Hotspur Girl

Part One

As the sun rose over North London, so did I. I opened the curtains of my new house and let the pink light shroud my room. I smiled at the birds chirruping to welcome in the day. Everything had just become much more wonderful to me today: I was about to attend my first training session as part of the Spurs Ladies first team. I'd been playing for the younger teams since I was five so I was completely obsessed with the team.

I did my best to look presentable so as to make a good impression. I washed and dried my hair before putting it in French braids. I put on the training kit that had already been delivered to me. I made myself some breakfast and put my coffee in a flask to take out. I checked the time to see that if I left now, I'd be just in time. I got in my car and drove in the direction of the training ground. I couldn't help feeling a little superior to the other drivers on the road- there was no way their job was anywhere near as cool as mine.

I was fizzing with excitement when I arrived. I hadn't been to the training ground many times, but I knew it well: its white walls with the blue cockerel logo making it unmissable. I was greeted by Karen Hill, the team's manager. "Welcome to Tottenham, Audrey!" She said. Her voice was kind and welcoming. I smiled. I had forgotten how to talk- it was so surreal being here for this reason. Karen led me through into the training area where all the ladies who I'd idolised for years were chatting, laughing, practicing shooting. Karen called them over and there they were, right in front of me. "This is Audrey Baker, our newest midfielder." She turned to me and said in a softer tone, "Sarah will show you around, help you with anything you need." As she said this, a pretty blonde woman smiled to me. "I'm Sarah," she said to me holding out her arm to me. "Come train with us."

I linked my arm in hers and we walked with three others towards the area where they were practicing their shooting. "I'm Sarah. Wiltshire. Welcome to Tottenham, babe." I smiled at her. Another player stepped forwards. She had sort of dark blonde hair. "I'm Rianna Dean. I'm obviously the best player here so you've got a lot to live up to." She started laughing and Sarah gave her a gentle push. I recognised the other player: we used to play alongside eachother in the under-18 team.She was only 19 but so much better than me. "Jessica!" I exclaimed. She winked at me and said, "it's nice to see you again, Audrey." She gave me a hug.

When we started training, it didn't take me long to see the immense talent here. I wasn't nearly as good as the others, but it didn't matter. They were all so welcoming and sweet to me.  By the end of the day, I was sweating massively and felt as if I was about to faint. I looked at Sarah. She was still slightly glowing and had the energy of a five year old on sugar. And she's had a baby! I sighed. In a sense, Rianna was right- I did have a lot to work on, but I was happy to. I took a sip from my waterbottle and Karen appeared behind me. "You need to work on your stamina," she said, laughing. I nodded. "It would probably help," I said through heavy breaths. She gently patted the side of my red face and clapped her hands three times. Instantly, the players all ran towards her. "Alright, ladies," she said. "We've got and important game at hand. It's Liverpool at home, so go home, get some rest so that you'll be ready for Wednesday."

She let us go and I walked towards the exit with Sarah. "At least it's not at Prenton Park," she said, shaking her head. "I was a sub there last season and my seat was literally in half. It kept pinching my legs and I thanked Jesus when I was subbed on." I laughed. I decided I liked Sarah a lot. "So," she said to me. "Do you fancy any of the lads? Because we train together sometimes."
"I don't think I do."
"Really? Because some of them- woah. Like that Dele Alli." She stared off dreamily into the distance as if he was right there. Jenna, the captain, gently clipped the back of her head.
"And here I was, thinking you were married with a daughter," she said, shaking her head, but she was smiling at her.
"Oh, shut it, Jenna." Sarah pressed the button on her key and got in her car. I opened my own car  and got in before checking my phone. I had texts from Avery, my best friend.
Girls night tonight? I want to hear everything xx

                             Yeah, you can come over x

I smiled. Avery had been my best friend since we knew you could have a best friend. I got straight into the the shower when I got home and put on my comfy clothes. Avery knocked on my door. I opened it to see her holding a bottle of my favourite wine in one hand and a pizza in the other. "I figured you won't be able to have these much more, but you deserve it. God, you look knackered." I nodded and told her I was. She turned on the TV and put on "our" show, The Good Place. It was funny anyway, but Avery's comments made it funnier. We went to sleep around 11 and woke up at 9 the next morning.

"Don't you need to be at training?" I laughed and shook my head. "We've got a break before the match tomorrow."
"What, already? They don't waste any time with you."
"Nah, I'll only be a sub. They won't start me yet."
"Good. Hey, have you met the boys?"
I laughed. "No, but apparently they come train with us sometimes."
She narrowed her eyes at me "Let me know who's fit when you do."
"And single? Because I think that'll narrow it down."
She wiggled her eyebrows. "Maybe. Maybe not." We both burst out laughing. I knew she was joking but if it came to it, Avery could get with anyone she wanted. She is so beautiful and charming.