I think that Leo and I were frozen for a while before we realised were meant to be training. By that point, the siren signalling that you should move onto the next exercise sounds and Leo and I jog over to the centre of the middle pitch, where a group is gathering for the game. We usually play out a full 90 minutes, and I was smart enough to save my energy for our scratch match in my earlier hour and a half with Leo. I don't really pay attention to the coach talking, because I know he's going to say the same thing. My attention is paid when teams are split up, and I end up with the majority of the first team. I do notice that I'm the only striker, and when Leo gets put on the other team I know I've met my match.
"My team over here!" Someone says. I see a tall guy with tan skin and short spiky black hair, "Alright I'll be playing centre-back with Yadow. Flynn and Bonzo you guys are full backs, Dam and Lorence you guys can play left and right mid, Charlie and Uga you're the wingers and Polo you can play centre forward, with Karlo to back you up as a number ten. Glori your between the posts, and the remaining five can start on the bench."
It hits me like truck that I'm not playing, but I get it. Everyone here wants this just as badly as me, and I haven't earned my place here. I just wish I could earn my place somewhere else.
Everyone in the team starts warming up and I join in, just in case someone makes a last minute change. As we finish up, it becomes apparent that I won't be playing and I take my place on the bench, watching the kick off that seems to take forever. When the ball is rolling all I can do is wish I was on, and watch as the game progresses. Our defence is pretty solid, but the other team's striker slips through and scores. The score stays the same until the opposition score again stomping on our team morale. Half time rolls by and the team huddles up, trying to think of a new tactic to use. Somehow the self-elected "leader" manages to close the circle off to subs, so I sit on the grass and check my buzzing phone. One of my teammates from the school side, Pete, is texting me and I read the fifteen he has sent.
See you at training? 6:30
Wanna meet up before training? 6:42
Just arrived, will you be long? 6:49
Aiden?7:04
The team is waiting on you, we might have to start without you... 7:11
Get here quick! 7:18
Coach is getting fed up with no captain to keep everyone in line! 7:37
We've just finished warm-ups, you should hurry! 8:01
I realise that I forgot to inform the coach that I had a professional training this morning and couldn't make the school one. My fingers move quickly as he sends the last one. The poor guy's been texting me since 6:30!
Sorry man, got MCFC training, tell coach I'm sorry! 8:01
Btw, Man City sent scouts down here, Kate Gill is sending my name on!!! 8:02
He responds with a thumbs up emoji and I only just catch the centre forward, Polo, dislocate his knee.
"OWW!" He yells, "HOLY CRAP!"
The team rushes in to help, and we call a medic over. "Doesn't look good," The health professional says, "You'll need to make a sub."
This is it. This is my shot. My one shot at goal.
As the "leader" looks at his options I speak up, "Put me on," I say, "I'm a striker but I can play Centre Forward, give me a shot."
The guy rolls his eyes, "Kid you can't play with the big boys. I'll show you how to kick a ball properly after daycare if you want."
"What's your problem man?" I spit back at him.
"You apparently. A 16 year-old can't just waltz in and claim a spot. I've got four adults who I can put on instead."
"How many of them are strikers?" I ask spitefully.
He scoffs, "We might not have any strikers but Carlos plays CDM and-"
"-Put him on!"
The voice came from behind me and I know who it was. Kate just backed me up, and I don't turn around because I can already here her walking away.
He holds his hand out and I shake it with a firm grip, "The name's Lincoln."
"Aiden." I respond.
He starts to walk past me but stops at my ear, "You may have the favor of a legend but you don't have the favor of me. You'd better not stuff this up."
He walks to the team, and I follow him confidently. I'm finally getting my turn to show everyone what I'm made of. Maybe I could be the new Messi, it's just unfortunate that I'm not playing at one of the big Spanish clubs, or a Premier League club. Hopefully when the report gets sent off to Man City that will all change.
"Alrighty listen up lads." Lincoln calls out, "Y'all want to impress the scouts right? The fact that their not being quiet about their presence means that they want us to give it our all for them. Don't stuff this up."
We take to the pitch and I kick off. Every part of me stops thinking, and I play like with I've never played before.
YOU ARE READING
A Legacies Beginning
Ficción GeneralAustralian wonderkid Aiden Reeves is a 16 year old, playing soccer for the Melbourne City youth squad. Manchester City, who own the club, send scouts down regularly to look at the talent and see who might be worth signing. A leaked report about Aide...
