FROM THE PLAYGROUND TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE.

Born and raised in a small town, 12-year-old Leo has never seen the ocean or stepped foot on a plane...but he knows his football dreams will take him far. Rock star, Olympic goal, dragon-slaying kind of far, with his pet lizard named Messi by his side.

So when a professional scout extends an invitation to try out for the London Dragons youth squad, The Academy for training younger players, Leo is more than game. But the world-famous English Premier League team only has eleven slots open...

And two hundred of the best and brightest youth players on the planet ready to compete.

Whisked off to a new country, Leo struggles to dodge and dribble his way through the grueling training regime set by cranky camp director who doesn't want to hear about Leo's recluse roommate or relentless camp bully...but it's fine. Leo is here for football, the one thing he knows he is good at. But will he be good enough to make The Academy?

For premier fans and football enthusiasts, T.Z. Layton's inspiring first book in The Academy Series is perfect for middle grade readers and sports fans ages 7-13.

Keep Score with the other books in The Academy series-
The Academy II- The Journey Continues