Kick Like a Girl

Dramatically subtitled “A Film About Risks, Challenge and Taking Your Best Shot,” this short documentary follows a talented team of young girl soccer players, who blow out the competition as six-year-olds, win all their games the next year against older girls, and as third graders play in the boys league, where life lessons include losing some—but not most—of the matches. Jenny Mackenzie, coach of the Mighty Cheetahs and mother of one of the players, is the producer, director, and co-writer of this inspiring documentary, which aired on HBO in the spring of 2009. DVD extras include over an hour of bonus interviews, featuring the players, parents, and Olympic soccer gold medalists, as well as a featurette about how Mackenzie's daughter Lizzie (who narrates the film) deals with her Type 1 diabetes. The educational package includes a curriculum guide for teachers, coaches, and parents focusing on women's role in our culture and the importance of sports and teamwork in developing character, as well as classroom discussion cards for various age levels. Recommended. [Note: Kick Like a Girl is also being sold to individuals for $19.99 at www.kicklikeagirlmovie.com.] Aud: E, I, C, P. (F. Gardner)