..... the ball made an arc in the air as it dropped straight into the keeper's hand. The keeper didn't even have to move to get the ball.
John blew the whistle, the match was over. Alright boys; he said, you have all done well gather around. Each player was debriefed and adviced on their performances by the coaches. That it thanks for participating in the trials, John said. You can go and change out of your kits now. Those chosen by a scout will be told through their guardian and if your guardian is not around, you will be told personally. The boys turned around to the dressing room with a solemn atmosphere, each knew that some of their life might be about to change forever.
Bernard sat with his head down after the trials trying to relax. Bernard knew that even with his performance, the was no assurance of being picked. The scout would have to have been looking for a type of player that Bernard would fit. As he was lost in thought, Jack walked up to him and said thanks for the co operation.
No worries, not that i really did anything. I thought you had already already left. Jack was in a smart school uniform looking all handsome compared to the boys in their kits. I went outside, he leaned towards Bernard as he whispered quietly ... i have been offered schoolboy contract by Swansea. Bernard stood up. Jack was now a Swansea player. Under-sixteen, maybe. But a Swansea player all the same. Bernard smiled, that awesome am happy for you.
Yeah, but i have to go. My Dad is waiting for me.
Did he come after all?
No, Jack replied. He will be waiting at the drive way and will be gutted to hear i got a team. Wish you luck. I bet you will get scouted. See you later.
See you, Bernard said.
As soon as Jack left, a man red in the face with a smile that threatens to tear apart said face came into the room shouting Matt Matt you are in. He dragged the confused boy out of the room still talking at a rapid speed. Those left in the room looked at each other for a few seconds wondering if they were not picked that why their parents or guardian also didn't rush into the room. A few minutes later, John came to the room. Most of the boys were ready now.
Alright John said. The parents and the boys that need to know have been spoken to. He said a lot of other stuff but Bernard had already turned him out. He just wanted to talk to Uncle Richard and ask if any scout approached him. Bernard knows the is no way his uncle would break character and charge into the room to tell him he was scouted even if it was an elite team.
Outside the dressing room, it felt cold. The sun had gone down. Bernard scan the crowd for his uncle and saw him talking to someone. Jack signalled him then went to stand besides the car for him.
Well .... ?
Well...., well what? U. Richard said laughing.
Did anyone appreciate my magnificence Bernard said as he started to relax since his Uncle was laughing. That meant the was good news.
I haven't accepted though.
Why not Bernard exclaimed with suprises, what if they change their mind, though the chance of that happening was about zero percent.
Two Teams
What?
Two teams wanted you, U. Richard grinned. I wanted you to decide.
So which teams was it, Bernard asked barely suppressing the urge to scream.