Football Academy

by Tom Palmer

Ben was taking the mickey out of Ryan, who was pictured in a national paper talking to Martyn Bedford, under the caption ‘Bedford gets to know the United fan base’.

  Steve had insisted on coming along. Ryan knew why. They were his team; he wanted to make sure they behaved themselves.

  ‘Thanks for this, Ryan,’ Chi shouted above the noise of the crowd. ‘I can’t believe you managed to get these tickets!’

  ‘It was luck,’ Ryan said.

  ‘Well, cheers, anyway.’

  The match kicked off.

  United – who had been playing badly all season – started well and were passing the ball quickly to feet. Ryan was glad to see that Neil Kelly was playing. He wondered if Steve had managed to have a word with him yet.

  After twenty-two minutes the first goal went in. City were attacking down the left and had fired in a cross. But United’s centre back intercepted it and suddenly United were on the attack. It was three against two.

  Two passes and United’s main striker was one-on-one with the keeper. He touched it twice, then fired it into the net.

  One–nil.

  The noise was deafening.

  It was as if the United fans were letting out all the frustration of the disappointing season at once. The United fans were on their feet jumping around, hugging each other.

  Except Tomasz and Jake. They were staring at the pitch, looking furious.

  Ryan decided to leave them alone. He could take the mickey now, but if City equalized they’d be able to take the mickey out of him.

  At half-time United were still one up.

  Steve gestured to Ryan.

  ‘Come with me to get some drinks for the lads,’ he said.

  The rest of the under-twelves team stayed in the stand. There was a penalty competition happening on the pitch, between the United and City mascots. It was two–nil to City. Ryan didn’t want to stay and watch the City mascot win.

  As they queued at the shop, Steve talked.

  ‘I’ve got us into the players’ lounge afterwards.’

  ‘What?’ Ryan couldn’t believe it.

  ‘The lads. You and me. In the players’ lounge,’ Steve said. ‘I wanted to get Craig to meet Neil. Do you think it’s a good idea?’

  Ryan was amazed. First that he was going to be in the players’ lounge after a match. Second that Steve was asking his opinion about something so important. Again.

  ‘I think it’s a great idea,’ he said. ‘A brilliant idea.’

  Second Half

  The second half was tense on the pitch. United were desperate for their first win in six weeks. City were trying to score, but without giving too much away at the back.

  And it was even more tense in the stands.

  Ryan was sitting with his hands squeezed between his knees. Every time City attacked he felt his heart leap into his mouth. He kept looking at Jake and Tomasz, who were leaning forward, but saying nothing.

  Ryan really wanted United to win this. If they got three points they’d be out of the relegation zone. And the team would be feeling more confident. If they let in an equalizer – and results went against them – then they could be bottom of the league tonight.

  And try as he might to focus on the game, he couldn’t stop worrying about his mum. She’d not been to see Steve. But he knew Steve was going to talk to her. Tomorrow, probably.

  But he was at the match, so he tried to forget about it and concentrate on United.

  With five minutes to go, the unthinkable happened.

  City were attacking more and more. And, at the end of a good move, their striker broke free into the penalty area. A United defender lunged in to tackle. The striker fell. And the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

  Suddenly, everyone was on their feet.

  ‘He dived!’

  ‘No way!’

  Everyone was shouting at once. Men’s voices. Loud and aggressive.

  And for the first time that day you could hear the City fans.

  Ryan looked across at Jake and Tomasz. They were sitting in exactly the same position they had been all along. Leaning forward. But Ryan could detect a slight smile on Jake’s face.

  The City striker took the ball into his hands. He placed it on the penalty spot.

  The atmosphere had gone quiet. As if everyone was breathing in. Ready to cheer. Or shout more abuse at the referee.

  Ryan looked at Jake and Tomasz again. He saw Tomasz with his hands together, as if he was praying.

  The striker took two steps backwards, then ran at the ball.

  Behind the goal the United fans were jeering and waving their arms and scarves in the air.

  The striker hit the ball. Low and hard. Towards the bottom left corner.

  There was a thud. Then another thud.

  Ryan wasn’t sure what had happened. Until he saw the ball was back in play.

  It had hit the post.

  And everyone was on their feet cheering.

  Except Jake and Tomasz, who were still seated, leaning forward, as if nothing had happened.

  Five minutes later the referee blew the final whistle.

  The noise from the crowd was deafening.

  United 1 City 0.

  Then they started chanting the new manager’s name:

  One Martyn Bedford

  There’s only one Martyn Bedford

  The manager waved to the crowd and shook the hands of the City manager and some of his players.

  Then he jogged up to the front of the stand where the under-twelves were sitting. And he put his thumbs up. To Ryan.

  Ryan put his thumb up too. Then he looked at Steve.

  ‘Did he just put his thumbs up at us?’ Ryan said.

  ‘He did,’ Steve said. ‘At you.’

  Neil Kelly

  Ryan led the rest of the under-twelves into the players’ lounge.

  The first things he noticed were pictures of great players from the past. Players holding trophies. Players scoring famous goals. All pictures he had in his United books at home.

