Yn’s official first day with Arsenal Women had arrived. She woke up early, the adrenaline already kicking in as she pulled on her training gear and laced up her boots. She grabbed her bag, took a deep breath, and made her way to the training ground. Her nerves were a mix of excitement and pressure—she was here to prove herself, and she wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip.
As she walked into the facility, she spotted Leah waiting for her by the entrance. Leah grinned, coming over to give her a quick hug.
“You ready for this?” Leah asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Yn replied, trying to steady her voice. “Just a bit… you know, nervous.”
“Hey, don’t worry,” Leah reassured her. “The girls are going to love you. Just be yourself and play your game.”
Yn nodded, breathing deeply as they walked through the hallways toward the changing room. Leah pushed the door open, and Yn was met with the sight of some familiar faces from the Lionesses camp—Katie, Beth, and a few others—who were all in their usual spots, chatting and getting ready.
Katie looked up, her eyes lighting up. “Hey, look who it is! Yn!” She jumped up from her seat and walked over, pulling Yn into a hug. “About time you joined the winning team,” she teased.
Yn chuckled, her nerves easing as she hugged Katie back. “I’m just glad to be here. Thanks for the welcome.”
Beth, still on crutches but grinning, gave Yn a nod from across the room. “Glad to see you here, Yn. You’re in good hands with us.”
The rest of the girls offered quick smiles and waves, making Yn feel right at home.
Renee, the manager, popped her head in. “Alright, ladies! Time to head out to the pitch. Yn, just jump into the drills, and don’t worry about doing everything perfectly. I want you to get comfortable with the squad today, alright?”
Yn nodded. “Got it. Thanks, Renee.”
They all walked out onto the pitch together, and Yn could feel the energy in the air. She quickly joined the group for warm-ups, finding her rhythm as they did some light passing drills. She noticed a few curious glances her way, but mostly, the team treated her just like any other new player.
During a passing drill, Leah sidled up beside her. “You’re doing great,” she whispered. “Just keep it up.”
Yn smiled. “Thanks, Leah. Feels good to be out here with you.”
A few minutes later, they split into small groups for some possession drills. Yn focused on her footwork, trying to stay calm and play her game. As the drill went on, she started to settle in, finding her groove and even winning the ball back a few times with well-timed interceptions.
After the drill, Katie walked over and bumped her shoulder. “Nice moves, Yn. Didn’t know you had that kind of tackle in you.”
Yn grinned, feeling her confidence grow. “Had to make an impression, right?”
“Keep it up, and you might just steal my spot,” Katie joked, giving her a wink.
They continued through various drills, and Yn began to feel more at ease with each passing minute. She was learning the pace and style of her new teammates, and they were adapting to hers as well. As they moved into a scrimmage game, Yn found herself on the left wing, her natural position, ready to show them exactly why she was here.
Within a few minutes, Yn received the ball and took off down the wing, her speed catching the defenders off guard. She managed to beat one, then another, and sent in a sharp cross that Katie connected with, sending the ball straight into the net. The girls cheered, and Yn couldn’t help but smile, her nerves fading completely as she realized she belonged here.
Leah jogged over to her, clapping her on the back. “See? I told you they’d love you.”
Yn chuckled, feeling a rush of pride. “Yeah, this feels… right.”
After the scrimmage, they wrapped up training with some stretches. Yn felt a warm sense of camaraderie as the girls chatted and laughed, the team’s energy uplifting her.
As they all headed back inside, Katie nudged Yn with a playful grin. “Alright, rookie—drinks on you tonight?”
Yn laughed, raising her hands in mock surrender. “Already putting me on the spot, huh?”
“Oh, don’t worry, we’ll let you off the hook… this time,” Leah said with a smirk, sharing a knowing look with Katie.
They walked back to the changing room, and Yn felt overwhelmed by how welcoming everyone had been. She took a seat beside Leah, who handed her a water bottle.
“You did amazing today,” Leah said softly. “And you’re only going to get better. Just wait until you’re fully settled in.”
Yn took a deep breath, feeling a surge of gratitude. “Thanks, Leah. I really couldn’t have done this without you.”
Leah smiled. “Hey, we’re teammates now, officially. I’m here for you, always.”
Just then, Renee walked in, clapping her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Great work today, ladies. Yn, fantastic job out there. We’re thrilled to have you on board.”
Yn beamed, nodding in acknowledgment. “Thanks, Renee. I’m excited to be here.”
As everyone began packing up to leave, Katie pulled Yn aside. “You know, we’re all going out for a team dinner this weekend. You’re coming, right?”
Yn hesitated, a bit surprised by the invitation. “Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want to intrude…”
“Nonsense,” Katie interrupted, throwing an arm around Yn’s shoulders. “You’re part of this team now. That means you come to team dinners. End of discussion.”
Yn laughed, nodding. “Alright, I’ll be there.”
Leah gave her a wink. “See? Already part of the family.”
Yn left the training ground that day feeling an overwhelming sense of joy and belonging. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be, surrounded by people who believed in her and wanted her to succeed.
