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Back of the Net
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Back of the Net
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Back of the Net
Directed byLouise Alston
Written by
  • Alison SpuckMcNeeley
  • Casie Tabanou
Screenplay by
  • Alison SpuckMcNeeley
  • Casie Tabanou
Story by
  • Alison Spuck McNeeley
  • Casie Tabanou
Produced bySteve Jaggi
Starring
Production
company
The Steve Jaggi Company
Distributed byUmbrella Entertainment
Release dates
  • 11 April 2019 (2019-04-11) (Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania)
  • 18 April 2019 (2019-04-18) (Australia)
  • 15 June 2019 (2019-06-15) (United States)
Running time
86 minutes
CountriesAustralia
United States
LanguageEnglish

Back of the Net is a 2019 comedy film produced by The Steve Jaggi Company and distributed by Umbrella Entertainment. Directed by Louise Alston and written by Alison Spuck McNeeley and Casie Tabanou. The film stars Sofia Wylie, Christopher Kirby, Melissa Bonne, Trae Robin, Tiarnie Coupland, Kate Box, Yasmin Honeychurch, Gemma Chua-Tran and Raj Labade.[1][2] The story follows a smart and brainy American girl named Cory, who seeks to spend her semester on a science research program before she accidentally gets on the wrong bus and ends up spending her semester at the Harold Soccer Academy.

Plot

[edit]
Los Angeles, the city that Cory Bailey lives in.

Cory Bailey, a science student, living in Los Angeles, dreams of researching the ocean professionally. Her parents, David Bailey and Rebecca Bailey support her aspiration of becoming a scientist. During the summer holiday, Cory decides to join the Sea Science program organized by the Harold Academy. However, she gets on the wrong bus and finds herself arriving at the training center of the Harold Soccer Academy. Unwilling to miss the research program, she tries to contact the person in charge of the Sea Science program to escape. Unfortunately, she fails and has to stay in the soccer camp.

On the first day of the camp, she needs to attend various lessons, from science lessons, soccer training to experiment lessons. She performs well in both science and experiment lessons but does poorly in soccer training. However, her masterful performance during experiment lessons catches the attention of Oliver, the most talented soccer player in the school, to make friends with her.

After the first day of training, a room has been assigned for Cory to rest. She meets a lot of friends who are amateurs of soccer like her. They name their team as the Worst of the Best (WOTB).

As the day of the National Soccer Competition approaches nearer, Cory and Oliver become closer due to the post-class discussion about the scientific theory of soccer. This triggers the jealousy of Edie, the best friend of Oliver since they were young. Edie decides to prank Cory on her glowing pickle demonstration. She destroys the experimental setup of Cory and insults her for her soccer skill after training.

Cory feels depressed and demanding after being insulted; she wants to give up on football and change to a new school to continue her research. Fortunately, her friends come to Cory, who is deeply disappointed to comfort and cheer her up. She is touched that her friends support her all the time and decides to move on.

After hearing the news from Coach Smith that the school will not be sponsoring WOTB the upcoming year unless the team has stellar results, everyone is devastated as they think it is impossible for them to win any match. Rather than being struck a blow, Cory is motivated to explore new ways to help the team overcome this daunting time. She applies her knowledge of science into the mode of training of the team. Combining with the theory of physics, the performance of the WOTB improves drastically in the latest pieces of training.

On the day of the National Soccer Competition, Worst of the Best beats various teams from other schools and promotes to the final. The opponent in the final is the Elite team of the Harold Soccer Academy. The score was tied towards the end of the match. Unfortunately, one of the team members of WOTB accidentally gets hurt, and Cory has to go into the match to replace her teammate. Applying her science knowledge, Cory scores at the last minute of the match, and the team finally wins the title of the competition.

After WOTB wins the competition, Cory does not celebrate and insult Edie about the competition. Instead, she comforts and cheers her up that every day is a chance to be someone you were not yesterday. Edie feels touched and apologizes for the prank on Cory. At last, they become friends and celebrate the honor of Harold Soccer Academy together.

