[Saturday 6 February 11:00]
[Ashton Imperial Academy versus Kernistad Academy]
“Good~ morning everybody,” a excited male voice sounded over the commentary.
“My name is Arnold Freeman and I’ll be in charge of commentary today as Ashton Imperial Academy host Kernistad Academy in the season opener of youth football.”
“We are in for a thriller of a match as both teams come back after a good run of form last season, with Ashton Imperial Academy taking both the league and league cup for the third consecutive year and Kernistad Academy ending fourth in the league and failing to reach the final after being knocked out in the semis by the very same team they are facing today. Talking about that game; what an exhilarating piece football it was, with Mason Inglewood scoring in the final minute of stoppage time to send AIA to the finals where they beat FC Kingston in a penalty shootout.”
The commentator took a breath before continuing.
“But that is all in the past and both teams here today having other ambitions in mind: the Imperial Academy is looking to replicate the success under the stern and charismatic Coach Irene Grey and Kernistad is eager to prove to us that they are serious title contenders this season. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 on the dot. But this not the only game of football that the 30 000 capacity stadium of the Imperial Academy will host today, as we have the U/19 teams of AIA and Kernistad facing off at 15:00 and at 19:00 the senior team of AIA will host Epsom University with both teams kicking off their second division campaign in a bid to achieve promotion to the continent’s top flight league, the Prime Football League. I am your commentator, Arnold Freeman, and I will be with you from the very first second to the very last in each and every game. See you an hour from now, at kick-off.”
********
“All right, everybody.”
–clap, clap–
Coach Irene clapped twice to bring down the noise and gain everyone’s attention in the chaotic locker room.
The starting eleven had on their matchday kits, while the rest of the team wore bibs to set themselves apart as substitutes.
Julian leaned against his locker room dressed in the kit, arms crossed over his chest.
The kit was a marvelous piece of clothing.
The shirt was white with golden strips running along the sleeves up to the shoulder and around the neck.
A golden stash ran diagonally down the right chest to sides, where thick golden strips ran down the waist.
The Imperial Academy crest was proudly on the left chest, just above the heart and the league logo was on the side of the sleeves.
The number seven stood majestically in the middle of his chest, big, black and in all its glory.
The shorts was white with two golden stripes running along its length, the number seven and Academy crest on the end of each respective leg.
The socks was long, white with golden strips and it fit snuggly to the players calves, giving them no discomfort.
And of course, the black boots with the silver wolve insignia on the sides was adorned in Julian’s feet, fangs glistening slightly.
(Photo in discord server)
Behind the coach was a whiteboard with the starting line-up drawn on it.
Julian threw a quick glance at it.
[Ashton Imperial Academy(AIA) Starting XI
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Oliver Basey <1>
CB: Sam Duxberry <4>
CB: Allen Gudger <5> This chapter is updated first at g.com.
RB: Zander Chitty <22>
LB: Josh Webber <21>
DMF: Keenan Monlouis <8>
AMF: Martin Hemmings <17>
AMF: Nolan Grey <10>
RW: Austin Sullivan <11>
LW: Julian Valecrest <7>
CF: Danny Bremang <9>]
The formation was traditional, with two attacking midfielders responsibe for attacking, and one defensive midfielder focused on breaking the opponents offense with calculated force.
“I’m not going to tell you what I expect of you today, because you all know that at the Imperial Academy we expect nothing less than victory.” She stared at her players in turn, her expression stern.
“What I am going to tell you though, is how to achieve that victory.”
She took out a marker and stepped next to the whiteboard.
“In possession, Martin and Nolan will spread the ball quickly to the sides to stretch Kernistad’s defensive shape and create 1v1 situations for Julian and Austin on the flanks with Danny as the target man in the box.”
She drew circles over Martin and Nolan in midfield and then lines to Julian and Austin on the side to indicate passes.
After that, she drew circles over Julian and Austin and then lines to Danny Bremang in the opponents box, symbolizing crosses.
“In the defensive phase,” she looked at her defenders, making eye contact with each of them.
