Starlight FC

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After everyone had their chance to speak with Bielsa, Hamilton gathered the group for an important announcement. "Alright, everyone, listen up. I have some crucial information regarding the rules and structure for the upcoming practical month," 

"Firstly, as you already know, each of you will be the head manager of an under-16 team. This is a significant step up from our previous exercises, and it will require your full dedication and strategic acumen." 

The students nodded, fully aware of the responsibility and eager to prove themselves. 

"Secondly, you will have three matches to manage this month. Two out of these three matches will be against fellow managers from our school. These opponents may not be necessarily from the same style as you, but from other styles as well. This practical month is common across all styles." 

Kay felt a thrill of anticipation. Competing against his peers from different styles meant facing a variety of challenges and learning experiences. 

It was an opportunity to showcase his strategic flexibility and to learn from the diverse approaches of others. 

"Thirdly," Hamilton added with a hint of regret, "Marcelo Bielsa will not be present with us this month. He has commitments with the Uruguay national team, having recently renewed his contract after their impressive run to the semi-finals in the 2026 World Cup." 

A murmur of disappointment rippled through the group, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of determination. 

They knew that despite Bielsa's absence, they had to rise to the occasion. 

Hamilton continued, "So, the evaluation and rankings this month will depend heavily on your results and how well you meet the expected outcomes. It's crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage a team effectively, adapt your tactics during the matches, and ultimately, achieve positive results." 

"This is your chance to put everything you've learned into practice. Use your knowledge, be creative, and most importantly, stay true to the principles of good management. Remember, it's not just about winning, but about how you manage your team, how you handle challenges, and how you apply what you've learned." 

Kay's mind raced with possibilities. He knew this was a critical moment in his journey as a manager. 

The matches ahead would be tough, but he felt ready to tackle them with the same dedication and hard work that had earned him top rank in the previous evaluation. 

As the session ended, the managers left with a mix of excitement and determination. 

They knew the coming month would be demanding, but it was also an opportunity to prove their skills and make a significant impact on their teams. 

Hamilton added that the teams assigned to each manager would be revealed the next day. 

"As these teams are under-16 squads, most of you could be managing within the youth academies of professional clubs. This will be an invaluable experience for you all." 

He continued, "It's important to note that the school didn't have any say in the team assignments. We shared your CVs with the clubs, and they chose their managers based on what they saw." 

Kay now understood why he had been assigned a team at the bottom of the standings last time. 

His lack of experience and reputation had likely played a role in that decision. 

But reflecting on it, he realized it had been a valuable experience. 

He had managed to win against teams at the top of the standings, which might boost his reputation. 

Hamilton's voice broke through his thoughts. 

"Remember, the selection process was impartial. Your performance and growth during this month will be crucial. The clubs have high expectations, and it's an opportunity for you to showcase your abilities." 

The room buzzed with murmurs as the managers exchanged glances and discussed their upcoming assignments. 

Kay felt a surge of determination. He knew that this was another chance to prove himself, to learn, and to grow as a manager. 

The next day arrived, and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The managers gathered early, each eager to learn about their new assignments. 

The managers entered the school and immediately noticed a large board near the entrance where the team assignments were displayed. 

It was crowded with eager students, each trying to find their name and the team they would be managing. 

Kay pushed through the throng, scanning the board for his name. The board was filled with names from both the attacking and defensive-style groups, adding to the chaos. 

After a few moments of searching, Kay's eyes landed on his name: "Kay - Starlight FC." 

Curious about his new team, Kay quickly pulled out his phone and searched for general details about Starlight FC. 

He discovered that the team was currently 15th in the standings, out of 20 teams. Seeing this, Kay felt a sense of cautious optimism. 

"Better than last time," he thought to himself, remembering his previous experience with a team at the very bottom. 

Kay went to the team administration office, clutching the stack of paperwork he'd painstakingly gathered from various facilities. 

The task had been tedious, but now that it was done, he was eager to meet the people behind Starlight FC. 

As he entered the office, he was greeted by a tall, middle-aged man with a friendly yet commanding presence. 

The director of Starlight FC had a strong build, indicative of someone who had likely played sports in his younger years. 

His hair was graying at the temples, giving him a distinguished look, and his sharp, blue eyes conveyed both warmth and a keen intellect. 

He wore a neatly pressed suit, and his demeanor was both professional and approachable. 

"Welcome, Kay," the director said, extending a firm handshake. "I'm Mr. Collins, the director of Starlight FC. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." 

Kay returned the handshake, feeling both nervous and excited. "Thank you, Mr. Collins. It's an honor to be here." 

Mr. Collins gestured for Kay to sit. "I wanted to let you know that it was my decision to bring you on board. I was present at your match against the Giants Academy." 

Kay's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I had no idea." 

Mr. Collins nodded. "Yes, my son plays for the Giants Academy, so I attended the match. I was incredibly impressed with your performance, especially considering that I watched the first match that ended 5-1. The change of the play style in the second match was remarkable. It was like watching a completely different team, and I knew that had to be your touch." 

Kay felt a swell of pride. "Thank you, Mr. Collins. That means a lot to me." 

The director continued, "After that match, I did some research on you but found very little information, aside from your association with your coaching school. So when the opportunity arose to bring on a student manager from your school, I requested you specifically." 

He leaned forward, his eyes serious but encouraging. "I expect great things from you, Kay. Starlight FC has struggled with consistency, but I believe you have the potential to turn things around. I'm counting on your innovative strategies and ability to inspire the players." 

Kay nodded, feeling the weight of the director's expectations "I won't let you down, Mr. Collins." 

Kay left the facility with a spring in his step, feeling a sense of accomplishment. His reputation was growing, even before he had realized it. 

Upon arriving home, Kay was greeted by the comforting smell of dinner. He joined his parents at the dinner table, eager to share the day's events. 

"So, how was your day?" his mother asked as she served the meal. 

Kay couldn't contain his excitement. "It was amazing! I met with the director of Starlight FC; my new team for the next month, Mr. Collins. He told me that he specifically chose me because he was impressed by my performance in the match against the Giants Academy." 

His father raised an eyebrow, impressed. "That's fantastic, Kay. It sounds like you're making quite an impression." 

Kay nodded, taking a bite of his food. "Yeah, he said he expects great things from me and believes I can turn the team around. It feels good to know that my hard work is being recognized." 

His mother smiled warmly. "We're so proud of you, Kay. You've worked so hard, and it's paying off. Just remember to keep pushing yourself." 

His father clapped him on the back. "That's the spirit. You've got a bright future ahead of you, son. Just keep doing what you're doing, and you'll go far." 

The rest of the dinner was filled with discussions about Kay's plans for Starlight FC and his excitement for the challenges ahead. 

See you in the next chapter ...

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