take an overhead mark with his hands.’
’Yeah, but he’s quick and can take them on his chest. We’ll work on it.’
Wombat overheard them. But then again, he had heard it all before. He hoped one day he would find out why he couldn’t quite grab the ball above his head. It had frustrated both him and his coaches for years.

Wombat is a drifter. He moves from town to town, finding work where he can, playing footy and helping people solve their problems, with his special gifts. But he has two problems of his own – a shy stutter, which stops him from getting to know girls, and an inability to take an overhead mark.

Michael is captain of the Finham Under-16s, a popular student who gets good grades. But he is also struggling with two problems – his fears that his parents’ marriage is breaking up, and his clash with the school bully, Jordan.

When Wombat arrives in Finham he builds a friendship with Michael and becomes a key player for the footy club. Perhaps their friendship can solve both of their problems.

Wombat’s Footy Heroes is a story about friendship and sport, and about acceptance. Wombat is a character with the mysterious gift of incredible hearing, which allows him to hear what people are saying him when he is seemingly well out of hearing range, and also to hear what is troubling people. This gift makes him a little odd, and people are initially wary of him, but as they get to know him they discover his warm heart and gentle nature.

This is an interesting read, with plenty of football action for sports-mad youngsters.

Wombat’s Footy Heroes, by Harvey Lang & Jason McCartney
Lothian Books, 2006

The Anniversary Legends Series, Books 1-7, by Michael Panckridge

“So what’s in store for us this year, Travis?” asked Bryce.
“Well, it’s about toughness. Being strong. Having guts. Determination. It’s going to be right out of your league, Flavel. And yours too,” he said, looking at Rat. I was waiting for his predictions for me and Bubba.

Last year’s Legends competition was close – with Mitchell Grady winning narrowly over school bully Travis Fisk. But this year things are going to be even tougher. It’s the seventieth year of the Legends competition, and with different sports and special golden trophies at stake, the competition is really going to be fierce. Mitchell wants desperately to win back to back championships, but Travis is determined that it is his turn to win. And with his Dad on his side, changing the rules at every step, it might just be achievable.

The Anniversary Legends series follows on from where The Legends left off, with Mitchell and his friends and foes back for another year at Sandhurst School. Whilst the formula for the books is similar, there is enough difference here to prevent the series becoming repetitive. A new character, Karla, is introduced and two of the books are narrated by Luci, giving a girls’ perspective. There are also some new sports – with Rugby and a Wilderness skills contest, as well as Netball each being the subject of a Legends contest, and snow sports and skateboarding both featuring alongside other sports.

Whilst an adult reader may be a little frustrated at the apparent lack of caring or awareness of injustices and even cheating, child readers seem to overlook and even accept it – making this reviewer wonder if it as unrealistic as she first thought.

This is an excellent series for sports-mad 9 to 12 year olds, and is likely to be an assets in engaging reluctant readers.

Race at the Rock, Offside Upfront, Goal Attack and Pack Down, all 2004
Out of Bounds, In the Zone and Go the Distance, all 2005

By Michael Panckridge, published by Black Dog Books

The Final Lap, by Michael Panckridge

settled into some backstroke myself, working at a friendly pace. I liked swimming laps. With my goggles on and in the blue world of the water, I could enter another dimension and forget the worries of the day. And today, for me, that was a good thing.

It’s time for the final sport in the Sandhurst School’s annual sporting Legends series. Mitchell Grady is well-placed to win the overall series, after his rival, school bully Travis Fisk, was disqualified from the last event. But Travis and his father have some surprises up their sleeves. And they aren’t Mitchell’s only problems.

This is the eighth and final instalment in The Legends series , a series sure to be a hit with readers in upper primary years, especially sport mad boys. This instalment brings the ongoing story to a satisfying conclusion.

The Final Lap, by Michael Panckridge
Black Dog, 2003