Cast

[edit]
  • Sofia Wylie as Cory Bailey, an intelligent and brainy science student who wins the Nation Soccer competition after getting on the wrong bus.[1][2]
    Sofia Wylie, who plays the main character in the film
  • Christopher Kirby as David Bailey, father of Cory, supports his daughter from chasing her dream.[1]
  • Melissa Bonne as Rebecca Bailey, mother of Cory, supports her daughter from chasing her dream.
  • Trae Robin as Oliver, the most talented and famous soccer player in the men's elite team of the Harold Soccer Academy.[1][2]
  • Tiarnie Coupland as Edie, the most talented and famous soccer player in the girls’ elite team of the Harold Soccer Academy.
  • Kate Box as Coach Smith, the coach of the Worst of the Best.[1]
  • Raj Labade as Lewis, member of the men's elite team and the best friend of Oliver and Edie.
  • Gemma Chua-Tran as Janessa, member of the Worst of the Best.[1][2]
  • Yasmin Honeychurch as Adelle, member of the Worst of the Best.[1][2]
  • Ashleigh Ross as Charlotte, member of the Worst of the Best.[1]
  • Nick Bolton as Mr Oster, the science teacher of Cory in the Harold Soccer Academy.
  • Caitlin Foord as herself, an Australian professional soccer player, in reality, the guest of honor of the National Soccer competition.

Production

[edit]

Filming

[edit]
Bombo Quarry, the filming location of the film.
Wollongong, the filming location of the film.

Filming of Back of the Net took place in Wollongong and Kiama,[3] including the Innovation Campus and Bombo Quarry since April 2018. The Steve Jaggi Company has worked with the local council and Destination Wollongong (DW) to ensure the availability of the filming site.[4]

Visual effects

[edit]

Several visual effects techniques were used during production. The lead visual effects company was Cumulus VFX. According to Louise, stylish animation and CG elements are provided in the film to enhance the story, and the visual effects in the film are better than what she and her team had expected.[3]

Release

[edit]

Back of the Net had its world premiere at the CinefestOZ on Sunday, 26 August 2018,[5][6] and was selected as part of the line-up for The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival[2] in June–July 2019.[7]

It was scheduled for theatrical release in Australia on 18 April 2019,[8] and was released on DVD and video on demand on 7 August 2019.[9]

In the United States, it premiered on 15 June 2019 on Disney Channel.[10][11] It became available on Netflix in the country on 21 December 2019 and left exactly 4 years later on 21 December 2023.[12]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

Critical response to Back of the Net has been “fair,” and it has been described as the perfect mix of the coming of age films of the past with new plot points and character complexity.[13] Review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reports that 50% of six reviews of the film were positive, with an average rating of 5.8/10.[14] The site's critics consensus reads, “Back of the Net is an entertaining if unremarkable piece of pre-teen fluff enlivened by entertaining performances, moments of likable charm, and a refreshing message.”[15] According to Common sense media, which complied six reviews and calculated an average score of 3 out of 5, the film received “solid acclaim.”[16]

Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) called the film "a sweet Australian children's film, that shows anyone can succeed if they work together. There are great performances by the younger cast; some comic relief from the girls' soccer coach; and strong moral messages of friendship, teamwork, and acceptance." Apart from the acclamation from ACCM, they also recommend this film for the children aged 8-13 due to acknowledging the film's message about the meaning and purpose of friendship and teamwork.[17]

Reviews were not uniformly positive. Sandra Hall of The Sydney Morning Herald concluded that "Although the script gets much better treatment than it deserves thanks to the spirit and exuberance of a cast who seem delighted to be doing what they are doing, and the NSW south coast and its beaches add to the sparkling sense of well-being that permeates the whole film, the cultural cringe afflicting the plot is pretty hard to take."[13] Alex Lines shared the same sentiment from the Film Inquiry. He felt that “the film features a protagonist who operates life through the application of textbook formulas, because she's stuck in a film that's chosen to do the same.”[18]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Back of the Net

