Season 6 Chapter 8

Early next morning we met at the school playground, it was 7:00 AM and we took special permission from the director and Vice-director. Almost everyone was there except for Victoria and Bella. I knew Victoria would be stubborn and choose her ego but I didn't understand why Bella didn't come. Anyways, I am sure they will join sooner or later and it was better to focus on the task in hand than crying over spoilt milk. The team members sat on the ground wearing tracksuits while yawning and feeling sleepy.

Me: (I sighed watching their pathetic state then clapped my hands together to draw their attention) Guys, it's exactly 7 o'clock right now and we have two hours before the school bell rings. So get your ass up, and we will start with some basic stretching exercises to get our body ready before going for 10 laps around the ground for a start.

Choon Hee: (she stands up while expressing her concerns) Anne, do you think, this would work?

Me: (I looked at her for a second, before running my fingers through my hair) There is no room for doubts anymore. We will find out only after we try. So...come on! Stop slacking around and get your asses to work! (I said while blowing the whistle that was around my neck)

Choon Hee: Yes coach. (She laughs softly)

Christina: Sure, Miss Coach. (She grins while standing up)

Jules: I am still sleepy…..(she yawns while Lotte rubs her eyes standing beside me)

Ratree: They said football would be fun…(she sulks)

Hope: We are relying on your guidance. (She smiled while patting my shoulder)

Irina: Yup. (She smirks)

Maria: We trust you. (She smiles)

Christina: Yah…. Except….. please don't call us at odd hours again. (She rolls her eyes while shaking Julie who literally was sleeping on the dirt.) Wakey wakey, captain.

Julie: (she opens her blurry eyes while rubbing them and yawning) Mom….5 more minutes please…..(she murmurs before falling asleep again, as we burst out in laughter)

Christina: What the fuck dude. (She says while rubbing her forehead frustrated and trying to control her laughter.)

Me: (I walked up to Julie, and bent towards her ear, blowing the whistle hard) Wake up sleeping beauty.

Julie: (she gasped as she sat down and looked around) Who died? (She pants as her heart pounds loudly)

Me: No one….yet. (I said before giving her water)

Julie: (she takes a deep breath, as she calms herself and sips water from the bottle) Oh…. Almost everyone is here.

Hope: Since when are you sleeping here? (She asks while helping Julie stand up)

Julie: I don't remember….(She blinks)

Me: She came before me. (I sighed) And was sleeping as far as I remember.

Choon Hee: Why? (She raised her brow)

Julie: (she grins) Because I was excited. I always wanted to learn from Anne. (She says while blushing)

Me: (I smirked) Hope you will keep that spirit while training. (She nods her head excitedly) Now….then. (I blew the whistle again) Let's start!

As the training began, everyone started with enthusiasm and determination, we started with stretching exercises as planned, as I helped out Ratree. She already seemed defeated with this and wanted to take rest. It must be because of her Anemia, she seemed much weaker than others in our team. Bella and Ratree are the weak spots of our club and need extra attention. It felt like only field exercises won't be enough for them, we need some gym time and extra attention to dietary and nutrition plans, especially for Ratree and Lotte. I wondered if Naomi could help us with the meals, but then again, I didn't wanted to put burdens on her shoulders. As we continued with our training sessions, I swiftly noted down the strengths and weaknesses of each team members. The notebook was organised in a manner that I could go through the progress of each of the members in each session easily and make further plans accordingly.

Because it was the first session, I didn't wanted to push them hard, so after the laps, we did some light drills before closing the morning session. Throughout the time, I couldn't shake off the fact that Victoria and Bella didn't joined the training. After ending the morning session, I called out the team members, and discussed their strengths and weaknesses with them and what they should focus on to get better in the game. And suggested them to join the gym for better result. I also thought of taking them to a good nutritionist after discussing with Brother Leo.

It was almost 9 AM, by the time we completed exercises and put back all the equipment in the club room and locked the room before parting ways. I was walking in the hall way towards the washroom when I bumped into Bella who hesitated seeing me and was ready to escape but I grabbed her before she could run.

