Mo the monkey was so excited at the thought of playing football, he woke up early and with excitement he went over to Lellow the Lion’s house to wake him. 

Lellow greeted Mo with a loud 'GROWL,' then Lellow stretched and yawned and said, "WHAT TIME IS IT?"

   "We’re all meeting up at Willow Wood for 2:00 pm, the kickoff time is 3:00 pm," said Mo. 

 "Why have you called me so early?" said Lellow. 

"Because we’re meeting the rest of the team." reply Mo. 

"The rest of our team is Ellie the elephant, Hopey the 

hippopotamus and Princess Leah Grace.” said Mo. 

    "The Dragon’s five-a-side team are Sparky, Smoky, Redring, Wizz and Curly," said Mo. 

Mo and Lellow set off to meet the rest of the team. 

 When they met up with the team, Lellow asked Princess Leah if she remembered to bring the team shirts, socks, and shorts. 

 "Everyone should have their soccer boots," said Lellow.

    Lellow turned to Princess Leah and said, "Have you got your goalkeeper's gloves?"  You’re the goalkeeper for our team today." 

"I’ve got everything ready," said Princess Leah. 

"Ellie, have you got the soccer balls," asked Lellow.

 "Yes, I’ve got a bag of soccer balls,"   replied Ellie.   

 "Why a bagful?" Lellow asked.

"You’ll see why when we’re playing the game," said Ellie, she started laughing. 

As Lellow and his friends arrived at Willow Wood, Sparky the Dragon's team were warming up.   The Dragons supporters stood on one side of the soccer field, cheering on their teams.

   On the opposite side is Lellow the Lion and Friends and the supporters cheering them on. 

"What’s the team tactics today?" asked Mo. 

"Mo, you’re our star forward today! Your job is to score those amazing goals. Remember, it's all about teamwork, so let's stay focused.  And, of course, don’t forget the ball," said Lellow, with a hint of a smile.  The friends couldn't help but giggle.

"Princess Leah is the goalkeeper today, and Ellie and Hopey are the defenders," said Lellow.

     "What’s a defender?" asked Ellie and Hopey curiously.

"All you need to do is block the goal with your bodies or buttocks and remember to protect, the goalkeeper, Princess Leah.  The dragon's team will not score,"   said Lellow with a sly smile. 

"Where will you be playing?" Mo asked Lellow. 

"I’ll be the attacker, scoring lots of goals," said Lellow.  as he jumped forward to show off his polished claws. 

   "Does anyone know anything about the Dragon’s teams?" asked Lellow. 

"Don’t get near Sparky when he sneezes," said Ellie; she began to laugh. 

"Why!" asked Mo. 

On a sunny day, with the gentle breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers, Sparky felt a sneeze building up inside him. 

Lellow and his friends turned to look, and they saw the other dragons scattering.  Sparky sneezes, and a vast flame comes out of his mouth and nose, burning Curly on the tail. Curly jumps,  flapping his wings, and shoots with a loud yelp.