Left Out

The heavy diesel rumble of the first-team coach faded into the distance, shrinking to a faint, lonely vibration beneath the birdsong drifting over Sportcomplex Zoudenbalch. It left a curious hush in its wake, as though the entire training ground paused, waiting to see what would happen next.

Amani Hamadi stood motionless by the center circle, boots firmly planted on the immaculate grass, his breath visible in the cool April air. Far down the motorway, the last glimpse of red and white paint disappeared behind the treeline, gone, just like that, taking his hopes of playing in Waalwijk along with it.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, fighting down the bitter sting in his eyes. After a week spent diligently training with both the U17 and senior teams, morning drills with Coach Pronk and De Vries, afternoons sweating under the scrutinizing gaze of Coach Jan Wouters, being left behind felt harsh, almost personal. Yet, he knew professional football made no promises.