Under the Lights and in the Dark by Gwendolyn Oxenham

This work is truly a testament to women's soccer and women in sports. And, like Friday Night Lights or Seabiscuit, Under the Lights and In the Dark does just that. Oxenham understands a good sports story must work as a mirror to reflect the world around it. and remedied that situation.' - The Boston Globe, The best books of 2017 'The book's true virtues are in its complexities and portrayals of the players whose lives are interesting both on and off the field. And like a tapestry, Oxenham weaves the beauty of her storytelling with the bruteness of a slide tackle to make the book a must-read for any fan of the women's game.' - Allison Lee, The Equalizer 'What a fine thing that a superb writer has found these `untold stories'. These are stories that need to be heard - told in a way that leaves you begging for more.' - Julie Foudy, ESPN, USWNT captain, two-time Olympic gold medalist & World Cup champion 'The book, just like women's soccer itself, is actually a tapestry of interwoven stories, all connected by different color threads to create one big, stunning masterpiece. These are moving, uplifting stories from around the world - what top soccer is like when there's no money or fame in it and you just do it for love.' - Simon Kuper, author of Soccernomics 'The book, a blend of stand-up-and-cheer triumphs and bittersweet cautionary tales, is a revelation, and it is a must-read for anyone curious about not just women's soccer, but the beautiful game.' - The Globe and Mail 'Gwendolyn is the master at finding incredible soccer stories. Appropriate for high school students, public libraries, and all readers interested in the future of the sport.' - Library Journal 'A startlingly good book. That's a fantastic skill to have as a writer.' - Gorey Guardian 'One of the most compelling sports books I have ever read' - Female Coaching Network 'An eye-opening, cohesive collection of fascinating stories that will help bring women's soccer to the next level.

The twelve-year-old girl reading this as part of her English homework will be as engrossed as the 60-year-old who never dreamt that these things could happen to a female soccer player. 'Oxenham has a nice, inclusive, easy to understand writing style.

Under the Lights and in the Dark by Gwendolyn Oxenham