The morning sun shone through the curtains of the small, cozy room, and the bright light shone directly on the wooden floor. William didn't need to worry about the alarm clock
because his heart was already beating fast from excitement. He sat on hisbed, surrounded by the blue cotton sheets, and looked around. All was calm, and the room gave out a comfortable aura. The calmness around the room soothed his soul. Today was his final day of training, and he would face his most challenging match the following day.
He immediately stood up, got dressed in his training gear, and cleaned his boots. William sat by the window, eyeing the road, waiting for Mr. Anthony. It didn't take long before William heard the familiar noise of a car's engine
maneuvering down the street along with all the trees. William quickly grabbed his bag and ran downstairs, and as he opened the car door, William was greeted by Mr. Anthony's calm figure behind the steering wheel. Mr. Anthony cleared his throat as the car moved away from the street and gave William the eye. William
was so deep in thought about the morning, and Mr. Anthony had to comment on it.
"How are you feeling, William?" he asked politely as he eyed the road.
"Your last day of training is today, which means you will have a final test match against Brentford. I want to know what is going through your mind." William faced the windows where the buildings outside stood and pondered
on the question. He finally turned around and gave Mr. Anthony an answer."I will be honest with you, Mr. Anthony; I am feeling very nervous because I know what is at stake for me tomorrow," William admitted and took a deep breath. "However, I have all my confidence in myself and my skills." Mr. Anthony was delighted to hear William's answer because he appreciated his openness and fear. "Feeling nervous is normal because it shows how much you care. However, you must learn to use that nervous feeling in your body
to power your game on the pitch," Mr. Anthony replied and gave William a thumbs-up. William's confidence grew a bit more as he saw that Mr. Anthony had his trust. The two rode to training grounds, discussing various aspects of football. William reached the training base with a clear mind about what
was in store for him. William appreciatively thanked Mr. Anthony as he walked towards the
changing rooms. He pushed open the heavy doors and was immediately welcomed
by the fragrance of leather and sports cream. William walked around the locker room and watched as his teammates busied themselves preparing for the day's training. He was surprised that the room was filled with the
teammates' cheerful voices. He raised his eyes and was surprised by the shaking hands and waves from the players.
"Hey, William! Are you adequately prepared for our big match tomorrow?" one player asked with a wide smile.
"We are thrilled to see you play alongside us against Brentford," another teammate added as he pushed his socks against his kneecaps.
William was overwhelmed by his teammates' reception, he is not even one of them yet, and heaved a sigh of relief. William dropped his bag on the floor and prepared to put on his training shorts when the team captain Fernandes
approached him, he cleared his throat and placed a hand on William's shoulder.
"Listen up, William," the captain said in a loud voice that echoed all through the room. "Today's training will be slightly different from what you are used to because we will not be here at the base. We will be riding to the stadium, where our trial match against Brentford will take place, to familiarize ourselves with the pitch."
William's eyes bulged from his sockets as he heard the captain's words.
"The stadium?" William asked, surprised by the news. "We are going to the stadium today?"
"That's right, William," the captain chuckled and tapped William's shoulder. "There is a slight change; to ensure our legs are warm and our lungs are pumping enough oxygen, the club has provided us with these bicycles." The teammates erupted into cheers and roars of astonishment, thinking about the fitness message Mr. Anthony had given them the previous week. William was stunned as he looked at the row of cycles in the distance,
but he soon realized it was an exquisite opportunity to bond with his teammates. William walked to the row of cycles and selected a cycle.
He adjusted his seat and immediately felt William's heart race as he held the handlebars. William followed the rest of the team out of the locker room and towards the exit. William and the other players formed a single file queue as they walked to the back of the base. The group of footballers was quickly greeted by a row of brand new cycles.
William mounted his cycle and immediately felt his heart race as he looked at his teammates. The team captain led the charge as the group of footballers rode out of the base. William's heart pounded in his chest as he rode
alongside his team, feeling the cool morning air brush against his cheekbones.
He had to concentrate to keep up with the team, his legs shaking from the effort needed to move the bike up a nearby hill. William's breathing was deep and controlled, as instructed by coach Tuchel, and he pushed his feet against the pedals, using his lower body to power the cycle. To his left and right, William's teammates chattered and laughed, and the sound was encouraging. William felt as if he had joined a family because he and his
teammates had joined forces at the most critical moment.
William and his teammates cycled through the streets and were congratulated by passersby who stopped to watch them ride by. William rode the road for a long time, his body growing more energetic with each stroke of the pedal.
William glanced up to see the stadium's towering structure rising above the city skyline. It was a breathtaking view, and William's heart raced at the thought of playing the biggest match of his young life so soon in future.
Although the cycling had been tiring, it helped William feel refreshed and
strong.
"Almost there, boys! Keep those legs pumping!" the captain shouted from where he rode at the front of the group. William leaned forward and pushed against the pedals with all of his might as he reached the stadium gates.
William was breathing heavily, but he was happy that he was in the conditioning for the task ahead. William and his teammates soon reached the stadium and dismounted their cycles. William stood and stared at the giant
structure in awe. The stadium was still and silent, although he imagined what it would sound like when fans would fill the stands, cheering enthusiastically for the team and watching the beautiful game of football being played on the lush green grass. William was so overwhelmed by the view that he had never seen in his entire life.
The captain gathered the group and pointed towards the stadium's tunnel. "The bike ride was only the beginning," the captain said. "Now, we go inside and show these coaches who will be watching from the stands tomorrow
that we are ready to dominate on the pitch. William, it's your first time in a stadium like this, so enjoy the view, but don't let it distract you.
Tomorrow, it'll be your home." William nodded as he looked up at the stadium rooftops. He gave the captain a determined look and jogged towards the tunnel. The stadium doors were finally opened, and William and his teammates
marched into the giant arena. William looked around and took in the sight of the stadium. Even in the darkness of the tunnel, he could see the stadium's bright green lights illuminating the field. William looked around and saw his teammates, their faces red with exertion. He had joined forces with them and was ready to show the stadium that William
Gill belonged.