Astrid Taylor's dream was to one day play for Arsenal, but that was a long way away. First she had to start her footballing journey which would hopefully lead to that moment. A forward and striker with a strong kick, she might get there fast, but cr...
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The next morning after breakfast the team assembled for their pre match meeting where they would do last minute reviews of their opponents style of play, and plan their own around the starting lineup Tony was going to reveal.
Astrid's prediction from the night before was proved right when Kyra's name appeared in the midfield, a smile donning both of their faces as Astrid lightly punched Kyra's shoulder. The rest of the line up was almost the same as it always was but with Cortnee replacing Sam's usual position as the left forward and Charli staying in that back right in replace of Ellie who was still out with her ACL injury.
Although Astrid had yet to be named again in the starting XI since that Phillipines game, the plan involved her coming on later in the game and continuing her super sub reputation.
Arriving at Kingsmeadow again the energy was high and the team were ready for what was to come. They got ready and headed onto the pitch for the warm up, Astrid, Charli and Kyra trailing at the back of the group.
"Will you three hurry up? Otherwise you're not part of the rondos." Alanna turned around, yelling at the three of them who were still slowly walking out of the tunnel.
"How dare you!" Astrid dropped her mouth in shock, separating from her friends as she ran to join the team, rather ditching her friends than missing out on the only fun part of warm up.
"Rude." Charli called out as Kyra scoffed beside her, watching the youngest player run out of the tunnel to the team on the pitch, jogging to catch up behind her.
Training like always was full of laughter and fun, slightly distracting them before the tough match but still focused on the drills ahead of them. When it began time to partner up, Astrid began walking towards Charli but was pulled away before she could even process what was happening.
"You're with me today, chicken." Steph finally spoke as she walked with Astrid further away from the younger of the Matildas. Astrid was confused but not complaining as she had begun to form a stronger bond with Steph through these camps and over long distance while at clubs.
"Cool with me." Astrid shrugged her shoulders as they began their partnered drills and passing skills.
"So, how's Hammarby?" Steph asked, looking over at the younger player.
"It's really good, I think I've finally settled back into the team and the rhythm again." Astrid smiled as she talked about her club.
"That's good. You always want to feel good at your club and comfortable in that environment." Steph nodded at her, happy she was content in her current club and team. "What about Sweden though? How's living there treating you?"
"It's fine, I'm glad I have Kyra and Nevs with me, and Charli not far away." Astrid drifted off slightly and looked back up at Steph instead of the ball they were sending between each other.
"But?" Steph quizzed, looking her softly in the eye, Astrid pausing to think before responding.
"I don't know. Something's missing or off, I think. It's just not what I've been used to, you know. Especially with a whole different language and customs and lifestyle; it's just different." Astrid shrugged casually. "But I'll get used to it, and the weather." She laughed with Steph who also missed the Australian sun whilst living away.
