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Bobby Bains Ain’t Playing

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Bobby Bains Ain’t Playing

By: Bali Rai, Daniel Duncan
Narrated by: Shubham Sharaf
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Summary

When the girls are banned from the five-a-side tournament, young Sikh footballer Bobby Bains rallies his teammates to make a stand in this uplifting tale of solidarity from Bali Rai.

Football-mad Bobby and his friend Maisie are excited to hear about a new five-a-side tournament – especially as it’s happening on Diwali, or Bandi Chhor Divas as Sikhs call it!

After getting their teams together, however, Maisie is told she’s not allowed to take part. Hers is the only girls’ side to have entered and they’re not allowed to play against the boys. How unfair is that?

Bobby can’t believe it, and he comes up with a plan to make a stand. But will he be able to convince anyone to join him?

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

©2026 Bali Rai (P)2026 HarperCollins Publishers Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Feel-Good

Critic Reviews

"Bobby Bains Ain't Playing tackles big themes through the lens of a thrilling football-themed story that’s filled with friendship, comradeship and a strong sense of community … Slickly-paced and written in a clear, engaging style, Bobby Bains Ain't Playing is especially notable for the way it shows an endearing boy character bravely do the right thing for his female friends, and for its seamless integration of Sikh culture, history and values into the story." —LoveReading4Kids
"This is a heartwarming story and packs a lot into this short volume. The lively yet relatively simply plot is interwoven with information about Sikh values and traditions and raises issues about equality, challenging stereotypes and celebrating diversity. The messages do not feel forced though and the story flows easily with likeable characters and a sense of kindness and community." – The School Librarian
"We learned such a lot in this story about Sikh culture and the celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas and the gurus. About selflessness and community. Equality and passion. Friends and support." — Mini Travellers
"In this fabulous short read, sequel to the equally marvellous Bobby Bains Plays a Blinder, we again meet footie-obsessed Bobby in a shorter title that is not only really engaging but also takes a good hard look at gender equality." — Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library, blog
"A wonderful story with lots of brilliant messages of equality, inclusion and kindness, as well as providing wonderful detail about cultural celebrations. The black and white illustrations add warmth and detail to this sporting story and make for a great chapter book read." – Blogger
"A brilliant, fast-paced story about football, friendship, equality, and Sikh culture, perfect for readers aged 7+ and anyone caught up in the excitement of the World Cup." – Blogger
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