WSL Oneshots

Pre Season

Alessia Russo stood outside the gates of Carrington, Manchester United’s training ground, a sense of determination washing over her. The sun had barely risen, casting a golden glow over the facility, but to Alessia, it felt like the start of something monumental. She had just returned from a well-deserved post-season break, one that had given her time to rest and recover after a grueling season. But there was no time to waste now—pre-season training had begun, and the excitement of what lay ahead pulled her in.

Her mind wandered back to the previous season. It had been a year of highs and lows, with a total of seven goals that helped propel United to the top of the Women’s Super League at times, but also a season marred by injury. A torn hamstring had sidelined her for three long months, a frustrating and painful setback that had tested her both physically and mentally. But despite the injury, Alessia had returned stronger, scoring crucial goals and proving herself as one of the league’s top talents.

The injury was behind her now, though. The months of physio, rehab, and sheer willpower had finally paid off. Her hamstring had healed completely, and she was ready to get back to business. The team had been waiting for her return, and there was a palpable buzz at Carrington as the players began filtering in for pre-season training.

Alessia took a deep breath and walked through the gates. The familiar sight of the pitches, the staff milling about, and the sound of boots hitting the ground brought a wave of nostalgia and excitement. She was home.

As she made her way to the locker room, a few familiar faces greeted her with warm smiles and hugs. Mary Earps, the United goalkeeper, was the first to spot her, a grin spreading across her face. “Alessia! You’re back!” she said, pulling her into a tight hug.

“I’m back,” Alessia replied, a laugh escaping her. “It’s been too long.”

In the locker room, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and focus. Pre-season was always a time for setting the foundation for the season ahead, and everyone knew the pressure would be on to continue building on last year’s progress. United had finished strong, but they all knew that consistency would be key in the new season. The players were ready to take it to the next level—and so was Alessia.

She quickly changed into her training kit, the familiar red and white colors making her feel grounded and ready. The season ahead was going to be challenging, especially with the upcoming Champions League qualification matches, but Alessia thrived on competition. She was determined to make her mark once again.

As the team gathered on the pitch for their first session, Marc Skinner, the head coach, addressed them. “Welcome back, everyone. I know we’ve all had our time off, but now it’s time to refocus and build on last season. We’re aiming for bigger things this year—titles, top performances, and Champions League glory. You’ve all worked hard to get here, and now the real work begins. Let’s make this season one to remember.”

The players nodded, eyes filled with determination. They were ready.

Alessia felt a surge of energy as the first drills began. She was eager to prove herself once more, to show everyone that her injury was behind her and that she was ready to carry the team forward. Her fitness was back to where it needed to be, and the rust from her time away quickly faded as she settled back into the rhythm of training.

Throughout the session, she was sharp—her touch precise, her runs into space measured. The combination of her physical recovery and the hunger to perform at her best made her feel unstoppable. Each time she connected with the ball, each pass or shot on goal, she felt more like her old self. The injury that had kept her sidelined felt like a distant memory. She was ready for what came next.

After the session, Marc Skinner pulled her aside, his smile full of pride. “Good to have you back, Alessia. You’ve been missed. Your goals last season were crucial to our success, and I know you’ll continue to play an important role this year. I’m excited to see what you can do.”

Alessia nodded, grateful for the confidence he had in her. “I’m ready to give everything I’ve got.”

As she walked back to the locker room, Alessia’s mind raced with thoughts of the new season—of the challenges ahead, of proving herself once more, and of the promise she had made to herself to be the best version of her on the pitch. Her goals last season had made an impact, but she wasn’t resting on her laurels. She was hungry for more.

As she pulled her boots off and sat down to rest, she looked out the window at the pitch. The journey ahead was long, but she was ready. With her hamstring fully healed and her heart set on achieving even greater things, this was just the beginning.