  One day there would be a picture of him on the wall in this room. That’s what he wanted. That was his dream.

  But today, Ryan remembered, was not about him. It was about Craig.

  Steve was hoping to get Neil Kelly to talk to Craig about his dad being in prison. Craig must be going through a really hard time. And Kelly might be able to help him open up.

  The under-twelves sat together at a long table that had been set out for them. There were two large jugs of juice and some food: chocolate biscuits, sausage rolls. Ryan felt a bit embarrassed. It looked like a children’s party in the middle of the adult players’ lounge.

  Craig was feeling different.

  Although he couldn’t say it to anyone, this was nice. Really nice. And the best thing was he’d be able to tell his dad about it.

  When he’d gone to prison to visit his dad, he’d been so nervous about being there, he hadn’t known what he should say.

  But now he had this.

  His dad was a massive United fan. He’d been to hundreds of games. He worshipped the players. And he’d be so proud to see his son here in the players’ lounge after beating City one–nil.

  Craig saw Ryan looking at him. He looked back.

  ‘You OK?’ Ryan asked.

  Craig nodded. He knew Ryan had got them the tickets for this game. But he just couldn’t bring himself to say thank you. Ryan was all right; even though he was captain, it didn’t mean he was anything special.

  Craig saw Ryan staring behind him. He turned round to see what he was looking at.

  The players had arrived. They were shaking hands with older men. Holding drinks. Laughing.

  Craig recognized City players too.

  He looked at Jake. He wanted to tell Jake that they’d arrived. But something stopped him doing that too. And even though he was surrounded by all these people, he felt lonely.

  Then he saw Steve coming towards the under-twelves. With someone else.

  Neil Kelly.


  And they were heading straight for Craig.

  Brotherly Love

  ‘This is Craig,’ Steve said.

  ‘Hello, Craig,’ Kelly said. ‘Did you enjoy the game?’

  Steve had led Craig and Kelly away to a table out of earshot of the rest of the lads and the players.

  Craig knew what was going on. He knew Kelly’s brother was in prison. He knew what Steve was up to: have Kelly talk to him to help him. He didn’t know how Steve had found out, but he supposed everybody knew his dad was in prison now.

  But he didn’t mind. He’d never spoken to a first-team player before. He felt good sitting at a table with a Premier League player. Talking one to one.

  ‘Steve tells me your dad’s in prison,’ Kelly said.

  ‘Yeah,’ Craig said, nodding. ‘For six months.’

  ‘Are you close?’

  ‘Yeah.’ Craig felt a wave of sadness wash over him. But he tried not to think about it. He was afraid he’d cry.

  ‘Me too,’ said the player. ‘My brother would have loved to have seen this game. He hates City. He used to come in here with me after all the games.’

  Now Kelly looked sad. Craig felt like saying something to make him feel better. But what do you say to a Premier League player who feels sad? What can you do to make him feel better?

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Craig said.

  ‘Thanks, Craig,’ Kelly said.

  For a moment there was silence between them.

  Then Kelly spoke. ‘I find it really hard. He’s never missed a game with me playing at United. I always knew he was in the crowd.’ Kelly looked surprised at the thought.

  ‘My dad’s not missed any either,’ Craig said.

  ‘No?’

  ‘No.’

  Craig felt really strange. It was nice talking to this man. They had things in common.

  ‘Have you been to visit him?’ Kelly said. ‘Your dad?’

  ‘Last week,’ Craig said.

  ‘What was it like?’

  Craig shrugged. ‘I don’t know. We didn’t say much to each other. And I was a bit nervous.’

  ‘I’m going tomorrow,’ the player smiled. ‘I’m nervous.’

  Craig looked at Kelly. Would he really be nervous visiting his brother in prison? A grown man.

  ‘Are you?’ Craig asked.

  ‘I am. I don’t know what to expect.’

  So Craig told him. Led him up the path, through the doors, up to the desk and into the waiting area.

  Kelly nodded as he spoke. Like he was really listening. Like he really wanted to hear what Craig had to say.

  When Craig had finished they shared another silence. Kelly breathed in and let out a deep sigh. And Craig realized he really was nervous.

  But Craig could also see there were other people waiting to talk to the player.

  ‘I think they want to talk to you too,’ he said, nodding in their direction.

  ‘They always do,’ Kelly said. ‘You’ll find that when you’re in the first team.’

  Craig grinned.

  Kelly went on. ‘Have you got a game this weekend?’

  ‘Tomorrow. We’ve got Huddersfield at home.’

  Kelly nodded. ‘Well, good luck,’ he said. ‘Thanks for talking to me.’

  Craig wondered what he meant. Why was he thanking him? It should be the other way round, he thought.

  Make or Break

  Craig felt better for the next game. His three-match suspension for the sending-off the week before wasn’t due to start until the next week, so he was able to play.

  But he knew it was because Steve had no other choice, with so many players missing.

  There were new players on the bench, though. Two lads from the under-elevens who had been doing well. But neither of them were in the starting line-up. Steve was also scouting for a couple of new players too – players he could trial in the second half of the season.

