LOGLINE

A selfless third-gen Pakistani-German drifter is roped into coaching a girls’ football team – only to find her biggest rival (and ex) on the opposite side-line. As sparks and values clash, the two must face their past and fight for the future – on and off the pitch.

SYNOPSIS

»Change of Players« is a heartwarming romantic comedy about small-town soccer, big feelings and the chaos in between. At the center: Neelam (27), daughter of Pakistani grandparents, unambitious amateur dater and selfless everyday heroine, who involuntarily takes over the coaching of a demotivated girls' team. Her ambitious, intimidating ex-crush Lina, of all people, is the coach of the rival team. What follows is a turbulent season full of fouls, funks and feelings, including quick-witted teenagers, community BBQs and sleepover camp with heart beats guaranteed.
While Neelam deals with pushy parents, demanding players and ever-flaring tension with Lina, she not only has to bring the team together, but also face her past and deep-seated fears of commitment. The players – 14 to 16 years old, rebellious, empathetic, mercilessly honest – bring their very own challenges with them: Crushes, pressure to perform, identity issues and a lot of unintentional comedy. And although Neelam is officially the coach, she learns at least as much from each of these mini-dramas as the girls themselves.
When the city announces that the two rival teams are to merge for financial reasons, the season turns into a race against time – with fundraising campaigns, training camps and an all-important derby. In the end, it's less about scoring goals and more about the question: will old feelings awaken to a whole new game?