Endorsements and Reviews for The Soccer Tales Books

This is a delightful soccer fable that is written with great passion and joy by Lew Freimark. Although aimed at 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 with a light and clever approach – there's no sense of heavy-handedness that often accompanies kids' books. Bottom line? A fun and different kind of read.

Rick Wolff

Soccer Tales provides a light-hearted look at soccer and its history. 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 you could 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

Tony DiCicco, U.S. Women's National Team coach

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, DETERMINATION, PERSEVERANCE, and TENACITY never gives up.

It would be easier to blame someone else or other factors for losses, as Coach Stu says to "scapegoat," but when teams have the 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, workforce, or family life. Working hard to excel in every aspect of your life pays great dividends to those willing to make the sacrifice.

Jonathan Vonesh Head Coach-Lady Knights Climax-Fisher High School
Climax, Minnesota. Seen on 60 Minutes

I believe that 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