Madrid, Spain – The Forge Academy Grounds
The buzzing city of Madrid faded into the background as Alvaro and his father entered the sprawling training complex of Blanco Royal FC. Known as The Forge, it was a place of legends—where the club's greatest players honed their skills.
For Alvaro, the sheer size of the facility was overwhelming. Immaculate green pitches stretched as far as the eye could see, each bordered by pristine white barriers. Players in crisp training kits moved with precision, while coaches barked instructions.
Roberto placed a comforting hand on Alvaro's shoulder. "This is it, hijo. Show them what you're made of."
Alvaro nodded, his nerves giving way to determination. He had waited his entire life for this moment.He have to show them his worth.
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The trial was held on Pitch 3, where around thirty boys, all between 10 and 12 years old, gathered. Some looked confident, juggling balls effortlessly,some stood with nervous faces while others, like Alvaro, were quietly focused.
A man with a commanding presence approached the group. Dressed in Blanco Royal gear, he carried a clipboard and radiated authority. This was Coach Delgado, a veteran of The Forge.
"Welcome to The Forge," Delgado began, his voice steady and firm. "You're here because you have talent. But talent alone isn't enough. We're looking for intelligence, work ethic, and resilience. Show me you have what it takes.You can't slack here there is only one chance so give your all and take it"
The boys were split into smaller groups to work on drills: passing, dribbling, shooting, and positioning. Coaches watched every move, taking notes and murmuring among themselves.
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When it was Alvaro's turn to dribble through a cone course, he felt the weight of the coaches' gazes. He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and started the drill. His movements were fluid, his touches precise, and he finished with a sharp pivot that impressed even Coach Delgado.
"Good control," Delgado muttered, jotting something down.
Next came passing drills. Alvaro was paired with Mateo Silva, a lanky boy with a strong but inconsistent kicks. Silva's wild passes tested Alvaro's composure, but he adapted quickly, returning each ball cleanly.
The coach overseeing the drill nodded. "Smart play. You're reading the game well."
By the time they moved on to scrimmages, Alvaro adapted well and he felt more comfortable, though he knew the toughest test was yet to come.
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The scrimmage paired Alvaro with Leo Morales, a striker known for his flashy skills and sharp tongue. From the start, Morales dominated the ball, ignoring teammates and attempting solo runs.He was like a wild horse.
"Pass it, Leo!" Alvaro shouted after a failed attack.
Morales scowled. "Why? I don't need help."
Frustrated but determined, Alvaro decided to take charge. The next time he intercepted the ball, he ignored Morales's calls and instead threaded a defence splitting through pass to another winger, who scored with a clean strike.
"Great vision, Cortez!" Coach Delgado called out.
Morales glared at Alvaro, but the coaches seemed pleased with the decision.
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After the scrimmages, the boys gathered around Delgado, who held the clipboard tightly. Th atmosphere was tense.Every boys looked at him nervously.His expression gave nothing away as he began calling names.
"Silva, Morales…" he said, his voice echoing across the pitch. "Cortez, Alvaro."
Alvaro exhaled in relief. He had made it to the next stage.The boys who didn't make it left with vivid expressions.
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As the session ended, Mateo Herrera approached Alvaro and Roberto.
"Well done, Alvaro," Mateo said, his smile warm. "You've taken your first step, but remember—it's just the beginning. The Forge demands more every day.Be consistent all the way up to the top"
Alvaro nodded, his mind already racing with thoughts of the work ahead.
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That evening, back at their modest home in Valle Sol, Alvaro sat on his bed, staring at his boots.
"I'm going to make it," he whispered to himself. "I'll play for Blanco Royal. No matter what it takes."
He didn't know what challenges lay ahead, but he knew one thing for certain: this was his dream, and he wouldn't stop until it was his reality.
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