Imagine playing soccer on a floating field where you would have to dive into the ocean every time the soccer ball would fall off the edge of the floating field!
Scott Riley’s The Floating Field tells a compelling true story of ingenuity and determination, following a group of boys from the small Thai village of Koh Panyee. Living on a floating island with no land for a soccer field, these boys could only play soccer on a sandbar when the tide was out. Their entire village is a floating village, however, and the boys decide to build their own floating pitch and ultimately achieve something extraordinary.
This delightful story captures the spirit of youthful creativity and perseverance. Readers will be inspired by the boys’ resourcefulness and teamwork as they navigate challenges to play the sport they love.
During a soccer tournament on the mainland, the boys’ long hours of practice pay off and they are winning. But, when the rains come, they are unaccustomed to playing in waterlogged shoes and they start losing. Thinking about playing on the moving ocean, they realize that taking their shoes off and playing as if they were on their floating pitch would be an advantage for the team. This unexpected twist reinforces the boys’ ability to turn limitations into strengths.
The book is also a fascinating window into another culture. Riley vividly portrays life in Koh Panyee, a village anchored in its unique geography and traditions, offering readers a glimpse into a world unlike their own. The illustrations, while somewhat cartoonish, add charm and effectively bring the story to life. They depict fascinating details of the floating village and its creative soccer pitch.
What sets this book apart is its authenticity. Unlike a fairy-tale “Cinderella” ending, the story concludes in a grounded and satisfying way, reflecting the boys’ real-life triumphs and ongoing challenges. This realism makes the story all the more powerful.
The back matter enriches the experience with photos and factual information about Koh Panyee and the real events that inspired the book. These additions provide context and deepen readers’ appreciation for the story.
The Floating Field is an inspiring tale of creativity, determination, and cultural richness.