Personalised penalty shootout story for a child

What happens in your child and the Penalty Kick

1. A close football match finishes level and the penalty shootout begins.
2. Your child watches teammates take their turns from the touchline.
3. When it is your child’s turn, the crowd feels louder than ever.
4. Your child places the ball, takes three quiet breaths and picks a corner.
5. Your child takes the kick, then joins both teams for handshakes after the match.

How the first page could read

“One kick,” your child whispered, tying the laces once more. The score was level after a close match, and now the whole team stood by the touchline. Your child placed the ball on the spot, took three quiet breaths and looked at the corner of the net—not at the crowd.

Your child’s name, look and little details replace these words, and the whole story is written for their age.

Why this story works

For children aged six to nine, the tense pause before a penalty is easy to recognise: teammates wait, spectators murmur and there is one clear job to do. This story puts your child at that moment, then keeps the action practical—placing the ball, breathing, choosing a corner and following through. It leaves room for teamwork, respectful handshakes and the pleasure of giving a full effort, rather than turning the match into a tale about trophies. A photo of your child can become the young player across 15 illustrated story spreads in a 32-page personalised book. The age-adjusted text keeps the match involving without becoming too wordy.

Reading it together

• Before reading, ask your child what they would look at before taking a penalty.
• Pause before the kick and let your child practise three slow breaths with the character.
• Afterwards, talk about how both teams behave when the match has finished.

Suggested art style: Animated film

Animated film style gives the run-up, kick and movement around the football pitch a lively sense of action. A sidekick idea: a small robin perched on the corner flag. You can pick any of the four styles and change the details in the form.