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Back of the Net is a Australian sports comedy-drama film directed by Louise Alston, following the story of a science-enthusiast teenager who accidentally enrolls in a soccer academy and discovers her passion for the sport while competing in a national tournament. The film was written by Casie Tabanou and Ali Spuck, with an original concept by Clay Glen, and produced by Steve Jaggi for The Steve Jaggi Company and distributed by . It stars in the lead role as Cory Bailey, a 16-year-old American high and aspiring marine biologist who misses her boat to a semester-at-sea science program and ends up at the Harold Soccer Academy in . Supporting cast includes Christopher Kirby as David Bailey, Melissa Bonne as Rebecca Bailey, and as Edie. With a runtime of 98 minutes, the movie blends themes of self-discovery, , and overcoming stereotypes, targeting a audience with its uplifting narrative about an unlikely underdog in the world of women's soccer. Released theatrically in on April 18, 2019, Back of the Net received mixed reviews from critics, praised for its positive messages on female and but criticized for predictable plotting and lack of . On , it holds a 50% approval rating based on six reviews, while users rate it 5.3 out of 10 from nearly 1,000 votes, noting its appeal to younger viewers despite some clichéd elements. The film has since become available for streaming on platforms like and Prime Video, contributing to discussions on films and the representation of girls in athletics.

Synopsis and Cast

Plot

Cory Bailey, a science-obsessed 16-year-old , anticipates a summer of oceanographic aboard a ship with the Harold Science Academy in . However, upon arriving at the airport, she accidentally boards the wrong bus and ends up at the Harold Soccer Academy, an elite training camp for aspiring young athletes. Realizing her mistake too late to return home immediately, Cory is forced to stay and adapt to an environment dominated by soccer drills, team competitions, and physical demands that clash with her academic inclinations. Initially, Cory struggles to fit in, facing ridicule and forming a tense with the team's confident , Edie, who views the newcomer as an unwelcome distraction. Lacking athletic , Cory fumbles through basic training sessions and feels isolated from her teammates, who prioritize soccer prowess over her interests in and . As weeks pass, Cory begins to develop her soccer skills under the guidance of coaches and supportive peers, gradually earning a spot on the team through . She applies her scientific knowledge, such as physics principles, to improve her performance on the field. Teamwork challenges escalate during rigorous training exercises and preliminary matches, where Cory's inexperience leads to conflicts, including clashes with Edie over and . Through perseverance, Cory helps resolve these tensions by fostering unity among the team. The narrative builds to a climax at a national soccer tournament, where Cory's team competes as underdogs against formidable rivals, testing her evolving abilities on the field. Faced with integrating her scientific dreams with her newfound interest in soccer, Cory navigates personal growth amid high-stakes plays. In the resolution, Cory's contributions prove instrumental in the team's success, leading to reconciliation with Edie and strengthened bonds with her teammates. The story concludes with Cory returning home, having balanced her passions for science and sports, underscoring themes of , perseverance, and the value of embracing diverse interests.

Cast

The film Back of the Net showcases a predominantly young , blending emerging Australian talent with international performers to depict the dynamics of , , and growth at a soccer . leads as Cory Bailey, the brilliant but introverted protagonist whose scientific ambitions lead her to an unexpected athletic path. Supporting roles highlight familial support and academy relationships, with actors portraying coaches, teammates, and mentors who guide the central narrative. Key cast members include Christopher Kirby as David Bailey, Cory's encouraging father; Melissa Bonne as Rebecca Bailey, her nurturing mother; and Kate Box as Coach Smith, the disciplined head of the academy's soccer program. Among the young performers, Trae Robin plays Oliver, a skilled and loyal teammate; Tiarnie Coupland portrays Edie, the team captain and initial rival to Cory; and Gemma Chua-Tran appears as Janessa, an ambitious peer on the team. Additional notable roles feature Nick Bolton as Mr. Oster, the academy's science instructor who nurtures Cory's intellectual side. The following table lists the principal credited cast and their roles:
ActorCharacterRole Description
Cory Bailey and accidental soccer student
Christopher KirbyDavid BaileySupportive father
Melissa BonneRebecca BaileySupportive mother
Trae RobinOliverTalented friend and teammate
EdieTeam captain and initial rival
Academy head coach and mentor
Gemma Chua-TranJanessaAmbitious teammate
Yasmin HoneychurchAdelleDedicated team athlete
Ashleigh RossCharlotteSupportive peer athlete
Raj LabadeLewisElite team friend
teacher and mentor

