Cherry Praileau is the author of the book “Coach Shirley’s Soccer Team: Winning the Game of Life,” which introduces young readers to core values such as teamwork, confidence and self‑belief. The book highlights Shirley’s Laws, a set of clear principles that guide children in how to show up and work together.
These lessons also help children take responsibility for their actions both on and off the field. Each lesson guides kids toward personal growth by connecting everyday behavior with long‑term character development.
Prailleau and Coach Shirley herself joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the values at the center of this new children’s book.
“One of the biggest laws is self belief and I will love myself,” Coach Shirley said when talking about her most important laws. “And it’s all done through having fun with sports.”
The book was originally inspired by Coach Shirley and Cherry’s daughter, because Coach was able to use soccer as a tool to teach life lessons. Coach has her kids recite the laws as well before every game and practice, and Prailleau didn’t want to change a single thing.
One law that is very stressed by Coach is that though winning is important, it is not the only possible outcome for success.
“It’s not just about winning, it’s about who you are becoming. Your character as a person.” Cherry said.
The book is targeted for children from 5-8 years old. This was the targeted age range because Cherry believes that, especially as a mom, that is the age that kids should be learning how to be truly kind and loving and work with a team.
“My daughter has to cheer on her teammates,” Cherry said when explaining the impact on these lessons at that age. “So she has to be a team player. It can’t just be that I’m going to be the winner or whatever the case.
