Soccer Lover’s Soccer Book Guide
This series reviews and rate books that teach, describe and document the beautiful game. Look for a wide variety of books and helpful insight from players who have been there and done it on the pitch. Here is a book from a former player with insights in to the behind the scene world of pro soccer.
Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and … Me: Mike Yates Tells His Story
FIVE STAR RATING – MUST READING FOR ELITE PLAYERS
Written by By Keith Hackett and Paul Trevillion
Published October, 2013 by Wordsmith International
World class and very famous soccer star Steven Gerrard says, “Yatesy’s true story gives an entertaining insider’s view of the life of a young footballer and it does a great job of describing the many ups and the downs of the game. Anybody interested in football will enjoy this book. Young players and their parents should really make a point of reading it because it is full of valuable advice. All based on an actual, personal experience at the top level.”
Amazon says “This is a football autobiography with an exciting and refreshing difference. Mike Yates tells his compelling real life story of what it is like to be one of the many thousands of young players who pass through the academy system, get very close to the first team and believe that they are about to make it, only to suddenly find themselves rejected. How football develops young players is becoming an increasingly hot topic and this book examines the situation from every angle in an enjoyable and easy-to-read style. What was it like to play alongside a young Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen and be immersed in the world of professional football with a squad of Liverpool Legends? How does the modern academy system compare to the old apprenticeship days? How can young players prepare themselves mentally for both success and failure? How can parents help young players and themselves?”
What more can be said? The book is a fabulous and easy read, filled with behind the scene tidbits of information on the amazing world of professional soccer. Yates is a warm, energetic and amazing individual whose life could have gone in many directions. Training with the pros on the field today, Yates did not make the final step to soccer stardom on the pitch like his friends — but he created a meaningful life in the world of soccer for himself off the pro field.
