This is a delighftul soccer fable that is written with great passion and joy from Lew Freimark. Although aimed for children, it’s clearly written in a most unusual and fun manner – and along the way, it introduces the ShoeLace Monster of the soccer pitch.

But this allegorical tale really is the story of Coach Stu and the wonderful time he has had coaching the Vipers through a number of seasons. Author Freimark is able to revisit the history of the game of soccer around the world, and in doing so, he provides a terrific 
history lesson for all soccer fans, young and old. 

Best of all, the content is written in a light and clever approach – there’s no sense of heavy-handedness thaf often accompanies kids’ books. Bottom line? A
fun and different kind of read.

Soccer Tales provide a light-hearted look at soccer and its history. And in the Legend of the Shoelace Monster, young fans are introduced to the passion, the stars and the tactics of the beautiful game through an engaging retelling of the exploits of the Vipers soccer team. A good read for new players and young fans-in-the-making. - Phil Schoen, announcer beIN SPORTS Endorsement of October, 2017

Hi Lew,

 I discussed the matter with my family and we decided that yes, you can dedicate the book to our Father. Thank you for honoring him.  It is a very fun book, nice job! Thank you for your kind words and thoughts. Best of luck to you!  

Alex DiCicco

Soccer Tales II-Born to Play the Game by Lew Freimark is an excellent book about Coach Stu’s dedication and desire for soccer and his team’s success. When reading Soccer Tales I-Legend of the Shoelace Monster and its sequel, Soccer Tales II, I was able to relate to the Vipers and Revolt Teams.

My Lady Knights Basketball team of Climax-Fisher, Minnesota had been on a similar journey when they made history. The Lady knights snapped an 84 game
losing streak beating a team in double overtime, with only three players on the court. Victories happen when a team with  true   HEART,  DESIRE, ETERMINATION, PERSEVERANCE and TENACITYnever give up.

It would be easier to blame someone else or other factors for
losses, as Coach Stu says to “scapegoat” but when teams have a will to succeed, it enables them to overcome the negativity that surrounds a losing team, it also gives them the strength to show up every day to practice, to improve their skills and work to their highest potential. It is also a coach’s greatest challenge to find ways to bring a positive spin and
creativity to the team’s season.

As an athlete it would be easy to quit when you haven’t won any games or when your classmates make fun of you for being part of a losing team. The 2014- 2015 season goes to show that working hard pays off; you just don’t know when that moment will come.

This lesson can be carried not only through athletics, but in everyday life, moving into college, work force or family life. Working hard to excel in every aspect of your life pays great dividends to those willing to make the sacrifice.

Jonathon Vonesh Head Coach-Lady Knights Climax-Fisher  High School

Climax, Minnesota

I believe, as caring coaches, parents, and administrators of programs, it is our responsibility to ensure that every child enjoys a positive experience in whatever activity they choose. Soccer Tales: Legend of the Shoelace Monster is an idyllic journey of joy and teaches life’s lessons through children’s sports. It says a lot about sports and growing up.”


Fred Eng
President and CEO
National Alliance of Youth Sport