Production

Development

The screenplay for Back of the Net originated as an original work by American writers Alison Spuck McNeeley and Casie Tabanou, with original concept by Clay Glen, who drew inspiration from young adult sports narratives emphasizing girl empowerment and the challenges of succeeding in male-dominated activities like soccer. The story centers on a science-enthusiast navigating a soccer , blending themes of resilience, female friendships, and the integration of STEM interests with athletic pursuits to promote independence and teamwork among young viewers. Producer Steve Jaggi spearheaded the project's development through his Queensland-based company, The Steve Jaggi Company, with the goal of producing a family-oriented Australian film appealing to global audiences, including potential partnerships with outlets like for tween demographics. Jaggi's prior success with similar youth-focused features, such as , informed his vision for a positive, empowering tale that could resonate internationally while showcasing Australian production values. Director Louise Alston was chosen by Jaggi for her established track record in feature filmmaking, including romantic comedies like All My Friends Are Leaving and Jucy, which demonstrated her skill in handling character-driven stories with humor and emotional depth suitable for younger audiences. Alston, a former hockey player herself, emphasized the film's commitment to uplifting messages about women's participation in —drawing parallels to the Australian national team, the Matildas—and the value of STEM education as pathways for girls' growth and empowerment in competitive environments. Casting efforts prioritized diverse emerging talent to align with the film's inclusive themes, particularly for the lead role of science whiz Cory Bailey, ultimately filled by , a rising actress of African-American heritage known from Disney's , to authentically represent multicultural perspectives in a story of adaptation and belonging. Supporting roles featured actors like Gemma Chua-Tran and Trae Robin, selected for their athletic abilities and ability to embody a range of backgrounds, ensuring the ensemble reflected real-world diversity in youth sports settings. With the script refined for Australian authenticity, pre-production transitioned seamlessly to principal photography in .

Filming

Principal photography for Back of the Net commenced in late March 2018 and primarily took place over April in , . The production was centered in the and Kiama regions to authentically depict the rural Australian soccer academy setting, utilizing local landmarks such as the University of Wollongong's Innovation Campus for academy interiors and exteriors, as well as Bombo Quarry for additional outdoor sequences. Local soccer fields, schools, and nearby beaches were employed to capture the film's coastal and sporting environments, enhancing the narrative's emphasis on an immersive Australian backdrop. Filming a youth-oriented sports comedy presented several logistical challenges, particularly in coordinating the schedules of young cast members. Lead actress Sofia Wylie, who portrayed the protagonist Cory Bailey, balanced long shooting days with homeschooling requirements, studying at night after on-set hours. Australian child actors, including Tiarnie Coupland and Trae Robin, navigated similar constraints under local regulations that limit work hours for minors to accommodate schooling. Outdoor sequences, heavily reliant on weather conditions for dynamic soccer matches, required flexibility amid the region's variable autumn climate. Ensuring safety during action-oriented scenes involved choreographed stunts for falls and ball handling, with Wylie relearning basic soccer techniques—such as proper foot placement—to convincingly play an initially uncoordinated character, drawing from her limited prior experience playing the sport at age five. Director Louise Alston prioritized practical effects for the majority of the soccer action to maintain realism and energy, minimizing CGI to subtle enhancements in crowd scenes at matches. Her approach emphasized authentic training sequences by consulting real soccer coaches to guide the young performers, fostering natural teamwork and physicality on set while blending the film's rom-com elements with sports dynamics inspired by films like .

