Billie's father watched him in amazement. "Come on son, have some lunch and we'll be off to the match!" "I'm taking my boots with me," said Billie. Billie and his dad stood behind the goal watching their local team play football. By half-time their team were losing 2-1. "I wish I could be on that pitch," thought Billie. Suddenly, he found his boots on his feet. "Come on, let's go," whispered the boots. Next minute Billie was on the empty pitch, running and zig-zagging. Someone threw a ball at his feet.

The field was empty, but the crowd laughed and pointed, seeing this young, roundish lad on the pitch. "Go on lad," they shouted. Billie headed the ball from head to toe and back again. He flicked the ball with his heel over his head. He passed the ball from foot to foot as he sped down the field. He avoided the men running after him, trying to catch him. After ten minutes he finished his performance and allowed himself to be led off the pitch.

His father was furious. "What do you think you're doing, lad?! Wail 'til I get you home!!!" "I don't know," said Billie. "It's as if I couldn't help it, my boots did it all." "Nonsense," said his father, "never have I been so embarrassed." "Just a moment," said a man in a tracksuit. "I'm the trainer of the local team and never have I seen such talent. Give me your name and address and I'll be round to see you in the week."

Billie couldn't wait to get home and tell his mum and Millie what had happened. His poor father was still suffering from shock. His mother and Millie were really excited. "Our Billie is going to be a real footballer," said Millie. "Thank you Nippy boots, you were wonderful," said Billie quietly. "Perhaps one day you and I will play together in the World Cup!" The Nippy boots smiled and blinked their eyes.