Tenacious Tackles

Chapter 1: Scout?

Karl POV:
A groan came out of my mouth due to hearing my alarm from my phone, it was matchday for my team (West Kirby United) I play at a saturday league level, which i hope to get scouted soon as I'm 15 so, I need a chance if i want to be pro.

I got my kit on and made sure I had everything. 'Boots, yeah. Drink, yeah. Trophy from last game, yeah. Shin pads, yeah.' I thought to myself making sure I had everything as I usually forget a neccesity for my game.

I arrive at the pitch and say hello to my manager before jogging off to warm up. "Hiya Karl", my friend Charlie said. "Who are we playing today again, I forgot" I asked, whilst fiddling with my fingers (this was kind of like a thing i do when nervous or other stuff), "I think we are playing Shaftes, which will be a tough game. " ,my teamate answered "Okay thank you"

Time Skip To Kick-Off:

The ball is kicked off and played in the midfield who gives it to the right wing. As a right back, this is my favourite part; I overlap my winger and recieve a ball in front of me which I whip into the box and it is scored by my striker, Caleb. As i turn to go back to position, a man catches my eye, he doesnt look familiar and he has a notepad. 'Wait is he a... scout.', I think to myself as my heart thumps in my chest. 'Deep breaths, Karl' I say to myself and keep my composure.

5 minutes before the second half, it was at 2-0 to us when their left winger is running down to take me on. He does some step overs and attempts to cut in but I read him well and win the ball, strongly. I play a ball in the midfield and we make a counter attack but their keeper makes a great save, impressing the parents and that man again.

Its half time at 2-0 I have an assist and my striker has scored twice. My manager, Neil begins to talk, "We are playing well but, there is one thing i must point out. We must be talkative and telling your teammates if somebody is pressing them from behind because, Chris didn't know he was being pressed and lost the ball. Luckily Ollie made a great save."
"Right now for the second half, Ethan go left back and Chaz come off for Jed who will go left wing. Also, wingers make sure you aren't to high up the pitch as you need to help the midfield and the defense if needed."

It was 8 minutes till the final whistle when we won a corner i stayed outside of the box for it. The ball is whipped in and cleared out to me and I half-volley it and it soars and dips, sweetly into the top left corner. "Yes!" I exclaim. We go back to Kick-off and soon the final whistle is blown the final score, 3-0. I make my way to my manager when that same man, who i previously assumed was a scout approached me. "Excuse me, where are your parents, please." I point him in their direction and he starts talking to them. I glance every now and then during my team talk. I see my dad's face beam up with joy, which is surely a good sign.

During the car ride home, my father informs me on what their conversation was about, he tells me that he was a scout for Coventry City's Academy and they would like to give me a trial to possibly join the team. My eyes lit up due to the fact that my dream may come true and also I grew a soft spot for that team because one of my friends supports them.