“I want you–Keenan, Sam and Allen–to rely on your high work-rate to form a compact but aggressive defensive block.”
She drew lines among the three players, showing that they should move to each other when the opponent was in possession.
Coach Irene then turned to the right back and left back.
“You two will have different roles today: Zander, I want you to play as a wing-back. Your role is to dominate the entire flank with your speed, attacking prowess and long passes. Josh, you will play as a full-back. Meaning you will stay back to defend the sides.”
She received a nod from the players.
“Did everyone get that?”
“Yes, Coach!” Everyone answered, even those that weren’t going to start.
“Good.” Irene nodded.
“You don’t have to worry about what the opponent is going to do, as long everyone does their part, victory is ours.”
She turned around and walked for the exit, but left the team with the last few words before walking down the corridors.
“Kick-off is in thirty minutes. Get ready.”
‘She’s good.’ Julian acknowledged with silent respect.
[Yeah.] Mini-ball agreed.
‘True.’ Julian sat down on the bench, before leaning forward to make double sure his laces was tied.
‘She should at least be a coach at a second division team.
Makes one wonder why she is still babying little boys.’
[Maybe it’s because of her brother.]
Julian threw a glanced at the purple haired boy leaning with his back against the locker, boots tapping the floor in a nervous rhythm.
‘Probably.’
[Anyways, that’s not important right now. What’s important is this:]
–ding–
********
[New Mission! Mission: Put on a stellar performance Objective: Put on a amazing performance and show to everyone that you’re not just a wealthy young Master throwing around his weight. Reward: +15 points + 1 Fitness Recovery Potion]
********
‘Do people think I’m a young Master throwing around his weight?’ Julian lifted his head when he was done checking on his laces.
[Honestly, I have no idea. I put that in there just because.] If Mini-ball had shoulders he would’ve shrugged.
[Tell you what; if I was them, I would think you are.]
‘Of course you would think that.’ Julian rolled his eyes inwardly.
[Don’t blame me, dude. Stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason.]
‘Yeah, yeah.
How long till kick-off?’
********
“Welcome back, everyone.” Arnold Freeman voice sounded over the commentary again.
“We have five minutes until kick off and both teams just emerged from the tunnels with the Ashton Imperial Academy in their infamous golden and royal white kits. Kernistad Academy is adorned in their brown and black colors, ready to give their all against last season champions.”
The commentator paused for a bit.
“The home team is looking to play offensive football today with their 4-3-3 set-up and will most likely be utilizing their wingers to press the attack. While the away team, with their 4-4-2 formation, will play a possession-based game and will try to move to ball through their channels with patient build-up to the opponents net. And like always, the fans of the home team didn’t fail to turn up and show support to the younger generation with the stadium already half full. Among the crowds there will be certain individuals watching today that will increase the pressure the players are already facing. Individuals like talent scouts that is either here to scout new recruits or to watch the performance of their scholarship students. And of course, we can’t forget to mention the annual tradition of the AIA senior teams who make it their mission to come out and support their juniors. You can hear their jubilant chants all over the stadium and even from your couch at home.”
Arnold stopped as the player shook hands and went to their respective positions on the field.
“There is a big list of name to look out for today, especially on the side of the home team. Danny Bremang being one of them, a scholarship student from the harsh streets of New Arsson, who impressed many with his remarkable goal scoring ability and hold-up play. Another one is Nolan Grey, the coach’s younger brother, but better known for being named as one of the most promising midfield prospects of the decade. But the most shocking and least expected name is Julian Valecrest. Heir of the Valecrest Grand Duchy and someone no one had an inkling about starting today, much less having interest in the sport.”
As he spoke, everyone could hear that he chose his words carefully.
“His presence will bring a lot of attention to this game, with many looking to see if he has what it takes to be in this team and that the decision wasn’t affected by external influence. Regardless, we are but moments away from the start of the football season with the Ashton Imperial Academy hosting Kernistad Academy in a game that many will have on their tongue after it ends.”
As the commentator draws his monolgue to a close, the refree lifts the whistle to his mouth.
“PRRRRPPP!!!”