London, England. April 1989 . Andrew, Bobby, and their Maine United teammates travel to the motherland of soccer to live the game they love. During their tour, the U16 boys confront gangs of hooligans and do battle with a hard-charging sixth-form college whose raging captain resorts to violence. The American boys make friends with an inner-city team, a string trio from a local university, and a group of chic Italian teens. While in England, Maine United face Arsenal’s 12-year-old trialists and learn about difference and acceptance from their bus driver, Georgia. Ultimately, the team’s greatest challenge comes from within. And when the unthinkable strikes a teammate and English football is rocked by a national tragedy, the kids from Maine draw on their off-field talents to bond as a team and celebrate England. "Kent's novel, Sing On, Maine United! , is a must-read for soccer players and coaches at every level." -Darren Allen, National Coach of the Year, 2023, United Soccer Coaches "I loved this coming-of-age story, the way the boys struggle and bond on and off the pitch." -Kate Kennedy, author of Skin, a memoir "An intimate window into the lives of high school soccer players... showcasing the bonds that bind each individual to one another, forming a team that plays--and sings!--as one." -Meika Hashimoto, author of The Trail "A compassionate sports story that combines soccer, music, and writing, Sing on, Maine United! follows a motley group of Maine high schoolers and their coach on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to play in England..." -Meadow Rue Merrill, M.Ed., author of the Maine Literary Award-winning memoir, Redeeming Ruth: Everything Life Takes, Love Restores " Sing On, Maine United! beckons players past and present onto the pitch with its English football lore, coaching insight, camaraderie, and above all else, compassion." -Daren Worcester, author of Open Season: True Stories of the Maine Warden Service "[ Sing On, Maine United! ] surprised me in the best way. It truly was so much more than a soccer book. Soccer is...well, okay. But when a #Maine author/ teacher/coach showcases Maine kids taking their Maine spirit, talents, humor, kindness, and resourcefulness to England in 1989, I was hooked. Well-developed characters, tragedies and triumphs, laugh-out-loud teen humor, and the engaging journey of how a divided team becomes a *united* team. p.s. for teens and their grown-ups." —Lynn Plourde, author of The Bionic Boy "With vision and a deep love for the beautiful game of soccer, Coach Rich Kent turned a community of mill-town newcomers into believers—teaching lessons that reached far beyond the field in the early days of his coaching career. Kent's impact on generations of athletes stands as a testament to perseverance, mentorship, and community spirit. His books have inspired many in Maine and beyond. His new novel, Sing On, Maine United!, is a must-read for soccer players and coaches at every level." --Darren Allen, National Coach of the Year, 2023, United Soccer Coaches "This novel takes us to London in 1989, where high school all-stars from Maine are playing soccer matches against their English counterparts while soaking up the sport's culture at professional games. I loved this coming-of-age story, the way the boys struggle and bond on and off the pitch. Each character has an interesting life inside and outside of soccer. They feel lovable, aggravating, and real. I was surprised at how much I learned about the game itself. For players and coaches, this novel offers a wealth of ways to improve one's skills through writing—analyzing games, one's own performance, and that of others. The author, a fine writer as well as a soccer coach who's taken 30 select teams to England, has studied how to help players of all skill levels and intensities improve their own play, teamwork, and understanding of the game. Writing and discussing performance works. And Sing On, Maine United! works as a terrific story for this 77-year-old reader, who never did play soccer but loves many who do." -Kate Kennedy, author of Skin, a memoir "An intimate window into the lives of high school soccer players embarking upon a journey of a lifetime. Richard Kent details each player's movement, both on and off the field, showcasing the dynamics, tensions, and incredible bonds that bind each individual to one another, forming a team that plays--and sings!--as one." -Meika Hashimoto, author of The Trail "A compassionate sports story that combines soccer, music, and writing, Sing on, Maine United! follows a motley group of Maine high schoolers and their coach on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to play in England, but it will take more than scoring to become a winning team. Richard Kent's skills as a writer, teacher, and long-time coach shine in this young adult novel, which includes reproducible journal entries and prompts to help readers become better writers as well." -Meadow Rue Merrill, M.Ed., aut