Morentorn Alice A. - Scotland Stars F.C. series Books 1 to 3: Calums New Team ; Calums New Boots, Calums Big Break

Ferguson picks up the ball inside the Scottish half and hes off. He skips round Englands Dawes

Sidesteps Bridges

Nutmegs Bryan

Shoots

and SCORES! Goal for Scotland in the 89th minute of this World Cup quarter-final! England are on their knees. Ferguson sends the Scottish fans crazy. What a player!

Calum Ferguson went whizzing round his small back garden, arms outstretched. He loved imagining this. Scoring a winning goal for Scotland.

Calum! His mum appeared at the back door. I told you not to use the dog as a goalkeeper. Cant you find anyone else to play football with?

Calum was sure he could hear someone laughing from the other side of the fence.

But he enjoys it, Mum look! Calum protested. If only Mum could have seen Calums last-minute winner for Scotland.

Woof, Leighton barked, wagging his tail.

I dont think he does enjoy having a football kicked at him, Calum. Anyway, this garden isnt big enough for football.

It really wasnt. Calum used to have a huge garden to practise in up north. His new house in Caleytown just had a small rectangle of grass.

I didnt buy you those lovely new school shoes to play football in, Calums mum continued. Where are your plimsolls anyway?

Calum shrugged. No way was he wearing those black plimsolls his dad bought him for P.E.

Och, go and play in the park instead. See if you can find some new friends and take Leighton with you.

Calum sighed, grabbed Leightons leash and plodded out the gate.

***

Calum Ferguson was a new boy in a new town. His new house was in a new estate, and he was waiting to go to his new school on Monday.

There seemed to be lots of other kids his age around. But he hadnt had the courage to say hi yet. He hoped hed make friends at school.

Calum walked to the door of his local shop. He knew his mum was right. It was unfair to use Leighton in goals. Calum couldnt kick the ball hard in case he hurt his wee friend. Plus, a border terrier was way too easy to score against.

***

Hows Scotlands future number nine? Mr Aziz beamed as Calum and Leighton walked into his corner shop.

Mr Aziz and Calum had become friends when they found out they were both huge football fans. Dogs werent really allowed in Mr Azizs shop, but Leighton whined so much when Calum tied him up outside, Mr Aziz was worried hed scare off other customers.

Ill never be a Scotland striker if I cant practise, Calum said glumly, feeling sorry for himself.

Im sure therell be lads to play football with at school. Anyway, this will cheer you up. Mr Aziz clicked a remote control and a huge screen behind the counter came to life, showing highlights of Caleytowns favourite team, Kings Park Athletic, in one of their first games of the season.

Wow! Calum said. Were not allowed this channel at home.

Neither am I, son, neither am I! Mr Aziz chuckled as he opened some crisps for them to share.

Talking about football with Mr Aziz was fun, and he never said no to free crisps, but Calum hoped he would find friends his own age soon.

The next morning, Calums mum was redoing his tie for the seventh time. It wasnt helping to calm his nerves at all.

Now, be nice to your teachers and look after your new shoes.

Yes, Mum. Calum sighed as he stared down at his big black school shoes. Mum said he needed proper shoes for school, whatever that meant.

Before Dad left for work this morning, he said to say good luck. His mum moved his tie a bit to the right, again.

Thanks, Mum, but youre making me late! Calum said. My ties fine!

His mum knelt down and gripped him tightly. I love you, you know, she said as she stood up.

Mu-um, for goodness sake, Calum said as he blushed, grabbed his bag and headed out the door.

Calum thought he could take a short cut but ended up in a dead end. By the time he found the right way, he had to shift it or hed be late. He was still sprinting along the pavement as the morning bell rang. Calum could see the other kids disappearing through the doors when

BOOF!

Calum felt the wind rush out of his chest as he slammed into a car door.

Leo! How many times have I told you to check before opening your door? a booming voice bellowed.

Calum felt a strong hand lift him to his feet. It belonged to a big man with a friendly face and a bright smile.

I apologise for my son. Hes so clumsy! The man glanced over at a boy who looked about Calums age.

Apologise, Leo.

Yeah, apologise, Le-o, said a little girl with puffed-out pigtails.

Shut up, sis. Sorry

Cal-um, Calum said between gulps of air.

Sorry, Cal-um, I didnt see you there. You must be almost as fast as me!

Leo had an afro. He was wearing an untucked school polo shirt under a school jumper and a pair of well-worn astros.

Er thanks. Calum was breathing normally again.

Leos dad got back in the car, waved, and drove off with Leos sister.

Leo looked Calum up and down. Are you new? Where are you from? Are you going into P6? Leo asked a lot of questions. But Calum was glad hed know somebody when he walked into school for the first time.

Yeah, P6, Calum said. Do you know which classroom Miss Frettle is in?

Yeah mine! Leo pointed a thumb at his own chest.

Calum smiled.

***

Calum and Leo had just sat down, when a boy wearing fancy new astros strode in even later than them. His collar was turned up and his hair was shiny with gel.

Whos that? Calum whispered to Leo.

Jordan McPride, Leo whispered back. His dad used to play for Kings Park Athletic.

A group of boys huddled around Jordans desk, admiring his shiny new boots. They scattered when the teacher came in. She was wearing a grey cardigan and a long skirt covered in orange cat hairs.

Good morning class. My name is Miss Frettle. She wrote her name shakily on the board. Were stuck with each other until your new teacher, Mr McKlop, arrives from West Lamont Primary. And for the last time this term, Jordan, turn down that collar holidays are over.