The Academy
The Academy by T. Z. Layton, published by Sourcebooks, Incorporated on September 2, 2025, is a 304-page book written in English. This first installment in The Academy series follows twelve-year-old Leo K. Doyle, a talented soccer player from a small town who dreams of making it big. When a professional scout invites him to try out for the prestigious London Dragons youth squad, Leo embarks on an exciting journey filled with challenges and opportunities that could change his life forever.
Readers will find an engaging narrative that explores themes of growing up, friendship, and the competitive nature of sports. As Leo navigates the intense atmosphere of the Academy, he faces not only the pressure of competing against the best young players but also personal obstacles, including a bully and his own self-doubt. This story captures the essence of youth sports and the transformative experiences that come with pursuing one’s dreams, making it a relatable read for children aged 7-13 and sports enthusiasts alike.
Official synopsis Publisher
FROM THE PLAYGROUND TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE.
The inspiring, action-packed first book in The Academy series perfect for young readers 7-13 and sports fans of all ages.
Born and raised in a small town, twelve-year-old Leo K. Doyle has never seen the ocean or stepped foot on a plane. But Leo is a star soccer player with big dreams in life.
Rock star, Olympic gold, dragon-slaying dreams.
While Leo longs to make the pros one day, he has no idea how to achieve this goal–until a professional scout pays a chance visit to one of Leo’s games and extends an invitation to try out for the London Dragons youth squad, known as the Academy.
Leo is stunned. The London Dragons isn’t just any old soccer team. It’s a world-famous English Premier League team. Soon Leo is off to a whole new country, embarking on the greatest adventure of his life. The downside? Only eleven players can make the team.
Eleven out of two hundred of the very best twelve-year-old players on the planet.
Along with the grueling competition, Leo must also face a bully intent on torpedoing his summer, a roomie who doesn’t know how to have fun, a terrifying camp director, and, most of all, Leo’s own lack of formal training and the fear he’ll never succeed.
By the end of the summer, Leo will become a much better player and forever changed by his experience. But will he be good enough to make the Academy?
Keep score with the other books in The Academy series:
- The Academy II: The Journey Continues
- The Academy III: Tournament of Champions
- The Academy IV: Title Fight
- The Academy V: Cup of Nations
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