Jack, who shares his name with the soccer superstar, Jack Burnside, is a keen footballer. When his best mate, Saleem, fails to return after a visit to his home, there is little Jack can do about it, until he receives a mysterious parcel in the post. It takes him on a journey to a land ruled by sun and peopled with tyrants, sorcerers and giant crows. Now he must find Saleem, coach a team of boys for a football march – and stay alive – which just might prove rather difficult if your only ally is a cantankerous camel.