Visual effects

The visual effects for Back of the Net were supervised by William Gammon. Cumulus VFX, an Australian studio based in , , handled the visual effects work. The company's contributions included by artists such as Richard Hall and Simone Fichera, as well as main title design by Josh Northeast. This limited-scope effort emphasized practical integration with live-action footage to support the film's grounded sports narrative.

Release

Premiere and distribution

Back of the Net had its Australian theatrical release on April 18, 2019, following limited screenings in select states such as , Victoria, and on April 11, 2019; the film was distributed by in a limited number of cinemas nationwide. In the United States, the film premiered on the on June 15, 2019, marking its initial international broadcast debut. For broader international distribution, the film was acquired by and became available for streaming in multiple regions starting in late 2019, including an October 21, 2019, streaming release in some markets. Marketing efforts focused on the film's themes of female empowerment and perseverance in , with official trailers released by and highlighting the protagonist's journey from science enthusiast to soccer player; these promotions targeted young audiences through online platforms and television spots. The film's performance was modest, particularly in , where it earned AUD 9,491 during its opening weekend across 38 screens before concluding its limited theatrical run with total domestic earnings of AUD 12,360; success was primarily driven by subsequent television and streaming viewership rather than cinema attendance.

Home media

The home media release of Back of the Net began shortly after its theatrical debut, with physical and digital formats made available in 2019. In , issued the film on DVD on August 7, 2019, in a single-disc edition with a runtime of 86 minutes and 5.1 audio. No Blu-ray edition was released in that market. Digital distribution followed soon after, with the film becoming available for purchase and rental on platforms including Amazon Video and starting July 2, 2019. It remains accessible for digital purchase and rental on these services as of 2025, alongside in select regions. As of November 2025, it is available for streaming on in the United States and select other regions. For streaming, Back of the Net was added to globally in late 2019, including on December 21, 2019, and in the on the same date. It was removed from in the U.S. on December 21, 2023, though availability varies by region. Internationally, the film saw region-specific physical releases, such as a PAL DVD import (Region 4) available in the via Amazon, but no dedicated UK edition was issued. No major re-releases or new formats have occurred by 2025.

Reception

Critical response

The critical response to Back of the Net was mixed, with reviewers praising its wholesome messages and diverse representation while critiquing its formulaic and lack of originality. On , the film holds a 50% approval rating based on six critic reviews, with an average score of 5.8/10. Critics frequently highlighted the film's positive portrayal of young female characters navigating sports and science, positioning it as an uplifting tale for tweens. commended the movie for its "ethnically diverse " and emphasis on themes like , , and pursuing interests in soccer and (a nod to STEM fields), describing it as a "wholesome, feel-good story of misfit at soccer camp" that bubbles with positive examples despite its predictability. Similarly, Impulse Gamer noted the "refreshing message" promoting resilience and new perspectives, crediting the spirited performances of the young cast for enlivening the pre-teen narrative. However, several reviews pointed to weaknesses in plotting and pacing that undermined the film's impact. The labeled it an "unrelentingly dull and joyless movie" that blends elements of athleticism, academia, and romance into a "confection so thin and bland it dissolves immediately on impact," criticizing the uneven execution and stereotypical character arcs. Film Inquiry echoed this sentiment, faulting the protagonist's reliance on "textbook formulas" as a for the film's own lack of creative , resulting in a predictable underdog story without deeper emotional resonance. The acknowledged the exuberant cast but found the plot afflicted by "," with contrived elements that strained believability and pacing. Overall, the consensus views Back of the Net as an entertaining but unremarkable entry in the genre, suitable for young audiences seeking lighthearted inspiration on diversity and , though it falls short as standout cinema due to its familiar tropes and modest depth. offered one of the more favorable takes, calling it a "charming Australian movie" that effectively captures adolescent energy through its Wollongong-shot visuals and relatable coming-of-age moments.

