Borussia Dortmund Under 19 had just finished their last training for the match tomorrow. They had long touched down from Germany to Denmark and now they were finishing up their preparations. Riley sat on the floor with his other teammates as they panted, Coach Mike had put them through the ringer but not to much because they had a game scheduled.
"Gather up everyone, be quick." Mike motioned for the players to move closer to him. The players complied and inched closer to the coach. "Alright, tomorrow is a big game. Which we must win. I will now call out our squad for that match. Best of luck to those who made it. Keep working had to those who didn't." Mike didn't mince his words.
"In goal we have, Marian Kirsch. Right back and left back we have Marlon Ubani and Prince Aning respectively. Our central defenders are Nnamdi Collins and Hendry Blank. Moving to midfield, Rafael Lubach will be our defensive midfielder as for the central midfielders, I've selected Vasco Walz and Michel Ludwing. Our front 3 will consist of Samuel Bamba on the right, August O'Brian in the middle and Ayukayoh Mengot on the left. Yep, 4-3-3." Coach Mike finished his starting line-up announcement.
Everyone congratulated them. "And for our bench, it will be you guys as usual but with a little additional member this time. Our little magician, Riley Santos." Coach Mike said with a smile on his face.
Everyone was buzzing for this game especially Riley. He knew these youth games don't have that much recognition in the eyes of the world but their games are broadcasted here and there, he was banking on someone from here and there to at least see him and recognise that Dortmund have a precious gem in him. These youth matches usually happen the same day as when the senior team will be playing so some seniors usually pop by to watch their future rivals.
In a room at a local hotel, there were two boys playing around one was 14 years old and the other was 8 years old. Yes, this is Riley and Jaco. Jaco had come with grandpa Nux to support Riley in what could possibly be his debut game. The other players had their parents present to come watch them in these matches so they can cheer for their kids. Since Riley's father is in Portugal and his mother is in England, his immediate family of some sort is this little boy and the old man who have taken care of him.
"Stop it Jaco. Let Riley sleep, tomorrow is a big day for him." Nux said. Jaco being obedient stopped throwing the pillow at Riley since his grandpa has said so. Yes, these two guys were pillow fighting like some 8 year old girls at a slumber party. It was fun though, Riley had a broad smile as he watched Jaco put down his pillow, he also stopped playing around.
"Grandpa Nux, do you think I will get game time tomorrow?" Riley suddenly asked Nux who was clearly taken aback but he quickly adjusted. "Of course. That Mike rates you very highly. He will definitely play you." Nux reassured. Riley smiled and was about to close his eyes when Nux spoke again, "Riley, you mother is coming to see you this weekend." Riley's eyes shot open and he glanced at grandpa Nux for a second. "Is she now?" Riley had a soft smile, "Ohh well, see you this weekend Kiara Johnson… ohh wait she is married now. Let's try that again, see you soon Kiara Benson." Nux and Jaco who were looking at him bust out laughing.
Riley was embarrassed and he covered his face with a pillow. Jaco however would never let this chance to tease him go, "Hahahahah, you wanted to sound cool. You are so dense big brother." He continued to laugh and Nux joined in again. Riley was even more embarrassed after Jaco exposed him. It was a lively atmosphere in this hotel room but all good things come to an end. They eventually dosed of to sleep because a big day awaited Riley tomorrow.