Grandad’s Eleven

Great Stories, High Beginner CEFR Level A2

13-year old Ryan doesn’t want to visit his grandparents. He’s not interested in old people. Old people are boring! He wants to play computer games.

His best friend Ashraf misses his grandparents—they’re in Egypt, and he lives in England now. So he goes to visit Ryan’s grandparents. Both Ashraf and Albert, Ryan’s grandfather, love football. Soon Ashraf agrees to be the coach of Albert’s new football team, Grandad’s Eleven.

Ryan feels like he is losing his friend. Ashraf can’t understand why Ryan won’t help him with the team. And Albert? He’s worried about the game next week. Grandad’s Eleven has only ten players!

Grandad’s Eleven is a short story for readers who like sports, friends, family… and surprises.

Finalist, Language Learner Literature Awards, 2021