Audience response

"Back of the Net" received a mixed response, with an average user rating of 5.3 out of 10 on based on 10,968 votes as of November 2025. Viewers praised the film's inspirational story and the energetic performances of the young cast, particularly highlighting the chemistry among the teenage actors portraying and her friends. The movie appealed primarily to preteens and families, especially girls interested in sports, earning a 3 out of 5 rating on with a recommended age of 8 and older. Parents and kids commended its wholesome content, noting its promotion of inclusivity through an ethnically diverse cast that serves as positive for youth. The narrative's focus on and personal growth resonated with young audiences navigating challenges like adapting to new environments and building friendships. Fan discussions on emphasized the relatability of the as a misfit in a team setting, with child reviewers appreciating lessons on trying new activities and ending up enjoying them. However, some audiences criticized the simplistic plot and predictable resolution, describing it as lightweight with few genuine hurdles beyond typical teen rivalries.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8211214/
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/back_of_the_net
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8211214/fullcredits/
  4. https://www.impulsegamer.com/back-of-the-net-film-review/
  5. https://www.netflix.com/title/81108479
  6. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/back-of-the-net
  7. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Back-of-the-Net/0HOOCGET5EN7451MW3FT1CCMID
  8. https://www.incluvie.com/articles/are-we-going-to-the-back-of-the-net
  9. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/back-of-the-net-review-exuberant-high-school-comedy-suffers-from-cultural-cringe-20190417-h1dky8.html
  10. https://cinemaaustralia.com.au/2019/04/14/interview-louise-alston/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8211214/fullcredits
  12. https://www.filmink.com.au/cameras-roll-back-net/
  13. https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/c/the-steve-jaggi-company/18076/
  14. http://deadline.com/2018/03/andi-mack-star-sofia-wylie-scores-big-screen-role-with-australian-feature-back-of-the-net-1202354599/
  15. https://deadline.com/2018/03/andi-mack-star-sofia-wylie-scores-big-screen-role-with-australian-feature-back-of-the-net-1202354599/
  16. https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5370202/producer-says-illawarra-film-industry-has-exploded/
  17. https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5351730/disney-star-sofia-wylie-is-hanging-at-uow-for-a-new-feature-film/
  18. https://studentedge.org/article/disney-star-sofia-wylie-on-about-her-aussie-comedy-back-of-the-net-playing-a-marvel-hero-and-the-future-of-andi-mack
  19. https://www.filmink.com.au/louise-alston-kicking-goals/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1216510/
  21. https://au.linkedin.com/company/cumulus-visual-effects
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8211214/releaseinfo/
  23. http://www.afilmlife.com/back-of-the-net.html
  24. https://www.justjaredjr.com/2019/05/20/sofia-wylies-film-back-of-the-net-is-heading-to-disney-channel/
  25. https://www.ibtimes.com/back-net-soccer-movie-cast-disney-channel-release-date-trailer-watch-online-2800820
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-q4UswDN88
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnzIEjaK_cI
  28. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3771892737/weekend/
  29. https://shop.umbrellaent.com.au/products/back-of-the-net
  30. https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Back-Of-The-Net-DVD/264932/
  31. https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/9578/back-of-the-net
  32. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/back-of-the-net
  33. https://usa.newonnetflix.info/info/81108479
  34. https://uk.newonnetflix.info/info/81108479
  35. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/back_of_the_net/reviews?type=verified
  36. https://www.filminquiry.com/back-of-the-net-2019-review/
  37. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/film/getting-a-kick-out-of-science/news-story/552eec1f6031784b62bd0d7229aa2504
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8211214/reviews/
  39. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/back-of-the-net/user-reviews/adult
  40. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/back-of-the-net/user-reviews/child
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