The car engine made a noise for the last time as Mr. Anthony stopped the car on the street with a lot of trees. William felt really good when he got out of the car after meeting with Mr. Clement. He felt like he had been challenged. He also felt like he had won and that made him feel ready to start his new adventure. William got out of the car. Took a deep breath of the cool evening air from the sea. Mr. Anthony was already walking ahead of him. William followed him into a modern building. They walked up the stairs. Mr. Anthony opened the door to a room. William walked in. Was amazed. The room was small. It was really nice. The floor was made of wood. It shone under the bright lights. There was a kitchen on one side and a single bed with blue sheets on the other. William thought it was perfect. He could have lived there forever.
Mr. Anthony walked to the window opened the curtains and turned to face William. "You will be staying here before your trial William " said Mr. Anthony with a smile. He waved his hand for William to look around the room. "If you make it to the team you will stay in the apartments with the other players. Everything you need is here including food in the fridge and towels in the bathroom. Now. Settle in." William took his bag. Put it behind the bed. As he turned around to get his bag he heard Mr. Anthony's voice.
"The trial match has been arranged " said Mr. Anthony and Williams ears perked up. He stood still as Mr. Anthony continued, "It will not be a match and it will not be against a young team. We will be playing against Brentford in a match in a big stadium. Brentford Football Club also looks for players so they will play their best team. The match will be in front of a lot of people. There will be officials from both teams and other agents watching from the special boxes. You have the game in your sights, William " said Mr. Anthony. Mr. Anthony's words made Williams heart beat fast. He was so shocked that he forgot to breathe for a moment.Then he realized how big the game was and his heart started beating even faster, he knew that he will play in front of people he doesn't know, he doesn't know their thoughts. He was scared. Then he felt happy and excited. It was his chance to shine and the thought of millions of people watching him made him feel nervous, but he is ready to prove to them that he is more than ready for any challenges coming his way.
"Get some rest William. You have worked hard for this game, take care,if you need anything, you can reach out to me. And don't forget to wake up early, I will be coming in the next morning" said Mr. Anthony as he walked to the door. William watched him leave then he jumped on the bed. He looked for his phone to call his father, Mr. Gill. The phone rang twice before his father answered. "William! Is that my boy?" asked Mr. Gill sounding excited. William. Said, "Yes Dad it's me." They talked for a bit before Mr. Gill asked how he was doing. William told him everything that had happened from his morning training with Coach Lincoln, his new teammates, and also the conversation with Mr. Clement. He had never seen such a strict man before.
William told his father that he had felt different during training like he had a sense of purpose. "Dad today I felt something when I was on the pitch. Coach Lincoln was watching me. At first it made me nervous.". Then he felt calm and the words of Coach Tuchel and his father kept ringing in his mind. After training Coach Lincoln told him that he had potential and praised him saying he had a future in football. William also told his father that his new teammates had welcomed him warmly and passed the ball to him easily making him feel at home.
Then William changed the subject and told his father about his conversation with Mr. Clement. "I met with Mr. Clement today Dad. He was very strict. Told Mr. Anthony that he didn't believe in me because of the mistakes he had made in the past recruiting players who weren't good enough." William. Added with a sigh "He said he would wait and see how I do in the game before judging me.". Mr. Gill was not worried about what Mr. Clement said.
"Do not let his words discourage you William. Some people want to see you struggle before they believe in you, I trust he would love you later" said Mr. Gill. William. Said, "I will remember your words, Dad. By the way the trial match will be in a stadium and we will be playing against Brentford." William told his father about the match. He really wanted his father to be there to watch him play.
"I will be there my son. I will be the supporter in the stands cheering for you and cheering for my boy to show the world that he has what it takes to play for Blackpool " said Mr. Gill. He kept encouraging William telling him that his dream was coming true. "Don't give up now William. When you are on that pitch think of all the work and sweat that went into this moment. Let the ball be your friend and let the opponent be your rival. You have the heart of a lion inside you; let the world see it."
William imagined himself standing in the stadium as his father continued to encourage him. He started to move his body doing some exercises as if he was playing against Brentfords defenders. He wanted the game to start so he could show everyone his skills. "I can almost feel the game, Dad. I am going to do my best " said William to his father.
"That's my boy. Now prepare for the match. I'll see you soon " said Mr. Gill. William ended the call. Checked the fridge to see what he could eat. He found pasta and beef cooked it and sat down to eat. He wanted to eat to give him energy for the challenge ahead. The evening had been eventful. His fathers words had encouraged him and the room made him feel at home.
He spent the rest of the night stretching his legs on the floor and meditating. He imagined the stadium. How he would feel when he was on the pitch with millions of eyes watching him. He wanted the world to see William Gill. He wanted to make history. As he got into bed he looked up at the ceiling. Said a prayer of gratitude. The journey from being a boy to a footballer had been short but difficult. He knew the game against Brentford would be tough. With his dads support and the coachs encouragement William fell asleep dreaming of the day when he would make his mark, on the football field. It's only one day to the trial.