Me: Why did you miss the morning practice? (I pressed)

Bella: (she hesitated) What's the point of practicing when I would end up ruining the game anyway?

Me: (I raised my brow) What do you mean?

Bella: (she bit her lower lip) Didn't you see? Last time, I got myself injured...Anne….football isn't for someone like me. I have decided that I should leave the team, anyways, there are eleven people now, so there is no need for someone like me. (She looked away)

Me: (I sighed before cupping her cheeks making her look into my eyes) Stop giving your negative thoughts so much importance. Who said that football isn't for someone like you? It was just your first game. Yeah, you lack stamina and strength but that doesn't mean that you would give up so easily. This isn't a National or International level game, it's just inter-school football. Who cares about winning or losing? You just need to enjoy yourself. Do you want to go back to your old self?

Bella: No…..(she looks down) I…..I like spending time with all of you…..

Me: Then stop overthinking, and join the afternoon session. (I smiled)

Bella: But what if I mess up? (She asked concerned)

Me: Then I would be a bad coach. (I said patting her shoulder) If there is a weak player in team, it just means that I need to put extra efforts on them. And you aren't alone, so cheer up.

Bella: (she nods) Do you think, we can defeat Emilia?

Me: Only time will tell. (I grinned)

Both Victoria and Bella joined us in the afternoon, Victoria tried to apologize to me but I ignored, I was tired of being her punching bag and wanted to maintain some distance atleast for now. Though the atmosphere was initially awkward, neither of us let our personal feelings come in between the training session. I paid more attention towards the weaker members while those who already had some experience and knowledge about football, they trained themselves according to the plan.

We delved into more intense drills and exercises, pushing the team to their limits while also providing support and encouragement. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the field, I called for a brief break, allowing the team to catch their breath and refuel before the final push. Everyone were covered in sweat and looked dead tired, their eyes begging for the session to end. They say on the ground, drinking water and wiping their faces against the towels. I washed my face by splashing water from the bottle before taking a deep breathe, the team was still in high spirit and it would be foolish to break their determination by overdoing it on the first day. So I decided to end the session, before that I clapped my hands together to draw their attention, as they looked at me out of curiosity.

Me: Guys! Great job! (I grinned) I can see your willpower through your eagerness to learn.

Choon Hee: Well, we must admit, our coach is really good at guiding us. (She smiled)

Me: (I grinned) Thank you. You people are doing great, and I don't want to overdo it. So we will end today's session here. (Their eyes sparkles with happiness) But before that, keep in mind that we have only two days in our hands before the match. (They nodded in agreement with a new formed fire in their heart) I have decided that we would play offensive in the next match.

Victoria: Are you sure about that? Isn't it risky? (She asks)

Me: I know what you are saying, that's why we would be using 4-2-3-1 formation. 4 would be defenders, 2 defensive midfielder, 3 attacking midfielders and 1 Striker. This will balance our defense and attack. (I smiled) I will be the striker, Choon Hee, Maria and Christina will be attacking midfielders, Victoria and Hope defensive midfielder, Jules, Irina, Lotte and Ratree will be defenders. I hope everyone are fine with their positions? (They nodded in agreement) If no one has any questions, we can start our formation training from tomorrow itself, so eat well and rest tonight, and meet me again tomorrow at 7 AM.

The team nodded In agreement with their assigned positions, a sense of determination evident in their expressions. With the plan set for the upcoming match, I could sense a renewed energy among the players, eager to put our strategy into action. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the field, we gathered our belongings and began to make our way off the pitch. I glanced around at each of my teammates, a sense of pride swelling within me at their dedication and hard work. We bided each other goodbye, before parting ways, the sun was almost setting, I knew each one of them would feel unbearable body pain tonight, and that would make them feel alive. Pain and suffering is just a part of life, you need to break through the circle to achieve your success.

To be continued....