Kick the Balls by Alan Black

      It's a rough lesson to grow up immersed in soccer culture, even if you love the game.  It's even rougher trying to coach someone who hasn't, and doesn't.  Make that someone a group of little leaguers who don't have a clue, and you have the premise of Kick the Balls.

     The author is Scottish through and through, a native of Glasgow and a proud veteran of soccer playing, soccer rivalry, and yes, soccer rioting.  When he volunteers to coach a team in middle suburbia America, cultures clash, to say the least, as he vainly attempts to teach the rudiments of the game to the feckless kids in his charge.

     If you like your humor earthy and a bit brash, this book is for you.

(William Hicks, Information Services)