You'll Win Nothing with Kids: Fathers, Sons and Football

"I found Jim White's book rather clichéd and predictable. I began to wonder if it would have made a better read if he'd used even more `poetic license.' For that reason the book is not as good as it could have been but readable all the same.


The book made some good observations, however, about youth football in Britain although, in my experience, the antics of most parents I've encountered are not quite as over-the-top as those in the book!

One final question: why is Doug's name suddenly changed to 'Marty' in Holland? Or did I skip a paragraph when that was explained (which has been known)?"
~ Written on 2008-10-14

"On the very same day that I finished this book the BBC started screening a sitcom called 'The Cup'. Although they were both about a childrens football team the differences between the two couldn't be more stark. Whereas the TV show was completely unfunny and unbelievable (I turned it off after 20 minutes) the book is both deeply entertaining but also true to life.

What the writers of the show seem to have forgotten but everybody that is a parent will know, is that when there are kids around there is no need to make up humourous situations because kids are by nature funny. This book reflects this admirably but it also reminds the reader that whilst they may be young, at times kids can be very wise.

I can't help feeling that the BBC should have made a series based on this book instead of the one they chose.


"
~ Written on 2008-08-26

"I was briefly tempted to give this book only 4 stars because, in order to really, really appreciate where it is coming from, I think you also need to be a football dad and that seems a bit limiting. But, on reflection, that's harsh given that it is probably only football dads who would buy the book anyway.

If you are a football dad, however, you should definitely hit it off with the book and the story. The full range of characters is there: the officious ref ("the prat in black") who can make even the most even-tempered middle class parent lose his cool, the desperate dad, the obnoxious, pushy mum who doesn't mind who she upsets as long as her (presumably) putrid offspring gets more gametime, the dedicated / obsessive chairman, the good players and the not-so-good, the early bloomer who hasn't quite fuflfilled that esrly potential (although in this case "Lee" does seem to have been unfairly struck with injuries).

You'll probably also recognise a lot of the settings: the fight between parents, dog sh*te on the pitch, aggrieved locals etc etc. I was particularly taken with the description of parents "settling in for the long haul" at the start of a tournament day.

It jusy goes to show that what we see at our kids' football is probably universal. Having said that, I don't think I've ever seen any same sex partners watching the footy in my neck of the woods!"
~ Written on 2008-07-20

"I loved this book, the on-going story of a man managing a junior football team is intertwined around his feelings about his son growing up and the effect this has on their relationship. I thought there was a great mix of humour, intersting insights from ex-players and just a tiny hint of melancholy."
~ Written on 2008-03-08

"I coach under 12s, including my son of course, and found it very reassuring and funny to read so many things I went through.
Excellent message for some coaches and parents who may have lost the plot about why kids play football"
~ Written on 2008-01-25