Yn took a deep breath as she set off for the Lionesses' training camp, her mind swirling with a mix of excitement and nerves. This was her chance, a fresh start, an opportunity to prove herself. She gripped the steering wheel a little tighter, the countryside blurring by as she thought about the possibilities ahead.
Two hours later, Yn finally arrived, greeted by the sight of the pitch where the team was already training. She spotted familiar faces from the national team, some of the best players in the world, and her pulse quickened. For a moment, doubt crept in—could she really hold her own here? But she quickly shook it off. She was here for a reason.
One of the camp staff met her at the entrance, welcoming her and directing her to the dorms. She grabbed her bags and walked inside, heart racing as she climbed the stairs to the players' quarters. The staff member pointed out the room she'd be sharing with Lauren. She smiled to herself, grateful that her sister would be there to guide her through this new experience.
Yn entered the room, setting her bags on the spare bed and sinking down onto the mattress, letting out a deep breath. She'd barely settled in when she heard footsteps outside. The door opened, and Lauren stepped in, a tired but content smile on her face from training. Her gaze landed on Yn, and in an instant, her expression shifted to shock, her eyes widening.
"Yn! Oh my god, you're here!" Lauren exclaimed, crossing the room in a heartbeat to throw her arms around her.
Yn hugged her back, laughing. "Surprise!"
"I can't believe it!" Lauren pulled back, still grinning. "I knew Sarina was looking for new players to join training, but I didn’t think it would be you!"
Yn shrugged, a shy smile playing on her lips. "She called me last night and asked if I’d come train with you all since… well, since I don’t have a club anymore."
Lauren’s smile softened, and she gave Yn's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I’m so happy you're here. You deserve this, Yn. I know things have been rough lately, but this is a fresh start."
“Thanks, Loz,” Yn said, the warmth of her sister’s support flooding through her. “I just hope I can show them what I’m made of.”
“You will.” Lauren’s voice was confident, and it gave Yn a boost of courage. “Now get some rest. Tomorrow’s going to be a big day.”
---
The next morning, Yn awoke with a sense of anticipation buzzing in her veins. Lauren was already up, heading out for breakfast, but she promised to be back soon to introduce Yn to the team. Yn dressed quickly, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.
Downstairs in the dining hall, Lauren looked around, waiting for the right moment. She spotted her teammates at a table, chatting and laughing over breakfast. Clearing her throat, she gathered their attention.
“Alright, ladies, I have something exciting to tell you all,” Lauren announced, a mischievous smile on her face as the room fell silent.
Ella Toone looked up, intrigued. “What’s the big news, Loz?”
“Yeah, you’ve been grinning like a Cheshire cat all morning,” Leah Williamson added, eyebrow raised.
Lauren couldn’t hold it in anymore. “I want you all to meet our new training partner… my little sister, Yn.”
Yn stepped into the room, her heart pounding as every pair of eyes turned her way. She managed a small wave, trying to ignore the heat creeping up her neck.
For a brief moment, there was stunned silence, and then cheers erupted around the room. Millie Bright stood up and clapped, grinning from ear to ear. “Look who’s finally joined us! Welcome, Yn!”
The other players quickly surrounded her, showering her with greetings and handshakes. Leah gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Lauren’s told us a bit about you. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got on the pitch.”
“Me too,” Ella piped in, her smile warm. “We could always use another strong winger around here.”
“Thanks, everyone,” Yn replied, her nerves fading as the team’s welcoming energy embraced her. “I’m really excited to be here.”
They all chatted and laughed as they finished breakfast, with Lauren by her side, filling her in on everyone’s quirks and routines.
---
A short while later, they all headed out to the training grounds. Yn walked beside Lauren, the crisp morning air doing little to calm the jitters in her stomach. She glanced around, absorbing the sights and sounds of the Lionesses’ training camp—this was the real deal.
Lauren nudged her gently. “Relax, Yn. Just play your game. Show them what you’ve got.”
“I’ll try,” Yn murmured, her voice laced with nerves.
The training session kicked off, and Yn joined the group, starting with some passing drills. She tried to focus, but the pressure of being surrounded by such high-caliber players made her stumble a few times. She could feel the other players watching, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Noticing her struggle, Leah gave her an encouraging nod. “Take a breath, Yn. You’re here because you belong. Just focus on the ball.”
Taking Leah’s advice, Yn steadied herself and soon found her rhythm, her touches growing smoother and more confident. As they moved into more complex drills, she began to feel her old self returning. She even caught herself laughing with Jess and Ella as they joked around between sets.
Finally, they shifted into a scrimmage. Yn was playing left wing, her natural position, and she quickly fell into the familiar rush of the game. She made a clean pass to Chloe Kelly, who flicked the ball back to her, setting her up perfectly. Yn dribbled past two defenders, feeling the thrill of her pace, and spotted Millie Bright marking her closely.
With a burst of confidence, Yn went for it—she pulled off a perfect rainbow flick, the ball soaring over Millie’s head before she collected it on the other side. Millie froze for a second, then burst into laughter.
“Oh, she’s got skills!” Millie called out, grinning. “Lauren, did you teach her that?”
Lauren laughed, shaking her head. “Nope, that’s all her. Yn’s got moves of her own.”
The rest of the team watched, impressed. Even Sarina, standing on the sidelines, raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
Ella jogged over to Yn, a wide smile on her face. “Where have they been hiding you? That was insane!”
Yn grinned, feeling a rush of pride. “Just waiting for the right moment, I guess.”
They continued playing, and Yn felt herself getting into the groove, her confidence soaring with each touch and pass. By the end of the session, she was exhausted but exhilarated. As they gathered around, stretching and cooling down, she noticed the curious looks being thrown her way.
Lucy Bronze spoke up, her expression both impressed and puzzled. “Yn, you’re seriously good. You could hold your own in any top team. Why don’t you have a club?”
Yn hesitated, unsure how much to say, but Lauren gave her an encouraging nod. “Long story,” Yn replied with a sigh. “I was at City, but… things didn’t work out.”
Millie shook her head, looking genuinely shocked. “City dropped you? Are they mad?”
“Feels like it,” Yn admitted, forcing a small smile. “But, hey, life goes on, right?”
Leah stepped forward, offering Yn a reassuring pat on the back. “Well, they’re missing out. You’ve got a real future, Yn. Don’t let them make you doubt that.”
Yn smiled, touched by the warmth and encouragement from her new teammates. Training with the Lionesses wasn’t just a chance to prove herself—it felt like a family she hadn’t realized she’d been missing.
