This novelisation of the award-winning film directed by Gurinder Chadha is an entertaining, easy read. It’s years since I watched the film, but the book follows it quite closely, as far as I know. The story follows Jesminder, a football-obsessed teen whose parents disapprove; according to them, Indian girls should get married, not play football. In multi-cultural London, Jes is encouraged to follow her dreams when she is spotted by Jules and joins the local women’s football team. Tension abounds when both Jes and Jules have feelings for their coach, Joe. Everyone thinks Jes should be an item with her best friend Tony, but he has his own secret. Meanwhile, Jes’ parents are planning her sister’s wedding and it’s on the day of an important match…

Some aspects of the book have not really aged well, but they do address the issues of racism and sexism in sport. The references to current footballers and pundits are rather out of date. Beckham himself, whose poster adorns the wall of Jes’ bedroom, retired from football in 2013. The book is not very detailed but I think it still has value today and anyone who enjoys the film would probably like the book too. There is quite a lot about women’s football in the media now, and I’ve seen books for children and young adults about it, but it wasn’t so common in 2002. The film paved the way; according to the internet, Chadha is planning a sequel for 2027, the 25th anniversary of the film.

Published by Hodder Headline, 2002.