Maya's Diary √

Chapter Twenty-Three

It had been a straight month at Hallmark, and a studious one too. Everyone, had been in their best, studying, for their finals. An even better reason, was for the upcoming Halloween Party, tagged The Halloween Fever.

The Principal, nearly had it scraped, from the activity sheet, as he described it as 'a disturbance, an avenue for kids to jump around, and sing for nothing. They should be studying!', he however insisted, that if it must be, it must have strict monitoring, only light dances, and not so scary outfits.

The exams begun a week after, Mr. Drey, had them wear headphones, each for their revision. Apparently, he couldn't bear to repeat what he had already taught,



***

At the football academy, there was a total change of schedule, Thankfully, the duration for the tedious training, closely drew to an end. Some of them thought about, furthering their football pursuit, than the one year training they received, others, Daniel inclusive, weren't so sure.

There was a tight routine practice, from the dawn of day, till when the afternoon's heat, scorched their bare heads. A routine practice, with the following schedule;

9 am: Report to the training ground, collect your training kit, and get ready for breakfast.

9:30 am: Breakfast; A typical bowl of porridge.

10:30 am: Training; Light hearted, and relaxed to begin with, gradually easing into the session.

Training, begins after twenty minutes, with the players, taking Parton lots of passing exercises where the focus, is on keeping balance.

12:00 pm: Lunch; Generally a pasta, or a chicken based dish. The Pasta, will replenish depleted energy stores and chicken will give the body protein aiding muscle repair.

Eating the right food, is extremely important, for a footballer's health and general performance.

1-2 pm: Gym strengths, and power work. For example squats, dead lifts, bench presses, and pull ups.

These workouts, change on a daily basis.

2 pm: Finished. That's it, the afternoon is free to do as they wished with it. Rest is essential, so typically, the players will return home, and relax for the remainder, of the day.

Rules.

1. No drinking, smoking, or going out to clubs. Fine-up Two weeks wages.

2. No participating, in extreme sports of skiing.

Daniel had gotten used to the routine, in no time.

They were being served lunch, Daniel hurriedly took out his plate, for a perfect serving spoon of pasta to be dished.

It was routine, he got that part, but he longed for another. Then, he would trade anything, to eat Sofia's prepared meal, and PS; she was horrible at cooking.

He suddenly longed for home, as he played with his meal. He didn't wanting to be a footballer, could be this extreme, he knew he was a wonderful soccer player, not until the older guys proved him wrong. They were all so professional, and athletic.

Yes, he had always wanted to be a footballer, or was it just because his father wanted him to, Footballers were highly respected, probably wanted him to have such repute, but the real Daniel, had other ideas.

"Hi" Jack called, holding his boots on his left, swaying them, and holding his pasta, on his right. For all honesty, Daniel wished he hadn't brought his boots, to where people ate.