Howard was never the athletic type. In fact, was always the fat kid. People made fun him for his size. Howard wanted to change . He wanted to be more healthy. He wanted get into sports. He saw a flyer for tryouts. Howard never played soccer, but he watched on TV. Howard had one week to get before tryouts.

He watched soccer games on his for two hours. He bought a soccer ball kicked it around at home and at the . He bought the book How to Play Soccer. asked his dad to play with him, too. felt like he was a great soccer player! was ready! He went to tryouts. There were least fifty boys trying out. Howard got nervous. all looked like they knew what they were . They could bounce the ball on their heads, the ball with their knees, and kick the far.

The coach set up a game for boys to play. Howard was on the "red" . Someone passed the ball to Howard. Howard stopped the middle of the field. "What are you , man?" his teammate asked. Howard took a deep and told himself he could do it. Howard his head back into the game. He caught ball with his foot and made a goal. couldn't believe it; no one could. Howard made team.