Today my u16's academy team have a important league match against our rivals, we've been told there is some important people coming to watch us all play today. No pressure.
I'm a 6" centre-half at 15yrs old I have given up a lot of time and sacrifices my social life and friends to play and improve my football with team training, individual sessions, going on runs, going the gym. I love football and sometimes I can be decent, my coaches and friends tell me I'm good but I don't have much self belief. I am very vocal and physical and captain my team. I've only been playing a few years and started after being inspired by watching the lionesses play. My dream is to one day meet, train or even play alongside the lionesses.
I sat in the changing rooms getting changed; right shin pad, left shin pad, right sock, left sock, right boot, left boot, right shin guard stay, left shin guard stay, captain armband. Right always first. I walked with my teammates out on to the pitch to lead the warmup making sure my first step onto the pitch was my right. Before I knew it we were all in position waiting to here the starting whistle.
*whistle*
For the first 10mins the ball didn't even touch or half and already 1-0 up but right now their best player was running full speed at me with the ball ready to have a shot on goal. I ran at her and slide tackled her cleanly getting the ball from beneath her feet, sending her flying to the ground really milking it for the ref.
" play on it was a fair tackle." The ref stated. The girl just scoffed and sent me a very pissed off glare. As she walked past she pushed her shoulder into me.
" fuck you bitch." She snarled at me.
" get a grip " I said as I started walking back to position as my team had possession in their box.
Until half time I continued playing the best game I've ever played However their number 7 kept being overly physical and trying to hurt me when we were on 1-on-1's. But the score was now 2-0 after I scored from a corner getting a perfect header top bins As I was walking of the pitch I went to speak to my mate Lilly who looked very excited and nervous. " you good?" I asked her.
" omg have you not saw who's here?" She practically squealed. I hadn't been paying attention to the spectators as I was pretty focused on the game.
" no. Why who's here?" I said.
" like half the England squad! Leah Williamson, Lucy bronze, Millie bright, Keira Walsh, Rachel daly, Georgia Stan way and toone and Russo!" Omg what why they watching us this is crazy.
" omg I so want to meet them!" I squealed back.
" I'm definitely getting a photo with them all"Lilly said. Me too.
We all sat in the dugout as our coach explained new tactics. " I know a few of you have saw our special guests but don't let them being here distract your performance, you can meet them after. Right now your priority is winning this match. Come on get on the pitch girls!" He motivated. "Y/n come here quickly." He said quieter. " keep your head against that girl she will get a yellow soon don't worry. Keep doing what your doing and make sure everyone stays encouraged." He patted me on the back as I ran on to the pitch ready for the second half.
About 20mins in the number 7 did a brutal late tackle and sent me flying into the fence of the pitch knocking the wind out of me, I could hear some voices shouting to the ref about how it's a foul and I'm hurt but right now I was focusing on getting air in my lungs, as I opened my eyes from being lying on the floor my eyes were soon met with the eyes of the one and only Lucy bronze. Well that's embarrassing. " you alright kid?" She asked quite concerned.
" yep just gonna stay right here a minute." I got out Through choked breaths. The ref had finally ran over and given the number 7 a yellow card which she wasn't happy with and claimed I through myself into the fence. Yes, because that's what people do they willingly nearly puncture a lung, well done. However the England squad backed me up and there was a lot of " she clearly got shoved" that was clearly a Foul" " she's been doing it all game" it was nice of them to back me up.
" I think you should go off" the ref told me.
" nope I'm fine " I quickly got to my feet but regretted that and nearly fell back down from sick of oxygen, Lucy saw and grabbed my arm to steady me.
" you sure?" Lucy said as she quirked a eyebrow.
" yes, I can't let my team down." With that I tan back on the pitch and continued, my breathing wasn't the same and my ribs killed but I would survive. It's probably just a bruised rib. The game finished and I hurried of as quick as possible to see the team physio to see what happened.
" you've just bruised a rib, take the week easy and ice it as much as possible." (Im not a doctor) I took myself and my bag of ice back to see my team in the changing rooms as I walked in everyone gave me a clap. But there was some faces I wasn't expecting to see... the England players again. Lucy looked concerned when she saw the bag of ice on my ribs.
"We'll done y/n" Leah Williamson said as she gave me a hug. I gave the others a fist bump but Lucy stopped me before a sat down.
" are you ok what happened?"she asked genuine concern and worry lacing her voice.
" just a bruised rib I'll live."I replied.
" your tough kid, need you in England defence your so tall, how tall are you?" Lucy asked.
"5"11 but when put my boots on I'm definitely like 6 foot." Her jaw dropped.
" Millie come stand next to y/n" Lucy summoned Millie over.
" solid defender your are kid." Millie bright complimented.
" thanks" I replied.
" you two go back to back" we did as Lucy said and went back to back. " Jesus y/n you make Millie look short and how old are you again?"
" I turned 15 last month."
" bloody hell your probably taller then jill then " I just laughed at her.
" look forward to playing with you someday y/n" Millie said.
" I hope so" I said.
We got autographs and selfies with all the players and when they left I made sure to go say bye to Lucy. She hugged me careful not to hurt my rib more. She put a piece of paper in my hand.
" it's my number if you ever want to chat about anything, or need advice, I will reply." Lucy said smiling.
" thank you I'll be sure to text you Lucy."
" goodbye kid don't break a leg!" She said pointing at me while laughing.
" I'll try".I replied laughing
I guess sometimes you do meet your heroes.