  Craig wanted to try hard. He wanted to play a game without getting into trouble. Without losing his temper.

  With all these new players coming in, his place on the team – even in the squad – might be under threat.

  Huddersfield were good. And very physical. They were happy to challenge for every ball. And happy to foul too.

  Craig had already heard Ryan’s mum shouting at the referee, that he should keep more control of the game.

  After ten minutes Huddersfield scored. And Craig knew he was partly to blame. He’d moved up the field to win the ball and left a gap behind him. A gap Ryan and Tony couldn’t fill.

  Nil–one.

  The problem for Craig was the winger coming down Huddersfield’s right-hand side. He was quick. Too quick. Craig was having trouble having any impact on the game.

  Every time the ball came down the right, the winger beat Craig. And every time that happened Craig felt more and more unhappy.

  He was starting to have that feeling again. Anger. Frustration. He didn’t know what you were meant to call it. But he knew how to get rid of it.

  He’d hack the winger down, then he’d not be so fast. Craig might pick up a booking, but so what? He was going to miss the next three games anyway. And the ref wasn’t booking the Huddersfield players for their dirty play.

  That was it. The next time the winger came at him Craig would let him have it.

  But then he heard something.

  ‘Come on, Craig. Just keep with him.’

  It sounded like his dad. Or the sort of thing his dad would say. Craig looked up, knowing it couldn’t be his dad.

  And then he saw. Standing next to Jake’s dad – Neil Kelly.

  Craig couldn’t believe it.

  The player had come to see him. This was amazing.

  At half-time, Steve let Kelly have a word with the lads. To help with his team talk.

  It was one all now. Jake had scored an equalizer just minutes before.

  ‘I thought you were great,’ Kelly said. ‘The way you came back from one down, that showed character. You can win this.’

  Steve nodded and thanked the player. Then he ushered the under-twelves on to the pitch. Bringing off Tony and Sam, replacing them with two of the under-elevens, Ben Hansford and Imran.

  Ryan led the team back on, talking to the new players, helping them to settle in.

  And as he did, he saw his mum and Steve talking. He could only see Steve’s face. His mum had turned away from him.

  Steve looked serious.

  Ryan wondered what he was saying. And what the repercussions would be for him.

  But he had to put that out of his mind now. He had a game to play. That had to be his focus.

  Craig was happy to be still in the game.

  He heard Kelly shout to him as they went back on: ‘Keep on at that winger. You’ve got him now. He knows he can’t beat you.’

  Craig smiled and ran on to the pitch. He felt good. It was a bit like having his dad on the pitchside again. Someone encouraging him. Someone watching him, making sure he was doing the right things.

  Now he was going to show just how well he could play for United.

  Craig’s Back

  The second half went well. And Ryan was really happy how things were going. On the pitch, anyway.

  First, the new centre back, Imran, was amazing. Ryan could tell immediately that he was a stronger player than Tony.

  Since James had retired, the defence had been all over the place, but this was better. The best thing was he trusted Imran to deal with the Huddersfield players.

  Also, Craig was doing well.

  Something had changed. It was like the old Craig was back. Every time Huddersfield attacked, Craig was in the right place. The winger, who had been tormenting him during the first half, just couldn’t get past him now.

  The winning goal came midway into the second half.

  United were attacking, Ben racing down the wing with the ball when he was tackled. Huddersfield regained possession quickly and fired the ball across the field to the winger who had been troub
ling Craig. This time Craig was out of position. And the winger was running freely into United’s half.

  But he didn’t see Craig’s run. Craig had never run so fast. He was determined not to let the winger beat him.

  So he ran up behind him. Then he lunged, throwing himself at the winger.

  Except he didn’t catch the winger. He caught the ball. Then he stood up and played an inch-perfect pass to Jake.

  Jake ran twenty yards then fired the ball into Yunis. A move they’d done a hundred times.

  But this time Yunis dummied the ball, leaving Will a space behind the defenders who were trying to get to Yunis.

  It left Will with an easy tap in.

  Goal.

  Two–one to United.

  And what a goal!

  ‘That was amazing!’ Kelly said to Craig as he joined the players coming jubilantly out of the dressing rooms.

  ‘Thanks,’ Craig said.

  ‘That tackle. You won the game. I’d have been proud of a tackle like that.’

  Craig grinned. He remembered how his dad would walk him back to the car after a game. Do his pep talk. He knew his dad wouldn’t mind being replaced by Kelly just this once.

  ‘I think the way you gave yourself a bit more time and space to deal with him changed it. It meant you had choices. And he wasn’t just beating you with his early pace.’

  Craig nodded. Kelly was right.

  ‘Listen,’ Kelly said. ‘I enjoyed seeing you in the players’ lounge yesterday. How about you use my brother’s season ticket for the rest of the season?’

  ‘What?’ Craig had to stop walking.

  ‘You could have my brother’s season ticket. He’s not going to be using it. How about it? Then you can come into the players’ lounge. We could talk about our prisoners.’

  Craig couldn’t believe it.

  ‘And you could give me some tips on my game,’ Kelly said, grinning.