Chapter 7

Swansea and Birmingham City.

What did they say exactly, Bernard said beaming with joy.

Swansea is offering 3 months trial before a contract is signed and Birmingham is offering a scholarship contract.

Bernard frowned, ' why is Swansea not offering him a scholarship like Birmingham but want a 3 month trial before, does that mean they doubt his ability or is it because of his age or something else. Bernard shrugged of his thoughts and got in the car.

Whether 3 or 4 it doesn't matter because i know you are going to ace it, U. Richard comforted.

Yeah Bernard said with a confident smile on his face.

The next few days were one of the best Bernard had ever known. He signed the scholarship contract offered by Birmingham City. Even though he wanted to choose Swansea, the system suggested Birmingham would be the better choice though it wouldn't say why. Bernard thought it was not a bad idea anyway since Birmingham was close to Coventry were he stayed. Bernard was happy, really happy. He called to brag about his step into professional football with his parents and his excitement could still not be extinguished even with his father's usual scepticism to his football abilities. As for his close friends back home, he would boast and brag, then they would share their disbelief and continue on to insulting each other and talking nonsense.

Aunt Jane threw a mini party for him. And the family came to join in the celebrations. His uncle gave him a gift courtesy of the family.... a nike T90 laser boots, something he had wanted for ages. When his mates at school brought up his football career, he would tell them he was under contract with Birmingham City.

Why haven't you told anybody; they d' ask.

I don't want to sound like am boasting and it not a big deal, i still have a long way to go Bernard would say but inside, he would be thrilled.

As days passed, the following Monday the first day of training had arrived and the feeling of euphoria had been replaced by nerves.Bernard rushed home after school to prepare.

Boots

Towel

Tracksuit

Kit

The kit had Birmingham's logo on it which made Bernard feel a surge of excitement whenever he see's it. He took of his uniform and put on a shirt and jeans, ready for his uncle to drive him to the Academy.

'hold on' U.Richard said. 'You are not wearing those clothes. You must be smart, your school uniform will do.'

' What'!

'You must make a good impression.'

' I will' Bernard grumbled.

' You are going to represent Birmingham just not on the pitch but also outside it. If you dress scruffy that what they are going to think of you, as scruffy.'

Bernard muttered under his breath as he went back to put on his school uniform. He hated been told what to do.

As the car drove through the street,Bernard stared outside the window as silence reigned in the car.As the car got to the long drive turn ro the academy, his uncle brroke the silence.

'You need to make the right impression. The coaches will look at the sort of person you are as well as the player you are.'

Bernard shrugged, he knew his uncle was right but he did not want to admit it

As they turned onto the Redhill road, the academy came into view. It looked very brilliant. Once they had parked the car, Bernard had the chance to look at the pitches again. They were lush green, the kind you see only at the beginning of the season, no stud marks or muddy patches. The academy train at the Wast hills training center.Bernard was casting his eyes over it all and at the gathering boys and parents at the academy entrance when he spotted Martin. Martin had been his striking partner during the trials. Martin saw Bernard,he waved and came over

' How is it going?' Bernard asked.

' It great', Martin said. He looked really pleased to see Bernard. 'You got a place', that awesome. 'We can be the deadly duo'.

'I know' Bernard replied, it going to be a blast.