Paramount+ Orders Sam Kerr Biographical Series ‘Kicking Goals’ for 2027

Inspired by the Matildas captain’s childhood and based on her bestselling children’s books, the live-action series will film in Western Australia ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Paramount+ Australia has commissioned Sam Kerr Kicking Goals, a new live-action television series inspired by the childhood of Australian football star Sam Kerr, with the production set to premiere exclusively on the streaming platform in 2027.

Based on the popular children’s book series co-written by Kerr and Fiona Harris, the series will follow the future Matildas captain as an 11-year-old growing up in Western Australia, long before she became one of the world’s most recognisable footballers.

The coming-of-age story will explore Kerr’s early experiences balancing school, family, friendships and football, following her adventures with two best friends as they navigate the challenges of growing up and pursue their sporting ambitions.

The series will chart the young footballer’s journey from an underdog team towards the beginnings of an extraordinary sporting career.

Kerr, who will also serve as an executive producer, said seeing her childhood stories adapted for television was a significant moment.

“It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series,” Kerr said. “These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.

“Now the search begins for the young actor who’ll play me, and I honestly can’t wait to see someone bring that younger version of me to life and step into my boots. I hope it’s an experience they’ll never forget!”

A nationwide casting search is underway to find young actors to portray Kerr and her friends, with filming scheduled to take place in Western Australia.

The series is being positioned as part of Paramount+’s programming surrounding the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the streaming service set to carry every match of the tournament live.

The timing provides an opportunity to introduce Kerr’s story to younger audiences during a major year for women’s football.

Sam Kerr Kicking Goals will be produced by Orange Entertainment Co. for Paramount+ Australia, with major production investment from Screen Australia and Screenwest in association with Minderoo, Paramount+ Australia and The Post Lounge Group.

The project was developed with assistance from Screenwest, Lotterywest and Screen Queensland.

Diya Eid created the series, with Meg O’Connell producing. Executive producers include Dan Lake, Kurt Royan, Georgia Woodward, Florian Schroeder and Kerr.

Tig Terera and Rebecca O’Brien will direct, with scripts written by Eid, Mithila Gupta, Sara Khan and Loani Arman. Sophia Mogford serves as executive producer for Paramount+.

The commission adds another Australian production to Paramount+’s local slate and continues the streaming platform’s investment in stories built around recognisable Australian figures.

For Kerr, whose international career has taken her from Western Australia to the Matildas and Chelsea FC, the adaptation will revisit the childhood experiences that helped shape her ambitions.

While the series draws on the footballer’s life, its focus will be on the friendships, setbacks and small victories of childhood rather than her later achievements on the international stage.

Sam Kerr Kicking Goals will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ Australia in 2027, with an exact release date yet to be announced.