Dutch school boy Remko Van Leeuwen inherited the talent and passion for soccer from his dad, know-it-all grocer Erik, whose career went with his knee. As the 11 year-old's hero, his father can get away with demanding the impossible, but cardiac problems kill him unexpectedly. Without his father, coach, role model and other male Remko is stuck with ma, who takes to the accountant Arend, who helps out with the shop, and kid sister. He's desperate enough to lose interest in his promising soccer future until after a voodoo séance his dad seems to appear every time he plays soccer again. Now they brave even a worrisome ankle injury, helped by a pharmacist's daughter in his class who wants his kisses at any price. Ma poses just as great a mental obstacle.