JoblessQuill

[WSA 2025 Entry]

Growing up in poverty in the slums of Mushin, Nigeria, life was far from perfect for fourteen-year-old Jesse Jackson.

Through the dark times, however, football was his one and only solace, comfort, and happiness — even despite his mother's obvious aversion to his love of the beautiful game.

In spite of life's struggles, Jesse's dream was to join a football academy and to one day become a professional footballer.

But in his pursuit of a career in football, a whole new world opened up to him, leading him to meet new friends, experience love and adventure, and uncover certain mysteries...

It's Called Football Not Soccer!

Countless boys from across the region had spent the day being put through different kinds of drills before ending the trials with high intensity small-sided games under the watchful eyes of the Pepsi Football Academy officials.

Now, with the trials over for the day, the capped PFA official who'd conducted their morning orientation stepped onto a makeshift podium and called for the attention of the exhausted but hopeful participants for a final debrief. He addressed them once again, thanking them for their efforts and letting them know that the selection process would take some time, but the results would be released within an hour or two.

He encouraged everyone to continue working hard and to pursue their dreams, regardless of whether they were selected for the Pepsi Football Academy or not.

Chapter 23