Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wholesome, feel-good story of misfit at soccer camp.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Back of the Net
What's the Story?
BACK OF THE NET tells the story of Cory, a 16-year-old overachiever looking forward to spending the summer in Australia studying oceanography aboard ship. When she accidentally gets on the wrong bus at the airport, she finds herself at an elite soccer camp instead. By then her ship is already out to sea, so Cory will have to make the best of being stuck at a camp for a sport she's never played in her life. All while navigating between attention from a cute guy, new friendships, and jealous rivals. Oh, and learning how to kick a soccer ball, too.
Is It Any Good?
This wholesome story of a misfit at soccer camp is one that's been told many times before, and won't hold any surprises for older viewers. But Back of the Net's attractive, winning cast are terrific, ethnically diverse role models and the story bubbles with positive messages and examples. It's entirely predictable as it builds to a championship match between the underdogs and their biggest rival. If you try not to think too much about how it's summer in Los Angeles and Australia at the same time you can enjoy a pleasant ride down a very familiar and scenic road. Tweens and young teens will relate to Cory and her friends as they forge new friendships and learn new ways of thinking all the way to the feel-good ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the teen role models in Back of the Net. What are Cory's character strengths? What about the other characters?
Why is it important to have ethnically diverse cast members in movies, TV, games, and books?
How does teamwork help Cory and her friends? What makes them a good team?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 13, 2019
- Cast : Sofia Wylie , Trae Robin , Tiarnie Coupland
- Director : Louise Alston
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Monarch Home Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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